Discover the Best Hoi An Night Tour with Boat Ride in 2025
Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transforms into a magical wonderland at night with its lantern-lit streets and serene Hoai River. For travelers seeking an unforgettable experience, the best Hoi An night tour with boat ride combines cultural immersion, scenic beauty, and local charm. This guide explores why a Hoi An night tour with boat ride is a must-do, highlights top tour options, and offers tips to make your evening in Hoi An truly memorable.
Why Choose a Hoi An Night Tour with Boat Ride?
Hoi An at night is a spectacle of glowing lanterns, bustling night markets, and the tranquil flow of the Hoai River. A Hoi An night tour with boat ride offers a unique perspective of this ancient town, blending history, culture, and natural beauty. Here’s why it’s a top choice:
- Romantic Ambiance: The soft glow of lanterns reflecting on the river creates a romantic and serene atmosphere, perfect for couples or solo travelers.
- Cultural Immersion: Releasing a lantern on the Hoai River is a traditional Buddhist practice symbolizing good luck and peace, offering a deep connection to local culture.
- Cooler Evenings: Night tours provide relief from Hoi An’s daytime heat, making exploration more comfortable.
A vibrant photo of the Hoai River at night |
Top Hoi An Night Tours with Boat Ride
Here are some of the best Hoi An night tours with boat ride based on traveler reviews and unique offerings:
1. Hoi An Lantern Boat Ride and Night Market Tour
This popular tour combines a Hoi An night tour with boat ride along the Hoai River with a guided walk through the vibrant night market. Starting around 6:00 PM, the tour includes a 20-minute lantern boat ride where you can release a candle-lit lantern while making a wish. Afterward, explore the night market’s stalls filled with souvenirs, street food, and handicrafts. Guides often share stories about Hoi An’s history as a trading port, enhancing the cultural experience.
Price: Approximately 150,000-200,000 VND (6-8 USD) for 1-4 people.
Duration: 1.5-2 hours.
Booking Tip: Book through platforms like GetYourGuide or Klook for flexible cancellations.
2. Hoi An Evening Food and Boat Tour
For food lovers, this tour pairs a Hoi An night tour with boat ride with a culinary adventure. Starting at 5:00 PM, you’ll enjoy a sampan boat ride along the Hoai River, followed by a walking tour to sample local delicacies like cao lau, spring rolls, and banh mi. The tour often includes a visit to a local home for an authentic dinner, offering a glimpse into Hoi An’s culinary heritage.
Price: Around 35-50 USD per person.
Duration: 3-4 hours.
Highlight: The combination of river views and authentic Hoi An cuisine makes this tour unforgettable.
A close-up of a traditional Vietnamese dish like cao lau or banh mi on a colorful plate |
3. Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival Tour
If your visit coincides with the full moon (14th or 15th lunar day), this tour is the best Hoi An night tour with boat ride. The town turns off electric lights, and lanterns illuminate the streets, creating a fairytale-like setting. The tour includes a lantern-making class, a boat ride to release your handcrafted lantern, and a guided walk through the Old Town. The boat ride during the festival is particularly magical, with the river aglow with floating lanterns.
Price: 30-40 USD per person.
Duration: 2-3 hours.
Tip: Book early, as these tours sell out quickly during the festival.
A stunning shot of the Hoai River during the Full Moon Lantern Festival |
4. Sunset and Night Boat Tour
This tour begins around 4:00 PM, allowing you to witness a breathtaking sunset over the Thu Bon River before transitioning to a Hoi An night tour with boat ride. The tour often includes visits to nearby craft villages like Thanh Ha Pottery Village, followed by a lantern boat ride as night falls. The combination of sunset views and lantern-lit scenery makes this a photographer’s dream.
Price: 25-35 USD per person.
Duration: 3-4 hours.
Highlight: Perfect for those wanting to see Hoi An in both daylight and nighttime.
Tips for the Best Hoi An Night Tour with Boat Ride
To make the most of your Hoi An night tour with boat ride, keep these tips in mind:
- Timing: Start your tour between 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM to catch the vibrant night market and optimal lantern views. The busiest hours (7:30-9:00 PM) offer the most dynamic atmosphere.
- Dress: Wear lightweight clothing and comfortable shoes for walking. For stunning photos, consider renting a traditional Vietnamese ao dai to wear during the boat ride.
- Booking: Purchase boat ride tickets at booths along Bach Dang Street or An Hoi Bridge. Prices range from 150,000 VND (1-2 people) to 200,000 VND (3-4 people). Bargaining may lower costs.
- Photography: Bring a camera or smartphone with good low-light capabilities to capture the lanterns’ reflections on the river.
- Full Moon Nights: Plan your visit during the Hoi An Lantern Festival for an enhanced experience, but expect larger crowds.
boatman rowing |
What to Expect on a Hoi An Night Tour with Boat Ride
A typical Hoi An night tour with boat ride begins with a hotel pickup in Hoi An or Da Nang. You’ll be guided through the lantern-lit streets of the Old Town, visiting landmarks like the Japanese Covered Bridge and Tan Ky Old House. The highlight is the 20-minute boat ride on the Hoai River, where you’ll release a paper lantern and enjoy the serene views of the ancient town. Many tours include additional activities like lantern-making, street food sampling, or a visit to the night market, ensuring a well-rounded experience.
Guides are often knowledgeable locals who share stories about Hoi An’s history as a bustling trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries. The boat ride itself is peaceful, with hand-rowed sampans offering an intimate connection to the river and its surroundings. Expect to see local fishermen, traditional houses, and the vibrant night market from a unique perspective.
Why Hoi An’s Night Tours Stand Out
Hoi An’s charm lies in its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The best Hoi An night tour with boat ride offers a front-row seat to this magic. Unlike daytime tours, nighttime experiences highlight the town’s iconic lanterns, creating a dreamy atmosphere. The Hoai River, lined with colorful lights and historic buildings, provides a serene escape from the bustling streets. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a photographer, these tours cater to diverse interests.
A panoramic view of Hoi An’s Old Town at night, showcasing the Japanese Covered Bridge and lantern-lit streets. |
Conclusion
A Hoi An night tour with boat ride is more than just a sightseeing activity—it’s a journey into the heart of Vietnam’s cultural heritage. From releasing lanterns on the Hoai River to exploring the vibrant night market, these tours offer an unforgettable blend of beauty, tradition, and local flavor. Whether you choose a food-focused tour, a Full Moon Lantern Festival experience, or a sunset cruise, you’ll leave Hoi An with memories to cherish. Book your Hoi An night tour with boat ride today and immerse yourself in the magic of this ancient town!
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