steiny
backpacker
Posts: 11

#1 Posted: 11/2/2008 - 02:39


We're going to be in Hoi An in March, and can't work out when the full moon festival will be. If it's on the 'fourteenth day of the lunar calendar' then that must be the full moon, right? Here in Scotland that's the 21st March. This may be a stupid question, but will it be the same in Vietnam? It's difficult to find a list of dates for the festival in 2008.

For those of you that have been there, does Hoi An get busy and would you say it's essential to book accommodation in advance around the festival?

Thanks for any advice!

somtam2000
admin
mahout
Posts: 2607

Located in:
Indonesia

#2 Posted: 11/2/2008 - 13:17


I'm not sure what day it is, but regarding the need to book, unless you have your heart set on a very specific property in Hoi An, there is no need to book in advance.

CatBa
adventurer
Posts: 349

#3 Posted: 11/2/2008 - 17:54


Unfortunately my staff are still on vacation and there are no current calendars on their desks.

However, given that (rule of thumb) there are 28 days in a Lunar month and that 2008 FEB 07 was the first day of the new year, you can calculate roughly when it falls.

If you have a Chinese-owned business / restaurant / store in your home town the chances are they will have a Lunar calendar you can confirm your calculations.

The 'backpacker' or cheaper hotels are predominantly on Hai Ba Trung Street. They are centred around the Sinh OpenTour office.

Note there are no swimming beaches IN the town (nearest 5 kilometres away) so it might be nice to have a hotel with a pool.

The Nhi Nhi Hotel has a pool, is close to the Ancient Town and costs less than the price of 'Fish and Chips' for two people in Scotland!

Do not buy any tailing from ANY store with Impressions or Obsessions in the name (same owner) - poor quality workmanship.

hansyen
backpacker
Posts: 20

#4 Posted: 12/2/2008 - 04:37


check this site and you will find that the 21th of march of "our" solar calendar is the same as the 14th of march on the lunar calendar. And yes on that day there will be a full moon festival in Hoi An

http://www.chinapage.com/newyear.html

steiny
backpacker
Posts: 11

#5 Posted: 12/2/2008 - 15:59


Dear All,

Thanks so much for all your help, and am really pleased we'll definitely be in Hoi An for the festival.

CatBa thanks for the hotel recommendation too. I forgot to pop into the Chinese chippy on the way home to check their calendar, and probably saved myself the cash one night's accommodation as a result!