With its romantic and poetic beauty, taking a lantern boat ride on the Hoai River in Hoi An has become an unmissable activity when visiting Hoi An. If you want to experience a romantic and unique lantern boat ride in Hoi An, join the boat trip and release lanterns on the Hoai River – an incredibly interesting and impressive activity.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Hoi An, a charming ancient town in Vietnam, is renowned for its picturesque lantern-lit streets and the serene Hoai River. Taking a lantern boat ride on the Hoai River is an exciting activity you can’t miss when visiting Hoi An.
What makes this experience even more special is that the Hoi An lantern boats are manually rowed. This means the boat moves very slowly, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the surroundings. Typically, each trip lasts about 20-30 minutes, depending on the time and the boat, with most trips taking around 20 minutes before bringing you back to shore.
How to Get to the Hoi An Lantern Boat Ride
The lantern boat ride activity in Hoi An primarily takes place in the ancient town area, right along Bạch Đằng and Chu Văn An streets. If you want to take a lantern boat ride in Hoi An, simply park your vehicle outside the ancient town area and then head towards Cau Bridge (Japanese Covered Bridge). From there, walk a short distance to Hoi An Bridge, the area where most of the passenger boats are concentrated.
You don’t need to hire a boat immediately if you’re still hesitant. You can walk along Bach Dang street, where you will find many more boats. Once you find one you like, be sure to ask about the price before you embark.
After a wonderful stay in Hoi An, you might need our private car services to transfer to other renowned destinations:
- Hoi An to Hue: 1,500,000 VND per sedan
- Hoi An to My Lai MASSACRE: 1,680,000 VND per sedan
- Hoi An to Da Nang Airport: 350,000 VND per sedan
- Hoi An to Dong Hoi: 3,200,000 VND per sedan
- Hoi An to Nha Trang by Private Car: 3,800,000 VND per sedan
- Hoi An to Bana Hills By Private Car: 2,100,000 VND per sedan
Hoi An Lantern Boat Ride Cost and Operating Time
Hoi An Lantern Boat Ride Price
- Boat for 4 to 5 passengers: 200,000 VND (red ticket)
- Boat for 1 to 3 passengers: 150,000 VND (yellow ticket)
- 350,000 VND for a 40-minute ride for 5 people, including flower lanterns.
Paper flower lanterns are priced between 5,000 VND and 10,000 VND each. You can easily buy these lanterns along the Hoai River. They are handmade by local artisans from simple paper materials.
Operating Time
The Hoi An lantern boats operate from early morning until late evening, with the busiest time being in the afternoon, from 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM daily. Each trip lasts for 20 minutes.
When is the Best Time for the Hoi An Lantern Boat Ride?
To have the most fulfilling experience, uninterrupted and with plenty of photo opportunities, consider the following:
- The best time for the Hoi An Lantern Boat Ride is in the evening. The nights are more vibrant and sparkling, and the boats are more crowded. In the evening, the entire ancient town lights up, reflecting off the river and creating a more romantic and mystical scene.
- Go on the 14th and 15th days of the lunar calendar, as these are when Hoi An typically holds flower lantern release events. During this time, all the houses in the ancient town turn off their lights and hang lanterns outside their doors. The 14th and 15th days of the lunar month are also very meaningful times for boat rides and lantern releases.
Note that while the 14th and 15th of the lunar month are undoubtedly beautiful, they are also more crowded. So, the boat ride might be a bit hectic, but if you go when it’s less crowded, everything will be quieter, and the view of the ancient town will be even more beautiful.
What experiences does a lantern boat ride in Hoi An offer you?
What experiences will the lantern boat ride in Hoi An bring you? Let’s explore it right now!
A lantern boat ride in Hoi An is an opportunity to hear about a very old Hoi An.
Hoi An is now a famous tourist city, both in Vietnam and abroad. Few people know that this city, located on the lower Thu Bon River, was once a bustling trading port, a prime location chosen by traders from China, Japan, and the West. When you take a lantern boat ride in Hoi An, gliding gently along the Hoai River, you will have the chance to hear a story about the old Hoi An from the boatman.
Through their storytelling and what you see—about the buildings and architecture of old Hoi An—this ancient city gradually comes alive in the minds of visitors. At night, Hoi An, though lively, offers a peaceful feeling, as if time stands still. Even though the Hoi An port city now exists only in memory, everything has become more splendid and refined, yet somewhere, we can still imagine the prosperous and proud old Hoi An.
Admire the Beauty of Hoi An Ancient Town at Night
It’s undeniable that Hoi An is at its most enchanting after dark. As a result, many visitors eagerly seek the experience of a lantern boat ride on the Hoai River to appreciate the unique nocturnal charm of Hoi An.
When night falls, the best vantage point to take in the entire view of the ancient town is from a boat in the middle of the river. Only then can you fully appreciate the captivating beauty of Hoi An under the moonlight.
Especially on the full moon nights, the Hoai River becomes more romantic than ever. The full moon casts its reflection upon the water, creating a watercolor painting effect as if painted by a talented artist.
The atmosphere becomes even more magical as small flower lanterns drift slowly along the river. Moreover, the vibrant lanterns from the boats further enchant visitors.
Discover Old Town Life on a Lantern Boat Ride in Hoi An
Hoi An Ancient Town is located on a branch of the Thu Bon River, and this river seems to hold a special significance for the lives of the people here. The Hoai River continues to flow, serving as a living witness to the many changes and fluctuations experienced by the people and land of Hoi An.
The fishing boats, once used for catching fish, are now beautifully decorated to carry tourists. On this river, locals support their families by rowing boats for sightseeing tours. Elderly people and children often choose to find a small corner where they arrange lanterns by hand and offer them for tourists to purchase. Particularly, if you visit during the daytime and venture further from the old town, you’ll gain more insight into the livelihoods of the people here. They primarily live by fishing for shrimp and fish. Some still engage in traditional crafts such as pottery, woodworking, vegetable growing, and lantern-making. This variety of activities highlights the many vibrant aspects of Hoi An.
Release Lanterns and Make Wishes
One of the most delightful experiences on a lantern boat ride in Hoi An is releasing lanterns and making wishes. There’s nothing quite like sending a lantern floating on the river, accompanied by hopes for yourself, your family, friends, or loved ones.
Releasing colorful flower lanterns into the river, watching them drift away with the current, is a wonderful experience. The bright lights from the lanterns and floating flowers turn the Hoai River into a dreamy haven for wishes.
According to Hoi An tradition, each lantern released symbolizes a wish. The more lanterns you set afloat, the more likely your wishes will come true.
Capture Stunning Photos
Hoi An is photogenic from every angle, and that’s why it has earned a spot among the top 17 most beautiful selfie spots in the world. For those who love sweetness and charm, a lantern boat ride in Hoi An is a fantastic suggestion.
You don’t need to strike unique poses; simply sitting on the boat and gazing into the distance will provide beautiful photo opportunities. For those looking to invest more in their photo album, don’t forget to bring along traditional áo dài and a conical hat for added flair.
The Significance of the Hoi An Lantern Festival
The Hoi An Lantern Festival holds deep meaning for both locals and visitors:
- Relieving Stress: The festival provides an opportunity for people to immerse themselves in a peaceful, serene atmosphere under the moonlight and the glow of colorful lanterns. It’s a chance to relieve stress and rediscover tranquility in a busy life.
- Sending Wishes: Releasing lanterns into the river is not only a ritual but also a way for people to send their wishes and hopes. This act holds special significance for locals, who believe it brings good luck and happiness to their families and loved ones.
- Preserving and Promoting Traditional Culture: The lantern festival is an essential part of Hoi An’s history and culture. Maintaining and organizing this festival helps preserve and promote the value of folk culture, while also showcasing the traditional cultural beauty of the country to international tourists.
- Cultural Integration: The festival attracts numerous visitors from around the world, contributing to the cultural integration between Vietnamese people and international guests. It offers a chance for different nations to explore and experience Hoi An’s unique culture through this engaging activity.
- Boosting Tourism and Local Economic Development: The festival is a major draw for tourists, playing a key role in the local economic development through tourism activities. The influx of visitors creates business and employment opportunities for local residents, thereby improving the community’s quality of life.
Itinerary and Prices for the Hoi An Memory Show Boat Ride
In addition to the lantern boat ride in Hoi An, you can also enjoy a cruise on the Hoai River for a unique experience in this charming ancient town. This experience includes a Hoi An cruise on the Hoai River and a visit to the Memory Island.
Ticket Prices:
- Adults: 700,000 VND
- Children (1m-1.4m): 350,000 VND
Detailed Itinerary:
17:45 – 18:00: Guest Pickup
You need to book your tickets before 17:00. Pickup location is 66 Bach Dang (subject to change). From 16:00 to 17:30, the customer service team of Memory Island will contact you with directions to the pickup point. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before departure.
66 Bach Dang, Traditional Art Performance Hall, Hoi An The boat will pick up guests across from 66 Bach Dang, Traditional Art Performance Hall, Hoi An.
18:00 – 18:15: Hoai River Cruise Experience
The boat will travel from An Hoi to Memory Island, offering a beautiful view of the peaceful ancient town from the Hoai River.
18:15 – 18:30: Check-In at the Moonlight Bridge
You’ll have the opportunity to take stunning photos at the Moonlight Bridge as the boat moves along the Hoai River.
18:30 – 19:00: Check-In at Hoi An Impression Park and Enjoy Mini Shows
You’ll have 30 minutes to explore and enjoy the mini shows in the park. Focus on the central square where the most activities will take place.
19:00 – 20:00: Vietnamese Village Cuisine – Additional 60,000 VND
The restaurant features a rustic design and offers a menu primarily consisting of Hoi An specialties and dishes made from noodles, rice noodles, and pho.
20:00 – 21:00: KUHA Show Experience
One of the world’s most beautiful shows and a highlight of this cruise tour. It’s recommended to be seated 20 minutes before the show starts.
21:00 – 21:30: Lantern Release on the Hoai River, Return to An Hoi Pier – End of Experience
While returning from Memory Island to the ancient town, guests will release lanterns on the Hoai River. Each guest will have one lantern to release or can purchase additional lanterns for 10,000 VND each.
This program offers an exciting and economical way for visitors to experience two of the top five attractions in Hoi An: the Memory Island show and lantern release on the Hoai River. However, please note the following limitations:
- The boat departs promptly at 18:00. You cannot enter the island earlier or later.
- You will miss some mini shows from 17:00 to 18:30.
- The tour follows a set itinerary and cannot be adjusted according to individual preferences.
Some Tips for the Hoi An Lantern Boat Ride
If possible, choose a beautiful Ao Dai (Dress) if you want to take photos during the lantern boat ride in Hoi An. It’s a great idea to enhance your graceful appearance. You can bring your own and change in a public restroom or rent one from stores in the ancient town, where they offer both rental and sales. If needed, tailors can also make one for you, usually within a day.
Whether it’s the dry or rainy season, Hoi An can experience rainy days. During such times, the roads can be slippery, so be extra careful when boarding the boat. Although the boatmen will assist you, it’s always better to be cautious.
For the best photo backgrounds, choose locations along Bach Dang Street, as it features beautiful old houses. The most ideal spots are on either side of the bridge or in front of the Japanese Covered Bridge.
Taking a lantern boat ride in Hoi An is one of the most interesting and unique activities in the town. You will experience the romantic and serene beauty of the Hoai River, along with a sense of relaxation and comfort as you gaze at the night sky. Join PrivateCarTransferHoiAn.com’s for a lantern boat ride to enjoy memorable moments during your trip.
