Hoi An : Lantern Boat Ride & Flower Lantern Making Class.

Exploring the Charm of Hoi An: Lantern Boat Ride & Flower Lantern Making Class

Stepping into Hoi An at night feels like entering a fairytale, with glowing lanterns illuminating narrow alleyways and reflecting beautifully on the Thu Bon River. The Lantern Boat Ride & Flower Lantern Making Class from Hoi An Lantern Boat Tours offers an authentic way to connect with local traditions while enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the old town after sunset. Although it’s a short experience—just about 1.5 hours—it packs a punch in both cultural insight and visual delight.

What really makes this tour shine is the chance to handcraft your own paper lanterns, the calming boat trip along the river, and the chance to participate in a beloved local tradition of releasing lanterns with heartfelt wishes. The tour is well-loved, with reviews highlighting friendly guides, stunning views, and the chance for unique photos. That said, the noise from lively bars along the river might detract slightly from the serenity for some.

If you’re someone who appreciates cultural activities, loves scenic night views, and wants a meaningful, don’t-miss memory of Hoi An, this tour is a great pick. It’s suitable for travelers of most ages, especially those eager to engage with local artistry and enjoy a tranquil evening on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Experience: Learn the art of traditional lantern making directly from local artisans
• Beautiful Scenery: Enjoy a peaceful wooden boat ride on the Thu Bon River at sunset and after dark
• Personalized Keepsake: Create and decorate your own flower lantern to take home or release into the river
• Local Interactions: Watch and engage with locals along the riverbank, gaining insights into their daily routines
• Affordable and Complete: The tour’s $20 price includes guided instruction, a scenic boat ride, and a memorable cultural activity
• Ideal for Night Lovers & Culture Seekers: Perfect for those wanting a relaxed yet enriching evening activity

A Closer Look at the Experience

How the Tour Starts: Convenient Pick-up and Introduction

The tour begins with a hassle-free pick-up from your hotel or any location within 1-5 km of Hoi An’s key sights, such as the Central Market or Ancient Town. Whether you opt for a Grab ride or a motorbike, the goal is to get you comfortably to the workshop without fuss. We appreciate this because it means no stress trying to find a meeting point, especially after a busy day of sightseeing.

Once at the workshop, you’ll meet your guide—someone like the friendly and patient staff that reviewers mention—who will introduce you to the centuries-old tradition of lantern crafting. The hands-on part is straightforward but fun: you’ll be guided on how to assemble your own paper lanterns, using candles and paper, and perhaps even write wishes on them. It’s a simple activity but surprisingly satisfying, especially when you see your finished product glow.

The Lantern Making Workshop: Crafting Memories

The lanterns are more than just decorative objects—they’re a symbol of hope and good fortune. As you create your lanterns, your guide will share stories and insights about the significance of this craft in local culture. Reviewers have loved the patience and kindness of their guides, with one noting they made 4-5 lanterns each, which is plenty to feel engaged but not overwhelmed.

The experience is not rushed, and you’ll have ample time to get creative, decorate, and perhaps even add your personal touch before the final step: writing a wish on your lantern. This detail adds a meaningful layer to the activity, transforming it from a simple craft into a heartfelt ritual.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Scenic Boat Ride: Witnessing Hoi An at Night

After your lanterns are ready, it’s time to switch gears to the serene boat trip. You’ll board a charming wooden boat, gently gliding along the Thu Bon River just as the sun sets. During this peaceful ride, you’ll be treated to views of Hoi An’s ancient town draped in the warm glow of lanterns and lights from riverside cafes and homes.

The boat ride is described as calming and picturesque, perfect for capturing memorable photos or just soaking in the ambiance. One reviewer mentioned that “releasing the lanterns from the boat was magical,” highlighting the tranquil, almost spiritual feeling of this part of the tour. The gentle current of the river and the soft glow of floating lanterns create a quiet spectacle that you’ll want to savor.

Making a Wish and Releasing Your Lantern

The highlight? Making a heartfelt wish with your personal lantern before releasing it into the water. The tradition is believed to send your hopes skyward, with many locals and visitors alike participating in this beautiful custom. Reviewers like Lea mentioned that “releasing them from the boat was magical,” emphasizing the emotional and aesthetic impact of this moment.

A small tip from seasoned travelers: try to hold onto your lantern until the release—some mention that the sight of multiple glowing lanterns drifting away is worth the wait. Keep in mind that while the activity is largely peaceful, the lively music from riverside bars might be audible, which can slightly detract from the serenity for those seeking total quiet.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The $20 price point offers a lot of value for what’s included:

• Hotel pickup within a 1-5 km radius, making logistics simple and convenient
• Lantern-making workshop led by friendly guides where you craft and decorate your own lanterns
• Scenic boat ride on the Thu Bon River to view the glowing old town at night
• Knowledgeable English-speaking guide who shares educational insights and cultural context
• A 500ml bottle of water to stay hydrated during the activity

However, it’s important to note what isn’t included:

• Personal expenses like souvenirs, additional food or drinks, or other activities
• Hotel drop-off—transportation back to your hotel after the tour might require a taxi, which can incur extra charges
• Pick-up outside of Hoi An’s center or beyond the 5 km radius, potentially with surcharge

This package is particularly well-suited for travelers looking for an affordable, well-organized cultural experience without extra fuss or hidden costs.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Reviewers like Lea have called the tour “such a lovely activity,” praising their guide’s kindness and patience. She shared that her group made 4-5 lanterns and found releasing them from the boat to be “magical.” However, she also pointed out the downside of noisy riverside bars, which could interfere with the peaceful ambiance for some.

Another review highlighted the value of engaging guides, noting that they provided a personal touch that made the activity more meaningful. Many found the views—especially with the glowing lanterns floating on the river—to be breathtaking, perfect for capturing special photographs.

From these insights, it’s clear that the experience’s success depends a bit on your expectations—if you’re looking for tranquility, be aware that lively nightlife nearby might be audible. But if you’re after a culturally immersive, scenic, and interactive activity, it’s hard to go wrong here.

Practical Tips for Your Tour

• Book in advance to secure a spot, especially during peak season
• Arrive a few minutes early to get settled and meet your guide
• Bring your phone or camera for photos—this experience lends itself to gorgeous shots
• Wear comfortable clothes—crafting lanterns and sitting on the boat are casual activities, but avoid overly fancy attire
• Participate fully—write your wishes on the lantern, as it adds a personal touch to the experience
• Respect local traditions—the lantern release is a meaningful ritual, so approach it with reverence

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Lantern Boat Ride & Flower Lantern Making Class is perfect for travelers who want more than just sightseeing during their stay in Hoi An. It’s suited for those interested in hands-on cultural activities, scenic night views, and participating in meaningful traditions. The fact that the tour is affordable and includes hotel pickup makes it accessible and easy to add to your itinerary.

If you’re traveling with family, friends, or even solo and love capturing beautiful moments, this tour offers both relaxation and authentic engagement with local customs. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy quiet, reflective activities that leave you with a handmade souvenir and a collection of photos to remember the night.

While it’s not a secluded or entirely silent experience—thanks to nearby bars—it makes up for it with genuine charm, friendly guides, and a chance to be part of a cherished Vietnamese tradition. This is a lovely way to spend an enchanting evening in Hoi An, with memories that will glow as brightly as the lanterns you create.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 1.5 hours, including the lantern-making workshop and boat ride.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is available from your hotel or any location within 1-5 km of Hoi An’s key sights, making it convenient.

What’s the cost of the tour?
The tour costs $20 per person, which covers the lantern-making workshop, boat ride, guide, and water.

Can I make multiple lanterns?
Yes, many reviewers made 4-5 lanterns each, giving you plenty of opportunity to practice and personalize your creations.

Is the activity suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the craft activity and gentle boat ride are generally suitable for most ages, but very young children should be supervised.

What should I bring?
Bring your phone or camera for photos, and wear comfortable clothing. It’s recommended to arrive early and participate fully for the best experience.

This tour offers an authentic, scenic, and heartfelt look into Hoi An’s lantern traditions. Perfect for those wanting a memorable, cultural, and visually stunning evening—an experience that will brighten your stay with its gentle glow.

You can check availability for your dates here: