DNO - From September 22 to 25, corresponding to the 12th to 15th days of the eighth lunar month, Hoi An, Da Nang becomes a vibrant destination for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Lantern-lit streets, traditional games and cultural activities together bring the atmosphere of childhood back to the ancient town.
One of the festival’s distinctive cultural experiences is a photo exhibition and display dedicated to the Heavenly Dog dance at the Museum of Folk Culture at 33 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street from September 22 to 25.
Through photographs and archival materials, visitors can learn about the character’s distinctive design, performance movements and the cultural meanings associated with the Heavenly Dog in the spiritual life of the local community.
The exhibition offers an informative starting point for visitors before they step into the festive atmosphere unfolding across Hoi An’s historic streets.

At the same museum, an interactive space invites children, families and visitors interested in local culture to experience Mid-Autumn traditions through hands-on activities.
Instead of simply observing traditional objects, visitors can make their own paper lanterns, decorate a Heavenly Dog figure or create paper masks in their own style.
The experience continues with traditional Vietnamese games such as pot-smashing and walking on stilts. Visitors can also take part in lantern-themed quizzes and treasure hunts.
For children, these activities offer a playful introduction to traditional culture. For adults, they provide a chance to reconnect with memories of Mid-Autumn Festivals from their own childhood.
Visitors can take their handmade lanterns with them as they explore Hoi An at night, adding a personal touch to their journey through the lantern-lit streets.
At 7 p.m. on September 23 and 25, the “Music and Moon” programme at the Museum of Sa Huynh Culture, 149 Tran Phu Street, will offer a quieter cultural experience amid the bustle of the ancient town.
Children and visitors can enjoy Vietnamese folk songs and traditional children’s songs associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival, accompanied by performances of traditional musical instruments.
The programme provides an opportunity to experience Vietnamese folk music in an intimate setting while exploring the cultural heritage of Hoi An.
Visitors can combine the programme with an evening walk from Tran Phu to Nguyen Thai Hoc streets, stopping along the way to sample local specialities and watch the ancient town come alive under the lanterns.
From 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on September 24, the “Hoi An Ancient Town Night” programme will recreate aspects of urban life in Hoi An in the early 20th century.
As modern lighting is reduced and lanterns become the main source of illumination, the old town takes on a quieter, nostalgic character.
Across the historic streets, visitors can encounter poetry recitals, traditional theatre, folk singing, martial arts, Chinese chess, village chess, “bai choi” folk games and calligraphy presented by local clubs and community groups.
For those seeking the full Mid-Autumn experience, an evening in Hoi An can begin in the late afternoon with a museum visit and hands-on cultural activities, followed by a local dinner and a leisurely walk through the lantern-lit streets.
Under the moonlight, surrounded by colourful lanterns and traditional sounds, Hoi An offers a Mid-Autumn Festival that is both lively and intimate. It is an invitation to experience the heritage of the ancient town and create a memory of your own.