Top places in Vietnam to experience moonlit magic

THE HANOI TIMES — As the Mid-Autumn Festival is set to light up Asia in early October, when the moon at its brightest in lantern-lined streets, families share mooncakes and sip tea under the stars, one of the most vibrant and heartwarming times of the year across Vietnam.

On this occasion, The Hanoi Times suggests Vietnamese destinations where Mid-Autumn celebrations blend seamlessly with deep-rooted heritage, timeless traditions and unforgettable travel experiences.

According to Leigh Bancroft, a traveler from Australia, experiencing the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hanoi is truly unique. “In Australia, we don’t have anything like this: lanterns, lion dances, and families gathering in the streets create a special atmosphere. The strong sense of community and tradition here is really inspiring,” she shared.

Hanoi: From lantern streets to ancient citadels

Few places capture the spirit of the Mid-Autumn Festival quite like Hanoi. The capital city offers two destinations that beautifully showcase Vietnam’s cultural heritage, from the buzzing lantern-filled streets of the Old Quarter to the historical charm of the Son Tay Ancient Citadel.

In the heart of  Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hang Ma Street transforms into a dazzling display of light and color in the weeks leading up to the festival. This narrow, historic street is lined with shops overflowing with star-shaped lanterns, paper masks, toy drums, and handcrafted decorations.

By day, it’s a busy shopping hub of families and festival-goers; by night, it becomes a magical scene - with glowing lanterns, festive music, and the warm hum of celebration. For locals and tourists alike, wandering Hang Ma during Mid-Autumn is a cherished tradition and a feast for the senses.

In addition, just 40 kilometers away, Son Tay Ancient Citadel offers a deeper cultural dive into Mid-Autumn traditions. The annual “Mid-Autumn Festival of the Ancient Citadel - Son Tay Xu Doai” set to take place on October 4 will bring the town’s walking streets and ancient moat to life with a rich program of parades, performances, and craft workshops.

A major highlight is the lantern parade featuring 57 giant models inspired by folk tales and national heroes. Visitors can also enjoy lion and dragon dances, moon-viewing events, and even make their own star lanterns or to he figurines - a traditional Vietnamese toy made from colorful rice dough.

Ho Chi Minh City: Festive fun in Cho Lon’s lantern street

In the south, Cho Lon in Ho Chi Minh City is the go-to spot for vibrant Mid-Autumn celebrations. Luong Nhu Hoc Street becomes a glowing corridor lined with traditional paper lanterns, LED displays and festive stalls.

The energy peaks on weekends with lion dances, drumming groups, and crowds of families enjoying the vibrant, multicultural atmosphere. For those looking to experience the Mid-Autumn Festival in a modern, urban setting with deep cultural roots, Cho Lon offers the perfect mix.

Hoi An: Lantern dreams on the Thu Bon River

Few places are as picture-perfect during the Mid-Autumn Festival as Hoi An, the UNESCO-listed ancient town in central Vietnam. Since 1998, Hoi An has celebrated the festival with its own unique twist: switching off electric lights and letting thousands of colorful lanterns light up the town.

Along the Thu Bon River, visitors can release floating lanterns with handwritten wishes to wish for luck and happiness. Streets and temples glow softly under lantern light, accompanied by folk music and cultural performances. For a poetic and peaceful Mid-Autumn experience, Hoi An is truly unforgettable.

Tuyen Quang: Home to Vietnam’s largest lantern festival

Further north, Tuyen Quang Province has made a name for itself as Vietnam’s most spectacular Mid-Autumn destination. Known for its stunning landscapes and the Na Hang Nature Reserve, often called the “Ha Long Bay of the mountains”, the city also hosts the famous Thanh Tuyen Festival, the country’s biggest Mid-Autumn celebration.

Every year, the city streets come alive with giant lantern models, some towering several meters high, shaped like fairy tale characters, mythical creatures, and cultural figures. Parades, music, and open-air fairs create an electric atmosphere that draws families and tourists from across the country.

From the lantern-lit streets of Hanoi and the historic charm of Son Tay to the vibrant celebrations in Tuyen Quang, the enchanting lantern glow of Hoi An, and the lively spirit of Ho Chi Minh City, the Mid-Autumn Festival will be a chance for travelers to experience Vietnam's rich cultural tapestry firsthand.