Luong Nhu Hoc Street: Ho Chi Minh City's Famous Lantern Crafting Hub in Cholon | Vietnam Purple Travel Guide

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Luong Nhu Hoc Lantern Street is located a few feet from Thien Hau Temple. Famous for its explosion of vibrant lanterns, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival, this narrow street transforms into a kaleidoscope of light, tradition, and joy in the evenings, making it one of the most Instagram-worthy places in Saigon.
You can see lots of food establishments, and lantern and souvenir stores during the day, but wait until it gets dark for the lanterns to be lit up. You may even see some store keepers manufacture the lanterns they sell.

A Cultural Beacon in Chợ Lớn

Located in Ward 11 of District 5, Luong Nhu Hoc Street has long been the center of lantern making and selling in Ho Chi Minh City. It dates back several decades when local Hoa (Chinese-Vietnamese) families began crafting traditional lanterns by hand, especially in preparation for important festivals like Tết Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn Festival) and Tết (Lunar New Year).
Today, the street is home to lots of small shops and family-owned stalls specializing in:

• Paper lanterns in all shapes and sizes

• LED-lit modern designs

• Animal-shaped lanterns for children

• Hand-painted traditional motifs

• Cultural items like calligraphy scrolls, red envelopes, and good-luck charms

These vibrant displays not only draw crowds of shoppers but also serve as a symbol of community and continuity for Saigon’s Chinese population.

The Mid-Autumn Festival Magic

Luong Nhu Hoc Street truly comes alive in the weeks leading up to the Mid-Autumn Festival (held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, usually in September). During this time, the entire street becomes a lantern wonderland, attracting:

• Local families buying decorations and toys

• Photographers capturing the brilliant hues of glowing lanterns

• Couples and tourists enjoying the festive vibe and taking selfies under the lights

• Children holding star-shaped lanterns and enjoying mooncakes

As night falls, the lanterns are illuminated, casting a warm glow and creating a magical, otherworldly scene that’s become a must-see festival attraction in Ho Chi Minh City.

What to Expect When You Visit

Even outside of major festivals, Luong Nhu Hoc Street remains a charming destination to explore Saigon’s Chinese culture.

Highlights Include:

• Handmade lanterns starting at just a few thousand VND

• Traditional mooncakes and festival snacks sold by street vendors

• Friendly shop owners who often welcome visitors to browse and take photos

• Cultural souvenirs like paper fans, zodiac figurines, and silk banners

• A walking street vibe during festival season, as motorbikes are restricted in the evenings

Practical Information for Travelers

• Best time to visit:

  • Late afternoon to evening when lanterns are lit

  • September for the Mid-Autumn Festival and

  • January–February before Lunar New Year

• Admission: Free to visit; shops welcome browsing and photos

• Photo tip: Visit after sunset for glowing lantern backgrounds

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.

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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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