Hoi An: Floating Flower Lantern River Boat Ride at Night

Exploring Hoi An’s vibrant night scene takes on a whole new meaning with the Floating Flower Lantern River Boat Ride. This gentle cruise offers a chance to see the city from a different perspective—glowing lanterns drifting on the water, peaceful reflections, and a touch of local tradition. It’s a short, sweet experience that rewards you with memorable imagery and a sense of calm.

What we love about this experience is the stunning visual display of floating lanterns, the authentic atmosphere, and the affordable price point. It feels like a real connection to local customs and a beautiful way to wind down after a day of sightseeing. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the experience is quite brief—lasting around 20 minutes—so it’s more of a highlight than an in-depth tour.

This activity suits travelers looking for a peaceful, culturally rich evening activity that’s easy to fit into a busy itinerary. It’s especially perfect for those who enjoy picturesque moments, spiritual rituals, or simply want to see the city’s night beauty in a relaxed setting.

Key Points

• Affordable and memorable: At just $8 per person, it offers great value for a unique cultural experience.
• Visually stunning: Floating flower lanterns create a magical scene on the Thu Bon River.
• Authentic local ritual: Lighting and releasing your own lantern connects you to local customs.
• Short but sweet: The 20-minute duration makes this ideal for a quick, meaningful activity.
• Guides and logistics: Friendly, knowledgeable guides assist you through the process, making it accessible even for first-timers.
• Limited inclusions: No food or drinks are included, so plan accordingly if you want a full night out.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Meeting Up and Starting Point

The tour begins at a centrally-located spot in Hoi An’s Old Town, right next to the Kazimierz Kwiatkowski bust on 140 Tran Phu Street. Guides are usually fluent in English, helping you feel comfortable from the start. From there, you walk just five minutes to the riverbank, where the boat departure point is located—a simple process thanks to clear instructions and friendly hosts.

The Boat Ride and Scenic Views

Once aboard the wooden boat—small enough to hold five people—you’re gently glided onto the calm waters of the Thu Bon River. The boat itself is described as clean and well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable and inviting setting. As you settle in, you’ll start to see the river come alive with floating lanterns, each one shaped like a flower, which adds a delicate, poetic touch to the scene.

Many reviewers mention the serene atmosphere, especially under a full moon or at night, when the lanterns glow softly against the dark water. It’s a quiet, contemplative moment that feels almost like stepping into a painting. The reflections of the lanterns shimmer across the river, creating a mirror-like surface that’s perfect for photos.

Lighting Your Lantern and Sending Wishes

The core part of the experience involves lighting your flower-shaped lantern, which is included in the ticket price. You can make a wish or send good luck to loved ones as you light the candle inside the lantern. Several reviews, including Vandhana’s, highlight that “you need your wits about you” when getting on and off the boat because it can be a bit shaky, but she assures it’s “well worth it.”

Lighting your lantern is a gentle, almost meditative act, and many find it emotionally meaningful. Sam’s review notes that “Mr. Linh,” presumably a guide or staff member, was helpful and made the process smooth. People often say this ritual feels personal and special, connecting you to local traditions and to the peaceful rhythm of the river.

More Great Tours Nearby

Releasing the Lantern and the Final Moments

Once lit, you release your lantern into the river, watching as it gradually joins a stream of floating flowers. The sight of dozens of lanterns drifting together is described as “mesmerizing” and “enchanting,” especially under the moonlight. The lanterns slowly bob away, symbolizing worries being carried off into the night, leaving behind hope and good fortune.

The boat then gently returns to the starting point, often with soft chatter or contemplative silence. The entire cruise lasts about 15-20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick escape from the hustle of the busy town.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: The tour kicks off at the Kazimierz Kwiatkowski bust, a recognizable spot in Hoi An’s Old Town, with your guide leading you to the riverbank. This short walk ensures you’re well oriented and ready for the experience.

Boat Cruise: You board a small, wooden boat for about 15 minutes, cruising along the Thu Bon River. This leg offers the chance to appreciate the quiet beauty of Hoi An at night, with reflections of lanterns and the city lights dancing on the water.

Lighting and Releasing Lanterns: The highlight — lighting your flower lantern and casting it into the river. Many reviews praise the calming, almost spiritual feeling during this part, and some mention it’s a moment they’ll remember long after.

Return: After releasing your lantern, you return to the original dock, completing the 20-minute experience. The activity ends back where it started, with no additional transport required.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The main inclusions are straightforward: the boat ride itself and one floating lantern per person. This simplicity keeps costs low, yet offers an authentic cultural experience.

No food or drinks are included, so if you’re hungry or want a drink afterward, plan to explore local eateries or cafes nearby. Also, note that the UNESCO entrance ticket (costing 120,000 VND) isn’t included, so if you plan to visit the UNESCO sites during your stay, budget accordingly.

Practical Tips

• Timing: Peak times are from 18:30 to 19:30, and those slots can have longer lines. Planning your visit outside these hours may reduce wait times.
• Getting There: The activity is only accessible on foot from the meeting point, so wear comfortable shoes.
• Group Size: Boats hold 1-5 people, which means you can opt for a more intimate experience or join others.
• Accessibility: The activity isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to boat access.

Authenticity and Reviews

Guests consistently comment on the warm, welcoming guides who make the process smooth. Grethe describes the experience as “mesmerizing” and “enchanting,” especially during a full moon. Vandhana highlights it as “great value for money,” praising the boat’s cleanliness and the romantic atmosphere.

Some reviewers mention the experience’s brevity—lasting just over 10 minutes for some—yet most agree it’s enough to leave a lasting impression. Rachael notes that it’s “such a quick experience,” but finds it worthwhile because of the beauty and tranquility. Several have said they returned the following night just to enjoy the peaceful night views again.

Final Thoughts

This floating lantern tour in Hoi An is a beautifully simple activity that captures the city’s tranquil, spiritual side. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful, culturally meaningful moment without fuss or complications. The low price point makes it accessible, and the visual appeal is undeniable—an image of glowing lanterns drifting on the river will stay with you long after the lights go out.

If you’re after a quick but impactful experience that combines tradition, scenery, and a touch of magic, this activity fits the bill. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate calm, picturesque moments and want to connect with local customs in a genuine way.

FAQs

How long does the boat ride last?
The boat cruise typically lasts about 15 minutes, with the entire experience, including lighting and releasing lanterns, taking around 20 minutes.

Where do I meet for the tour?
You meet your guide at the Kazimierz Kwiatkowski bust next to 140 Tran Phu Street in Hoi An’s Old Town.

Is it crowded?
Peak times (18:30-19:30) can be busy, and you’ll need to queue to board, especially during popular hours. Booking outside these times might reduce wait times.

Can I bring my own lantern?
The tour provides a flower-shaped lantern for each person, so bringing your own isn’t necessary unless specified.

Is transportation included?
No, the activity is accessible only on foot from the meeting point. You’re responsible for your transport to and from the start location.

Are there age restrictions?
The activity isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to boat access.

What’s not included in the price?
The UNESCO entrance ticket (120,000 VND) and any food or drinks are not included.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this activity appropriate for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Solo travelers can enjoy a peaceful, contemplative experience, and the small boat size allows for a shared or private ride.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothes are fine. Since it’s outdoors and on the water, consider a light jacket or layers, especially if it’s cooler in the evening.

To sum it up, the Floating Flower Lantern River Boat Ride offers a charming slice of Hoi An’s night life, blending cultural tradition with peaceful scenery. It’s an activity that’s small in duration but big on ambiance—a perfect way to cap your day or simply enjoy an authentic moment of Vietnam’s local customs.

You can check availability for your dates here: