Hoi An: Hoai River Night Boat Trip and Floating Lantern

Hoi An’s Hoai River Night Boat Trip is a captivating cultural experience that shouldn’t be missed. Guests drift along the serene waterway, lighting and releasing traditional flower lanterns as they soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the historic town illuminated by colorful lanterns. This 15-minute journey offers a unique glimpse into the region’s traditions, complemented by access to a nearby bustling night market for an immersive cultural adventure.

Key Points

• The Hoi An Night Boat Trip includes a 15-minute boat ride and the opportunity to light and release a flower lantern into the Hoai River.
• The experience costs $10.17 per person and offers a tranquil view of Hoi An’s historic town and colorful lanterns.
• The wooden boat can accommodate up to 4 people, but may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments.
• Guests can explore the nearby night market after the boat ride, and the activity holds cultural significance in Hoi An.
• Strict policies regarding punctuality, alcohol, and drugs are enforced, and potential wait times can occur during peak evening hours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The Hoi An Night Boat Trip offers visitors a unique experience to light a flower lantern and release it into the Hoai River, symbolizing prayers for luck, peace, health, and fortune.

Priced from $10.17 per person, the 15-minute activity includes the boat ride and lantern lighting. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and travelers can reserve their spot with no upfront payment.

The wooden boat accommodates up to 4 people, though the activity may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments. Visitors should expect potential wait times during the peak evening hours.

Experience Details

During the Hoi An Night Boat Trip, guests can light a flower lantern and release it into the Hoai River, a tradition that symbolizes prayers for luck, peace, health, and fortune.

Floating the lanterns on the tranquil waters allows visitors to enjoy the peaceful night view of Hoi An’s historic town and the colorful glow of the lanterns.

After the boat ride, guests can explore the bustling night market, browsing for souvenirs and local crafts.

This 15-minute experience offers a truly memorable way to take in Hoi An’s captivating atmosphere and timeless traditions.

Logistics

To reach the meeting point for the Hoi An Night Boat Trip, visitors should head to the area opposite 140 Tran Phu Street, where a greeter will guide them to the dock.

The wooden boat can accommodate up to 4 people at a time. While the activity involves walking, it may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments.

Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited during the boat ride. Travelers should arrive on time, as the tour will depart without a refund for late arrivals.

Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited during the boat ride. Travelers should arrive on time, as the tour will depart without a refund for late arrivals.

With the night market nearby, guests can explore the bustling shops after their memorable lantern-lighting experience.

Customer Reviews

Travelers have overall rated the Hoi An Night Boat Trip a solid 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 19 reviews. Guests praised the well-organized experience and friendly staff. One visitor from the UK, Mike, highly recommended the activity, while Susanne from the USA enjoyed the peaceful river journey and memorable lantern release. Hayley from Canada noted the amazing scenery and efficient boarding despite peak hours. The activity seems to offer a truly immersive and authentic cultural experience in Hoi An.

| Reviewer | Location | Rating |

|———-|———-|——–|

| Mike | UK | 5/5 |

| Susanne | USA | 4/5 |

| Hayley | Canada | 5/5 |

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Important Information

Visitors can expect peak hours for the Hoi An Night Boat Trip from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, which may result in a wait in line.

It’s recommended to bring a camera to capture the memorable experience of lighting and releasing the floating lanterns.

No-shows will result in the tour being canceled without a refund, so it’s crucial to arrive on time.

Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited on the boat trip.

The activity requires walking, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments.

Booking and Reservation

Booking the Hoi An Night Boat Trip is flexible, allowing travelers to reserve their spot with no upfront payment.

The booking process is straightforward:

The booking process is straightforward: choose your date, provide your contact, select payment, and confirm your reservation.

1. Choose your desired date and time.

2. Provide your contact information.

3. Select your payment method and complete the reservation.

4. Receive your confirmation, and you’re all set to enjoy the magical night boat experience on the Hoai River.

This "reserve now, pay later" option ensures travelers can secure their spot without any financial commitment upfront.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the Hoi An Night Boat Trip offers peace of mind and flexibility for a memorable evening.

Preparing for the Adventure

To make the most of the Hoi An Night Boat Trip, one should arrive at the meeting point, located opposite 140 Tran Phu Street, a few minutes early. This ensures a smooth boarding process, especially during the peak hours from 7 PM to 8 PM.

Guests should bring a camera to capture the picturesque scenery and the colorful lanterns.

It’s important to note that the activity requires some walking, so those with mobility concerns may want to consider this.

Lastly, guests should refrain from bringing alcohol or drugs, as the tour operator enforces a strict policy on this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Life Jacket Provided During the Boat Ride?

Life jackets aren’t mentioned in the details provided. However, boat tours typically provide safety equipment like life jackets, especially for nighttime river trips. It’s best to check with the tour operator about their safety policies and equipment prior to booking.

Can the Lantern Be Taken Home After the Event?

The lanterns are not taken home after the event. They’re released into the river as part of the tradition, symbolizing wishes and prayers. Participants can enjoy the experience of lighting and launching the lanterns during the boat ride.

Is the Boat Ride Guided or Self-Guided?

The boat ride is guided, with a paddler who guides the wooden boat along the river. Travelers don’t operate the boat themselves, allowing them to fully enjoy the peaceful night view and releasing the lanterns.

Can I Bring My Own Lantern to Release?

No, passengers can’t bring their own lanterns. The experience includes lighting and releasing a pre-made flower lantern provided by the tour operator. This ensures consistency and safety for the group activity on the river.

Are There Any Minimum Age Requirements for Participation?

There are no minimum age requirements to participate. Children are welcome on the boat trip, though they’ll need an adult to assist with lighting and releasing the lantern.

The Sum Up

The Hoi An Hoai River Night Boat Trip offers a truly enchanting cultural experience. With the opportunity to light and release a traditional flower lantern, visitors can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Hoi An’s historic town. At just $10.17 per person, this 15-minute journey is a memorable way to explore the serene river and nearby bustling night market, making it a must-do for those visiting the region.

You can check availability for your dates here: