Exploring the enchanting Hoai River in Hoi An at night is a captivating experience. Visitors can enjoy the local culture during a serene 15-minute boat ride, culminating in the release of a floating lantern. This symbolic act represents prayers for luck and health. With a small group size and a live English-speaking guide, travelers can appreciate Hoi An’s charm after dark. Embark on this memorable adventure to uncover the city’s timeless allure.
Key Points
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A night boat trip on the Hoai River in Hoi An, Vietnam, priced at $10.14 per person, includes a 15-minute boat ride and the release of one floating lantern.
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The activity is limited to 10 participants and is accompanied by a live English-speaking guide, providing a personalized and immersive cultural experience.
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The floating lantern release ritual symbolizes prayers for luck, peace, health, and fortune, offering a unique perspective of Hoi An’s charm after dark.
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The meeting point is at the Kazimierz Kwiatkowski bust on Tran Phu Street, and the total tour duration is 20 minutes, with a 15-minute boat trip and a 5-minute lantern release.
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The activity is popular during peak hours between 19:00 and 20:00, and the small boat capacity of 1-5 people ensures an intimate experience, though it is inaccessible for wheelchair users.
Activity Overview
The night boat trip on the Hoai River in Hoi An offers a unique opportunity for visitors to enjoy the local culture.
Priced from $10.14 per person, the 20-minute experience includes a 15-minute boat ride and the release of a floating lantern. The group size is limited to 10 participants, and a live English-speaking guide is available.
Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. Plus, a reserve now and pay later option is provided for added convenience.
The activity isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to its accessibility solely on foot.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hoi An.
Experience Highlights
Visitors can enjoy Hoi An’s captivating culture by night during the boat trip on the Hoai River.
They’ll release lanterns on the Thu Bon River, symbolizing prayers for luck, peace, health, and fortune. The experience offers a unique perspective of Hoi An from the water, providing excitement for all ages in the lantern release ritual.
The 20-minute activity, with 15 minutes spent on the boat, is a memorable way to appreciate Hoi An’s charm after dark. The group size is limited to 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
Meeting Point and Itinerary
The 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 guide participants to the dock for boarding. The itinerary is subject to change, but the main sites passed are for reference only.
| Itinerary | Starting Location | Duration |
| — | — | — |
| Night Boat Trip | Kazimierz Kwiatkowski bust, 138 Tran Phu St. | 15 minutes |
| Floating Lantern Release | Hoai River | 5 minutes |
| Total Tour Duration | – | 20 minutes |
Peak Time and Boat Capacity
According to the information provided, peak time for the night boat trip on the Hoai River is between 19:00 and 20:00.
Visitors can expect wait times for boarding during this popular time slot. The activity is limited to small groups, with each boat accommodating 1-5 people.
Expect wait times during peak hours as boats accommodate 1-5 people in this intimate cultural experience.
This intimate group size allows for a more personalized experience as participants enjoy the cultural ritual of releasing lanterns on the Thu Bon River.
The compact nature of the boats, however, may make the activity inaccessible for wheelchair users.
More Great Tours NearbyInclusions and Exclusions
The night boat trip on the Hoai River includes a 15-minute boat ride and one floating lantern per person.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are also provided. However, the tour excludes food, drinks, and any other expenses not mentioned.
The experience offers:
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A 15-minute boat trip on the Hoai River
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One floating lantern per person to release
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Hotel pickup and drop-off services
This night boat trip and lantern release activity provides a unique glimpse into Hoi An’s culture and traditions.
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Importance of Lantern Release
Releasing lanterns on the Hoai River holds deep cultural significance in Hoi An. The ritual symbolizes prayers for luck, peace, health, and fortune.
Spectators watch as the lanterns drift peacefully downstream, illuminating the night sky. This centuries-old tradition connects participants to Hoi An’s rich heritage.
The lanterns’ soft glow evokes a sense of tranquility and hope, making the experience magical for all ages. For visitors, releasing a lantern offers a unique opportunity to enjoy local customs and feel a deeper appreciation for Hoi An’s vibrant culture.
Cultural Significance of the Experience
While releasing lanterns on the Hoai River holds deep cultural significance in Hoi An, the experience extends beyond merely floating paper and flame.
It represents:
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A symbolic ritual of letting go, wishing for health, prosperity, and new beginnings
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An opportunity to take in Hoi An’s centuries-old traditions and unique riverside ambiance
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A sense of shared community, as participants come together to partake in this timeless practice
Partaking in this ritual provides not just visual enchantment, but a chance to connect with Hoi An’s rich heritage and the universal human desire for hope and renewal.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
How does one book the Night Boat Trip on Hoai River in Hoi An?
The experience is priced from $10.14 per person and lasts 20 minutes, with 15 minutes spent on the boat.
Bookings are limited to groups of 10 participants, and an English-speaking live tour guide is available.
Travelers can reserve now and pay later, and free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The activity is accessible only on foot and not suitable for wheelchair users.
Participants can expect wait times during peak hours from 19:00 to 20:00.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Lantern to Release?
No, participants cannot bring their own lanterns. The activity includes providing one floating lantern per person as part of the experience. Bringing outside lanterns would not be permitted.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Life Jacket?
No, life jackets are provided by the tour operator. Participants don’t need to bring their own life jackets for the activity. The tour includes the necessary safety equipment for the boat trip.
Is There a Dress Code for the Activity?
There’s no formal dress code for this activity. Participants can wear comfortable, casual attire. The focus is on the experience, not specific clothing. It’s best to dress appropriately for the weather and your comfort during the boat ride.
Can I Extend the Boat Trip Duration?
The standard boat trip duration is 15 minutes, but participants can’t extend it. The tour doesn’t offer an option to prolong the boat ride. Extending the time on the water isn’t possible for this particular activity.
Is Photography Allowed During the Boat Trip?
Photography is allowed during the boat trip. Participants can capture the scenic views and the lantern release ritual. However, the tour operator recommends being mindful of other passengers to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone.
The Sum Up
The Night Boat Trip on the Hoai River in Hoi An offers a unique cultural experience. Participants can enjoy the local charm while enjoying a serene boat ride and releasing a floating lantern, symbolizing prayers for luck and health. With a small group size and an English-speaking guide, this activity provides an unforgettable adventure in the enchanting town of Hoi An.
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