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What Festivals Are Special in Hoi An in July and August? A Festival Checklist for First Time Visitors

July and August are special times to visit Hoi An, when the town's traditional cultural values come to life through a variety of distinctive festivals. This is also an ideal opportunity for first time visitors to experience the rhythm of local life in Hoi An Ancient Town, from the enchanting atmosphere of the Full Moon Festival, centuries old spiritual rituals, to the vibrant red blossoms of the Ngo Dong trees on Cu Lao Cham.
 
If you are wondering what special festivals take place in Hoi An in July and August, this article will introduce some of the most notable events and attractive destinations to help make your journey through Hoi An more memorable.

Hoi An Lantern Street

I. Why Do Many Travelers Choose to Explore Hoi An Festivals in July and August?

Every season brings a different charm to Hoi An. While July and August offer vibrant natural scenery, golden sunshine, and an energetic atmosphere, the Hoi An festivals held during this period add another layer to the distinctive cultural identity of the ancient town. These occasions allow local communities to preserve traditional values while giving visitors the opportunity to discover local life, beliefs, and community spirit in the most authentic way.
 
Unlike simply visiting architectural landmarks or strolling through the ancient streets, taking part in Hoi An festivals brings a richer and more immersive dimension to your journey. From watching lanterns illuminate the streets during the Full Moon Festival, experiencing the solemn atmosphere of the Thanh Ha Pottery Village Founders' Anniversary, to admiring the vivid red Ngo Dong flowers on Cu Lao Cham, each experience carries a story about the land and people of Hoi An.
 
Hoi An festivals in July and August
 
For first time visitors to Hoi An, July and August are an ideal time to combine visits to famous tourist attractions with distinctive local festivals in a single journey. Planning ahead will make it easier to organize your itinerary, manage your time, and fully enjoy the unique cultural atmosphere of Hoi An.
 
Below are some of the Hoi An festivals and memorable experiences you should add to your list if you have the opportunity to visit Hoi An in July or August.
 

II. A Checklist of Hoi An Festivals in July and August for First Time Visitors

If this is your first time visiting Hoi An in July or August, save the following festivals to your itinerary. Each one offers a different experience, from traditional cultural values and folk beliefs to seasonal natural scenery that can only be found at certain times of the year.
 

1. Hoi An Ancient Town Full Moon Festival: When Hoi An Glows Under Lantern Light

When talking about Hoi An festivals, the Full Moon Festival in the Ancient Town is always one of the experiences that many visitors look forward to. The festival takes place on the 14th day of the lunar month in Hoi An Ancient Town, when the entire neighborhood takes on a completely different appearance beneath the gentle glow of thousands of colorful lanterns. This distinctive cultural activity offers an opportunity to experience the slower pace of life and timeless beauty of Hoi An.
 
One of the most special aspects of the festival is that from around 6:00 PM, households and shops throughout the Ancient Town turn off their electric lights. In their place, traditional lanterns are illuminated, casting a warm and magical glow across moss covered tiled roofs, narrow alleys, and the Hoai River. The soft golden reflections on the water create an unmistakable Hoi An atmosphere, attracting visitors who wish to admire the scenery and capture memorable moments.
 
Hoi An Lantern Street at night (Source: Collected online)
 
Releasing floating lanterns onto the Hoai River is one of the experiences many visitors enjoy when exploring Hoi An during the Full Moon Festival. Depending on your preferences, there are several ways to experience this activity:
  • Buy a lantern and release it from the riverbank: approximately VND 5,000–10,000 per lantern.
  • Rent a small boat for 1–3 people: approximately VND 170,000 per boat.
  • Rent a larger boat for 4–5 people: approximately VND 220,000 per boat.
  • Package ticket including boat and floating lantern: from VND 140,000 per person.
  • Shared boat: approximately VND 50,000–170,000 per person.
 
Releasing floating lanterns on the Hoai River (Source: Collected online)
 
After choosing your lantern, you can either release it from the riverbank or sit aboard one of the small wooden boats to fully appreciate the beauty of Hoi An Ancient Town at night. Many visitors write a wish or take a few moments to send their hopes for good things into the future before gently placing the lantern onto the water.
 
One suggestion for visitors is to purchase tickets from the official ticket counter operated by the Hoai River Tourism Management Board, located near An Hoi Bridge. This makes it easier to check information and refer to publicly listed prices. The ideal time to enjoy this experience is from approximately 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, when the Ancient Town begins to light up and the Hoai River takes on the enchanting atmosphere characteristic of Hoi An's Full Moon Festival.
 
