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Guide to Boat Rides in Hoi An | Prices & Itineraries

Boat rides are one of the must-try experiences in Hoi An. Situated along the Thu Bon River, this historic city offers unique opportunities to explore its surroundings.

This guide aims to showcase all the boat tours in Hoi An departing from the old town (I also have an article on basket boat rides) and provide practical details for each. During the day, you can take a ferry to cross the Thu Bon River and explore the peaceful Cam Kim Island, perfect for a bike tour. To learn more about local craftsmanship, visiting the villages of Thanh Ha and Kim Bong is an excellent choice.

The magic truly comes alive at night: hop on a lantern boat to admire the colorful reflections of lanterns illuminating the river and the old town. These lights create a unique atmosphere that captivates every visitor. Finally, a boat ride to explore UNESCO World Heritage sites is an unforgettable experience that immerses you in the timeless charm and history of Hoi An.

Ports and Piers of Hoi An

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Bach Dang Street Pier

Bach Dang Pier is one of Hoi An’s iconic landmarks, historically used for unloading and transferring goods from merchant ships between the 15th and 19th centuries. Stretching over a kilometer, from the Japanese Bridge to the Central Market, it still plays a central role today. The pier serves as a departure point for wooden tourist cruises and lantern boat rides, offering spectacular views of the Thu Bon River.

Every morning, fishermen dock their boats at the eastern end of the pier (near Hoi An’s Central Market) to sell their catch to vendors and locals. Walking along the pier, you can admire historic treasures such as the 17th-century Tan Ky Old House, the Folklore Museum, and the Traditional Art Performance House. This waterfront, vibrant with colors and rich in history, is a paradise for photographers, especially at sunset, when lanterns light up the pier.

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From Bach Dang Pier, you can board boats to visit several famous sites:

  • Thanh Ha Pottery Village
  • Cam Kim Island and Kim Bong Carpentry Village
  • Hoi An Coconut Village

Nguyen Hoang Pier

Located on An Hoi Island, Nguyen Hoang Pier sits at the end of the street of the same name, directly opposite Hoi An’s old town. This pier is especially lively thanks to the daily night market held nearby. You can find various boats here to take you to popular destinations:

  • 10 minutes to Kim Bong Carpentry Village or the Hoi An Memory Theme Park.
  • 20 minutes to Thanh Ha Pottery Village or Cam Thanh Coconut Village.

In the evening, food and drink stalls bring the pier to life, offering delicious dishes paired with the refreshing breeze from the river. It’s the perfect spot to soak up the local atmosphere after a day of exploration.

Types of Boats in Hoi An

At Bach Dang Pier, you’ll find three types of boats, each catering to different needs and budgets:

1. The sampan: This small boat can accommodate up to 4 passengers. It’s ideal for short trips and is particularly popular in the evening for visitors who want to release floating lanterns onto the water.

2. The tourist boat: Equipped with seats and a roof, this boat is perfect for sunset cruises or longer journeys, offering more comfort.

3. The luxury cruise: This is the most upscale and expensive option. Passengers can enjoy dinner and cocktails while soaking in the romantic ambiance of the Thu Bon River.

Boat Rides in Hoi An’s Old Town

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Local Ferry to Cam Kim Island

The ferry connecting Hoi An’s old town (at Bach Dang Street Pier) to Cam Kim Island takes only 10 minutes and is the fastest way to reach the island’s rural villages from the city center or Central Market. Since the construction of the Cam Kim Bridge in 2005, the number of local passengers has decreased, but the ferry remains a popular choice for residents near the ports and visitors seeking an authentic experience.

The price is very affordable, and you can even bring your bicycle for a small additional fee. Operating from sunrise to sunset, the ferry drops passengers directly at Kim Bong Carpentry Village, making it a great option for those interested in traditional craftsmanship or exploring the serene countryside by bike.

Boat Ride to Handicraft Villages

A boat trip to the artisan villages is a must for anyone interested in local culture and traditions. This excursion can easily be arranged from the Bach Dang Street Pier or the dock at the end of Nguyen Hoang Street. The trip includes two main stops:

  • Thanh Ha Pottery Village
  • Kim Bong Carpentry Village on Cam Kim Island
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These villages, established in the 15th century, thrived during Hoi An’s golden age of commerce. Thanh Ha was known for producing high-quality clay products for export, while Kim Bong was famous for shipbuilding and wooden constructions. Today, visitors can still watch artisans at work and even participate in their daily activities.

Tip: Thanh Ha Pottery Village requires an entry ticket, which includes a pottery-making class.

