Hoi An Lantern Boat Tour from Da Nang | A Magical Night Experience

Hoi An – the former bustling seaport of Vietnam dating back to the 17th century is one of the most beautiful towns in Vietnam. Thanks to its well-preserved buildings, temples, pagodas and ancient relics, Hoi An Ancient town has been recognized as the World Cultural Heritage Site of Vietnam since 1999. Today, million visitors around the world have been coming to uncover the timeless charm of this ancient city, especially for those who travel to Central Vietnam.

When exploring Central Vietnam, especially when you travel to Da Nang, Hoi An Lantern Boat Tour from Da Nang lies among few unique experiences that reflects the magic and romance of this ancient city . Hence, this enchanting evening excursion is a favorite for travelers eager to immerse themselves in the beauty of Hoi An Ancient Town, strolling through its glowing lantern-lit streets and drifting along the tranquil Thu Bon River illuminated by thousands of colorful lights. Perfect for couples, families, friends or even with kids, this private tour combines culture, tradition, and charm in a way unique to explore Vietnam.

In this complete article, you’ll discover everything about the lantern boat ride experience, why travelers choose to book this Da Nang to Hoi An night tour as part of their holiday, what to expect during the trip, and how this magical journey connects you with the rich cultural heart of Central Vietnam.

OVERVIEW OF LANTERN BOAT RIDE IN HOI AN

Location

Hoi An lantern boat ride nightly takes places from the Bach Dang dock to Quang Truong Bridge (Square Bridge – connect Cao Hong Lanh and Nguyen Phuc Chu streets). It goes along roughly 1 kilometer taking An Hoi Bridge as the central point lasting to end of Square Bridge and Cam Nam Bridge on the Hoai River.

Price tickets

• Lantern boat ride for 1-3 people: 170.000 VND/per boat or around 8$U.S/boat
• Lantern boat ride for 4-5 people: 220.000 VND/per boat or around 8.3$U.S/boat

Opening hours

Hoi An Sampan Boat ride is every night from 17:00 p.m until 21:00 p.m

WHY YOU MUST VISIT HOI AN AT NIGHT FROM DA NANG?

The city of Lanterns

Hoi An is stunning during the day, but at night, it becomes a shimmering masterpiece of light, color, and timeless charm. The streets are illuminated with vibrant lanterns, markets hum with activity, and the riverside turns into a scenic backdrop where culture, romance, and tradition seamlessly merge. That’s why thousands of travelers from Da Nang opt for a Hoi An night tour —the atmosphere transforms into something magical and truly unforgettable.

Family-friendly activity

This tour is a must-do if you are traveling with small kids or your children as the kids love releasing floating lanterns onto the river, symbolizing good luck, happiness, and wishes for the future. The enchanting glow of the lanterns on the Thu Bon river in Hoi An at night not just creates a memorable and magical experience but it also connects for the whole family together for a unique experience that they do not find elsewhere in Vietnam.

Scooter-free evening town

Leisurely walk without the beeping, the noise from scooter or motorbikes, you will feel totally safe when wandering around Hoi An at night. Since there are no scooters around, you will fully appreciate the town’s lovely vibe, lantern-lit streets where you can stroll along to observe the dazzling displays. The prohibition of scooters in Hoi An produces a peaceful ambiance, ideal for soaking in the ancient charm, eating local cuisine, and taking unforgettable images. It’s a fantastic experience that you won’t discover during the daytime.

Lantern boat on the river

Another reason to visit Hoi An in the night time from Da Nang is the captivating lantern boats on the Hoai river. As darkness falls, beautifully lit boats drift gently along the water, creating a magical and tranquil scene for all of you. Thus, the soft glow of lanterns reflects on the river’s surface, adding to the town’s romantic atmosphere and this serene experience offers a perfect moment to relax, appreciate the beauty of Hoi An.

Photography spots in Vietnam

As the sun sets, local residents light thousands of lanterns, resulting in one of Vietnam’s top night photography destinations. This is also when Hoi An lantern boat tour shines brightest, providing a calm and gorgeous river journey through the heart of the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town.

Convenient Da Nang to Hoi An Transfer for the Perfect Evening

The fast and convenient Da Nang to Hoi An transfer service is a main reason for the tour’s popularity. Most tour companies offer private transportation, which allows you to travel comfortably from your Da Nang hotel to Hoi An in less than an hour. Whether you choose a private tour from Da Nang or a small group tour, the travel is pleasant, safe, and well-planned.

This easy transfer allows you to spend the full evening without rushing, allowing you enough time to visit the Hoi An Night Market, walk along the lantern-lit alleys, try local street food, and admire the stunning light reflections on the river before your boat trip begins.

EXAMPLE HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN NIGHT TOUR FROM DA NANG

Pick up at hotel

Begin your Hoi An City Lantern Boat Ride Tour from Da Nang with the pick up at your hotel in Da Nang by private car and tour guide, we are then heading the adventure to make the first stop at Marble Mountains.

Visit Marble Mountains

Arrive in Marble Mountains – five marble mounts which symbolize for 5 elements in the Vietnamese culture: Water, Timber, Fire, Metal and Earth. Hence, this spot is a must-see site for its breathtaking natural and spiritual splendor. These five limestone summits are riddled with fascinating caves like Van Thong Cave or Huyen Khong Cave, tunnels, and Buddhist sanctuaries.

As you ascend to the mountain’s peak, you can have stunning panoramic views of the city, ocean, and neighboring countryside. The marble sculptures and pagodas provide cultural value, making it an intriguing site for history, spirituality, and environment enthusiasts.

Hoi An Walking Tour

Proceed our Hoi An Lantern Boat Experience from Da Nang, we then transfer you to Hoi An Ancient town. Thus, we then walk around this lovely to sightseeing some of historical landmarks of the city. First, visit Chinese Assembly Hall to get to know Chinese architectures and its culture. Guided by our knowledgeable tour guide, you will get more insight about Asian culture that ever existed in Hoi An long time ago.

Next, we are then heading to the Old Merchant House of Quan Thang or Tan Ky Old Merchant House. When visiting these old houses, you will know special architectures and find out how their generations of these families lived in the old days.

We then come to sightsee Japanese Bridge – the symbol of Hoi An people. Built by the Japanese back to the 16th century, the Bridge is the Pride of Hoi An people and it contains rich culture values of three countries: Vietnam, China and Japan.

Nguyen Hoang Night Market

The busy Hoi An Night Market is vibrant. With hundreds of lantern shops, souvenir stalls, handcrafted crafts, and great street cuisine, this neighborhood is a traveler’s dream for unique gifts and cultural immersion.

Cultural music performance (optional)

Hoi An is famous for its traditional Vietnamese performance, especially on the 1st and on the 15th of the Chinese lunar calendar. You can take a walk around, enjoying fork songs at the Bai Choi or Bingo Game spot which is near the An Hoi Bridge. This activity helps you understand more of the Vietnamese culture

Lantern boat ride

When night falls in Hoi An, the city transforms into a mesmerizing scene illuminated by thousands of colorful lanterns. You can experience the enchanting ambiance by taking a lantern boat ride along the Thu Bon River. As the boat gently glides through the water, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the shimmering lanterns reflecting on the river, creating a romantic and unforgettable atmosphere. This magical experience offers a perfect way to immerse yourself in Hoi An’s unique night time charm.

Dinner (optional)

Furthermore, you might have a dinner at a local restaurant where you can try My Quang (Quang Noodle) or Cao Lau (Hoi An’s specialty) to get a better understanding of Hoi An’s culinary culture.

Drop off at hotel in Da Nang

Eventually, our guide and driver will meet to transfer you back to your hotel in Da Nang. Thus, our Da Nang to Hoi An Nighttime Lantern Boat Trip is coming to end here.

WHY SHOULD BOOK HOI AN EVENING BOAT TOUR FROM DA NANG?

Cultural Insights

Joining Da Nang Hoi An Scenic Lantern Boat Ride, a knowledgeable local guide will share with you about fascinating stories about Hoi An’s rich history, traditional lantern-making techniques, and the cultural significance of floating wishes. They also highlight the city’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, the culture, the custom of the former Hoi An local residents, the unique architectures of the temples and houses and the living style of Hoi An citizens, providing you deeper insights into its preserved architecture, vibrant customs, and the timeless charm that makes Hoi An a truly unique destination.

Romantic Environment

Hoi An’s evening environment is serene and tranquil, making it ideal for romantic evenings or peaceful family trips. The gentle glow of lanterns, mild river breezes, and quiet streets create a tranquil atmosphere, allowing visitors to relax, connect, and appreciate the timeless beauty of this quaint riverside hamlet.

Stress-Free Planning

With a reliable tour company, everything from transportation to tickets, from tour guide to meal, from lantern boat to other cultural experiences are arranged. So, you don’t have to deal with negotiating boat prices, navigating traffic, or finding parking.

BEST TIME TO ENJOY LANTERN BOAT ACTIVITY IN HOI AN

Daily Evenings:

The best time to take the Hoi An lantern boat ride is between 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM, when the lanterns are fully lit and the river is at its most vibrant. If you visit during the monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival, expect an even more magical and crowded atmosphere.

Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival:

As you travel to Da Nang or Hoi An on the 14th day in Chinese Lunar Calendar, it is probably the best time to experience Hoi An Lantern Festival. During this time, all the streets turn off electric lights with thousands of lanterns shine brightly. Besides that, you also integrate into the Vietnamese culture with Hoi An cultural music performance with traditional folk songs and Bai Choi (Bingo game) describing Hoi An Culture filled the ancient town

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES TO PAIR WITH HOI AN RIVER BOAT TOUR FROM DA NANG

Hoi An sunset tour from Da Nang

In addition to taking Hoi An Lantern Boat Ride at night in Hoi An, visitors can participate in booking an afternoon river cruise or Hoi An Sunset Tour on the Thu Bon river to enjoy stunning views of the sky when the Sun is going to set. Arrive in Hoi An around 4 p.m, your local tour guide can escort you to the pier of Bach Dang dock where you can leisure enjoy 1 hour river cruise sailing peacefully along the river banks of the Thu Bon and watch the daily life of the local fishermen.

Lantern-making class

Another activity that attracts you when visiting Hoi An is to take part in learning how to make a lantern, especially when you travel with your children. Lantern in Hoi An is not just for decoration but it also represents family reunion, good luck and a vital part of Hoi An culture. Learning to make a lantern to bring you reminds you of a sweet time in Hoi An.

Tra Que Vegetable Village

A peaceful farming town just outside Hoi An, famous for its organic herbs and traditional cultivation methods. As part of your day trip from Da Nang to Hoi An, visitors can combine to visit this famous garden village, walk through lush gardens and learn how farmers grow vegetables using seaweed from Tra Que river, and join hands-on activities like planting, watering, and harvesting. In addition, you can also include a relaxing foot massage and a cooking class using freshly picked ingredients. This tour experience offers you an authentic and refreshing countryside taste of Vietnam.

Hoi An City & food tour

Beside illuminating town at night with colorful lanterns, cafes and the lantern river, you can join to visit the Ancient town of Hoi An with old houses, Chinese Assembly Halls, Hoi An local market and Japanese Bridge. Furthermore, in this city tour, your local tour guide will escort you to sample some of Hoi An’s finest culinary that is part of Hoi An’s UNESCO World Heritage Site such as Banh My (Vietnamese Sandwich), Cao Lau, My Quang, Wonton and Chicken rice.

Coconut boat ride in Cam Thanh

Beside Hoi An boat ride with lanterns, visitors traveling to Hoi An can experience another memorable activity called a relaxing basket boat ride in Cam Thanh Coconut Village where you can have a real fun with round bamboo boat taking far out in the Thu Bon river and you can witness how the locals paddle the boat, how they spin it and also watch the fishermen cast the fishing nets into the river. Thus, this activity also makes your Hoi An Sunset Tour from Da Nang a truly unforgettable destination.