Beyond lanterns and floating lights, the Full Moon Festival also features a variety of traditional cultural activities. Along streets such as Bach Dang and Nguyen Thai Hoc, visitors can encounter Bai Choi performances, folk songs, traditional games such as pot smashing, Chinese chess, and community activities. Every corner of the Ancient Town offers a different experience, helping recreate the distinctive cultural atmosphere of Hoi An.
 
Chinese chess, a traditional folk game
 

Bai Choi artists performing in Hoi An
 

2. Thanh Ha Pottery Village Founders' Anniversary: A Sacred Cultural Tradition Along the Thu Bon River

Every year, on the 10th day of the seventh lunar month, residents of Nam Dieu neighborhood in Thanh Ha Ward, Hoi An, joyfully organize the Thanh Ha Pottery Village Founders' Anniversary to honor the ancestors who established the village and developed its pottery craft during the 16th and 17th centuries.
 
The festival preserves a sacred spiritual atmosphere through traditional processions and ceremonial rituals at the Nam Dieu Ancestor Shrine, while also creating a lively festive atmosphere with pottery making competitions, folk games, and boat races along the river. It is an important occasion for generations of artisans to honor their roots and celebrate the values of the traditional pottery village, which has been documented in Dai Nam Nhat Thong Chi.
 

Opening ceremony of the Thanh Ha Pottery Village Founders' Anniversary
 
The Thanh Ha Pottery Village Founders' Anniversary offers visitors an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the history, cultural values, and craftsmanship preserved across generations. The programme combines traditional ceremonies with lively community activities, creating a meaningful cultural experience.
 

Ceremonial Activities

The ceremonial section follows traditional rituals practiced by the pottery village community, expressing gratitude to the ancestors who contributed to preserving and developing Thanh Ha's pottery craft.
  • Ancestor Procession: Beginning at 6:00 AM, the procession travels from Lum Ba Dang Shrine in Thanh Chiem neighborhood to the Nam Dieu Ancestor Shrine.
  • Main Ceremonial Ritual: Taking place at 8:00 AM at the Nam Dieu Ancestor Shrine, located within Thanh Ha Pottery Village, this solemn ceremony reflects the area's traditional cultural values.
Ceremonial activities at the Thanh Ha Pottery Village Founders' Anniversary
 

Festival Activities

Alongside the traditional ceremonies, the festival offers visitors a variety of engaging cultural experiences.
  • Explore the pottery route and exhibition spaces showcasing traditional handicrafts.
Display of handmade ceramic products at the pottery exhibition.
 
  • Discover OCOP stalls and exhibitions dedicated to traditional pottery
  • Take part in pottery making competitions and creative painting activities
Ceramic crafting competition at the Thanh Ha pottery craft's ancestral anniversary festival
 
  • Enjoy Bai Choi performances and lively street festivities.
  • Experience traditional folk games such as Chinese chess, boat racing, and clay pot rice cooking competitions.
Boat racing activity during the Thanh Ha Pottery Village Founders' Anniversary
 

Thanh Ha Pottery Village Entrance Fees

Visitors can refer to the following ticket prices when visiting Thanh Ha Pottery Village during the festival or on regular days:
  • Adults: VND 35,000–40,000 per visit.
  • Children: VND 15,000 per visit.
  • Children under 1.2 metres: Free admission.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village exhibition
 
Beyond its deep spiritual significance, the Founders' Anniversary has become a distinctive cultural tourism experience, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors to Thanh Ha Pottery Village every year. Visiting during the festival allows guests to experience the solemn ceremonial atmosphere while also trying their hand at traditional pottery making and admiring countless intricate ceramic products.
 
The harmonious combination of tangible and intangible heritage preservation has made Thanh Ha Pottery Village an impressive stop on any journey to discover the cultural heritage of Hoi An Ancient Town.
 

3. Cu Lao Cham Festival: The Vibrant Red Ngo Dong Flower Season in the Waters of Hoi An

One of the notable Hoi An festivals held in July, the "Cu Lao Cham – Red Ngo Dong Flower Season" Festival attracts visitors who appreciate both nature and local culture.
  • Festival period: From 7 July to 31 July 2026.
  • Main activities: From 18 July to 31 July 2026.
  • Location: Cu Lao Cham World Biosphere Reserve, Hoi An.
The highlight of the festival is the red Ngo Dong flower season, when the blossoms spread across the hillsides and roads of Cu Lao Cham. The vivid red and orange flowers stand out against the green of the forests and surrounding sea, creating a distinctive landscape that appears only during this time of year. It is also a popular season for travelers and photographers looking to capture beautiful moments in the natural surroundings of the Cu Lao Cham World Biosphere Reserve.
 
