Hoi An’s Hoai River comes alive at night with the enchanting Lantern Boat Ride, a serene 20-minute cruise amidst UNESCO World Heritage-listed sights. For just $8.13 per person, you can partake in a beautiful lantern release ritual, symbolizing hope and the removal of worries as you light your own flower lantern. With free cancellation and no upfront payment, this magical experience promises to create unforgettable memories in Hoi An’s picturesque night ambiance. But what makes this river cruise truly captivating?
- Key Points
- Experience Overview
- Highlights of the Lantern Boat Ride
- Itinerary Details
- Inclusions and Exclusions
- Important Information
- Customer Reviews
- Booking and Reservations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Bring My Own Lantern on the Boat Ride?
- Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Activity?
- Is the Boat Ride Available During the Day or Only at Night?
- Can I Get a Private Boat for My Group?
- What Happens if It Rains During the Boat Ride?
- The Sum Up
- More Boat Tours & Cruises in Hoi An
- More Tour Reviews in Hoi An
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Key Points

- A 20-minute lantern boat ride on the Hoai River in Hoi An, Vietnam, offering a serene and magical experience.
- Includes a lantern release ritual symbolizing hope and worry removal, as well as lighting a flower lantern for luck, peace, and good health.
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town and enjoy picturesque river views during the cruise.
- Priced at $8.13 per person and available in English, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Highly rated by customers for its enchanting atmosphere and opportunity to experience Hoi An’s traditional lantern culture.
Experience Overview

Visitors can enjoy Hoi An’s serene ambiance by taking a 20-minute lantern boat ride on the Hoai River. The experience costs $8.13 per person and is available in English.
Guests can release a lantern into the river as part of a ritual, symbolizing hope and removing worries. They’ll also explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, light a flower lantern for luck, peace, and good health, and enjoy scenic river views.
The boat ride includes a floating lantern per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and no upfront payment required.
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Highlights of the Lantern Boat Ride

A highlight of the lantern boat ride is the opportunity to take in Hoi An’s serene ambiance at night.
As part of the experience, participants release a lantern into the Hoai River, a ritual symbolizing hope and releasing worries.
Cruising along the river, visitors explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, taking in the sights and sounds.
Another highlight is lighting a flower lantern for luck, peace, and good health.
The lanterns gently floating on the water create a magical, peaceful atmosphere, allowing guests to fully appreciate Hoi An’s timeless charm.
Itinerary Details

The lantern boat ride begins at 140 Trần Phú, where participants can enjoy a photo stop and free time before embarking on the 15-20 minute cruise along the Hoai River.
The lantern boat ride begins at 140 Trần Phú, where participants can enjoy a photo stop and free time before embarking on the 15-20 minute cruise along the Hoai River.
The main sites during the tour include the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town and picturesque river views, though the exact itinerary is subject to change.
Riders will have a chance to release a lantern into the river as part of a ritual, as well as light a flower lantern for luck, peace, and good health.
The lanterns symbolize hope and serve to remove worries.
Inclusions and Exclusions

The lantern boat ride includes a 15-20 minute cruise along the Hoai River as well as one floating lantern per person to release into the water.
However, the tour doesn’t cover food, drinks, or hotel pickup and drop-off. It’s also not suitable for wheelchair users.
Guests should bring comfortable shoes and a camera, and wear nighttime attire.
This experience offers an immersive glimpse into Hoi An’s traditional lantern culture, with the floating lanterns symbolizing hope and peace.
With a 5/5 rating based on customer reviews, it’s a popular activity for those visiting the UNESCO-listed Old Town.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information

Meeting point for the lantern boat ride experience is Kazik Park, near the monument for Polish architect.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to capture the magical atmosphere. The recommended nighttime attire will allow you to fully learn about Hoi An’s ambiance.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to capture the magical atmosphere. Nighttime attire allows for full immersion in Hoi An’s ambiance.
The boat ride lasts 15-20 minutes, so pack light.
With an overall rating of 5/5 from 2 reviews, this activity is sure to be a highlight of your visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town.
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Customer Reviews

Visitors have raved about the lantern boat ride experience in Hoi An. Those who have taken the tour describe it as a magical and unforgettable adventure. The overall rating of the experience is an impressive 5/5 based on 2 reviews.
| Rating | Reviewer | Comment |
| — | — | — |
| 5 | Jane D. | "An absolute must-do in Hoi An! The boat ride and releasing the lanterns were truly enchanting." |
| 5 | Mike S. | "A highlight of our trip to Vietnam. The lanterns on the river at night were breathtaking." |
The glowing reviews highlight the tour’s ability to immerse visitors in Hoi An’s enchanting atmosphere and traditions, making it a must-try experience.
Booking and Reservations

How can travelers book the lantern boat ride experience in Hoi An?
It’s simple – the tour can be reserved online with no upfront payment. Just select the desired date and time, provide the required info, and voila! The spot is held.
This flexible booking option allows travelers to secure their spot now and pay later. For added convenience, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The 20-minute boat ride along the Hoai River, releasing a lantern, and exploring the ancient town can be booked in just a few clicks. Easily reserve this enchanting experience.
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Lantern on the Boat Ride?
Unfortunately, no. The boat ride includes a floating lantern for each passenger, so you can’t bring your own. This is part of the experience where you release a lantern into the river.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Activity?
There are no age restrictions for this activity. Children of all ages can participate. However, the experience may not be suitable for very young children who may have difficulty sitting through the 20-minute boat ride.
Is the Boat Ride Available During the Day or Only at Night?
The lantern boat ride is only available at night. It doesn’t operate during the day. The nighttime setting allows you to experience the full ambiance and beauty of the lanterns on the river.
Can I Get a Private Boat for My Group?
Yes, you can book a private boat for your group. The lantern boat ride operates at night, and private bookings are available. This allows you to have a more personalized experience on the Hoai River.
What Happens if It Rains During the Boat Ride?
If it rains during the boat ride, the tour will still go on as planned. The boat has a covered area to protect passengers from the rain. The lantern lighting activity may be modified, but the cruise will continue despite the weather.
The Sum Up

The Hoi An Lantern Boat Ride on the Hoai River offers a magical and serene experience. For just $8.13 per person, you can enjoy a 20-minute cruise, release a lantern, and create unforgettable memories in Hoi An’s picturesque night ambiance. With free cancellation and no upfront payment, it’s a must-do activity for those visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site.
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