Hoi An, the lantern town in Vietnam.
Located south of Da Nang, Hoi An is a small town that immediately stood out to me for its unique atmosphere. Known worldwide for its colorful lanterns and the lights reflecting on the river in the evening, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walking through its narrow alleys, you are surrounded by a lively and detail-rich environment. This time, what slowed me down was not the typical flow of motorbikes you find in many parts of Vietnam, but the large number of tourists, especially from Korea and China, all drawn by the charm of this destination.
The streets of Hoi An are full of picturesque views: small houses, often painted in warm tones, are decorated with climbing plants and flowers cascading down their facades. Wandering without a specific destination, almost every corner offers a new scene worth observing and photographing.
I took this photo during one of these walks, trying to capture a simple but representative moment of the town’s atmosphere. There is no need to look for a specific landmark here; it is the combination of colors, textures and everyday details that makes each view interesting.
As the day goes on, however, Hoi An slowly transforms. When the sun begins to set, the town prepares to reveal its most iconic side. Lanterns are lit one by one, spreading a warm and soft light along the streets and by the river.
In the evening, Hoi An becomes even more fascinating. The reflections on the water, the glowing lanterns and the relaxed pace create a scene that almost feels unreal. Even with many visitors around, there is still a certain sense of calm and atmosphere that makes the experience memorable.
This contrast between day and night is one of the aspects that impressed me the most. During the day the town feels lively and sometimes crowded; at night it becomes more intimate while still remaining vibrant. The lanterns are not just decorative elements, but an essential part of the town’s identity.
Hoi An is also a well-preserved historic town. Its architecture reflects a mix of influences, including Vietnamese traditions, Chinese elements and traces of its colonial past. This combination contributes to a visually rich and distinctive environment.
During my visit, I often found myself stopping without a particular reason, simply to observe what was around me. It is a place where there is no need to rush. Walking slowly and letting the streets guide you is probably the best way to experience it.
This photograph represents one of those quiet moments, focusing on a small detail of the town. Even without showing the lanterns at night, it still conveys something about the character and structure of Hoi An.
Of course, it is impossible not to think about the evening when talking about this place. The lanterns have become its symbol and attract visitors from all over the world. But even during the day, among colorful houses and flowering plants, there are plenty of scenes worth noticing.
Hoi An remains one of those destinations that manages to balance tourism and local identity in an interesting way. Despite the crowds, it still offers authentic corners and quieter moments, especially if you move slightly away from the busiest streets.
When I think back to this town, I remember above all the contrasts: daylight and evening light, calm and crowds, simple details and scenic views. All these elements come together to make Hoi An a memorable stop in Vietnam.
Have you ever visited Hoi An, or would you like to see its lanterns glowing at night? Add a comment or go to the bottom of the site to read what other visitors have written.
Photo taken with Canon EOS M100 and Tamron 16-300 lens.
Click here to see all the photos of the town:
Here’s where the town is located:
The former Champa port city, located on the Thu Bon estuary, was an important center of Vietnamese trade during the 16th and 17th centuries, when Japanese and Chinese from various provinces, as well as Dutch and Indians, settled there. During this period of trade with China, the city was called Hai Pho (City on the Sea) in Vietnamese.
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