Exploring the historic town of Hoi An, Vietnam, offers a unique opportunity to take in the local culture. The Hoi An Lantern Boat and Folk Song Games Walking Tour provides a captivating experience, combining a serene boat ride, traditional folk games, and an introduction to the town’s vibrant culinary scene. From releasing lanterns on the Hoai River to participating in lively folk song games, this tour promises to unveil the enchanting hidden gems of Hoi An.
Good To Know

- This walking tour in Hoi An offers a unique cultural experience, including a lantern boat ride, folk song games, and local food tastings.
- The tour explores off-the-beaten-path sites like the central market, temples, and night market, providing an authentic glimpse into the everyday lives of Hoi An residents.
- Participants can engage in a 30-minute lantern boat ride along the Hoai River and release a floating lantern for good fortune.
- The tour includes interactive traditional Vietnamese folk song games with local artists, allowing for a cultural exchange and learning experience.
- Visitors can taste local cuisine, such as Cao Lau noodles and White Rose delicacies, as part of the immersive food-tasting component of the tour.
Tour Overview and Pricing

The Hoi An Lantern Boat/Folk Song Games/Local Foods-Walking Tour offers a comprehensive and immersive experience for visitors to the historic city.
A comprehensive and immersive experience for visitors to the historic city of Hoi An.
Priced from $4.07 per person, the tour lasts 1-4 hours and includes a lantern boat ride, participation in folk song games, and tastings of local cuisines.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.
The tour explores off-the-beaten-path sites, such as the central market, temples, and the vibrant night market.
Inclusions cover the boat ride, a private guide, local foods, and entrance fees, while tips and personal expenses are excluded.
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Tour Highlights

This walking tour offers a diverse range of highlights to immerse visitors in the cultural riches of Hoi An.
Explore lesser-known sites like the central market, temples, and Chinese assembly halls.
Set out on a 30-minute lantern boat ride along the Hoai River, culminating in a lantern-releasing experience.
Participate in lively folk song games with local artists, gaining firsthand insights into Vietnam’s vibrant traditions.
Indulge in a sampling of Hoi An’s renowned local cuisine, including the famous Cao Lau noodles and White Rose delicacies.
Finally, learn about the vibrant night market, surrounded by the enchanting glow of lantern lights.
Exploring Unlisted Sites in Hoi An

As visitors embark on this walking tour, they’ll have the opportunity to explore a range of lesser-known sites that showcase Hoi An’s rich cultural heritage.
The tour includes visits to the central market, where locals trade fresh produce and handmade crafts. Guests will also discover hidden temples, pagodas, and Chinese assembly halls, each with its own unique architectural style and spiritual significance.
These off-the-beaten-path destinations provide a glimpse into the everyday lives of Hoi An’s residents, offering a more authentic and immersive cultural experience.
Lantern Boat Ride on the Hoai River

After exploring the cultural sites around Hoi An, the walking tour takes visitors on a serene lantern boat ride along the Hoai River.
For 30 minutes, guests glide peacefully, surrounded by the soft glow of lanterns. This tranquil experience allows for appreciating the town’s historic architecture and Sino-Vietnamese influences reflected in the buildings lining the riverbanks.
Guests can even participate in the meaningful ritual of releasing a floating lantern, symbolizing the letting go of worries and the welcoming of good fortune.
This highlight of the tour provides a truly immersive cultural encounter in the heart of Hoi An.
More Great Tours NearbyParticipation in Folk Song Games

Visitors on the walking tour also have the opportunity to participate in traditional Vietnamese folk song games with local artists.
These interactive games allow travelers to enjoy the country’s vibrant cultural heritage. The experience includes:
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Learning and singing along to classic Vietnamese folk songs
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Engaging in call-and-response singing with the local performers
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Playing interactive games that incorporate traditional music and movements
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Receiving guidance and feedback from the skilled artists to enhance the cultural exchange
This hands-on activity provides a memorable and authentic glimpse into Vietnam’s rich musical traditions.
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Tasting Local Foods

Along With the culture through folk song games, the walking tour also allows visitors to savor the local flavors of Hoi An.
Guests will have the chance to taste authentic Cao Lau noodles, a regional specialty featuring chewy noodles, pork, and herbs. The tour also includes sampling the delicate White Rose, a steamed dumpling filled with shrimp and pork.
These hidden local eateries provide an authentic dining experience, immersing participants in the culinary traditions of Hoi An. The tour guide will ensure guests fully enjoy these distinctive local delicacies during the walking tour.
Visiting the Hoi An Night Market

The walking tour culminates with a visit to the vibrant Hoi An Night Market, where participants can enjoy the lively atmosphere.
The market features:
A vibrant array of local handicrafts, from handmade lanterns to traditional embroidered items, await visitors at the Hoi An Night Market.
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Vibrant lantern lights that illuminate the stalls and pathways, creating a magical ambiance.
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A wide array of local handicrafts, ranging from handmade lanterns and silk paintings to traditional embroidered items and pottery.
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Food vendors offering a delectable spread of Vietnamese street food, including sizzling banh mi, fragrant pho, and delicate white rose dumplings.
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The opportunity to interact with friendly local vendors and gain insight into the daily life of the Hoi An community.
Inclusions, Exclusions, and Participant Restrictions
The walking tour includes several noteworthy inclusions, though some exclusions and participant restrictions apply.
The tour covers a lantern boat ride, a private English-speaking host, local food tastings, and mineral water. However, tips and personal expenses are excluded.
Plus, there are weight restrictions for participants, ranging from 110 kg to 150 kg, depending on the tour operator. These restrictions ensure the safety and comfort of all guests.
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement to Participate in the Tour?
The tour does not specify a minimum age requirement. However, participants must meet the weight restrictions outlined, which range from 118 kg to 150 kg. Guests should check these limits before booking.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is not wheelchair accessible, as it includes a lantern boat ride and walking to various sites. Guests with mobility concerns should contact the tour operator to discuss alternative options.
Can Children Under 12 Join the Tour for Free?
Children under 12 can’t join the tour for free. The tour has age-based participant restrictions, but doesn’t specify any discounted rates for children. Guests would need to pay the standard $4.07 per person rate for kids under 12.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Lantern for the Boat Ride?
No, participants don’t need to bring their own lanterns. The tour includes a 30-minute lantern boat ride, and lanterns are provided as part of the experience. Visitors can simply enjoy the ride and release the lanterns on the river.
Can I Take Photographs During the Folk Song Performance?
Participants can take photographs during the folk song performance, as the tour encourages culture and documentation. However, it’s polite to avoid obstructing the performers or distracting other guests.
The Sum Up
The Hoi An Lantern Boat and Folk Song Games Walking Tour offers a unique cultural experience. Guests can soak in the serene river views, participate in lively folk activities, and savor local cuisine – all while discovering the hidden gems of this historic town. It’s an immersive way to explore Hoi An’s enchanting atmosphere and vibrant nightlife.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Boat Tours & Cruises in Hoi An
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