Hoi An lantern boat ride is a must-try experience for any visitor to this charming city. Hoi An has long been a favorite destination for both domestic and international tourists, thanks to its rich historical sites, delicious local cuisine, friendly locals, and bustling night markets. The city’s unique blend of culture and beauty will captivate you from the moment you arrive.
Among the many activities you can enjoy in Hoi An—such as savoring the local dishes, strolling through the ancient town, or exploring the night market—the lantern boat ride on the Hoai River stands out as a magical and unforgettable experience. In this article, we’ll provide you with all the essential details about the Hoi An lantern boat ride to help you plan your visit.
Main Contents
What is the Hoi An Lantern Boat Ride?
Hoai River is just a small branch of Thu Bon River, flowing to Cua Dai beach. Apparently, for the local people in Hoi An, the Hoai River has been attached to this land for many generations and is inseparable. Then, local people have had an idea that is to combine boat trips and taking tourists to visit.
Lantern Boat Ride is just simple: small wooden boats with one rower and decorated with a few lanterns. This boat will take you to a section of the Hoai River to admire the beauty of Hoi An.
Lantern boat ride in Hoi An
Best time to take the Hoi An Lantern Boat Ride
March to September will be the most ideal time for you to take the Hoi An lantern boat ride to fully admire the beauty of Hoi An Ancient Town. Because this is the dry season, the weather will be sunny, cloudy, and no rain.
Additionally, if you want to observe the beauty of lanterns, you can take a boat ride on the 14th lunar of every month. This time is the Lantern Festival in Hoi An. Many kinds of lanterns will hang up on the streets, stalls, stores,… in the evening. It makes this town more gorgeous and blinking than ever.
Hoi An Lantern Boat Ride usually takes place in the old town area, located right on Bach Dang and Chu Van An streets. You can park your vehicle outside the Hoi An Ancient Town and go disperse toward the Japanese Covered Bridge.
After that, you can take a short distance, park your vehicle outside the Hoi An Ancient Town, and go disperse toward the Japanese Covered Bridge. and you will reach the Hoi An bridge area. This is the area with the busiest concentration of passenger boats.
There will be many boats; you do not need to book the Hoi An lantern boat trip in advance. Then, if you like any boat, you should ask about the price before booking a boat. After booking a lantern boat ride, you can fully admire the beauty of Hoi An Ancient Town and enjoy the release paper lantern experience.
Release paper lantern on Hoai River
Hoi An Lantern Boat Ride Cost and Opening Time
Hoi An Lantern boat ride price
The ticket price to go to the lantern boat ride in Hoi An will depend on the number of people you want to go.
From 1 to 3 people: 150,000 VND/trip/20 minutes (not include paper lantern)
From 4 to 5 people: 200,000 VND/trip/20 minutes (not include paper lantern)
Lantern boat for couples
Moreover, if you want to buy paper lantern to release, you can pay from 5,000 to 15,000 VND for one.
Lanterns are sold by local people
Hoi An Lantern boat ride opening time
The Hoi An lantern boat ride here operates from early morning to night, but the busiest time is still in the afternoon from 6:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m.
Other activities in Hoi An at night
Explore Hoi An Ancient Town
This is always the must-do thing when you travel to Hoi An ancient town. When you can stroll along the Hoai River, you will admire the beautiful landscapes, historical buildings, and lanterns of this old town. Additionally, don’t miss the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An.
One of the most vibrant and enchanting events in Hoi An is the Hoi An Lantern Festival. This festival is taking place on the 14th day of each lunar month. During this time, the old town will display many kinds of lanterns along the street. Tourists can admire the gorgeous scenery and the vibrant atmosphere in Hoi An.
Moreover, the festival features cultural performances, traditional games, and religious rituals. This festival will show you the beauty, traditions, and culture of Hoi An.
Checkin for Hoi An lantern festival
Explore street foods paradise
Address: Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam
Hoi An’s culinary scene is as vibrant as its lantern-lit streets. This old town has many kinds of delectable food for you to taste at night. Try “Cao Lau” – a traditional Hoi An noodle dish, made with local herbs and served with slices of succulent pork.
Additionally, you can savor the famous “Mi Quang” or “Banh Mi”, which are featured dishes in Hoi An. With fresh ingredients and specific recipes, these foods will leave you craving and enjoy.
Hoi An street food
Play Bai Choi
Bai Choi is not only just a card game; it’s also an interactive and engaging way to experience Vietnamese culture and tradition. You can gather with the local people and visitors to play this traditional game. This traditional game combines many elements, such as music, singing, acting, and chance.
Traditional Vietnamese Bai Choi game
Watch water puppet show
The last thing to do in Hoi An at night is watch the water puppet show. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Vietnamese folklore and tradition by attending a water puppet show in the charming town of Hoi An.
As the curtains rise, the puppets emerge on the water, bringing to life a series of captivating stories that depict scenes from rural Vietnamese life, legends, and historical events. This is a wonderful show that you cannot miss whenever you come to Hoi An.
There will be many kinds of vehicle for tourists to come to Hoi An such as:
Private car: A private car is the best choice for tourists. It makes it an ideal day trip for those staying in Da Nang. A driver will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. You just simply take a seat, relax, and come to the old town with a private car before we come to Hoi An. You can book a private car from Da Nang to Hoi An with VM Car for the most comfortable experience.
VM Car’s vehicle fleet
Motorbike: If you want a budget trip, you can rent a motorbike. This option allows travelers to embark on a scenic journey to Hoi An. Additionally, you will see the natural landscapes along the streets.
Taxi: You can easily hire a taxi to transport to Hoi An. However, you should choose a reputable taxi company for your trip to this forest.
Conclusion
Hoi An Lantern Boat Ride will be the wonderful experience you cannot miss when you come to the old town. You can admire the beauty of Hoi An Ancient Town and release paper lanterns at reasonable prices with this boat ride. Therefore, add this exciting experience to your Hoi An travel itinerary right away.
