Hoi An lantern boat ride | Prices, duration, and useful tips

If you’re wondering what to do in the evening in Hoi An, I definitely recommend trying a lantern boat ride on the river, right in the heart of the old town.

It’s a simple, affordable, and genuinely pleasant experience. You hop on a small wooden boat, often rowed by a local Vietnamese lady, and gently drift along the water for about 15 minutes. The town lights up around you, lanterns float by, and there’s this slightly magical atmosphere—charming, but not over the top.

In the rest of the article, I’ll share all the practical info you need for your lantern boat ride in Hoi An: prices, schedules, where to board, and more handy tips.

Origin of the Lantern Boats in Hoi An

Every evening on the Hoai River, right next to Hoi An’s old town, you’ll see a line of small wooden boats drifting by. Locals call them lantern boats. They’re simple sampans, rowed by hand and decorated with colorful silk lanterns.

That’s actually where the name comes from — locals started hanging lanterns on the boats to make them more attractive, and over time, it became a tradition. Lanterns have become a big part of Hoi An’s identity. They were introduced by the Chinese in the 15th century, and even today, Hoi An is often called the city of lanterns.

When you walk around the historic center, you quickly understand why — they’re everywhere. Hanging from facades, in trees, on bridges, and even on bicycles…

Hoai River

The Hoai River (or Song Hoai) is just 1.5 kilometers long. It’s a small branch of the Thu Bon River, separating the ancient town of Hoi An to the north and An Hoi Island to the south. Its name means “those who are gone”, referring to people who left their region or country to settle here.

Back in the day, the Chinese called this area Hoai Pho, meaning “the town by the Hoai River.” That name eventually evolved into Faifoo, as it was known to European visitors.

Lanterns on Boats in Hoi An: What Changed Since 2023

Since 2023, a significant change has been introduced in Hoi An.

In the past, lantern boats were often covered with 20 to 30 lanterns, hanging from every corner of the boat. It was eye-catching and made for colorful photos.

But the local authorities decided to regulate this practice to preserve the town’s charm and avoid visual clutter. Now, each boat is only allowed to carry 1 or 2 lanterns maximum.

It may be a bit less flashy, but it feels more authentic and in line with the traditional atmosphere of the old town.

What to Do During a Lantern Boat Ride in Hoi An?

During a lantern boat ride on the Hoai River, you get to enjoy Hoi An by night from the water. Even though it’s a very touristy activity, the atmosphere remains calm and peaceful. It’s also a great chance to see the old town from a different angle and take beautiful photos, away from the crowded streets.

The tradition is to release a paper lantern onto the river. It’s shaped like a lotus, with a small candle inside. You make a wish, then watch it gently float away among the others.

Unlike in Hue, there’s no music on board. The atmosphere here is quieter and more reflective, leaving room for a more peaceful experience.

You can buy one for 5,000 to 15,000 VND, directly from the older ladies or children selling them along the riverbanks. It’s simple, inexpensive, and adds a nice symbolic and visual touch to the experience.

If you happen to be in Hoi An on a full moon night or during the Hoi An Lantern Festival (which takes place once a month), it’s the best time to take the boat ride. The atmosphere is truly special – lanterns hanging all over the streets, the river filled with hundreds of floating lanterns, and a soft, flickering light that gives the place a magical feel… without being over the top.

It’s also a great photo spot, especially if you enjoy capturing nighttime ambiance.

Price of a Lantern Boat Ride in Hoi An

For 1 to 3 people, a lantern boat ride costs 170,000 VND. For 4 to 5 people, it’s 220,000 VND. These are the official prices, displayed on signs near the ticket counters in both Vietnamese and English.

If you want to buy a paper lantern to release on the river, expect to pay between 5,000 and 10,000 VND per lantern. The maximum is 5 people per boat — that’s the regulation. So if you’re a larger group, you’ll need to split into two boats.

Good news: small children ride for free.

The lantern boat ride is not included in the entrance ticket to the old town.

How Long Is a Lantern Boat Ride in Hoi An?

The ride lasts about 20 minutes. If you want to stay on the water longer, you’ll need to pay a small extra fee directly to the boat operator.

You can also choose a different drop-off point. For example, you can board near the An Hoi Bridge, next to the Bai Choi performance area, and finish on the other side, near the night market.

There’s no need to return to your starting point — you can board and disembark at different places, as long as you let the boat operator know in advance.

Lantern Boat Ride Schedule in Hoi An

According to official information, lantern boats run daily from 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM on the Hoai River. That said, the schedule can shift a bit — if it gets dark earlier (especially during the rainy season in Hoi An) or if the town is very busy, some boats might start earlier or finish later.

If you want to enjoy the liveliest atmosphere, I recommend going between 7:30 PM and 9:00 PM. That’s when the town truly lights up, lanterns are everywhere, and the boat ride feels the most magical.

Where to Buy a Lantern Boat Ticket in Hoi An

To take a lantern boat ride, head to one of the five official ticket points along the river. There are three on Bach Dang Street, and two more near the night market and An Hoi Bridge.

Each ticket booth is easy to spot — a small table, hanging lanterns, and a red signboard showing prices and rules.

When you buy your ticket, you’ll get a color-coded slip:

• Yellow for boats carrying 1 to 3 people
• Red for boats carrying 4 to 5 people

You can also book your tickets in advance here with GetYourGuide to save time and avoid negotiating on the spot.

My Opinion

I’ve done it several times, and even though it’s touristy, I think it’s totally worth it, especially if it’s your first time in Hoi An. The ride is short, but the atmosphere is really nice, especially in the evening when lanterns are everywhere and the old town is all lit up.

The best time to go is on a weekday to avoid the crowds. And if you can catch it on a full moon night, even better. In short, it’s a simple, inexpensive activity that always leaves a good impression.