Have you ever wandered through Hoi An at the very moment of Earth Hour? It is a completely different experience – when the Old Town is no longer illuminated by electric lights, but returns to simple sources of glow such as candlelight, floating lanterns and hand-lit lanterns, allowing every sensation to become deeper and more connected to your inner self.
On Saturday evening, 28 March 2026, from 20:30 to 21:30, Hoi An enters this special moment. As electric lights are reduced, the space seems to be “returned” to its original values. The narrow streets grow quieter, footsteps echo softly, and the warm glow of candles and floating lanterns reflects on the Hoai River, creating a scene that feels both enchanting and intimately familiar.
Photo: Lê Đức Thọ
Touch the moment – When the experience goes beyond seeing to truly feeling and connecting
Without the usual brightness of electric lights, Hoi An reveals a more authentic and layered beauty. This is not just a time for sightseeing, but a moment to truly immerse yourself in the space. You may begin with a slow walk through the small streets, where the gentle glow of hand-lit lanterns and candles creates a warm, tranquil atmosphere.
A highly recommended experience is to find a seat by the river – at a café or restaurant along the waterfront, where candlelight replaces electric lighting. In this setting, conversations become softer, emotions more present. You can sip a cup of tea, quietly watch the river, and let your mind drift along the calm rhythm of the Old Town.
Photo: Trần Tuấn Anh
As the night deepens, do not miss the chance to release a floating lantern on the Hoai River – a familiar yet especially meaningful experience during Earth Hour. Small candles are lit and gently placed into lanterns, then set adrift on the water. These tiny, shimmering lights are not only visually captivating, but also carry wishes of peace and personal hopes.
You may also choose to pause at a quiet corner, simply to observe, to listen, and to feel. Without the need for many activities, it is this very simplicity that creates a complete experience – where you are no longer just a visitor, but become part of the space itself.
As the outside world softens, so does the inner world. Earth Hour in Hoi An is not only a community activity, but also an inward journey. A night without electric light, without noise, without haste – just enough for you to step away from the usual rhythm, breathe more deeply, and reconnect with your inner calm. This is how the journey of “returning to the original” is most clearly felt – not through grand experiences, but through simple, meaningful moments.
Beyond personal experience, Earth Hour also carries a global message of environmental responsibility. Initiated by the World Wide Fund for Nature, the campaign aims to raise awareness about environmental protection, energy conservation, and climate change. In Viet Nam, it is annually promoted by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, with Da Nang actively spreading the message “Green Innovation – Green Future” towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
It may last only one hour, yet it opens up a wealth of emotions. A Hoi An that is no longer dazzling in the usual way, but captivating in its own quiet manner – through the glow of simple lights, the stillness of space, and the depth of inner connection. And if you are looking for an experience that is not only about exploration, but about truly “touching” – then Earth Hour 2026 is an invitation worth embracing.
DA NANG TOURISM PROMOTION CENTER
