Lantern Street, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Street in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Lantern Street is one of the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City for travellers seeking a lively and authentic festival atmosphere. Located along Luong Nhu Hoc Street in District 5, this bustling lane is famous for its dazzling array of handmade lanterns, silk and paper decorations, drums, toys, and festive items. It is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City, especially in the weeks leading up to the Mid-Autumn Festival when the entire street comes alive with colour and light.

As you wander past rows of brightly lit lantern shops, the air buzzes with excitement, children choosing their lanterns, and families preparing for celebrations. This spot is one of the top sights in Ho Chi Minh City for photographers, culture lovers, and anyone wanting to witness a centuries-old tradition still thriving in modern Saigon.

History and Significance of Lantern Street
Things to See and Do in Lantern Street
How to Get to Lantern Street
Practical Tips on Visiting Lantern Street
Where to Stay close to Lantern Street
Add a Is Lantern Street Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Lantern Street
Nearby Attractions to Lantern Street

History and Significance of Lantern Street

Lantern Street sits within the heart of the historic Cholon district, long home to the Chinese-Vietnamese community. Lantern-making has been a cherished craft for generations, and Luong Nhu Hoc Street became a natural hub for artisans producing handmade lanterns for festivals and family celebrations.

Over time, the street evolved into the city’s premier destination for Mid-Autumn Festival preparations. Lanterns of all shapes-stars, fish, rabbits, spinning drums, and modern LED creations-line the sidewalks, continuing a cultural tradition rooted in storytelling, folklore, and communal celebration.

Today, Lantern Street remains a symbol of the festive spirit and creativity of both Vietnamese and Chinese traditions.

Things to See and Do in Lantern Street

The main attraction is the lanterns themselves-vibrant, colourful, and crafted with impressive detail. Browse lanterns made of silk, fabric, plastic, or paper, ranging from classic shapes to modern designs inspired by popular culture.

You can also find festival treats like mooncakes, handcrafted toys, traditional drums, and decorative items used during Mid-Autumn celebrations. Many of the vendors are family-owned businesses that have passed their craft down through generations.

Photography enthusiasts will enjoy capturing the glow of lanterns at dusk, when the street becomes especially atmospheric. Visiting during festival season offers the most lively and colourful experience.

How to Get to Lantern Street

Travellers typically arrive in Ho Chi Minh City via Tan Son Nhat International Airport before heading to District 5's Chinatown. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) on Booking.com.

The street is accessible by bus, taxi, or rideshare. Visitors arriving by train at Saigon Railway Station can continue by taxi or bus into the Cholon district. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Travelling by car or taxi is convenient, though the area can be particularly crowded during festival season. Lantern Street is close to several temples and markets, making it easy to include in a cultural itinerary.

Practical Tips on Visiting Lantern Street

Suggested tips: Visit in late afternoon or evening when the lanterns are illuminated.
Best time to visit: The weeks before the Mid-Autumn Festival (usually September or October).
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: Shops typically open from morning until late evening.
Official website: Not available
How long to spend: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Accessibility: Crowded sidewalks; narrow areas during festival season.
Facilities: Nearby cafés, food stalls, and small convenience shops.
Photography tip: Capture lanterns at dusk when colours and lights are at their best.
Guided tours: Many Chinatown tours include Lantern Street during festival periods.
Nearby food options: Excellent street food stalls and Chinese-Vietnamese eateries line the neighbourhood.

Where to Stay close to Lantern Street

Cholon offers easy access to Lantern Street and surrounding attractions. A comfortable nearby option is Windsor Plaza Hotel, offering modern facilities and convenient proximity. Another good choice is The Garden Hotel, ideal for exploring Cholon’s temples, markets, and festival streets.

Add a Is Lantern Street Worth Visiting?

Yes, Lantern Street is absolutely worth visiting, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Its festive atmosphere, colourful lanterns, and vibrant cultural energy offer a unique and joyful glimpse into the traditional celebrations of Ho Chi Minh City.

FAQs for Visiting Lantern Street

When is the best time to visit Lantern Street?
The street is most vibrant in the weeks leading up to the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Can you buy lanterns year-round?
Yes, though the variety is greatest during festival season.

Is it crowded?
Very crowded during festival periods, but quieter at other times.

Nearby Attractions to Lantern Street

Binh Tay Market: A lively and historic Chinatown market.
Ba Thien Hau Temple: A revered Chinese temple dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea.
Quan Am Pagoda: A peaceful Buddhist temple honouring the Goddess of Mercy.
Ong Bon Temple: A vibrant temple dedicated to the guardian of prosperity.
Hao Si Phuong Alley: A photogenic residential lane full of history and local charm.

The Lantern Street appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)!

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