Hoi An’s famous bamboo basket boat ride and lantern boat trip offer a captivating cultural experience. Gliding along the Thu Bon River, visitors will discover traditional fishing villages and witness the release of flower lanterns – a symbolic gesture reflecting personal wishes. This 2-hour tour provides a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage, capturing the essence of Hoi An’s enchanting ambiance. With hotel pickup and a modest price tag, it’s a must-try activity for those seeking an authentic Vietnamese adventure.
Good To Know

- The tour provides a 2-hour experience that includes a Bamboo Basket Boat ride, a Lantern Boat trip, a flower lantern, and a bottle of water.
- Participants will be able to learn about traditional boats and the cultural significance of lanterns while exploring the scenic Thu Bon River.
- The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, seasickness-prone individuals, or those over 95 years old.
- An optional flower lantern making class is available for an additional $5 per person.
- Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and participants can reserve now and pay later.
Tour Overview

Travelers can experience Hoi An’s waterways with a Bamboo Basket Boat Ride and Lantern Boat Trip.
The tour costs $30.44 per person and lasts 2 hours. It includes hotel pickup, the boat rides, a flower lantern for each person, and a bottle of water.
A 2-hour tour for $30.44 per person, with hotel pickup, boat rides, a flower lantern, and a bottle of water.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and customers can reserve now and pay later.
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, those prone to seasickness, or people over 95.
An optional flower lantern making class is available for an additional $5 per person.
Customers should provide their WhatsApp number and hotel for pickup.
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Itinerary Details

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Hoi An.
Travelers then embark on a Bamboo Basket Boat journey along the Thu Bon River, learning about the history of these traditional boats and passing by local fishing villages.
Next, they transfer to a lantern boat, enjoying the colorful lantern displays and learning about their cultural significance.
Throughout the experience, travelers engage with locals and capture photos of Hoi An’s beautiful architecture and scenery.
The tour concludes with the opportunity to personalize and release a lantern into the river, symbolizing one’s wishes.
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Bamboo Basket Boat Experience
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Lantern Boat Excursion
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Cultural Insights
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Lantern Release
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Return to the pier
Bamboo Basket Boat Experience

After hotel pickup in Hoi An, participants board the traditional Bamboo Basket Boats and set off along the serene Thu Bon River.
They’ll learn about the history of these unique boats, which local fishermen have used for centuries. Gliding past picturesque fishing villages, travelers can observe the daily activities of the riverine communities.
The tranquil journey offers a chance to immerse in the region’s culture and natural beauty, with ample opportunities to capture stunning photographs of Hoi An’s iconic architecture and landscapes along the way.
Lantern Boat Excursion

Following the completion of the Bamboo Basket Boat Experience, participants transfer to a lantern boat, where they’ll enjoy the colorful lantern displays and learn about their cultural significance.
The lantern boat excursion offers a unique opportunity to:
Witness the vibrant lantern displays, gain insights into their cultural significance, and personalize a lantern to release into the river.
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Witness the vibrant and intricate lantern displays illuminating the Thu Bon River.
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Gain insights into the cultural heritage and symbolism behind the lanterns.
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Capture stunning photographs of the enchanting river scenery and lantern-lit atmosphere.
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Personalize and release a lantern into the river, symbolizing individual wishes and aspirations.
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Immerse in the serene and peaceful ambiance of the lantern boat experience.
Cultural Insights

As the lantern boat glides along the Thu Bon River, participants can engage with the local residents and capture the architectural charm and natural beauty of Hoi An.
Visitors have the opportunity to interact with the friendly locals, learning about their daily lives and traditions. The colorful lanterns and historic buildings make for stunning photography.
Guests can explore the winding streets, taking in the unique blend of Vietnamese and Chinese influences in the architecture.
This culture provides a deeper understanding of Hoi An’s vibrant heritage and its enduring appeal as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Lantern Release

Towards the end of the tour, participants personalize and release a lantern into the Thu Bon River. This symbolic gesture represents their hopes and wishes. The lantern release is a meaningful cultural experience:
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Participants are provided a small lantern made of colorful paper and bamboo.
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They can write personal messages, prayers, or aspirations on the lantern.
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Once lit, the lantern is gently released onto the water, drifting away.
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Watching the lantern float downstream is a tranquil and reflective moment.
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This tradition is believed to bring good luck and dispel negative energy.
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The Bamboo Basket Boat Ride and Lantern Boat Trip in Hoi An includes several key inclusions for participants.
The Bamboo Basket Boat Ride and Lantern Boat Trip in Hoi An includes several key inclusions for participants.
Hotel pickup, the Bamboo Basket Boat and Lantern Boat trip, a flower lantern for each person, and a bottle of mineral water per person are all part of the package.
However, gratuities, personal expenses, hotel drop-off, and a pickup surcharge for locations beyond 5km from Hoi An center aren’t included.
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, those prone to seasickness, or individuals over 95 years old.
Participants should bring a camera and provide their WhatsApp number and hotel for pickup.
Important Information

This tour may not be suitable for certain travelers. For instance, it’s not recommended for wheelchair users, individuals prone to seasickness, or those over 95 years old.
Guests should also bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty. Be sure to provide your WhatsApp number and hotel location for pickup.
An optional flower lantern making class is available for an additional $5 per person.
This tour offers an immersive cultural experience on the waterways of Hoi An.
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Not suitable for wheelchair users, seasickness-prone, or those over 95 years
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Bring a camera for photos
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Provide WhatsApp number and hotel for pickup
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Optional flower lantern making class ($5 extra)
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Offers an immersive cultural experience on Hoi An’s waterways
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Lantern for the Release?
No, you can’t bring your own lantern for the release. The tour provides a flower lantern for each participant as part of the experience. This allows for a coordinated lantern release activity on the river.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
There’s no option to extend the tour duration. The standard 2-hour tour includes the bamboo boat ride, lantern boat trip, and lantern release. You can, however, add an optional flower lantern making class for an extra $5 per person.
Can I Request a Specific Pickup Time for the Hotel?
Yes, you can request a specific pickup time for the hotel. The tour provider offers hotel pickup, so you can coordinate your preferred pickup time with them when booking the tour.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement for the Tour?
There’s no minimum group size. Folks can book the tour for themselves or with their travel companions. The tour runs regardless of the group size, so solo travelers are welcome to join.
Can I Purchase Additional Bottled Water During the Tour?
Yes, you can purchase additional bottled water during the tour. The tour includes 1 bottle per person, but you’re welcome to buy more if you need it. Just let the guide know, and they’ll be happy to provide it.
The Sum Up
This immersive Hoi An tour offers a unique blend of traditional Vietnamese culture and serene natural beauty. Glide along the Thu Bon River in a bamboo basket boat, then transfer to a lantern-adorned boat to release a flower lantern, all while capturing breathtaking photos of the picturesque scenery. At just $30.44 per person, it’s an affordable and enchanting cultural experience not to be missed.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Boat Tours & Cruises in Hoi An
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