Hoi An’s floating flower lantern river boat ride offers a truly enchanting experience after dark. Gliding along the illuminated Thu Bon River, passengers can release their own flower-shaped lanterns, making a personal wish as the lanterns drift into the night sky. This cherished cultural ritual symbolizes hope, luck, and peace, while also providing stunning photo opportunities of the picturesque scene. Those seeking a serene and memorable activity won’t want to miss this serene and immersive experience.
Key Points

- Experience a scenic 15-minute boat cruise along the Thu Bon River, taking in the city’s vibrant illumination by lanterns.
- Participate in the ritual of releasing a flower-shaped lantern to symbolize hopes for luck and peace.
- Capture the awe-inspiring contrast of glowing lanterns against the night sky for stunning photography opportunities.
- The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to limited accessibility.
- Instant booking confirmation with limited availability, and no upfront payment required with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
Exploring the Floating Flower Lantern Experience

As visitors embark on the floating flower lantern river boat ride in Hoi An, they can expect a captivating experience that immerses them in the local cultural traditions.
The 15-minute boat cruise takes them along the Thu Bon River, offering scenic views of the city illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns.
At the heart of the experience is the release of a flower-shaped lantern, allowing participants to make a personal wish as they watch it drift away.
As participants release their flower-shaped lanterns, they make a personal wish to be carried away on the currents.
This ritual symbolizes hopes and prayers for luck and peace, connecting visitors with Hoi An’s vibrant cultural heritage.
Love the evening vibe? Here are more after-sunset activities we've covered in Hoi An
Hoi An’s Picturesque River Cruise

The floating flower lantern river boat ride in Hoi An offers visitors a captivating journey along the Thu Bon River.
During this 15-minute cruise, guests will be awestruck by the city’s picturesque illumination, as lanterns float gently atop the water.
Disembarking at the designated meeting point, passengers can release their own flower-shaped lantern, making a wish as it drifts away.
This cultural ritual symbolizes hopes for luck and peace.
With stunning views and an immersive experience, the Hoi An river cruise provides an unforgettable glimpse into the city’s vibrant nightlife and enchanting traditions.
Releasing Lanterns: A Cultural Ritual

Releasing a flower-shaped lantern onto the waters of the Thu Bon River is a time-honored cultural ritual in Hoi An.
As part of the floating flower lantern river boat ride, participants can make a wish as they set their lantern afloat. This tradition symbolizes hopes and prayers for good luck, peace, and prosperity.
Participants make a wish as they set their lantern afloat, symbolizing hopes for good luck, peace, and prosperity.
The gentle drift of the lanterns creates a serene and picturesque sight, as the old town’s buildings are illuminated around the river.
Capturing this moment on camera is a popular activity, allowing visitors to preserve memories of this meaningful cultural experience.
Capturing Memorable Moments

What better way to capture the magic of the floating flower lanterns than through the lens of a camera? The boat ride offers prime opportunities to snap stunning photos of the lanterns drifting peacefully on the Thu Bon River.
Capture the breathtaking contrast of the glowing lanterns against the night sky. Frame the silhouettes of historic buildings lining the riverbank. Get creative by including the boat or your fellow passengers in the shot.
With a bit of skill and luck, you’ll return home with awe-inspiring keepsakes to share with friends and family.
More Great Tours NearbyTransportation and Meeting Point

To begin the experience, you will meet at the Kazimierz Kwiatkowski bust, located next to 140 Tran Phu street in Hoi An’s Old Town. From this designated meeting point, the group will board a boat for a 15-minute cruise along the Thu Bon River.
| Details | Information |
| — | — |
| Location | Hoi An, Vietnam |
| Meeting Point | Kazimierz Kwiatkowski bust, next to 140 Tran Phu street in Hoi An’s Old Town |
| Group Size | Limited to 5 participants |
| Language | English |
| Accessibility | Not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users |
The boat ride and lantern release offer a unique cultural experience, allowing participants to engage in a local ritual and admire the serene setting of the river at night.
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
- 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
- Hoi An/Da Nang: Market Tour, Boat Ride, and Cooking Class
Booking and Cancellation Details

