Hoi An : Hoai River Boat Trip by Night and Floating Lantern

A Nighttime Ride Through Hoi An’s Heart: The Hoai River Boat Trip and Floating Lanterns

When you visit Hoi An, the city transforms as the sun sets. The Hoai River Boat Trip by Night offers a wonderful way to see this historic town from a different perspective. For around $8 per person, you get a 20-minute boat cruise starting from a central spot near Kazimierz Kwiatkowski bust, with a chance to release a floating lantern on the Thu Bon River. This activity has a warm, almost magical feeling, especially during festivals or full moon nights when the river becomes a sea of glowing lights.

What we love about this experience is how accessible and straightforward it is. The boat ride itself is short but scenic—offering beautiful views of the town lit up at night—and the lantern release adds a touch of authentic cultural and spiritual significance. The activity is well-organized, with friendly guides helping you along the way, ensuring a smooth process from meeting to departure.

One consideration is the peak time between 18:30 and 19:30, which can be quite crowded, leading to some waiting in line if you haven’t booked in advance. Still, many reviews mention that the effort is worth it for the visual spectacle and the peaceful feeling of releasing your lantern into the darkness. This tour suits those who enjoy simple, meaningful experiences, especially if you want to see Hoi An’s nighttime charm without fuss.

Key Points

• Affordable and Scenic: At just $8, this offers a memorable view of Hoi An at night.
• Cultural Significance: Releasing lanterns carries deep spiritual meanings, symbolizing hope and good wishes.
• Efficient and Well-Organized: The tour is straightforward with guides helping you avoid long lines.
• Authentic Experience: You get a glimpse of local traditions, not just touristy photo ops.
• Group Size: Each boat holds 1-5 people, making it intimate yet lively.
• Timing: The activity lasts about 20 minutes, with peak hours being busy but manageable with advance booking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Diving Into the Experience: What You Can Expect

Starting Point and Meeting
Your adventure begins on Tran Phu Street, right in the middle of Hoi An Old Town, in front of the Kazimierz Kwiatkowski bust. The guide will meet you there, and from there, you’ll walk a short five minutes to the dock—an easy stroll in the evening’s cool air.

The Boat Ride
Once aboard your wooden boat—small, cozy, and simple—you’ll cruise along the Hoai River. As the boat gently moves, you’ll get a panoramic view of Hoi An’s illuminated rooftops, bridges, and ancient structures. Many reviews mention how “beautiful from the water” the town looks at night, and you’ll agree once you see it shimmering across the water.

The Lantern Release
The highlight is the floating lanterns. Each person is given one lantern, often decorated with personal wishes or prayers. As you light it, you’ll feel a tangible connection to the local tradition—sending your hopes or good wishes out onto the river. Several reviews note the deep spiritual feeling this act invokes, with one stating, “the light of the lanterns is the light of hope.” Many describe it as “magical” and “wholesome,” especially when the lanterns drift away and disappear into the darkness.

The Cultural Significance
Releasing lanterns isn’t just a fun photo op; it’s a spiritual act. It symbolizes letting go of worries and sending wishes for health, luck, and happiness. For many, it’s a moment of serenity amid the bustling town, with some reviewers explaining how the lanterns seem to carry their dreams into the big sea beyond.

Analyzing the Itinerary and Logistics

Stops and Flow
The tour is quite straightforward. It begins at the city center, with a brief walk to the dock, then a 15-minute boat cruise. There aren’t many stops, but the experience packs a punch in terms of visual and emotional impact.

Boat and Group Size
Each boat accommodates 1-5 people, which helps keep the experience intimate. This is important because it means you can enjoy the moment without feeling rushed or crowded, although during peak times, queues might form. According to reviews, “it was just the 4 of us with a guide rowing the boat,” which makes for a personalized experience.

Duration and Timing
The cruise lasts about 20 minutes, making it an ideal short activity that fits well into an evening itinerary. The peak time (18:30-19:30) can be busy, so booking ahead is recommended to avoid long lines—many reviewers appreciate the pre-booking option as it helps streamline the process.

What’s Included and What’s Not
For $8, you get the boat ride and one floating lantern per person. Extras like food, drinks, or transportation aren’t included, so you might want to plan accordingly. The activity ends back at the starting point, making logistics simple.

Additional Tips
– Arrive early if you want to avoid crowds during peak hours.
– Wear comfortable clothes and be prepared for a short walk.
– Remember that alcohol and drugs are not allowed.
– Life jackets are mandatory, so don’t worry about safety.

Authenticity and Value for Money

The price of $8 offers remarkable value for such a culturally meaningful experience. Many reviews mention that the activity is well-organized and feels authentic—not just a tourist trap. Some advise buying tickets at the local spot if you’re flexible on timing, as it might be slightly cheaper, but booking in advance offers convenience and peace of mind.

Guests rave about the friendly guides who help them navigate the process—many quoting how “the guide was very clear” and “took lots of photos.” Such attentiveness enhances the experience, especially for travelers who want to focus on the moment rather than logistics.

The short duration makes it perfect for those on a tight schedule, but the visual and emotional impact can stay with you for a lifetime. Lighted lanterns flickering on the water create dreamy, postcard-worthy memories, and many reviewers say it’s a “must-do” activity in Hoi An.

Overall Impressions and Who Should Consider This Tour

This activity is best suited for travelers craving a simple yet profound cultural moment. It caters well to those who appreciate authentic traditions, enjoy nighttime scenery, or want a peaceful escape from the daytime chaos. Families, couples, and solo travelers all find something special about releasing a lantern and watching it drift away.

While it’s a touristy activity, the reviews show that it’s thoughtfully organized and offers genuine moments of connection—whether that’s with local traditions, loved ones, or oneself. It’s an experience that balances cost, simplicity, and depth, making it a wonderful choice for a meaningful evening in Hoi An.

More Great Tours Nearby

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the boat trip last?
The ride itself is about 15 minutes, giving you just enough time to enjoy the scenery and participate in the lantern release without it feeling rushed.

Do I need to book in advance?
Booking ahead is highly recommended, especially during peak hours, to avoid waiting in line. Many reviews mention that pre-booking allows you to skip the queues and have a smoother experience.

Is the activity suitable for children?
Yes, children often find the lantern release exciting and meaningful. The activity is gentle and safe, with life jackets provided and a short duration.

What’s included in the price?
For $8, you get a boat ride and one floating lantern per person. Other expenses like food, drinks, or entrance tickets to Hoi An are not included.

Can I decorate my lantern?
While the basic experience involves lighting and releasing your lantern, some reviews mention the possibility of decorating the boat or lantern, adding a personal touch.

Is transportation to the meeting point provided?
No, this activity is accessible only on foot from the meeting point at Tran Phu Street. You’ll need to make your own arrangements to get there, but most find it easy to walk from their hotel or central locations.

Final Thoughts

The Hoi An Hoai River Boat Trip with Floating Lantern offers a charming blend of simplicity and depth. For just a few dollars, you gain a beautiful view of the town at night and participate in a deeply rooted cultural tradition. Many travelers describe it as both peaceful and uplifting, making it an ideal activity for those seeking a meaningful connection to local customs without fuss or fussiness.

If you’re looking for a romantic experience or an authentic souvenir of your time in Vietnam, this lantern release is hard to beat. It’s a short, sweet activity that’s easy to fit into any evening plan, and the glowing lanterns will stay with you long after your trip ends.

If you enjoy cultural traditions, scenic views, and meaningful moments, this tour is a perfect, budget-friendly choice. Just remember to book early, arrive prepared, and open your heart to the gentle magic of floating lanterns on the river.

You can check availability for your dates here: