Hoi An, the enchanting coastal town in central Vietnam, transforms into a mesmerizing spectacle when night falls. The ancient streets, adorned with vibrant lanterns, create a captivating atmosphere that draws visitors from around the world. Exploring Hoi An’s UNESCO-protected historic center on a guided tour is an unforgettable experience, allowing travelers to enjoy the rich cultural heritage and witness the lively Night Market. As the evening progresses, the opportunity to release paper lanterns on the serene Hoai River promises to leave a lasting impression. What awaits beyond this enchanting scene is a journey of discovery, where the essence of Hoi An’s timeless charm is fully unveiled.
Key Points

- Immerse in the ancient charm of Hoi An during a 4-hour night tour, including a sampan boat ride and lantern release ceremony on the Hoai River.
- Explore the highlights of Hoi An Ancient Town, such as the Japanese Bridge, Old House of Tan Ky, and Fujian Assembly Hall.
- Enjoy a vibrant cultural experience at the Hoi An Night Market, where you can browse for unique souvenirs.
- The tour includes hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and all necessary entrance fees, starting from €48.02 per person.
- Comfortable attire, sunglasses, sun hat, and insect repellent are recommended for a pleasant and immersive experience.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview and Pricing
- Itinerary Highlights
- Tour Experience
- Inclusions and Exclusions
- Important Information and Requirements
- Customer Reviews
- Availability and Booking
- Getting to Hoi An
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is the Weather Like at Night in Hoi An?
- Can I Bring My Own Lantern to Release?
- Is There an Age Requirement for the Tour?
- Can I Customize the Itinerary for the Tour?
- Do I Need to Know Vietnamese to Participate?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Hoi An
- More Evening Experiences in Hoi An
- More City Tours in Hoi An
- More Tour Reviews in Hoi An
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Hoi An we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview and Pricing
This tour offers visitors a chance to experience the enchanting Hoi An Ancient Town by night.
It’s priced from €48.02 per person and lasts 4 hours. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours beforehand, and customers can reserve their spot without paying immediately.
The tour includes hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, a boat trip and lantern release, and entrance fees to the ancient town.
However, personal expenses and transportation back to the hotel are excluded. Participants must adhere to a dress code and bring suitable attire.
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Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with pickup from the customer’s hotel in either Hoi An or Da Nang, for an additional charge of $20 or 500,000 VND. Guests will then explore the UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town for 2 hours, guided through the Japanese Bridge, the Old House of Tan Ky, and the Fujian Assembly Hall. Next, they’ll board a sampan boat for a 30-minute ride on the Hoai River to release floating lanterns, a symbolic act to pray for family and friends. The tour concludes with a 15-minute visit to the Hoi An Night Market to browse local delicacies and souvenirs.
| Itinerary Highlights | Duration |
|---|---|
| Hoi An Ancient Town | 2 hours |
| Japanese Bridge | 15 minutes |
| Old House of Tan Ky | 25 minutes |
| Fujian Assembly Hall | 15 minutes |
| Sampan boat ride and lantern release | 30 minutes |
| Hoi An Night Market | 15 minutes |
Tour Experience

Guests embark on a captivating journey through the ancient streets of Hoi An, observing the daily life of locals.
Along the way, they’ll have the opportunity to pray for their family and friends during the lantern release ceremony on the Hoai River.
After the serene boat ride, they’ll explore the vibrant Hoi An Night Market, seeing the local culture and browsing for unique souvenirs.
Throughout the experience, the knowledgeable tour guide provides valuable insights, ensuring guests make the most of their time in this enchanting city.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour package includes pickup from the hotel, an English-speaking guide, a boat trip and the release of floating lanterns, as well as entrance fees to the Hoi An ancient town.
However, it excludes personal expenses, drinks, and the taxi back to the hotel.
Participants should bring sunglasses, a sun hat, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes.
Certain attire, such as short skirts, sleeveless shirts, and see-through clothing, isn’t allowed.
Based on 2 reviews, the overall rating of the tour is 4 out of 5.
Customers can select their preferred date and check availability before booking.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information and Requirements
When visiting the Hoi An City by Night tour, participants should come prepared with a few essential items.
They’ll need sunglasses and a sun hat to protect against the evening sun, as well as insect repellent to ward off any pesky mosquitoes. Comfortable sports shoes are a must for the walking portion of the tour.
Participants should also avoid wearing short skirts, sleeveless shirts, or see-through clothing, as these may not be appropriate for the tour.
With these simple preparations, visitors can fully enjoy the magical experience of Hoi An by night and the serene ritual of releasing paper lanterns on the Hoai River.
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Customer Reviews
Travelers have largely praised the Hoi An City by Night tour, with an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars based on 2 reviews.
Guests have highlighted the guided walking tour through the ancient town as a highlight, allowing them to observe the daily life of locals.
The boat trip and lantern release on the Hoai River has also been a well-received experience, with reviewers noting the opportunity to pray for friends and family during the ritual.
While the tour’s inclusions, such as hotel pickup and entrance fees, have been appreciated, some have expressed that the experience could be improved with more time to explore the night market.
Availability and Booking
Participants can select the date and check availability before booking the Hoi An City by Night tour. The tour is offered on a regular basis, and travelers can easily find an open slot that fits their schedule.
Booking is quick and hassle-free, with the option to reserve a spot and pay later. The tour has free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility in case plans change.
Travelers are encouraged to secure their spot early, as this popular evening experience in Hoi An can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourism seasons.
The easy booking process and availability information ensure a seamless planning experience for those eager to explore Hoi An by night and release paper lanterns.
Getting to Hoi An
To get to Hoi An, visitors have several convenient transportation options. They can:
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Take a taxi or private car, which is the most direct and comfortable way to reach Hoi An from nearby cities like Da Nang or Hue.
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Opt for a bus or shuttle service, which is a budget-friendly choice and often includes hotel pickup and drop-off.
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Rent a motorbike or bicycle to explore the scenic countryside and arrive in Hoi An at their own pace.
Whichever mode of transportation they choose, visitors can look forward to the enchanting sights and sounds of this historic Vietnamese town.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Weather Like at Night in Hoi An?
At night in Hoi An, the weather is typically mild and pleasant. Temperatures are cooler, often around 75°F (24°C), with low humidity and a gentle breeze. Evenings are an ideal time to explore the city’s historic charm.
Can I Bring My Own Lantern to Release?
Customers are generally not permitted to bring their own lanterns on the tour. The tour provides the paper lanterns for the lantern release experience on the Hoai River. Bringing outside lanterns is not recommended or allowed as part of the organized activity.
Is There an Age Requirement for the Tour?
There’s no age requirement for this tour. The activity is suitable for all ages, allowing participants of any age to enjoy the experience of releasing paper lanterns on the Hoai River in Hoi An.
Can I Customize the Itinerary for the Tour?
The tour generally has a set itinerary, but travelers can often customize certain aspects. They can discuss options with the tour operator to personalize their experience within the tour’s framework.
Do I Need to Know Vietnamese to Participate?
No, you don’t need to know Vietnamese to participate in the tour. The tour includes an English-speaking guide who’ll provide explanations and assistance throughout the experience, ensuring a seamless and informative adventure for non-Vietnamese speakers.
Hoi An City by Night and Release Paper Lanterns
Recap
Hoi An’s enchanting night tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the city’s captivating charm. Exploring the lantern-lit streets, visiting iconic landmarks, and releasing paper lanterns on the Hoai River create an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of this historic destination. Whether a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression.
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