Luong Nhu Hoc Lantern Street
Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant lantern street, especially magical during the Mid-Autumn Festival with dazzling displays and bustling street food.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Mid-Autumn Festival magic
Luong Nhu Hoc Lantern Street
Best Time
Mid-Autumn Festival magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant lantern street, especially magical during the Mid-Autumn Festival with dazzling displays and bustling street food.
"The whole street is covered with lit lantern, modern to traditional ones, all color, all shapes and sizes."
🎯 Visit during Mid-Autumn Fest
Experience the street at its most magical during Tet Trung Thu for a truly unforgettable cultural immersion.
🎒 Secure Your Valuables
Be cautious of your belongings, especially if parking a motorbike. Keep items close and secure.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dazzling Lantern Displays
Luong Nhu Hoc Street
Thousands of lanterns in every color, shape, and size illuminate the street, creating a magical, festive ambiance.
Mid-Autumn Festival Buzz
Luong Nhu Hoc Street
Experience the lively atmosphere of Tet Trung Thu with traditional decorations, street food, and cultural activities.

Unique Souvenir Shopping
Various stalls along the street
Find a wide array of traditional and modern lanterns, lion dance accessories, and other festive items to take home.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Lantern Magic
Secure Your Souvenirs Safely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Visit during Mid-Autumn Fest
Experience the street at its most magical during Tet Trung Thu for a truly unforgettable cultural immersion.
🎒 Secure Your Valuables
Be cautious of your belongings, especially if parking a motorbike. Keep items close and secure.
Where to Celebrate Tet Trung Thu?
🌕 Tết Trung Thu 🥮 Mid-Autumn Festival🏮
📸 Capture the Glow
Arrive early to find the best spots for photos before the crowds thicken.
🛍️ Bargain for Lanterns
Don't hesitate to negotiate prices for souvenirs; it's part of the shopping experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Visit during Mid-Autumn Fest
Experience the street at its most magical during Tet Trung Thu for a truly unforgettable cultural immersion.
🎒 Secure Your Valuables
Be cautious of your belongings, especially if parking a motorbike. Keep items close and secure.
📸 Capture the Glow
Arrive early to find the best spots for photos before the crowds thicken.
🛍️ Bargain for Lanterns
Don't hesitate to negotiate prices for souvenirs; it's part of the shopping experience.
🍜 Explore Street Food
Beyond lanterns, discover delicious local snacks and drinks from numerous street vendors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the magical atmosphere of Luong Nhu Hoc Lantern Street, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival, describing it as a cultural highlight with a dazzling array of lanterns and delicious street food. Some caution is advised regarding personal belongings due to crowded conditions.
"If you are in town around the lantern festival or mid autumn festival (end aug to sep, check the lunar calendar each year), you won't want to miss this fantastic place. Nowhere around the city you can see more cultural things. The whole street is covered with lit lantern, modern to traditional ones, all color, all shapes and sizes. I'm sure you can find your favorite one here to take back with you from the trip. Talk to the vendor if you want it with battery or old-fashioned way of candle, with or without handle. Not interested in souvenirs? Walk a few more steps to explore the street food and drinks."
Phuong Nguyen
"Great experience, super busy market with lots of stalls selling tasty street food and unique souvenirs like lanterns and lion dance accessories. Highly recommend this street market even if you don't intend on buying anything, nice atmosphere walking through it."
Liam G.
"Is ok to visit but highly recommended for foreigners who drive bikes there gonna keep all you stuff or money (even food or helmet) in you back pack well and bring it with you. If you leave the helmet or food in your bike, it will be gone or taken by someone. And people who keep your bike they will not be responsible for any lost. Most of the parking area is not safe and people won't what happen with your bike."
Ric Kee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Luong Nhu Hoc Lantern Street is located in District 5 of Ho Chi Minh City. The easiest way to get there is by taxi or ride-sharing app like Grab. Many locals also travel by motorbike.
If you're driving, be aware that parking can be busy, and some visitors recommend keeping your helmet with you.Parking can be challenging, especially during peak times like the Mid-Autumn Festival. While there are designated parking areas, some travelers have reported issues with security. It's advisable to keep your valuables secure and consider using a ride-sharing service if you're concerned.
Depending on your starting point in District 5, it might be walkable. However, it's generally recommended to use a short taxi or Grab ride to save time and energy, especially if you plan to explore the street thoroughly.
The street is best explored on foot. Once you arrive, park your vehicle (if applicable) and wander through the narrow lanes to fully experience the lantern displays and street food.
While direct bus routes might not be the most convenient, you can take a bus to a nearby area in District 5 and then a short taxi or motorbike ride to Luong Nhu Hoc Street. Checking local bus routes upon arrival is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to walk along Luong Nhu Hoc Lantern Street. It's a public street that comes alive with vendors and decorations, especially during festive seasons.
The street is accessible at all times, but the lanterns are typically lit and vendors are most active in the evenings, particularly from around 6 PM onwards. It's most vibrant during the Mid-Autumn Festival period.
The absolute best time to visit is during the Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu), usually falling in late August or September. During this time, the street is exceptionally crowded but incredibly festive.
Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. Visiting earlier in the evening, right as the lanterns start to light up, can also help you avoid the peak rush.
