Hoi An lantern boat ride : full guide, cost and our experience
We arrived at the riverside just as the sun was going down. The whole old town started to glow. Not from streetlights, but from hundreds of small paper lanterns hanging over the water. This is what most people picture when they think about a Hoi An lantern boat ride. Honestly, the picture in your head is pretty close to the real thing. In this article we will share our full experience, the real cost, and everything you need to know before you go.
What is the lantern boat in Hoi An?
The lantern boat in Hoi An is a small wooden boat. It’s usually rowed by a local boatman or boatwoman, and it takes you along the Thu Bon River boat trip through the old town. While you are on the boat, you get a small paper lantern with a candle inside. The tradition is to make a wish and float it on the river. Some people call it lantern boats Hoi An, some call it Hoi An boat ride lantern, but it’s the same experience. A slow, peaceful ride past old French colonial buildings, glowing lanterns, and reflections on the water.
Well, as I said, this isn’t just about the boat ride itself. It’s about the atmosphere around it. Music from small restaurants along the bank, other boats passing by, and the smell of street food drifting from the night market nearby.
Is there an entry fee?
This is probably the most common question, so let’s answer it first. There is no entry fee just to walk along the river or watch the lanterns. You only pay once you get on a boat or buy a floating lantern.
Hoi An lantern boat ride cost
The cost depends a little on where you book and how many people are in your boat. From our experience, here is roughly what to expect:
- Shared boat (with other tourists): around 50,000 – 100,000 VND per person
- Private small boat (2-4 people): around 150,000 – 250,000 VND for the whole boat
- Floating lantern (to make your wish): usually 10,000 – 20,000 VND per lantern, sometimes included in the price
- Some operators near the Japanese Covered Bridge and Bach Dang Street charge a bit more on festival nights
Also, don’t worry, if you don’t want to pay for a boat, you can just walk the riverside and buy a floating lantern from a vendor. Release it yourself, no boat needed. It’s cheaper, and it still gives you that same lantern feeling.
Best time for the ride
We went in the early evening, right after sunset, around 6:30 pm. This is honestly the best window. The sky still has some color, the lanterns are lit, and it’s not too dark to see the old town buildings yet.
- Evening (6:00 pm – 8:00 pm): Best lighting, most atmosphere, busiest time
- Later at night (8:30 pm onward): Quieter, fewer boats, darker photos
- Full Moon Lantern Festival (14th day of the lunar month): The old town turns off electric lights. Only lanterns are used. Most magical night, but also the most crowded
How to get to the boat departure point
The boats leave from small piers along the Thu Bon River. Mainly near the Hoi An Night Market and close to An Hoi Bridge. If you’re staying in the old town, you can just walk there in a few minutes.
Coming from Da Nang? Most tourists take a taxi or Grab. It takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Also you can book a private car transfer through your hotel, which is more comfortable for families.
Our experience on Lantern Boat Ride Hoi An
For this trip, we traveled from Da Nang to Hoi An for a 1-day trip to the Hoi An old town. We walked to the riverside around sunset. There were already many small boats waiting, and boatwomen calling out prices. We picked a shared boat with two other friends. The ride lasted around 15-20 minutes.
The boatwoman rowed us slowly on the river, past the colorful old houses. She stopped in a quieter part of the river so we could release our floating lanterns. It’s a small, simple moment. But sitting in a wooden boat, lantern light reflecting on the water, feels like it was made for Hoi An.
Quick tip: bring a light jacket, even in warmer months. The river breeze at night can be cooler than you expect.
Please note: after we bought the ticket, we had to wait in line for about an hour before we could get on the boat. If you don’t want to wait that long, ask at the ticket counter first about the current wait time. For us, it was worth it.
Things to do nearby
- Walk across the Japanese Covered Bridge before or after the ride
- Explore the Hoi An Night Market for street food and souvenirs
- Try local Cao Lau noodles at a riverside restaurant
- Bring home a small paper lantern lamp as a souvenir
You can check the video from our moment
Is lantern boats Hoi An worth it?
Yes. From our experience it’s completely worth it, especially your first time in Hoi An. The cost is low compared to similar boat rides in other countries. And the atmosphere along the river at night is something photos don’t fully capture.
Whether you book a shared boat or go private, it’s a slow, calm way to see the old town from the water, away from the crowds on the street.
Feel free to DM me here on IG @fj.at.pattaya or @snny.travel.blog.
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