Although not held very often, the Asian lantern festival always leaves a strong impression on tourists for its meticulous preparation. And not only is it a remarkable sight for tourists, but they are also spiritually opened up. Under uncertain situations, most of the festivals are canceled for safety issues. If you missed the Korea Daegu lantern festival in 2021, you could hope to attend other beautiful ones in Asia.
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1. Lantern festival in Hoi An, Vietnam:
Daegu lantern festival 2021 is held once a year but there is another festival in smaller scale you can enjoy around the year in Vietnam.
1.1 What is the lantern festival in Hoi An, Vietnam?
In the 16th – 17th century, Hoi An was one of the busiest trading ports in Southeast Asia. This is an essential destination for many traders from all over the world, especially Chinese and Japanese. They come here to trade, establish a business and bring a lantern to hang in front of their door. Over time, the local people began to follow and hang lanterns in front of their homes to pray for good luck.
On the day of the festival, no vehicles are allowed on the street, and all homes, restaurants, and restaurants will turn off the light. The residents in Hoi An will hang lanterns of all kinds on the front porch. The whole town is sparkling, fanciful in red, blue, and yellow colors stretching across the pretty small alleys.
1.2. When is it celebrated?
Hoi An Lantern Festival occurs on the 14-15th of every lunar month, and the two most beautiful and biggest festivals will take place in Mid-Autumn and the first full moon in the lunar calendar.
Check out the lunar calendar to plan your Hoi An itinerary.
1.3. Where to enjoy?
The festival usually starts around 18:00 until 22:00 in the riverside stretch between the Nhat Ban bridge (Japan bridge) and Hoi An bridge is the most crowded place.
1.4. Things you need to know:
– Releasing flower lights on the Hoai River
One of the exciting activities that attract the participation of many tourists is releasing the lights on the Hoai River. Handcrafted flower lanterns are shaped through the meticulous hands of old town artists. However, it carries significant meaning to symbolize love and luck. You can buy flower lanterns at meager prices, only from 5,000 – 10,000 VND / piece.
– Arriving early to ensure the location has the best views of the river because the festival is crowded with tourists.
– Bringing good photography equipment to get the best shots at night.
– Wearing shoes when participating in the festival as vehicles are prohibited in the area, and you may have to walk a lot.
2. Lantern festivals in Thailand (Yi Peng Lantern Festival)
2.1. What is Yi Peng Lantern Festival?
The Yi Peng Lantern Festival is held by the Lanna people of Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai). Every year celebrating this unique festival, the temples and houses here are decorated with colorful lanterns.
Each lantern is considered to be a symbol of liberation from all misfortunes and receiving merit. Buddhism believes that, if the lantern goes up high and disappears, they will have great luck in the following year. If that lantern burns in the middle of the flight, it is a warning sign that something bad will happen.
2.2. When is it celebrated?
Pretty similar to the Daegu lantern festival 2021, Yi Peng Lantern Festival is held once a year.
In 2021, it will be celebrated on full moon day of November – November 19 to November 21
2.3. Where to enjoy?
– Yee Peng Lanna Dhutanka behind Maejo University: This is a familiar place and has held a lantern festival many times, with a capacity of more than 3,000 people. Note, you need to buy tickets in advance because tickets sell very quickly.
– Yee Banh Doi Saket: If you want to see the lanterns outside the city center, go to Doi Saket, about 30km away. With a capacity of 2400 people and a peaceful rural space. Fares are 90 to 150 USD / person.Yee Peng Lanna Dhutanka behind Maejo University: This is a familiar place and has held a lantern festival many times, with a capacity of more than 3,000 people. Note, you need to buy tickets in advance because tickets sell very quickly.
– Yee Banh Doi Saket: If you want to see the lanterns outside the city center, go to Doi Saket, about 30km away. With a capacity of 2400 people and a peaceful rural space. Fares are 90 to 150 USD / person.
Read more details: Yi Peng Festival 2020 In Chiang Mai – Best Places For Lantern Release
2.4. Things you wish to know:
– All of the above places to see the lanterns are gorgeous, but behind Mae Jo University is the most beautiful place. It would be best if you went early before the festival to choose for yourself the closest viewing spot.
– Because the days near the festival, the tourists everywhere coming to Chiang Mai is very crowded. Therefore, you should book tickets in advance.
– Pay attention to dress politely and discreetly when participating in the flower lantern festival.
– Do not buy tickets to attend the festival outside the organizers to ensure safety to avoid scams.
From now to the end of 2021, we hope you can have a chance to experience these colorful festivals if you missed out on the Daegu lantern festival 2021 in Korea.
Cheers,