Exploring the magical Hoai River in Hoi An at night offers a truly enchanting experience. For just $10.14, you can join a small group and take a serene 15-minute boat ride, releasing a floating lantern that symbolizes hope and good fortune. Led by an English-speaking guide, this unique activity provides a captivating look into the local culture and traditions. Whether you’re traveling solo or with family, this memorable journey promises tranquility and a deeper connection with the picturesque setting. What else can this night boat trip offer?
- Good To Know
- Activity Overview
- Experience Highlights
- Itinerary and Meeting Point
- Inclusions and Exclusions
- Accessibility and Other Information
- Reasons to Try This Activity
- Tips for a Memorable Experience
- Booking and Reservation Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Life Jackets Provided for the Boat Trip?
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?
- Is It Possible to Take Professional Photos During the Experience?
- What Is the Maximum Weight Capacity for the Boat?
- Can I Request a Private Boat Instead of a Shared One?
- The Sum Up
- More Evening Tours in Hoi An
- More Boat Tours in Hoi An
- More Tour Reviews in Hoi An
- Looking for something different? Other Hoi An activities we've written about
Good To Know

- The night boat trip on the Hoai River in Hoi An offers a 15-minute boat ride and a floating lantern release for $10.14 per person.
- The small-group tour is led by a live English-speaking guide and is limited to 10 participants.
- The experience provides a unique nighttime perspective of Hoi An’s culture and a tranquil boat ride along the historic town’s waters.
- The release of floating lanterns creates a spiritual experience for all ages, symbolizing hope, prayers for luck, peace, and health.
- The tour starts at the Kazimierz Kwiatkowski bust on Tran Phu Street, and the peak time is between 19:00 and 20:00, with expected queues.
Activity Overview

The night boat trip on the Hoai River in Hoi An offers visitors a chance to enjoy the city’s culture after dark.
For $10.14, guests can enjoy a 15-minute boat ride and release a floating lantern into the river. The small-group tour is limited to 10 participants and led by a live English-speaking guide.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment.
The experience highlights the spiritual ritual of releasing lanterns, which symbolize hope and prayers for luck, peace, and health.
Enjoy boat trips? More Hoi An water tours we've written about
Experience Highlights

Immersing visitors in Hoi An’s culture by night, the night boat trip on the Hoai River offers a unique perspective of the city. Passengers sail along the tranquil waters, taking in the sights and sounds of the historic town.
The highlight is the release of floating lanterns, a symbolic ritual for luck, peace, and health. These lanterns, representing hope and prayers, create a spiritual experience for all ages.
Whether a solo traveler or a family, this small-group activity provides an exciting adventure and memorable way to explore Hoi An after dark.
Itinerary and Meeting Point

Starting location for the night boat trip on the Hoai River is the Kazimierz Kwiatkowski bust, located at 138 Tran Phu Street in Hoi An’s Old Town. A greeter will escort participants to the dock for boarding. The peak time is between 19:00 and 20:00, so expect to wait in line during this period. The main sites passed are for reference only, as itineraries may change.
| Time | Site | Duration |
| — | — | — |
| 19:00 – 20:00 | Peak time, expect queues | N/A |
| 15 minutes | Boat trip | N/A |
| N/A | Main sites passed, itineraries may change | N/A |
| N/A | Boarding location at the dock | N/A |
Inclusions and Exclusions

The night boat trip on the Hoai River in Hoi An includes the 15-minute boat ride and one floating lantern per person.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are also provided. However, the activity excludes food, drinks, and any other expenses not mentioned.
One boat accommodates 1-5 people. The activity isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, as it’s only accessible on foot.
More Great Tours NearbyAccessibility and Other Information

One key piece of information to note is that the night boat trip on the Hoai River in Hoi An isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, as the activity is only accessible on foot.
Each boat accommodates 1-5 people, so groups will need to split up if they’re larger.
While the tour is open to all ages, it’s sure to excite both adults and children with the unique experience of releasing lanterns into the river.
Keep in mind that the peak time is between 7 PM and 8 PM, so you may need to wait in line during this popular period.
Like evening activities? More Hoi An twilight tours we've written about
Reasons to Try This Activity

Taking the Hoai River night boat trip in Hoi An offers a unique opportunity to take in the city’s vibrant culture.
The gentle sail through the water provides a serene perspective on the historic town. Releasing a floating lantern symbolizes hope, peace, and good health, creating a spiritual experience. Both adults and children will delight in the excitement of this activity.
At just 15 minutes on the boat, it’s a quick yet impactful way to connect with Hoi An’s traditions. With small group sizes and live English-speaking guides, it’s an accessible and memorable way to explore this beautiful destination.
Tips for a Memorable Experience

To make the most of the Hoai River night boat trip, travelers should arrive early to secure a prime spot and avoid long queues during peak hours. Consider bringing a light jacket, as the river can get chilly at night. While taking photos is allowed, using flash is discouraged to preserve the serene ambiance. Travelers should also be mindful of their surroundings and follow the guide’s instructions for a safe and memorable experience.
| Tips for a Memorable Experience |
| — | — |
| Arrive early | Bring a light jacket |
| Avoid peak hours | Follow guide’s instructions |
| Take photos without flash | Be mindful of surroundings |
Booking and Reservation Information

Travelers can reserve their spot on the Hoai River night boat trip in advance through the tour provider’s website or mobile app.
The activity is limited to 10 participants, so booking ahead is recommended. Payment isn’t required upfront – travelers can reserve their place now and pay later.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure for a full refund.
The tour includes a 15-minute boat ride and one floating lantern per person.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided.
Food, drinks, and other expenses aren’t included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Life Jackets Provided for the Boat Trip?
Yes, life jackets are provided for the boat trip. The activity includes a 15-minute boat ride on the Hoai River in Hoi An, and safety is a priority for the tour operator.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?
No, participants cannot bring their own food and drinks on the boat. The activity only includes the 15-minute boat trip and one floating lantern per person, as stated in the inclusions and exclusions.
Is It Possible to Take Professional Photos During the Experience?
Passengers are welcome to take photos during the experience. However, the activity’s focus is on the tranquil atmosphere, so using professional photography equipment may not be suitable. Guests are encouraged to simply enjoy the moment and capture memories with their personal cameras.
What Is the Maximum Weight Capacity for the Boat?
The boat can accommodate up to 5 people, but there’s no specific weight capacity mentioned. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any weight restrictions before booking.
Can I Request a Private Boat Instead of a Shared One?
Customers can request a private boat for the activity, but it may incur an additional fee. The standard option is a shared boat accommodating 1-5 people. Private boats allow for more personalized experiences at an extra cost.
The Sum Up
The Night Boat Trip on the Hoai River in Hoi An offers a serene and unique cultural experience. For just $10.14, you’ll enjoy a 15-minute boat ride and release a floating lantern, symbolizing hope and good fortune. Led by an English-speaking guide, this small-group tour provides a tranquil perspective of Hoi An under the stars, making it a memorable journey for families and solo travelers alike.
You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours NearbyMore Evening Tours in Hoi An
- Golden Hand Bridge Afternoon and Evening Tour
- Colourful Evening Hoi An, Walking Tour, Boat Ride with Lanterns, Night Market
- Hoi An Lantern Alley Food & Story Walk | Joyful & Safe Night
- Hoi An Lantern Shop & Boat Photoshoot Night Experience
- From Hoi An: My Son Sanctuary Sunset Tour With Banh My.
- Lantern Release and Night River Boat Experience in Hoi An
More Boat Tours in Hoi An
- Hi An: Cooking Class, Market Visit, and Coconut Basket Boat
- Da Nang/Hoi An: Lantern Making Workshop and Basket Boat Ride
- Coconut Basket Boat and Making Lantern Class
- Authentic Mekong Delta: Tuk Tuk, Rowing Boat, Biking Tour
- Da Nang City Tour, Marble Mountain, Coconut Boat, Hoi An Old Town
- Colourful Evening Hoi An, Walking Tour, Boat Ride with Lanterns, Night Market
More Tour Reviews in Hoi An
- Hi An: Cooking Class, Market Visit, and Coconut Basket Boat
- Hoi An: My Son Holyland & Rice Paper Making Half Day Tour
- Cham Island: Experience Snorkeling and Lunch In A Day Tour
- Hoi An/Da Nang: Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hill Tour
- Da Nang/Hoi An: Lantern Making Workshop and Basket Boat Ride
- Coconut Basket Boat and Making Lantern Class
Looking for something different? Other Hoi An activities we've written about
- Hi An: Cooking Class, Market Visit, and Coconut Basket Boat
- Hoi An: My Son Holyland & Rice Paper Making Half Day Tour
- Cham Island: Experience Snorkeling and Lunch In A Day Tour
- Hoi An/Da Nang: Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hill Tour
- Da Nang/Hoi An: Lantern Making Workshop and Basket Boat Ride
- Coconut Basket Boat and Making Lantern Class
- Da Nang/Vietnam War Tour History by Weapons & Foodie
- Authentic Mekong Delta: Tuk Tuk, Rowing Boat, Biking Tour
- Hoi An to Dong Hoi rides by Private Car service
- Authentic Vietnamese Coffee Making Experience in Hoi An
- Marble Mountain – Monkey Mountain – Lady Buddha PRIVATE TOUR
- Hoi An to Da Nang Transfer – By Car
