The Ancient Town is always charming, but during the Nguyen Tieu Festival in Hoi An, it feels like stepping into a dream. This celebration, also called the Thuong Nguyen Festival, happens on the 15th day of the first lunar month. It is a time when the Hoi An community gathers to pray for peace and prosperity. We find the atmosphere both lively and deeply respectful.
While the world knows the monthly lantern nights, the First Full Moon Festival is significantly more spiritual. It acts as the “Heavenly Mandate of Four Blessings,” where celestial officials are said to visit the earth.
What is the Nguyen Tieu Festival and Why is it Celebrated in Hoi An?
The Nguyen Tieu Festival is much more than a photo opportunity. To us, it represents a beautiful cultural convergence. Because Hoi An was once a major trading port, the festival carries traces of Chinese-influenced design and Japanese traditions. We see these influences in the architecture of the assembly halls and the specific way people pray.
In 2023, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism officially added this festival to the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list. This isn’t just a label; it’s a recognition of how the Ancient Town community has kept these customs alive for centuries.
When and Where to Experience the Festival
Timing is everything for this event. The festival takes place annually, specifically from the 14th to the 16th day of the first lunar month. If you visit in 2026, you’ll want to be in the Hoi An Old Town during these dates to see the full transformation.
We recommend starting your walk at the Cau Pagoda (the Japanese Covered Bridge). From there, head to the Quan Cong Temple (Ong Pagoda). These are the heart of the action. You will also see crowds at the Fujian Assembly Hall and the Teochew Assembly Hall. These Assembly Halls serve as ritual venues where the Vietnamese Chinese community performs their most sacred acts. If you want a truly authentic local experience, visiting the Xuan Lam or Son Phong communal houses is a must.
Essential Rituals and Spiritual Practices of the First Full Moon
During the festival, incense smoke fills the assembly halls, creating a mystical vibe. We notice that the Hoi An residents practice ancestor worship with great care. It’s a neutral space for everyone, regardless of strict religious ties, to join in the hope for a good year.
The main goals are:
- Praying for peace and prosperity: Families ask for health and a smooth work year.
- Sutra chanting: Buddhist temples organize sutra chanting to help people find peace of mind.
- Honoring deities: Locals perform ritual offerings to Than Nong (God of Agriculture) and Thanh Hoang (Tutelary God).
We like how the festival bridges the gap between the divine and the everyday. The belief is that a year of Buddhist offerings cannot compare to the first full moon of the lunar year.
Lanterns and Light: The Nighttime Atmosphere in the Ancient Town
As the sun sets, the lanterns decorate the ancient streets. This is the Night Highlight of the festival. We love how the colorful lanterns replace harsh streetlights. It’s a sample of what life might have looked like centuries ago.
One of the most moving parts is the lantern floating ceremony. Tourists join the lantern release on the Thu Bon River or the Hoai River. We think it’s a beautiful way to symbolize letting go of the past and making a wish for the future. You can buy a small paper lantern from local vendors—usually for a very small price—and set it adrift.
Traditional Activities, Folk Games, and Culinary Offerings
The festival isn’t just about quiet prayer; it’s also a time for entertainment. You can watch palanquin processions where sacred items are carried through the streets to bring luck.
We also suggest trying the folk games:
- Bai Choi: A unique musical card game from Central Vietnam. UNESCO recognizes this as a heritage art form.
- Breaking clay pots: A fun, blindfolded game that always brings a lot of laughter.
Let’s talk food! The offering main food usually includes roast pork and steamed buns (Banh Bao). We highly recommend trying the local Cao Lau or Quang Noodles during this time. The Full Moon Festival in the Old Town is a feast for the stomach as much as the soul.
How the Nguyen Tieu Festival Differs from Other Lunar New Year Events
While the Tet Holiday is about family at home, the Nguyen Tieu Festival is about the whole community. It marks the Lunar New Year ending ceremony. Once the festival is over, the “Khai Ha” period ends, and everyone officially starts their work for the year.
We feel that this festival provides a unique space for individuals to connect with folk arts and folk knowledge. It isn’t just a party; it’s a living museum. Hoi An truly hosts the Full Moon Festival in a way that no other city can match.
FAQs about the Full Moon Festival in the Old Town
What is the best time to see the lanterns?
The best lighting is usually between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM when the town is at its busiest and brightest.
Do I need a ticket to enter the Ancient Town?
Yes, a standard entry ticket for the Ancient Town covers most of the historical sites, though some specific rituals at communal houses are free to observe from the outside.
Is the food different during the festival?
While the staple dishes like Hoi An chicken rice are always available, you will see more ceremonial foods like roast pork and steamed buns at the altars and local stalls.
Can I take photos of the ceremonies?
You should always ask for permission first. It is important to dress modestly—cover your shoulders and knees—when entering temples or assembly halls.
We think the Nguyen Tieu Festival in Hoi An is the best time to visit if you want to see the “soul” of Vietnam. It is a mix of spiritual peace and vibrant Ancient Town heritage. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, as the town becomes a pedestrian paradise.