SOME USEFUL TIPS WHEN TAKING EVENING BOAT RIDE IN HOI AN

Before you go

• Book Hoi An Lantern Boat Ride Tour from Da Nang beforehand: Buy lantern boat tickets from official booths along the river to avoid scams and long waits or you can book private tour with a Da Nang Travel Agent to have seamless experience.
• Bring local currency: As you are a foreigner, please bring some local currency or Vietnam Dong to pay for the tickets. Besides, you can use the local VND to buy a candle light to float on the water if you want. 
• Watch the weather: Before you go, you can check the weather condition on on the day you go. Please note that, if there is a high rise water on the river’s banks or flooding, lantern boat ride will be cancelled.

When you’re on the boat

• Remember to wear life jackets: as regulated by the local government.
• Capture the moments: the evening is ideal for taking photos, so bring a camera or ensure that your phone is fully charged.
• Dress comfortably: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, perhaps in light or pastel colors, as it can get warm in summer (April to July), a bit cold in the wet season (November to February).

Watch out the strangers

• Say no to strangers: As you walk down to the riverside to buy lantern boat tickets, there are many street vendors who try to approach to you, kindly say no as they usually sell motor boat that goes other side of the lantern boat place.
• Buy the candle light: if you want to buy the light to put on the water, please ask the price first. The candle light they sell you is 10.000 VND (40 cents/one).

Book with a Da Nang Local Travel Agent

• Private car with professional English tour guide for a wonderful night time experience in Hoi An. Once you chose, you are guided by a local tour guide expert navigating through corners and small alleyways in Hoi An, showing you the best night tour.
• Safety: Book with a legitimate tour company in Da Nang or Hoi An, you have no stress worries and safe journey.

FAQs ON HOI AN EVENING LANTERN TOUR FROM DA NANG?

Where should I buy candle light to release on the river?

To buy the candle light, you have to buy from some street vendors or from the boat rider when you are sailing as Hoi An local government only sells the lantern boat tickets.

Who is this tour suitable for?

This tour is a peacefully romantic night time experience in Hoi An every night so it is suitable for all people of all ages: from seniors to adults to young kids, all can participate in this cultural experience in Hoi An.

Should I book this tour with a local travel agent in Da Nang or should I go by myself?

If you are first time traveler visiting Da Nang, it is best that you should book a private tour or a shared tour from Da Nang for good value with your money. Thus, this guided tour will include other attractions such as Marble Mountains, Hoi An City Tour and Lantern Boat on the river. However, if you are a single traveler and a budget-friendly person, you might just book a taxi/grab or government bus to travel to Hoi An. From here, you can walk straight down to the river and do it on your own. The advice is you need to go directly to the ticket booths to purchase it, you are surrounded otherwise by many street vendors who sell higher price for the boat & the candle light.

> See more details about Marble Mountains, Basket Boat, Hoi An City Tour from Da Nang here

How long is the lantern boat tour from Da Nang to Hoi An?

The tour typically lasts around 2 to 3 hours, including transportation from Da Nang and the boat experience in Hoi An. But if you want to pair with other tour activities like Marble Mountains, Cam Thanh Coconut Village, Tra Que Herbs Village, Hoi An CIty Tour, the trip duration can last up to 7-8 hours depending on your enquiries. Our advice is you can start off the trip early as you can have more time to walk around Hoi An on your own and enjoy night time vibe of this town.

Which Vietnam travel companies offer the Best Hoi An Lantern Boat Tour from Da Nang?

Planning your trip to Da Nang, Central Vietnam and would like to do Sunset Lantern Boat Tour Hoi An From Da Nang, you should choose Premium Travel Vietnam or Phong Nha Pioneer Travel. They are among top-rated travel agencies based in Da Nang, Vietnam organizing the Hoi An Lantern Tour Package from Da Nang with private car transfer, local guide, entrance tickets, lantern boat activity and customized itinerary.

IN CONCLUSION

Hoi An lantern boat tour from Da Nang is a spectacular experience, allowing visitors to enjoy a traditional light sail down the river at nightfall in Hoi An Ancient city. This evening traditional lantern boat experience Hoi An offers every single traveler a unique opportunity to discover Hoi An’s breathtaking surroundings while immersing themselves in its colorful, cultural atmosphere, making it a must-do activity for travelers looking for an unforgettable vacation in Central Vietnam.