Hoi An Hoai River Boat Ride & Lantern Release Experience

Discover the most magical side of Hoi An on an evening tour, including a boat ride and releasing lanterns on the Hoai River

Take in the sights and smells of the bustling night market.

Learn about Hoi An's traditional culture and enjoy a wonderful evening on the Hoai River

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage‑listed ancient town of Hoi An

Let us experience sailing and releasing lanterns on the Hoai River, which will make your journey an unforgettable memory. 

Sailing along the river and releasing lanterns not only brings beauty to traditional culture, but this activity also holds profound spiritual value for both locals and visitors! 

Start this exclusive ticketed experience now — hop on a boat and release lanterns on the Hoai River in Hoi An Ancient Town.

Experience Highlights:

Private wooden boat exclusively for your group, max 5 persons per boat

Authentic traditional water lanterns fully included, no extra charges

Unique on‑water perspective of the World Heritage site at night

In‑depth experience of Vietnam's traditional blessing culture

Wear traditional Vietnamese attire and take part in local activities

Release lanterns on the Hoai River to send off your best wishes

Opening Information

Opening hours: Daily 17:00–21:30, last boarding at 21:00

Best experience window: 19:00–20:00, when the sky is fully dark and the lights are at their brightest for the best photos

Meeting point: 153 Trần Phú Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An (near the Japanese Bridge, easy to find in the centre of the ancient town)

Boat specifications: Private boat for 1–5 persons, manually rowed (not an electric sightseeing boat)

Things to Know

Attire & Gear

The riverside breeze can be strong in the evening; we recommend bringing a light jacket. Wear non‑slip flat shoes — the wooden boat steps are narrow, so avoid high heels.

Light‑coloured, solid‑colour clothing is recommended for better photos under the lights; feel free to bring a phone tripod or compact camera to capture the lantern night scene.

Mosquitoes are common near the river, so we suggest bringing insect repellent.

Safety Rules

Lanterns contain candles. When lighting them, keep them away from clothing and hair, follow the boatman's instructions, and never discard open flames carelessly.

No standing or excessive movement on the boat. Keep hands and feet inside the boat to avoid falling into the water.

Intoxicated or emotionally agitated persons may be refused boarding by the operator, without refund.

This activity is not wheelchair accessible.

FAQ

Q1: Do I need a physical ticket for booking?

A: No. Your e‑voucher is stored directly on your phone — just show the QR code at the meeting point to redeem. No printing needed. You can take a screenshot as backup if the network is unstable.

Q2: Can a group of more than 6 people share one boat?

A: Each boat has a maximum capacity of 5 persons. Groups of 6 or more will be split into two private boats, which depart simultaneously, so your experience won't be affected.

Q3: Can children join? Is there an age limit?

A: All ages are welcome, including infants, who also count toward the headcount. Children releasing lanterns must be accompanied by a parent at all times, and please be careful with open candle flames.

Q4: Can the tour be cancelled midway? What is the refund policy?

A: You can cancel or reschedule for free at any time before redeeming your voucher. Once you have arrived and exchanged your voucher for boarding, no refunds will be issued.

Q5: Can I bring my own lantern on board?

A: Not recommended. The ticket price already includes a dedicated lantern. Bring your own lanterns may pose size or open‑flame risks, and the boatman may not allow them into the river.

Q6: Will there be a guide providing Chinese narration during the ride?

A: The boatmen mainly speak Vietnamese and simple English. If you'd like in‑depth cultural commentary, you can use a translation app to look up local customs and information.

Q7: Do I need to buy a separate ticket for Hoi An Ancient Town?

A: This product only includes the Hoai River boat ride and lantern release. Tickets to visit the various historical sites in the ancient town must be purchased separately; the boat area itself requires no additional ticket.

Q8: What if I arrive late and miss the boat?

A: We recommend arriving 10 minutes early. Late arrival that causes you to miss the day's session will be treated as a no‑show without refund. You may contact customer service to reschedule to another time slot the same day (subject to boat availability).

Q9: Will it be very hot at night?

A: Evenings in Hoi An are comfortably cool, and the riverside breeze makes it even more pleasant. Occasional showers may occur in the rainy season, so we suggest carrying a light umbrella.

Q10: Is it suitable for couples to take romantic night photos?

A: Absolutely! With lantern lights reflecting on the water, floating lanterns across the river, and the colourful lantern backdrop of the ancient town, it is the most popular couples' photo spot in Hoi An — and being on a private boat means no other tourists will appear in your shots.