Hoi An, a charming city in central Vietnam, offers a unique cultural experience through its city tour with a lantern release and boat ride. This enchanting 4.5-hour journey immerses visitors in the vibrant local market, historical landmarks, and traditional cuisine. With convenient transportation and an English-speaking guide, travelers can effortlessly explore Hoi An‘s captivating sights and traditions. But the true highlight lies in the opportunity to release a lantern, a symbolic gesture for good luck, as the sun sets over the peaceful Thu Bon River.

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Good To Know

A 4.5-hour Hoi An city tour that includes visits to the Hoi An Market, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, Japanese Bridge, and handicraft shops.
Features a boat ride and flower lantern release for good luck as part of the tour.
Includes transportation, entrance fees, a traditional meal, and an English-speaking guide.
Offers pickup and drop-off from multiple locations across Hoi An, minimizing travel time.
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and an extra fee may apply on specific dates.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This Hoi An City Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the historic and culturally rich city. Priced from $33.69 per person, the 4.5-hour tour is available in English and can accommodate private or small groups.

Highlights include visiting the Hoi An Market, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, Japanese Bridge, and local handicraft shops. Guests will also enjoy a boat ride and release a flower lantern for good luck.

Pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, and a traditional Hoi An-style meal are included. The tour is easily accessible on foot, though boat capacity is limited to 1-5 people.

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Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at 2:30 pm from Hoi An City Center hotels, where visitors can enjoy the vibrant Hoi An Market.

Next, they’ll explore the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall and the iconic Japanese Bridge, admiring the intricate carvings and paintings.

At the Museum of Folk Culture, guests learn about local traditions. The tour includes visits to handicraft shops and art galleries.

The highlight is a boat ride and the release of a flower lantern for good luck.

Dinner features Hoi An’s specialty dishes, either a set menu for groups or street food for private tours.

Transportation and Pickup

The tour provides 6 convenient pickup locations across Hoi An, including Thanh Khê District, Điện Dương, Hải Châu District, Ngũ Hành Sơn, and Sơn Trà.

Travelers can choose the most suitable option for their location. Transportation is via a van, with a 1-hour drive each way.

The same pickup locations are used for drop-off at the end of the tour. This comprehensive transportation service ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing guests to focus on exploring the historical charm of Hoi An.

The tour itinerary is designed to maximize sightseeing while minimizing time spent traveling.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a range of services to ensure a comprehensive and hassle-free experience. Pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, an English-speaking guide, a boat ride, and flower lantern release are all included. Mineral water is also provided. However, personal expenses, tips, and services not mentioned are excluded. Plus, there is an extra fee for children under 4 years old for the boat ride.

| Inclusions | Exclusions |

| — | — |

| Pickup and drop-off | Personal expenses |

| Entrance fees | Tips & gratuities |

| English-speaking guide | Services not mentioned |

| Boat ride and lantern release | Boat ride for children under 4 (extra fee) |

| Mineral water | |

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Important Information

What should visitors bring for the Hoi An City Tour?

Comfortable shoes are a must, as the tour involves a lot of walking.

Bringing a camera is highly recommended to capture the charming sights and cultural experiences.

It’s also advisable to have some cash on hand for any personal expenses or optional activities.

The tour is accessible only on foot, and the boat used for the boat ride and lantern release can accommodate 1-5 people.

Visitors should also be aware that there may be an extra fee on specific dates, such as 30/4-1/5 and 01/01/2026.

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Exploring Hoi An Market

A vibrant market, Hoi An Market is the perfect starting point for visitors to enjoy the local culture and explore the city’s rich tapestry of traditions.

From colorful stalls displaying an array of fresh produce to artisanal handicrafts and textiles, the market offers a captivating sensory experience.

Vibrant stalls displaying fresh produce, artisanal handicrafts, and textiles offer a captivating sensory experience at Hoi An Market.

Visitors can observe local vendors expertly negotiating prices, sample delectable street food, and browse the diverse selection of souvenirs.

With its lively atmosphere and unique offerings, Hoi An Market provides a glimpse into the daily life and traditions of this charming ancient town.

Discovering Local Handicrafts and Art

As visitors stroll through the picturesque streets of Hoi An, they’re met with an abundance of local handicrafts and artworks that showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage.

The tour includes stops at various galleries and shops, where travelers can browse handcrafted ceramics, woven textiles, lacquerware, and intricate wood carvings.

These items reflect the skilled artistry of local craftsmen who’ve honed their techniques over generations.

Visitors can interact with the artists, learn about their processes, and even purchase unique souvenirs to take home.

This immersive experience offers a deeper appreciation for Hoi An’s vibrant artistic traditions.

Boat Ride and Lantern Release

After exploring the historic sites and local handicrafts, the tour culminates in a serene boat ride and lantern release on the Thu Bồn River.

The relaxing boat journey allows visitors to admire the picturesque riverside scenery and architecture of Hoi An. Participants then have the chance to release a flower lantern, symbolizing wishes for good luck and prosperity.

A relaxing boat ride allows visitors to admire Hoi An’s picturesque riverside scenery and architecture before releasing flower lanterns for good luck and prosperity.

This tranquil experience is a highlight of the tour, providing a peaceful moment to reflect on the day’s discoveries. The tour ends with a delicious local dinner, leaving visitors with a rich understanding of Hoi An’s culture and traditions.

Serene boat ride on Thu Bồn River
Release flower lanterns for good luck
Admire riverside scenery and architecture
Conclude with a local Hoi An dinner

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no specific dress code for this tour. Comfortable, casual clothing and walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves exploring the city on foot. Participants should dress appropriately for the weather and planned activities.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, participants are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes select meals and water, and outside food and drinks are generally not permitted. Travelers should plan to enjoy the included dining experiences during the tour.

Is There an Age Limit for the Boat Ride?

There’s no age limit for the boat ride, but children under 4 years old need to pay an extra fee of $3 for the boat ticket. The tour’s boat capacity is 1-5 people.

Do I Need to Know Vietnamese for the Tour?

No, you do not need to know Vietnamese for this tour. The tour provides an English-speaking guide, so you can enjoy the experience comfortably without needing to speak the local language.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

The tour duration can’t be extended, as it’s a set 4.5-hour itinerary. However, you can choose a private tour option which offers more flexibility in pacing. This allows you to customize the experience to your needs.

The Sum Up

The Hoi An City Tour offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s vibrant history and culture. Guests can enjoy local traditions, from browsing the bustling market to releasing a lantern on the river. With convenient transportation, an expert guide, and a delightful meal, this tour provides a hassle-free way to experience the enchanting beauty of Hoi An.