Yes, the street is famous for its numerous shops and stalls selling a wide variety of lanterns. You can purchase them directly from the vendors.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
The main attraction is the vast array of lanterns in all shapes, sizes, and colors. You can also find traditional Mid-Autumn Festival items like lion dance costumes, masks, and mooncakes.
Yes, bargaining is common and expected when purchasing souvenirs. Be polite and friendly when negotiating prices with the vendors.
Most lanterns are designed for decoration and can be fragile. If you plan to take one home, ask the vendor for advice on how to pack it safely for travel. Some may come with battery options for easier use.
Prices can vary between stalls. It's a good idea to browse a few shops before making a purchase to compare prices and styles.
Absolutely! You'll find a variety of festive items, including toys, decorations, and accessories related to the Mid-Autumn Festival.
🍽️ 🍜 Food & Dining
The street is a haven for street food lovers. You can find a wide variety of local snacks, drinks, and desserts, including traditional mooncakes, sweet soups, and savory treats.
While the primary focus is on street food stalls, you might find small eateries or cafes nearby. However, the authentic experience is in sampling the diverse street food offerings.
Generally, street food in Vietnam is popular and many vendors maintain good hygiene. It's always a good idea to choose stalls that look busy and where food is cooked fresh.
Look out for traditional mooncakes, especially during the festival. Other popular options include various grilled skewers, sweet desserts, and refreshing local beverages.
While many dishes are meat-based, you can often find vegetarian options like fruit-based desserts, sweet soups, and some vegetable snacks. It's best to ask the vendors about ingredients.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hour just after sunset, when the lanterns begin to glow and the sky is still light, offers beautiful lighting. Nighttime provides a dramatic, illuminated scene.
A camera with good low-light performance is ideal. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive lantern displays, while a prime lens can be useful for portraits amidst the vibrant backdrop.
The entire street is a photo opportunity! Look for sections with a dense concentration of lanterns, or capture the interactions between vendors and shoppers for dynamic shots.
Be patient and try to shoot during less crowded times, like early evening. Alternatively, use a wider aperture to blur the background and focus on your subject.
Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas of Vietnam. It's best to assume drones are not permitted to avoid any issues with authorities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families:
* Arrive early: Beat the biggest crowds by visiting in the early evening.
* Keep kids close: The street can get very crowded, so hold hands and keep a close eye on children.
* Snack time: The street food is a hit with kids! Look for familiar options or try some sweet treats.
* Souvenir fun: Let children pick out their own small lantern as a memorable keepsake.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Photography tips:
* Low-light settings: Use a camera with good low-light capabilities or a tripod for sharper night shots.
* Wide-angle lens: Capture the expansive displays and the bustling street scene.
* Focus on details: Look for interesting patterns, textures, and the interactions between people and lanterns.
* Be patient: Wait for moments when the crowds momentarily thin or frame your shots creatively to minimize photobombers.
🛍️ Budget Travelers
The street food is also a major advantage for budget travelers. Instead of expensive restaurant meals, you can enjoy a variety of delicious and filling local snacks and dishes for very little cost. This allows you to experience the local cuisine authentically without overspending. Remember to practice polite bargaining for souvenirs to get the best deals.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Mid-Autumn Festival
The festival's significance is deeply rooted in harvest celebrations and moon worship. You'll see an abundance of traditional lanterns, including the iconic star-shaped ones, as well as modern designs. Lion dance performances are common, adding to the lively atmosphere. It's a fantastic opportunity to witness a cherished Vietnamese holiday firsthand and immerse yourself in its joyous traditions.
While the festival brings incredible vibrancy, it also means significant crowds. Be prepared for packed streets, especially on the main festival day and the weekend leading up to it. This is part of the experience, but if you prefer a slightly calmer visit, consider coming a week or two before the festival officially begins, when vendors are setting up and the lanterns are starting to appear.
Lantern Shopping: A Colorful Quest
When shopping, don't hesitate to engage with the vendors. They are often happy to explain the different types of lanterns and their origins. You can often customize your purchase, for example, by choosing between a battery-operated light or a traditional candle holder (though battery is usually recommended for safety and convenience). Remember that bargaining is a part of the shopping culture here. Approach it with a friendly attitude, and you can often secure a better price. It's wise to browse a few shops to get a feel for the pricing before committing to a purchase.
Beyond lanterns, the street also offers other festive items, such as lion dance costumes and accessories, masks, and traditional toys. These make for interesting cultural keepsakes. When purchasing lanterns to take home, inquire about the best way to pack them to ensure they arrive safely at your destination.
Street Food Delights
A must-try during the Mid-Autumn Festival are the traditional mooncakes. These rich pastries, filled with ingredients like lotus seed paste, egg yolk, and various nuts, are a staple of the celebration. Beyond mooncakes, you can find grilled skewers, sweet soups (che), fresh fruit juices, and other local delicacies. Many vendors cook their food fresh to order, ensuring a delicious and authentic experience.
When exploring the food options, it's advisable to choose busy stalls where food is prepared in front of you. This often indicates freshness and popularity. While most street food is safe and delicious, always exercise caution and trust your instincts. The affordable prices make it easy to sample a variety of dishes without breaking the bank, making it a perfect spot for a casual and flavorful dinner.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit