Traveling during Lunar New Year is often misunderstood. Many people expect everything to be closed or overly crowded. But in Da Nang and Hoi An, this period reveals a very special atmosphere — calmer, more local, and emotionally rich.

This is not a trip for rushing from one attraction to another. It is a journey to experience local life at the beginning of a new year.

WEATHER DURING TET – ONE OF THE BEST TIMES OF THE YEAR

From late January to mid-February, Da Nang and Hoi An enjoy:

• •Temperatures around 18–25°C
• •Soft sunlight during the day
• •Cool mornings and evenings
• •Occasional light rain, rarely lasting all day

This weather is ideal for walking, exploring the Old Town, visiting the beach, and especially for travel photography with natural light.

A LOCAL TIP MOST TRAVELERS DON’T KNOW

In Vietnam, especially during the first day of Lunar New Year, the first sale of the day is considered very important.

• •If you don’t plan to buy, avoid asking for prices early in the morning.
• •If you ask, it’s polite to complete the purchase or come back later.
• •Because sellers want a “lucky first transaction,” they are often open to gentle bargaining, as long as the deal is successful.

Understanding this makes shopping more enjoyable and respectful.

SERVICE PRICES DURING TET

During Lunar New Year, some services may be 10–15% higher than usual, including food, transportation, and tourism services.

👉 Always check the price before using any service to avoid misunderstandings.

FOOD, SHOWS & FESTIVE ACTIVITIES

• •Many restaurants and cafés in Da Nang and Hoi An remain open during Tet, especially those serving travelers.
• •Hoi An Memories Show – Tet Edition offers a special festive version with seasonal atmosphere.
• •Folk performances, lion dances, and lantern-lit streets fill Hoi An Old Town.
  
  

NEW YEAR’S EVE – ONE PEACEFUL WORLD

In Da Nang, visitors can enjoy fireworks on New Year’s Eve, especially near the Han River.

In Hoi An, the experience is completely different.
The town stays alive all night. Bars and pubs operate until morning, with live music and energetic DJ sets.
The most unforgettable part is the feeling of one peaceful world — people from many countries dancing together, welcoming the new year beyond language and borders.

KEEP YOUR MEMORY WITH A LOCAL TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER

Lunar New Year is one of the best times for travel photography in Da Nang and Hoi An thanks to beautiful weather and a slower rhythm.
Working with a local photographer helps you:

• •Choose the best light and timing
• •Move efficiently during the holiday
• •Capture natural, meaningful moments

monasnap.com offers travel photography services in Da Nang and Hoi An, specializing in authentic photo experiences for couples, families, and travelers who want to keep their journey as a memory — not just a trip.
Some journeys end when you leave.
Others stay with you for a lifetime.

In Da Nang, there are 2 seasons: the dry season from January to the end of October and the rainy season from the end of October to mid-December. 4h may be a good time to take photos in the rainy season, but it is not a good time in the dry season. Therefore, the article below can help you choose the right time to take photos.

IF THE LOCATION YOU TAKE PHOTOS IS HE BEACH

There are two times to take beautiful photos on the beach in Da Nang: sunrise, and the time when the sun is very bright. The sun rises around 5am, if you want to take photos at this time, the cost will be more expensive than usual, because the working time is very early.

In the dry season, the sunny time is from 10am or 3pm, this is the time you can take photos against the backdrop of blue sea and blue sky, outside of this time, the sky and sea are gray, especially in the rainy season, taking photos at the beach is not suitable. We also encourage customers to cancel the photo shoot at the beach if the weather is bad. You should also tie your hair when taking photos at the beach because there is often strong wind.

IF THE LOCATION YOU TAKE PHOTOS IS A RESORT

At the resort you can take photos at any time except at night, however, usually resorts also have their own beaches, so to be able to combine beautiful photos at the resort and the beach, you should also refer to the time to take photos at the beach above.

IF YOUR PHOTOSHOOT LOCATION IS HOIAN ANCIENT TOWN

If you take photos in Hoi An, there is a time period you should avoid, which is from 11 am to 3 pm, because this is the time when motorbikes are allowed to enter the ancient town, you will feel the noise and danger due to the traffic of motorbikes. At the same time, this time is also quite hot.

If you want to take photos during the quiet time, from 7 to 8:30 am is a suitable time to take photos in Hoi An ancient town.

In the afternoon, the good time to take photos is from 3:30 pm to 8 pm

We will close after 8 pm, so you will not be able to make an appointment at this time.

IF YOUR PHOTOSHOOT LOCATION IS THE CENTER OF DANANG CITY

We often take photos at locations such as Han market, pink church, and love bridge.

The best time is 10am or 3pm, the Pink Church opens from 8:30am to 11:30am, 1:30pm to 4:30pm and is closed on Sundays, so you won’t be able to take photos at the church on Sundays.

SUNSET TIME

Unlike in temperate countries like Korea, the sunset time in Vietnam is very short, we only have 20 minutes to see the sunset, so if you want to take photos of the sunset, you need to have an experienced photographer, handle the situation well and be proficient with the camera in this short time.

Some of our customers schedule a photo shoot at 7 or 8pm because they think this is the time the sun sets, but this never happens in Vietnam.

In the summer, the sun sets from 5:30pm to 6:30pm.

During the rainy season, the sun sets from 5pm to 6pm. However, the possibility of seeing the sun set during the rainy season is not high, because the sky is cloudy, or there is a thunderstorm from 4pm.

PLACE WHERE YOU CAN TAKE SUNSET PHOTOS

Because the beach in Da Nang is from the east, so most places such as resorts and beaches, the sun will set behind the buildings. You can still schedule a photo shoot during this time, but for better visual effects, you can go to Hoi An ancient town, or Bounce Beach Da Nang to take sunset photos.

If you have chosen a good time to take photos, please contact us immediately, because although our schedule is not always busy, customers always want to be served during the best time, so someone may have already booked the time you want.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and we hope to hear from you soon.

Hoi An is one of the most beautiful destinations in Vietnam for travel photography. With its iconic yellow houses, colorful lantern streets, and peaceful riverside atmosphere, a Hoi An photoshoot has become a favorite experience for travelers visiting Central Vietnam.

Every year, thousands of visitors come to the Ancient Town to capture their memories through professional photography, including family photoshoots, romantic couple sessions, and solo travel portraits. The charming streets, historic architecture, and soft natural light make Hoi An an ideal location for timeless travel photos.

As a local photographer in Hoi An and Da Nang, I have guided many travelers to the best photo spots in the Ancient Town and helped them enjoy relaxed and memorable photoshoot experiences during their trip.

If you’re planning a photoshoot during your visit, you can also explore our Hoi An photoshoot gallery to see real sessions captured in the lantern streets and riverside areas of this beautiful town.

DO YOU NEED A TICKET FOR A PHOTOSHOOT IN HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN?

Since May 15, 2023, tourists are required to purchase a ticket to enter the ancient town. Your ticket fee contributes to improving the environment and preserving the aging houses.

Ticket counters open at 7:30 AM, but if you enter the town at 7:00 AM, you won’t need to buy a ticket. This can save you a significant amount of money, especially if you are traveling with a large group.

SHOULD YOU RENT AN AO DAI FOR A HOI AN PHOTOSHOOT?

If you are planning a Hoi An photoshoot in the Ancient Town, renting an Ao Dai is a great option, as it is a more cost-effective option. Rental prices start at VND 150,000. There are many stores within the town, and they are all within walking distance. You can also contact us for recommendations on reliable stores.

If you’d like to keep an Ao Dai as a souvenir from your trip to Vietnam, having one tailored to your measurements is an ideal choice. This allows you to select high-quality fabrics that suit your preferences.

WHAT TO WEAR FOR A PHOTOSHOOT IN HOI AN

You can choose any color you like, and we will find suitable locations to match your outfit.
Navy blue is a popular choice, but if you prefer a more vibrant and striking look, we suggest yellow, pink, or pastel blue.
Dark-colored outfits, such as black, may reveal your undergarments when using flash photography, so please keep that in mind.

LANTERN BOAT PHOTOSHOOT IN HOI AN

Our nighttime boat photography sessions have become quite popular. Most visitors to Hoi An want a memorable photo on a wishing boat.

Since 2023, the boat service has been regulated by local authorities, and you must purchase a ticket. The ticket prices are:

• VND 170,000 for 1 to 3 people

• VND 220,000 for 4 to 5 people

The maximum capacity per boat is five people, including the photographer. However, for better photography conditions, we recommend a maximum of three adults per boat, or two adults and two children under five.

You may also purchase two tickets if you have a larger group, and we will take turns photographing each group. Since the best photography times are quite busy, you might have to wait 10 to 15 minutes in line.

New regulations require you to wear a life jacket while the boat is moving. However, you can remove it while taking photos as long as the boat remains close to the riverbank. These rules are in place for your safety.

For better photo effects, we recommend purchasing floating lanterns. As of 2024, the price is VND 50,000 for 10 lanterns, which is enough to illuminate your photos beautifully.

Additionally, during the shoot, you may need to adjust your position, and the boat might sway slightly.

While boat photography is stunning, it is not the only option for nighttime photos. We know many other picturesque locations where you can capture beautiful moments, so you can opt to skip the boat session if you prefer.

HOW TO AVOID CROWDS DURING A HOI AN PHOTOSHOOT

Customers often ask if Hoi An is always this crowded.

Yes, the town is typically bustling with tourists, especially on weekends and holidays. The peak hours are around sunset.

If you feel shy about taking photos in public, be prepared that some European tourists may take photos of you in Ao Dai out of curiosity and admiration. If this makes you uncomfortable, consider scheduling your shoot in the early morning.

Crowded environments pose challenges for photography, but with our years of experience, we know hidden spots that offer beautiful backdrops with fewer people.

BEST TIME FOR A HOI AN PHOTOSHOOT

The best time for a photoshoot in Hoi An Ancient Town is early morning or late afternoon.
Early morning (6:00 AM – 8:00 AM) offers soft natural light and fewer tourists, making it perfect for peaceful portraits.
Late afternoon and sunset provide warm golden light that enhances the yellow walls and colorful lanterns of Hoi An.
Night photoshoots are also popular because the lanterns create a magical atmosphere along the Hoai River.

LIGHTS OFF ON FULL MOON NIGHTS

This is not new information, but many tourists are unaware that on the full moon day each month, the entire ancient town turns off its lights, leaving only the glow of lanterns at storefronts. This creates a magical and nostalgic atmosphere for strolling, but it may pose some challenges for photography due to the dark background.

FINALLY, DON’T OVERLOOK THE MOST IMPORTANT THING

Ensure that you and your family have enough energy for the photo session.

Many of our clients arrive at their sessions exhausted due to an overly packed travel itinerary. This is especially common for elderly family members and young children, who may become cranky and uncooperative.

If you have visited Ba Na Hills or taken a basket boat tour on the same day, we strongly recommend scheduling your photo session in the evening, starting at 7:15 PM.

Give your family time to rest and recharge so you can fully enjoy the experience and capture beautiful memories.

If you are planning a photoshoot in Hoi An Ancient Town, working with a local photographer can make your experience much easier.

A local Hoi An photographer understands the best lighting conditions, hidden photo spots, and the ideal timing to avoid crowds. Whether you are traveling as a couple, a family, or solo, a professional photoshoot can help you capture the atmosphere of this beautiful ancient town.

If you would like to book a photoshoot in Hoi An or Da Nang, feel free to check our photo packages or contact us for more information.
Check my Instagram now or contact us via Kakaotalk

FAQ – Hoi An Photoshoot

Is a photoshoot allowed inside Hoi An Ancient Town?

Yes. Visitors can take photos freely in most public areas of Hoi An Ancient Town.
However, to enter certain historical houses, temples, and museums, you will need to purchase an Ancient Town entrance ticket.

For most travel photoshoots, photographers usually work in public streets, lantern alleys, and riverside areas where photos are allowed.

What is the best time for a Hoi An photoshoot?

The best time for a photoshoot in Hoi An is early morning or late afternoon.

Early morning offers soft light and fewer tourists, which makes it easier to capture clean photos in the lantern streets.

Late afternoon and sunset provide warm golden light that looks beautiful in photos, especially near the river and old yellow buildings.

Can you take photos on lantern boats in Hoi An?

Yes. Lantern boat photos are one of the most popular photoshoot experiences in Hoi An.

Boats operate mainly in the evening when the lanterns are lit along the river. The colorful lantern reflections create a romantic atmosphere that many couples and travelers love.

However, boat traffic can be busy at night, so timing and positioning are important for good photos.

What should I wear for a photoshoot in Hoi An?

Many visitors choose to wear an Ao Dai, the traditional Vietnamese dress, because it matches beautifully with the historic architecture and lantern streets of Hoi An.

Other good outfit choices include:

• light summer dresses

• neutral colors

• soft pastel tones

Avoid overly bright neon colors, which may not match the traditional atmosphere of the Ancient Town.