Red Ngo Dong flowers in full bloom on Cu Lao Cham
 

Ticket Information and Transportation to Cu Lao Cham

To make your journey to the island more convenient, it is useful to know the transportation options and speedboat fares to Cu Lao Cham. The current round trip speedboat package is VND 350,000 per adult, broken down as follows:
  • Speedboat fee: VND 260,000
  • Cu Lao Cham entrance fee: VND 70,000
  • Ecological, environmental and security fee: VND 20,000


Special Rates for Children

  • Children under 12 months: Free of charge.
  • Children from 1 year old to under 8 years old: 50% of the adult ticket price.
If you choose a speedboat, the journey to the island takes approximately 15–20 minutes.
 
The traditional wooden boat is still in operation, with a journey time of approximately one and a half hours. However, this type of boat is currently mainly used to transport goods and local residents and is not prioritized for tourist transportation.
 
Beyond enjoying the flowers, the festival also introduces the island's distinctive cultural and ecological values. Visitors can discover traditional crafts, sample Cu Lao Cham cuisine, learn about community culture, and participate in eco tourism programmes. These diverse activities transform the journey from simple sightseeing into an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of island life and the local community's efforts to protect the natural environment.

Traditional hammock weaving on Cu Lao Cham
 
In addition to the festival activities, Cu Lao Cham is also an ideal destination for coral reef snorkeling, kayaking, visiting fishing villages, and walking along roads surrounded by vibrant Ngo Dong flowers. The combination of nature, culture, and community activities has helped establish the "Cu Lao Cham – Red Ngo Dong Flower Season" Festival as a recurring local event while creating a distinctive identity for Cu Lao Cham tourism each summer.
 
Tourists go coral reef diving at Cu Lao Cham
 
For first time visitors to Hoi An, this is an experience worth adding to your itinerary when exploring July and August in Hoi An. After attending the festival, visitors can continue exploring the Cu Lao Cham World Biosphere Reserve, experience the rhythm of local fishermen's lives, and enjoy the island's untouched natural beauty.
 
For further information about the itinerary, key activities, and the latest festival updates, please refer to the detailed information provided by the organizers.


III. Festival Checklist for First Time Visitors to Hoi An

To make the most of the Hoi An festivals taking place in July and August, it is helpful to prepare a few things in advance. Below are some practical suggestions to help you comfortably immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and discover Hoi An's cultural beauty to the fullest.


1. Check the Schedule of Each Festival

To make planning easier, visitors can refer to the following schedule of several notable festivals in Hoi An:
 
Festival Time Location Highlights
Hoi An Ancient Town Full Moon Festival 14th day of every lunar month Hoi An Ancient Town A magical lantern filled atmosphere, floating lanterns on the Hoai River, and traditional cultural activities.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village Founders' Anniversary 9th and 10th days of the seventh lunar month every year Nam Dieu Shrine, Thanh Ha Ward, Da Nang City Traditional ceremonies combined with distinctive cultural experiences.
Cu Lao Cham – Red Ngo Dong Flower Season" Festival Throughout July Cu Lao Cham, Da Nang City Admire roads lined with vibrant red Ngo Dong flowers, discover local life, and participate in cultural and tourism activities.
 
Checking the festival schedule in advance will help you plan your itinerary more effectively and enjoy the beauty of Hoi An throughout different times of the year.


2. Choose Comfortable and Appropriate Clothing

To make your journey through Hoi An's festivals more comfortable and enjoyable, consider preparing the following essentials:
  • Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics that provide good moisture absorption.
  • Bring sneakers, sandals, or other comfortable shoes with soft soles for extended walking.
  • Carry a hat, umbrella, and sunglasses for protection during outdoor activities.
  • Apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the hot Central Vietnamese weather.
  • Bring your own drinking water to stay refreshed throughout the journey.
  • Keep some cash on hand for entrance tickets, local food, and cultural experiences.
Thoughtful preparation will allow you to fully enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the festivals while discovering Hoi An's distinctive cultural beauty in the most comfortable way.


3. Choose Convenient Accommodation

Choosing accommodation in a convenient location can make it much easier to travel between different destinations. Anmira Hoi An is located near the Ancient Town and Cua Dai Port, allowing visitors to combine festival experiences with visits to famous attractions before returning to a peaceful space to relax after a day of exploration.

Anmira Hoi An – Village of Arts & Culture

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Contact Information

Anmira Hoi An – Village of Arts & Culture

Address: 276 Cua Dai Street, Da Nang City, Vietnam
Tel: +84 797 288 688
Email: reservations@anmiraresort.com

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