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Hoi An is famously known as one of Vietnam’s heritage cities. The land is undoubtedly rich with stories waiting to be told to visitors through art and performances. In this upcoming festive season, the 2026 Light & Heritage Festival in Hoi An is an event well worth anticipating. Let’s see what it’s all about.
Hoi An Memories Land is a cultural, tourism, and resort complex located near the Hoi An Ancient Town in Da Nang, Vietnam. It is designed as an immersive “living museum” that recreates the history, culture, and architecture of Hoi An during its peak as an international trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries. The complex is best known for the “Hoi An Memories” show, one of the largest outdoor visual performances in Vietnam.
Hoi An Memories Land is renowned for its visually stunning live performances
FAQ: When is the show held?
The main show usually runs from 8:00–9:00 PM, except on Tuesdays, when the park is closed. During your Hoi An tour, try to arrive around 5:00 or 6:00 PM, so you have time to wander around the park and catch a few of the mini-shows before the main event.
Organized by Hoi An Memories Land, the festival will run from February 17 to April 30. The event aims to showcase a series of performances that blend art with modern lighting technology, all designed to introduce local heritage and traditional crafts to both domestic and international visitors.
The surroundings inside the Hoi An Memories Complex
Visitors can marvel at a massive artistic lantern display titled "The Red Seal Ship – A Heritage Portrait," which recreates the memories of the prosperous 17th-century Faifo trading port. These elaborate lantern installations, combined with coordinated drone performances, transform the night sky into an outdoor gallery that celebrates indigenous cultural values.
FAQ: How do I get to the venue?
Since Hoi An Memories Land is located on an island, there are several ways to get there:
- Moonlight Bridge: A pedestrian bridge connecting the mainland to the island. Most visitors cross on foot or by electric buggy, often as part of their Hoi An tours.
- Boat: The park often operates a free shuttle boat from the 59 Tran Quang Khai pier (check daily schedules as this can vary).
- Taxi/Grab: You can take a car to the bridge entrance, but vehicles are generally not allowed inside the park.
The highlight of the event is the grand opening on March 4, where thousands of drones will join forces with the lantern systems to create a spectacular "lightscape" over Hoi An. Iconic symbols of Asian prosperity, such as the dragon and phoenix, will take to the sky, marking a high-tech milestone for the festival’s 2026 spring season.
The 2026 Light & Heritage Festival promises an exciting variety of activities
Using modern technology to create these light installations offers a fresh approach to presenting Hoi An’s heritage. This approach also supports the development of the night economy, which has become a key pillar of the ancient town’s sustainable development goals in recent years.
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Unlike short-term events, this festival spans several months, beginning on February 17 (the first day of the Lunar New Year) and concluding after the April 30 holiday.
Beyond the obvious draw of Hoi An Ancient Town, there are several other activities in the area that are worth exploring.
Cam Nam Village has preserved the character of a traditional rural community, with bamboo-and-thatch houses, earthen walls, home gardens, rows of areca palms and coconut trees, and a peaceful rhythm of life shaped by farming and river culture.
Drop by Cam Nam Village for a nice stroll
Here, you can observe everyday local scenes such as boats carrying corn, nighttime corn-boiling stoves, and enjoy simple regional dishes including hen tron, hen xao, banh trang dap, and Cam Nam corn sweet soup.
And of course, don’t forget to rent a bicycle and ride to the eastern tip of the island. It is much quieter than the Old Town, with views of fishing nets and corn fields.
For a bird’s-eye view of the river and the island, head to a rooftop café. For dinner, a sunset river cruise is a great option. Several cruises depart from the piers near the Moonlight Bridge, offering a two-hour sunset dinner on the Thu Bon River.
Hop on a sunset cruise along the Thu Bon River if you prefer something romantic
About 15–20 minutes from Hoi An Ancient Town is the Bay Mau Coconut Forest, where you can take a basket boat ride through water coconut groves and watch the well-known “boat spinning” performances.
An Bang Beach is around a 15-minute taxi ride away and is ideal for a morning swim or a seafood lunch before heading to the island in the late afternoon. It’s a good addition to your itinerary if you’d like to enjoy some sunshine during your trip.
The 2026 Light & Heritage Festival is well worth considering if you’re planning a visit to Hoi An. Just be sure to allow enough time to explore the area and fully experience everything this beautiful heritage city has to offer.
Still looking for more inspiration for your upcoming trip? Take a look at our curated list of Hoi An tours!
