Hoi An lantern boat ride: A must-try activity at night

Contents

1. An overview of the Hoi An lantern boat ride

Taking a boat ride on the Hoai River and releasing lanterns is one of the most captivating activities in Hoi An. This romantic experience allows you to float along the peaceful river, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.

Most Hoi An lantern boat rides start from Bach Dang Street and Chu Van An Street. From the Japanese Bridge, a short walk will take you to An Hoi Bridge, which is the area with the most boats. The boats are typically hand-rowed, ensuring a slow journey that allows passengers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the town.

Each Hoi An lantern boat ride lasts about 20 minutes, giving you plenty of time to marvel at the shimmering reflections of the lanterns on the water, and to experience the charm of Hoi An Ancient Town in a truly unique way.

Taking a Hoi An lantern boat ride is a must-try experience in the ancient town (Source: Collected)

Read more: Top 12+ Hoi An things to do that every visitor must try

2. Operating hours, duration and fee of Hoi An lantern boat rides

Hoi An lantern boat rides typically go along the 1 kilometer stretch from An Hoi Bridge to Cam Nam Bridge on the Hoai River. On both sides of the river, old houses glow with lantern lights while the river itself sparkles with floating flower lanterns, each carrying the wishes of visitors.

Here are some important notes regarding Hoi An lantern boat rides:

• Each boat accommodates up to 5 passengers, including children.
• Fees:
  • 1-3 passengers: 150,000 VND/boat (yellow ticket)
  • 4-5 passengers: 200,000 VND/boat (red ticket)
• Tickets are available at the point of departure.
• Operating hours: 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM daily.
• Each trip lasts approximately 20 minutes.

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3. Things to do on a Hoi An lantern boat ride

3.1. Release flower lanterns with wishes

One of the most delightful aspects of the Hoi An lantern boat ride is the chance to personally release a flower lantern onto the Hoai River. The lanterns, made by hand from simple materials by skilled artisans, are sold throughout the town. Whether you release the lantern with or without a heartfelt wish, it will be an unforgettable part of the Hoi An experience.

Release flower lanterns during the Hoi An lantern boat ride (Source: Collected)

3.2. Explore the charming beauty of the ancient town at night

Hoi An nightlife is most beautiful when admired from a boat on the Hoai River or from Japanese Bridge Hoi An. As the town’s lanterns come to life, their reflections on the water create a magical atmosphere. If you are fortunate enough to visit Hoi An on a full moon, the view becomes even more mesmerizing with the moonlight casting a silver glow across the river.

3.3. Learn about the local culture

While gliding down the river on a Hoi An boat ride, the boatman might share fascinating stories about the town’s history. Once a bustling port frequented by traders from China, Japan, and the West, Hoi An retains a unique blend of cultures till now. The riverside life in Hoi An will give visitors a glimpse into a once-thriving trading hub.

3.4. Take stunning photos

For those looking to capture the beauty of their experience, wearing a traditional Vietnamese ao dai is highly recommended. You can rent or purchase one in the town, with some tailors offering custom orders completed within a day. The picturesque backdrop of the ancient town, especially around iconic spots like Bach Dang Street and the Japanese Bridge, makes for breathtaking photos.

You can enjoy a peaceful Hoi An lantern boat ride along the Hoai River in the evening (Source: Collected)

Discover other things to do in Hoi An also!

4. The best time to try a lantern boat ride in Hoi An

For the most enchanting experience, you should take a Hoi An lantern boat ride at night, when the town is aglow with lanterns. If possible, plan your visit on the 14th or 15th day of a lunar month, as this is when the town holds its Hoi An lantern festival. On these nights, electric lights are switched off, and the town is illuminated entirely by lanterns, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere.

While full-moon nights are undoubtedly special, they also attract larger crowds, so plan accordingly to ensure a smooth boat ride.

5. Useful tips when taking a Hoi An lantern boat ride

To make the Hoi An lantern boat ride an enchanting experience, keep the following tips in mind:

• You can easily buy tickets from six ticket booths along both sides of the Hoai River, with the most convenient location being just above An Hoi Bridge.
• If you want your photos to stand out, consider wearing an ao dai.
• The best locations for photos are near Bach Dang Street and the Japanese Bridge. The views here are unmatched.
• Be sure to check the weather forecast before planning your boat ride, as the rain can dampen the experience.
• Wearing life jackets is mandatory on the boat.
• To avoid long waits, especially during peak times like the full-moon festivals, buy your tickets early.

The beauty of the Hoi An lantern boat ride is even more magical during a full-moon night (Source: Collected)

*Note: The information in this article is for reference purposes only and may be subject to change over time.

Taking a Hoi An lantern boat ride is a magical way to immerse yourself in the town’s beauty. Whether you are making a wish with a flower lantern or simply enjoying the serene river views, this experience will leave you with lasting memories of Hoi An’s charm.

But your adventure doesn’t have to end there. For those looking to extend the fun, come to VinWonders Nam Hoi An – an exciting amusement park that promises entertainment for visitors of all ages. This modern attraction offers a perfect balance of thrilling games, immersive cultural experiences, and stunning natural landscapes. 

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