Hoi An, a charming ancient town in central Vietnam, offers visitors a truly enchanting experience with the Hoai River Boat Ride and Lantern Release. This serene journey combines a tranquil 15-minute boat ride along the Hoai River with the magical tradition of releasing colorful lanterns, creating a memorable connection to the town’s rich cultural heritage. As you float past historic architecture, sipping complimentary herbal tea, you’ll have the opportunity to attach your heartfelt wishes to the lanterns before setting them free into the night sky. Prepare to be captivated by the mesmerizing display – it’s an experience that will linger long after your visit.
Key Points
- A combination of a boat journey and lantern release along the Hoai River in Hoi An, offering a culturally immersive and enchanting experience.
- Releasing colorful paper lanterns symbolizes heartfelt wishes and a connection to Hoi An’s ancient tradition, believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
- The experience includes a 15-minute boat ride, one herbal tea, and one lantern per person, with the opportunity to release the lanterns into the night sky.
- The serene atmosphere, surrounded by historic architecture, creates a memorable and romantic setting for the lantern release.
- The experience is available daily from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM, with the last admission at 9:00 PM, and tickets can be booked in advance.
Experience Overview

The Hoi An Boat Ride & Lantern Release Experience offers a unique combination of a peaceful boat journey and the enchanting tradition of releasing colorful lanterns along the Hoai River.
Joining this ancient custom, visitors can make wishes for good luck as they watch the lanterns float along the water. This experience is ideal for romantic evenings or tranquil escapes, capturing Hoi An’s timeless beauty and charm.
Drifting along the river, surrounded by the town’s historic architecture, guests can enjoy the soft water splashes and twinkling lantern lights, creating a truly memorable and enchanting atmosphere.
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Ticket Information

From K14 per person, the Hoi An Boat Ride & Lantern Release Experience ticket is valid for 1 day. Visitors can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. What’s more, they can reserve now and pay later to secure their spot without any upfront payment.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | From K14 per person |
| Validity | 1 day |
| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours in advance |
| Booking | Reserve now, pay later |
| Inclusions | 1 herbal tea, 1 lantern, 15-minute boat ride |
The experience offers an enchanting opportunity to release colorful lanterns and make wishes, joining an ancient local tradition.
Inclusions

Each Hoi An Boat Ride & Lantern Release Experience ticket includes several key features. Guests receive one herbal tea per person, which adds a soothing touch to the tranquil journey.
Plus, each ticket holder is provided with one colorful lantern to release into the night sky.
Finally, the 15-minute boat ride along the Hoai River is included, allowing visitors to drift through Hoi An’s ancient town and bask in the serene atmosphere.
Together, these inclusions create a truly enchanting and memorable experience for all who partake in this unique cultural tradition.
Experience Details

Drifting along the Hoai River, visitors are surrounded by the ancient charm of Hoi An. The gentle lapping of the water and twinkling lantern lights create a serene, tranquil atmosphere. As the boat glides through the river, guests can admire the picturesque town in the distance.
| Experience | Description |
|---|---|
| Boat Ride | 15-minute ride along the Hoai River |
| Lantern Release | Releasing colorful lanterns into the night sky |
| Wishes & Traditions | Attaching personal wishes for good luck |
This enchanting experience allows visitors to enjoy Hoi An’s timeless beauty and connect with the city’s rich cultural heritage through the age-old tradition of lantern release.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information

The Hoi An Boat Ride & Lantern Release Experience is available Monday through Sunday from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM, with the last admission at 9:00 PM.
The meeting point is at 62 Bach Dang, where visitors can proceed to the ticketing counter to redeem their experience.
It’s important to check availability for the starting times, as they may vary.
The experience includes:
- One herbal tea per person
- One lantern per person
- 15-minute boat ride ticket
- The opportunity to release lanterns into the night sky, making wishes as they float along.
Boat Journey and Lantern Release
The boat journey along the Hoai River offers visitors a tranquil escape, with the gentle lapping of water and the enchanting glow of lantern lights providing a serene ambiance. As the boat drifts, passengers can release their colorful paper lanterns, symbolically sending their wishes and dreams into the night sky. This ancient tradition is a captivating and meaningful experience, allowing participants to connect with Hoi An’s rich cultural heritage. The tranquility of the river, the soft lights, and the act of releasing the lanterns create an unforgettable memory, making this activity an ideal choice for romantic evenings or peaceful escapes.
| Boat Ride | Lantern Release | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| 15-minute journey | One lantern per person | Tranquil escape |
| Gentle water splashes | Attach wishes for good luck | Connect with culture |
| Twinkling lantern lights | Float lanterns along the river | Romantic or peaceful |
| Surrounded by Hoi An | Part of ancient tradition | Unforgettable memory |
Enchanting Tradition and Wishes

Serenity blankets the Hoai River as visitors release their colorful paper lanterns, symbolically sending their heartfelt wishes into the night sky.
This enchanting tradition dates back centuries, with locals and travelers alike embracing the opportunity to participate. The delicate lanterns drift gently, their flickering lights casting a warm glow across the water.
Releasing the lanterns is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and the fulfillment of dreams. Watching the lanterns float away is a truly mesmerizing experience, evoking a sense of wonder and tranquility.
The ritual includes:
- Selecting a personal wish or intention to focus on.
- Lighting the candle inside the lantern.
- Gently releasing the lantern into the river.
- Observing the lantern drift away, carrying one’s hopes and dreams.
Recap
The Hoai River Boat Ride and Lantern Release in Hoi An offers a tranquil and enchanting experience. Gliding along the river, surrounded by historic architecture, visitors can enjoy a soothing herbal tea and release colorful lanterns, connecting with the town’s rich cultural heritage. This serene journey is a must-do activity for those seeking to enjoy the magic of Hoi An.
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