Customers can reserve the Floating Flower Lantern River Boat Ride experience online without any upfront payment. The booking process is simple and flexible:
-
No advance payment required
-
Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior for a full refund
-
Instant confirmation upon booking
-
Easy modification of reservation details
-
Limited availability, so early booking is recommended
However, it’s important to note that this activity isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.
Customer Reviews and Ratings

The Floating Flower Lantern River Boat Ride in Hoi An has earned an impressive overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 136 customer reviews. Customers were particularly pleased with the transportation (4.6/5) and the knowledgeable guides (4.3/5). Many highlighted the memorable experience and the picturesque setting, praising the value for money.
| Ratings | Score |
| — | — |
| Overall | 4.4/5 |
| Guide | 4.3/5 |
| Transportation | 4.6/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.3/5 |
| Highlights | Memorable experience, picturesque setting |
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Lantern Design?
The activity does not allow participants to customize the lantern design. The lanterns provided are pre-made and uniform in appearance. Customization options are not offered as part of this experience.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement?
There’s no minimum age requirement for this experience. Children are welcome to participate, though parental supervision is advised for younger participants to ensure their safety during the boat ride and lantern release.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks. The experience only includes a 15-minute boat trip and one floating lantern per person. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed during the activity.
Are Life Jackets Provided During the Boat Ride?
Life jackets are provided for all participants during the boat ride. This ensures the safety of guests and is a standard requirement for any river-based activity. The tour company prioritizes providing a secure and enjoyable experience.
How Many Lanterns Can I Release per Person?
The experience includes 1 floating lantern per person. Participants are allowed to release their lanterns while making a wish during the 15-minute boat ride on the river.
The Sum Up

The Floating Flower Lantern River Boat Ride in Hoi An offers a serene and enchanting experience. Glide along the Thu Bon River, releasing your own flower-shaped lantern as you make a personal wish. Capture stunning photographs of the glowing lanterns against the night sky, creating unforgettable memories of this cherished cultural ritual. It’s a must-do activity for any visitor to Hoi An.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Boat Tours & Cruises in Hoi An
- Private Hoi An Bike, Thu Bon River Cruise & Dinner Experience
- Hoi An Cooking Class(Local market,Basket Boat,Fishing & Cooking)
- Sunset Eco and BBQ Dinner in Cruise Boat
- Hoi An Countryside – Buffalo Riding – Basket Boat Rowing
- My Son Sanctuary and cruise trip from Hoi An/ Da Nang
- Buffalo Riding, Basket Boat Tour And Cooking Class
More Tours in Hoi An
More Tour Reviews in Hoi An
- Hoi An hidden food evening adventure
- Experience Making Pottery with Craftsmen in Thanh Ha
- Ba Na Hill- Golden Bridge-Fantasy Park from Da Nang/ Hoi An 1 Day
- Hoi An: Half-day Excursion To My Son Sanctuary Tour
- Private Hoi An Bike, Thu Bon River Cruise & Dinner Experience
- Hue City Trip By Private Car From Hoi An or Da Nang
Still browsing? Here are more Hoi An experiences we've covered recently
- PRIVATE GuidedTOUR to Marble Mountain-Am Phu Cave-Monkey Mountain
- Hoi An hidden food evening adventure
- Experience Making Pottery with Craftsmen in Thanh Ha
- Ba Na Hill- Golden Bridge-Fantasy Park from Da Nang/ Hoi An 1 Day
- Hoi An: Half-day Excursion To My Son Sanctuary Tour
- Private Hoi An Bike, Thu Bon River Cruise & Dinner Experience
- Hue City Trip By Private Car From Hoi An or Da Nang
- Countryside Adventure Private Tour by Electric Car
- Private transfer Danang airport – Hotels in Hoi An town
- Ao Dai Rental Hoi An
- Express Hoi An Lantern Making Class-Foldable lanterns
- DaNang Airport Transfer to Hoi An by private car or vice versa