Cinnamon Cruise

cinnamon cruises hoi an

The Cinnamon Cruise offers one of the most popular culinary experiences on the water in Hoi An. If you don’t book a private trip, you can reserve a spot at the public tables.

The standard cruise departs at 5 PM from the Cinnamon Cruises Pier (15, Huyen Tran Cong Chua street). Guests are welcomed with a complimentary cocktail and appetizers at their table. For two hours, the cruise invites you to slow down, enjoy the shimmering sunset, and marvel at the lanterns lighting up the river.

Menu: A selection of delicious local specialties and popular Vietnamese dishes to satisfy every craving. After dinner, passengers can partake in a local tradition by lighting a candle lantern and setting it afloat on the water.

  • Price: 950,000 VND (€35 per person). Departure is guaranteed with a minimum of 2 passengers.
  • Phone: (+84) 235 362 3777
  • Website: https://cinnamoncruises.com

Note: Cinnamon Cruise also offers a special dinner cruise where guests can enjoy meals they’ve prepared themselves after a cooking class. Boarding for this option is at 7:30 PM.

Anantara Cruise

The Anantara Hoi An Resort offers a unique brunch cruise exclusively within the city. This 2-hour experience along the Thu Bon River combines stunning views with a refined brunch shared with loved ones. To enhance the flavors, a selection of non-alcoholic drinks, beers, and wines is available.

The cruise runs daily from 12 PM to 2 PM and requires a reservation at least 24 hours in advance. The price is 2.8 million VND for 2 people.

  • Address: 1 Pham Hong Thai Street (near the old town)
  • Phone: (+84) 235 391 4555
  • Email: hoian@anantara.com

Average Prices for Boat Rides in Hoi An

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Hoi An → Cam Kim: 400,000 VND for 2 people.

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Hoi An → Thanh Ha: 600,000 VND for 2 people.

Combo Hoi An → Thanh Ha → Cam Kim: 1,000,000 VND for 2 people.

Hoi An → Cua Dai → Hoi An: 600,000 VND for one boat.

These prices include a one-hour waiting time at the destination. For the return trip, expect an additional fee of 100,000 VND.

Suggested Itineraries for a Self-Guided Boat Tour

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Sunset Tour:

  • Depart from the old town.
  • Kim Bong Carpentry Village: Visit workshops, market, and shipyard.
  • Thanh Ha Pottery Village: Attend a pottery class, browse shops, and visit temples.
  • Thanh Ha Terracotta Park.
  • Enjoy the sunset on the Thu Bon River.
  • Return to Nguyen Hoang Pier and explore the night market.

Sunrise Tour:

  • Depart from the old town.
  • Thanh Ha Fish Market: A perfect spot for a morning cultural immersion.
  • Thanh Ha Pottery Village: Take a pottery class, visit temples, and browse local shops.
  • Thanh Ha Terracotta Park.
  • Kim Bong Carpentry Village.
  • Return to the old town, with a stop at Hoi An Central Market.

Night Boats in Hoi An’s Old Town

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Sailing through the canal in Hoi An’s old town aboard a lantern boat is an experience not to be missed after sunset. This iconic activity, in a city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a surreal spectacle as lantern-lit streets and houses reflect on the water. The contrast between the floating paper lanterns, bustling crowds, and the tranquility of the canal creates a unique atmosphere that reaches its peak at night.

During the ride, you’ll have the chance to take unforgettable photos and participate in a local tradition by lighting your own paper lantern and placing it on the water. Locals often associate this ritual with making wishes, a spiritually meaningful gesture with Buddhist roots. If your route takes you under the An Hoi Bridge (also known as the “Bridge of Lights”), be prepared to crouch to pass beneath! Each ride lasts at least 15 minutes.

Lantern Boat Ride Prices

Since July 2022, the price for a lantern boat ride in Hoi An at night is 150,000 VND for 1 to 2 passengers and 200,000 VND for 3 to 4 people. These prices do not include paper lanterns, but they can be purchased nearby for around 10,000 VND.

Where to Find a Boat

To board a boat, simply take a stroll along Bach Dang Pier. There’s no need to look for boat operators—locals will approach you to offer their services. However, there are two main areas for lantern boat rides:

Zone 1: Near Hoi An Central Market.

Zone 2: Near An Hoi Bridge, which I personally recommend as the best spot.

When to Go

The best time to enjoy a lantern boat ride is during the busiest hours of the old town and night market. This is when the canal is illuminated by the most lanterns, creating a magical and vibrant atmosphere.

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