The 4 Night River Cruises in Hoi An That Earn the Fare

1.Hoai River Boat Trip by Night and Floating Lantern

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,988 reviews · 20 min · from $8Our pick

Meet your English-speaking guide at the Kazimierz Kwiatkowski bust on Tran Phu Street. You’ll walk five minutes to the dock, board a private wooden boat for up to five people, and release one paper lantern per person with help from the rower. The ride lasts 10 to 15 minutes and is scenic rather than narrated.

“This was well worth booking… the normal queue for the boats was long and chaotic. My guide messaged me earlier in the day with meeting point, so met there and he escorted us down to the river and immediately onto a boat. No messing around, was great experience”

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2.Hoai River Night Boat Trip and Floating Lantern

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 32 reviews · 15 min · from $10

Meet an English-speaking greeter opposite 140 Tran Phu Street, board a wooden boat for up to four people, and spend 15 minutes on the Hoai River. Light one flower lantern per person, make a wish, and watch it drift toward the sea. The ride is short, simple, and best paired with a walk through Hoi An’s night market.

“Was unable to make it on my original booking but they were able to accommodate for the next night. Super helpful and was a quick and easy activity. Highlight was them assisting me in still getting the lantern and night boat trip”

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3.HoiAn Small Boat By Night on Bach Dang River

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 9 reviews · from $9

Meet at 94 Bach Dang in Hoi An’s old town for a simple 20-minute private boat ride on the river. Choose sunset for photos or nightfall to release a lantern and make a wish. A local guide, coffee or tea, and mobile tickets are included, but confirm pickup details before booking.

“Unfortunately I didn’t go on this boat trip. It was very disorganised, I waited for 90mins and the boat still wasn’t ready. I ended up just booking another boat and it was an absolutely beautiful experience. I would recommend people just going down to the water and booking a boat while you’re there, it is much easier!”

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4.Hoai River Boat Trip by Night with Release Lantern

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8 reviews · from $9

Meet your greeter at 142 Tran Phu Street and walk to the dock for a 20-minute shared boat ride on the Hoai River. You receive one flower lantern to release for luck and peace. The boat holds one to four people, and the outing finishes back at the meeting point, near Hoi An’s night market.

“It is a must do activity in Hoi An. In the evening the atmosphere becomes so magical. It is highly recommended. I just want to mention that it might not be necessary to book a tour online. During the evening, there are many people around selling the tour at that moment. When you have time, you can easily organise it over there.”

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