Exploring the enchanting Hoai River by night in Hoi An is a must-do activity for visitors. This captivating boat trip offers a chance to witness the local culture and traditions firsthand. Passengers can release lanterns onto the river, symbolizing prayers for luck and peace. With an English-speaking guide leading the small group, travelers can enjoy the serene atmosphere and capture unforgettable memories. At just $8.34 per person, this 20-minute excursion provides an affordable and unique experience that shouldn’t be missed.
- Key Points
- Activity Overview
- Booking Information
- Itinerary Highlights
- Experience Details
- Important Information
- Preparing for the Boat Trip
- Capturing Memorable Moments
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Bring My Own Lantern for the Release?
- Is There Any Age Restriction for Participants?
- What if the Weather Is Bad on the Day of the Trip?
- Can I Customize the Design of the Lantern I Release?
- Is There an Option to Extend the Boat Trip Duration?
- The Sum Up
- More Food & Drink Experiences in Hoi An
- More Tours in Hoi An
- More Tour Reviews in Hoi An
- Still browsing? Here are more Hoi An experiences we've covered recently
Key Points

- The Hoai River Boat Trip by Night is a 20-minute experience with a 15-minute boat ride and a lantern release activity.
- The boat trip is limited to 10 participants and an English-speaking instructor is available for guidance.
- The activity starts at the Kazimierz Kwiatkowski bust in Hoi An Old Town and involves sightseeing along the Hoai River.
- The lantern release symbolizes prayers for luck and peace, showcasing the local culture and traditions of Hoi An.
- Guests should arrive on time, coordinate group size, and avoid bringing large bags or luggage, as well as alcohol and drugs during the experience.
Activity Overview

One of the main activities offered is the Hoai River Boat Trip by Night with Lantern Release. Priced from $8.34 per person, this 20-minute experience includes 15 minutes on a boat.
Limited to 10 participants, it’s a small group activity with an English-speaking instructor. Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The experience starts at the Kazimierz Kwiatkowski bust in Hoi An Old Town, offering boat rides, photo stops, and the chance to release a lantern into the river, symbolizing prayers for luck and peace.
Love the evening vibe? Here are more after-sunset activities we've covered in Hoi An
Booking Information

Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later to secure their place for the Hoai River Boat Trip by Night with Lantern Release. This booking option requires no upfront payment.
Reserve your spot now and pay later for the Hoai River Boat Trip by Night with Lantern Release, with no upfront payment required.
If plans change, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The meeting point is the Kazimierz Kwiatkowski bust, located at 138 Tran Phu Street in Hoi An Old Town. Participants should arrive at the designated meeting point as the activity is only accessible on foot.
Small groups are limited to 10 people, ensuring an intimate experience guided by an English-speaking instructor.
Itinerary Highlights

The Hoai River Boat Trip by Night with Lantern Release begins at the Kazimierz Kwiatkowski bust, located on 138 Tran Phu Street in Hoi An Old Town.
Participants will take a boat ride along the Hoai River, enjoying photo stops and sightseeing.
The main activity is releasing a lantern into the river, symbolizing prayers for luck and peace.
This authentic night experience showcases the local culture of Hoi An, with the lantern release ritual representing hope, good health, and fortune.
Participants will experience joy and excitement during this unique and memorable activity.
Experience Details

This Hoai River boat trip by night offers an authentic night experience in Hoi An, showcasing the local culture.
The lantern release represents hopes for luck, good health, and fortune. Participants will experience joy and excitement during this ritual, as they release their own lantern into the river.
The small group size, limited to 10 people, ensures an intimate and memorable journey. Communication may be limited, as the boats are operated by local boatmen.
But visitors can enjoy the serene ambiance of the Hoai River, taking in the sights and capturing the moment through photographs.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information

One boat can accommodate 1-5 people, so visitors should plan their group size accordingly.
There are a few important things to keep in mind:
-
No large bags or luggage are allowed on the boats.
-
Alcohol and drugs are prohibited during the activity.
-
Communication with the local boat operators may be limited, as they primarily speak Vietnamese.
-
The activity is only accessible on foot, so guests must arrive at the designated meeting point to participate.
Like being on the water? We've looked at these other boat experiences in Hoi An
- Hoi An: My Son Sanctuary Tour With Cruise Trip
- My Son Amazing Sunset Tour With Banh My & Cruise By Group
- Hoian/ Danang: Coconut Basket Boat and Hoi an City Tour
- Hoi An/Da Nang: Vegetarian Cooking Class & Basket Boat Ride
- Hoi An: My Son Holly Land & Cruise Luxury Group Tour
- Hoi An: Market Tour – Cam Thanh Cooking Class & Basket Boat
Preparing for the Boat Trip

