Hoi An Thu Bon River Night Boat Ride & Lantern Release Experience

An evening in Hoi An Old Town
Release a wish lantern on the Thu Bon River

This is a short evening boat experience in Hoi An Ancient Town. Meet your guide at the meeting point, receive a traditional paper lantern, and board a traditional wooden boat at the river pier to cruise the Thu Bon River. From the boat, you can take part in Hoi An's lantern-release tradition, floating your lantern on the water while wishing for peace, happiness, and good luck. The boat ride lasts about 10–15 minutes, and the whole experience takes about 20 minutes.

Walk through the Old Town to the pier with your guide

Meet your guide at the meeting point in Hoi An Old Town (27 Le Loi) at your booked time. After checking your booking, the guide hands each guest a paper lantern and walks the group to the nearby river pier. Motor vehicles are not allowed in the Old Town, so the entire experience is on foot.

Admire the Old Town at night
from a wooden boat just for your group

At the pier, you board a traditional wooden boat reserved only for your group. Each boat carries 1–5 passengers and is not shared with other guests. Before departure, the local boat rower helps light your lantern. As the boat glides along the river, enjoy the night view of the Old Town with its colorful lanterns and their reflections on the water.

Float your lantern and make a wish

The rower lets you release your lantern at a suitable spot depending on the boat's position and river conditions. The rowers do not speak English, and this short experience focuses on the scenery and atmosphere rather than guided commentary. The experience ends when the boat returns to the pier.

※ During peak hours (18:30–19:30), the riverside can be crowded and you may wait about 15–30 minutes before boarding.
※ The boat ride time may vary depending on river traffic and weather.