The night boat trip on the Hoai River in Hoi An offers a serene and enchanting cultural experience. Guests embark on a 15-minute guided journey, where they can release floating lanterns on the Thu Bon River as part of a centuries-old tradition. This activity immerses visitors in the rich heritage of the ancient town, providing a magical ambiance with the lanterns’ soft glow. It’s a must-do activity that promises to captivate and leave you eager to discover more about Hoi An’s vibrant nightlife.
Key Points

- The night boat trip on the Hoai River offers a 15-minute culture experience, including a live English-guided tour.
- Passengers can release a floating lantern on the Thu Bon River, which symbolizes prayers for luck, peace, health, and fortune.
- The activity provides an enchanting ambiance with the glow of the lanterns on the river.
- Advance booking is recommended due to high demand, especially during peak hours from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
- The tour includes a 15-minute boat ride and one floating lantern per person, with hotel pickup and drop-off provided.
Activity Overview
The night boat trip on the Hoai River in Hoi An offers a unique opportunity to take in the city’s captivating culture.
Priced at Kč 187 per person, the 20-minute experience (15 minutes on the boat) provides a live English-guided tour. Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve their spot with no upfront payment.
The boat can accommodate 1-5 people, and the peak time is from 19:00 to 20:00, so visitors should expect queues during this popular period.
The meeting point is accessible only on foot, with greeters assisting at the dock.
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Experience Highlights

Immersing visitors in Hoi An’s captivating culture by night, the night boat trip on the Hoai River offers a unique perspective of the city.
Passengers sail along the peaceful river, discovering Hoi An from a new angle. The highlight of the experience is releasing a floating lantern on the Thu Bon River, an iconic symbol representing prayers for luck, peace, health, and fortune.
This exciting activity creates a sense of hope and removes worries, making it suitable for all ages. The lanterns’ glow adds to the serene ambiance, enchanting participants and onlookers alike.
Logistics and Booking Information

How does the booking process work for the night boat trip on the Hoai River in Hoi An?
To secure your spot, select the desired date and number of participants. Keep in mind that the peak time is between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM, so expect a wait during this popular slot.
The meeting point is accessible only on foot, but a greeter will assist you at the dock. The boats accommodate 1-5 people, so you can enjoy the experience with family or friends.
Just be sure to book in advance, as the activity is in high demand.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The night boat trip on the Hoai River in Hoi An includes a 15-minute boat ride and one floating lantern per person.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are also provided. However, food, drinks, and any other expenses not mentioned are excluded from the package.
This activity is an excellent way to immerse yourself in Hoi An’s culture by night and release a floating lantern on the Thu Bon River, symbolizing prayers for luck, peace, health, and fortune.
With an overall rating of 5/5 based on two reviews, this experience is sure to create a sense of wonder and remove any worries.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Feedback
Customers have praised the night boat trip on the Hoai River, with the activity earning an impressive 5-out-of-5 rating based on two reviews.
The positive feedback highlights several key aspects:
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Mireia from Spain described the experience as "magical" on February 2, 2025.
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Sini Mary from Vietnam echoed the sentiment on November 11, 2024, calling it an "unforgettable" activity.
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Both reviewers commended the unique opportunity to release a floating lantern, symbolizing hopes for luck, peace, health, and fortune.
The glowing reviews underscore the culture and memorable nature of this night boat tour in Hoi An.
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Taking in Hoi An Culture by Night
By taking the night boat trip on the Hoai River, travelers can enjoy Hoi An’s captivating culture and history.
Floating along the tranquil waters, guests witness the city’s charming architecture and vibrant nightlife.
The release of the traditional floating lanterns on the Thu Bon River is a symbolic ritual, representing prayers for luck, peace, health, and fortune.
This serene activity offers a unique perspective of Hoi An, creating a sense of wonder and removing daily worries.
The night boat trip is an enchanting way to experience the timeless beauty and cultural traditions of this historic city.
Discovering the City From a New Angle
Sailing along the Hoai River offers travelers a unique vantage point to discover Hoi An’s captivating architecture and vibrant nightlife.
From the boat, you’ll witness:
The glowing lanterns lining the riverbanks, reflecting in the calm waters.
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The glowing lanterns lining the riverbanks, reflecting in the calm waters.
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The distinctive tile-roofed buildings and ancient Japanese covered bridge illuminated against the night sky.
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The lively night market and riverside restaurants, bustling with activity.
This serene and leisurely boat ride provides a tranquil retreat from the energy of the city streets, allowing you to learn about Hoi An’s enchanting atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Floating Lantern?
No, you can’t bring your own floating lantern. The activity includes one lantern per person as part of the package. Bringing your own lantern is not allowed, as the tour provider supplies the necessary materials for the experience.
Are Life Jackets Provided on the Boat?
Life jackets are provided on the boat for safety. The experience overview indicates that all necessary equipment and transportation are included, ensuring a worry-free and secure journey on the river.
Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Trip?
Yes, guests are welcome to take photos and videos during the 15-minute boat trip. Capturing the floating lanterns on the river and the scenic views of Hoi An is encouraged to create lasting memories of the experience.
Is the River Trip Wheelchair Accessible?
The river trip is not wheelchair accessible. The meeting point and dock are only accessible on foot, and the boat can only accommodate 1-5 people at a time, making it unsuitable for wheelchair users.
Can I Purchase Additional Floating Lanterns On-Site?
Yes, customers can purchase additional floating lanterns on-site during the night boat trip. The price for each extra lantern is not specified, but it’s likely possible to buy more beyond the one included in the tour.
The Sum Up
The Night Boat Trip on the Hoai River in Hoi An offers a magical cultural experience. Guests can enjoy a serene 15-minute ride while releasing floating lanterns, symbolizing prayers for luck, peace, health, and fortune. With a scenic ambiance created by the lanterns’ glow, this unforgettable activity immerses visitors in Hoi An’s rich traditions, making it a must-do experience.
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