Before heading out on the Hoai River boat trip, visitors should ensure they’re properly prepared.
It’s essential to arrive at the meeting point, the Kazimierz Kwiatkowski bust on 138 Tran Phu Street, on time. As the boats can only accommodate 1-5 people, it’s best to coordinate with the group in advance.
Travelers should leave any large bags or luggage behind, as they’re not allowed on the boats. Plus, alcohol and drugs are prohibited during the experience.
Once ready, participants can look forward to an authentic night on the river, releasing their lanterns and experiencing Hoi An’s local culture.
Capturing Memorable Moments

The Hoai River boat trip offers a captivating canvas for memorable moments. With the gentle current, glowing lanterns, and serene ambiance, there are ample opportunities to capture the essence of this cultural experience:
-
Snap breathtaking shots of the lanterns drifting along the river, creating a mesmerizing display of light and reflection.
-
Capture candid moments of your group’s expressions as they release their lanterns, filled with hope and wonder.
-
Immortalize the picturesque riverside scenery, from the quaint buildings to the silhouettes of the boats.
-
Savor the peaceful atmosphere by taking a short video, preserving the tranquil sights and sounds.
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Lantern for the Release?
No, participants can’t bring their own lanterns. The activity provides a lantern for each participant to release into the Hoai River as part of the experience. Bringing outside lanterns is not allowed.
Is There Any Age Restriction for Participants?
There’s no age restriction for participants on the Hoai River boat trip. Children are welcome to join, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The activity is suitable for all ages.
What if the Weather Is Bad on the Day of the Trip?
If the weather is bad on the day of the trip, the operator will contact you to discuss options, which may include rescheduling or cancelling with a full refund. They’ll work to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Can I Customize the Design of the Lantern I Release?
No, the lanterns have a standard design. You can’t customize them, but the release is still a meaningful experience as the lanterns represent hopes and wishes for luck and peace when floating down the river.
Is There an Option to Extend the Boat Trip Duration?
The boat trip duration can’t be extended, but customers can customize the design of their lantern for an additional fee. The standard 15-minute boat ride is not flexible, though larger group sizes may be accommodated upon request.
The Sum Up

The Hoai River Boat Trip by Night in Hoi An offers an enchanting experience that lets you learn about the local culture and traditions. With a scenic boat ride, releasing lanterns, and an English-speaking guide, it’s a captivating 20-minute activity priced at just $8.34 per person. Don’t miss the opportunity to symbolically pray for luck and peace while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of Hoi An.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Food & Drink Experiences in Hoi An
More Tours in Hoi An
- Hoi An Evening Food Tour By Bike
- Hue City Tour with HaiVan Pass From Hoian and Danang
- Exploring Cham Island Tour with Speed Boat in Hoi An
- My Son Holyland luxury morning tour from Hoi An
- Vivid Distillery Tour Boutique Rhum & Cocktail Class Hoi An
- Hoi An Ancient Town Tour with Boat Ride and Lantern Release
More Tour Reviews in Hoi An
Still browsing? Here are more Hoi An experiences we've covered recently
- The 12 Most Popular Tours In Hoi An
- 15 Best Tours & Experiences In Hoi An
- From Hoi An/Da Nang:My Son Sanctuary & Hoi An City Day Trip
- Hoi An Evening Food Tour By Bike
- Hue City Tour with HaiVan Pass From Hoian and Danang
- Exploring Cham Island Tour with Speed Boat in Hoi An
- My Son Holyland luxury morning tour from Hoi An
- Cheap 30 Minute Hoi An Photoshoot
- Experience Da Nang Hoi An to Hue via Bach Ma National Park Trekki
- Cam kim Islands & Rural countryside adventure
- Vivid Distillery Tour Boutique Rhum & Cocktail Class Hoi An
- My Son Sanctuary Morning & Early Morning w. Coconut Jungle
