Plan your visit
Plan your Visit
Maximize your time along the Hoai River. The area gets crowded at night, and motorized vehicles are banned during evening hours.
Getting there
How to get there and get around.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk: Walking along the pedestrian-only promenades (Bach Dang and Nguyen Phuc Chu streets) | Anytime | Free with Old Town ticket | Motorized vehicles are banned in the historic center during peak evening hours. |
| Boat: Traditional wooden sampan rides operated by local rowers | 15-20 minutes | 150,000 - 200,000 VND | Purchase tickets from official booths on Bach Dang or Nguyen Phuc Chu streets to avoid touts. |
| Tour: Guided evening walking and boat tours that include dinner and lantern releases | 2-4 hours | Varies by operator | Ideal for those who want historical context and pre-arranged boat tickets. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The Hoai River is open year-round. The dry season from February to August offers the most reliable weather. The best viewing times are between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM when the lanterns are lit.
What to bring
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The Old Town entrance ticket costs 120,000 VND.
Keep your ticket handy to cross the Japanese Covered Bridge.
How the day runs
Recommended ways to spend your time.
A classic evening experiencing the lanterns and night market.
- Blue Hour Arrival
Walk down Bach Dang Street before total darkness.
- Boat Ride
Take a 15-20 minute sampan ride and float a paper lantern.
- Night Market
Cross the An Hoi Bridge to explore the Nguyen Hoang Night Market.
- Dinner
Eat at a riverside restaurant on Nguyen Phuc Chu Street.
Experience the river without the heavy tourist crowds.
- Sunrise Walk
Watch the sunrise over Hoai River Square.
- Japanese Bridge
See the 17th-century bridge before the tour groups arrive.
- Morning Market
Observe local merchants setting up along the north bank.
Practical tips for the river
Always purchase your boat tickets from the official booths on Bach Dang or Nguyen Phuc Chu streets. Prices are fixed at 150,000 to 200,000 VND per boat. Avoid touts offering cheaper or unverified rides.
Keep your belongings secure near the boat docks and the Nguyen Hoang Night Market. The crowds can get heavy, increasing the risk of petty theft. Motorbikes are not allowed on the adjacent streets during evening hours.
Easiest way to do it
Hoi An Lantern Boat By Night
1 min to 20 min 4.5 (3,516)
- Water lantern
- Great Hoi An Lantern Boat
From$8per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
What time do the lanterns light up in Hoi An?
The lanterns typically start glowing around 6:00 PM. The best viewing time is between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
Do you need a ticket to walk along the Hoai River?
Yes. Access to the historic streets alongside the river requires a Hoi An Old Town entrance ticket, which costs 120,000 VND.
Are motorbikes allowed on the streets next to the Hoai River?
No. The area is restricted to pedestrian and bicycle traffic during evening hours to maintain a quiet atmosphere.