Lantern Street, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Street in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

vietnam lanterns
vietnam lanterns

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

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.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.3 (400)

PHỐ LỒNG ĐÈN LƯƠNG NHỮ HỌC is a lively street market in District 5 known for its abundance of lanterns—modern and traditional in many shapes, sizes and colors—making it a top spot to shop for lanterns and related festival items; vendors can outfit lanterns with batteries or candles and add handles on request. Visitors say the market has a great atmosphere with many stalls selling street food and lion-dance accessories, so it’s worth wandering even if you’re not buying; during the Mid-Autumn/Lantern Festival the street is especially festive and beautifully lit. Be cautious if you arrive by motorbike: some reviewers warn parking areas may be unsafe and to keep valuables, helmets or food with you rather than leaving them on your bike.

Phuong Nguyen
11 months ago
"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 missthis 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...."
Liam G.
2 years ago
"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...."
Ric Kee
2 years ago
"Is ok to visit but highly recommended for foreigners who drive bikes there go a keep all you stuff or money (even food or helmet) in you back packwell 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...."

FAQs for Visiting Lantern Street

The street is most vibrant in the weeks leading up to the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Yes, though the variety is greatest during festival season.
Very crowded during festival periods, but quieter at other times.

Nearby Attractions to Lantern Street

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

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Planning Your Visit

Address: Đường Lương Nhữ Học, phường 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): 8 km

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