VietNamNet Bridge – The ancient town of Hoi An in the central province of Quang Nam has many attractions for visitors to explore, and among them are lanterns of different designs and colors.

Lanterns of different colors and shapes are hung at a store in the ancient town of Hoi An.

Many visitors to Hoi An, either Vietnamese or foreigners, have been impressed by those colorful lanterns, which shine the town by their red, white, yellow and purple at night.

Lanterns in Hoi An come in various sizes and shapes, but all are made from bamboo frames and covered with silk cloth. The lanterns are light and foldable, so many tourists buy them as gifts or souvenirs for their relatives and friends.

Hanging lanterns in houses on special occasions has been a long-established tradition in Hoi An and locals now want to introduce this good cultural characteristic to visitors.

Currently, the ancient town has 60 lantern producing and trading facilities. These handmade products are sold visitors and exported to European and American countries.

If tourists can arrange trips to Hoi An on Doan Ngo Festival, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month or June 9 this year, they will admire a picturesque scene of Hoi An sparkling with various types of lit lanterns hung everywhere in the city, from luxury restaurants to stores and boats on the Hoai River.

Tourists will also see girls in ao dai (traditional Vietnamese long dress) selling flower garlands and colorful lanterns for people to put them into the river. This practice is believed to bring good lucks and health as well as beautify the town.

Apart from lanterns, Hoi An also attracts visitors to a night market where different kinds of souvenirs can be found. They can see lanterns hung at this market and at the doors of souvenir shops.

Lasses sell flower garlands and colorful lanterns by the Hoai River       Tourists can see lit lanterns not only at shops but also along streets in Hoi An       A splendid view of Hoi An at night – Photos: Tuong Vi

Tuong Vi

SGT