Evening Walking Food Tour, folk game and lantern boat

Our review of the Evening Walking Food Tour in Hoi An highlights a well-loved experience that promises a taste of Vietnam’s culinary delights, cultural activities, and stunning river views—all in just four hours. With top-rated guides, delicious local dishes, and engaging folk games, this tour offers an authentic, intimate glimpse into Hoi An’s vibrant night scene.

One of the highlights undoubtedly is the small group size—limited to 12 people—which ensures personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to ask questions and connect with your guide. The lantern boat ride at sunset, complemented by folk games and local food stops, creates a memorable evening that’s both fun and informative.

A potential consideration is the entrance fee to the Old Town, which isn’t included in the tour price. Travelers should also come prepared to experience a generous amount of food—so skipping lunch beforehand might be wise. This tour is perfect for those wanting a relaxed, culturally rich evening blending culinary discovery and scenic views, especially if you’re eager to explore beyond the typical tourist routes.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Small group, personalized insights, and local food hotspots
• Cultural Highlights: Folk games, lantern launch, and boat ride enrich the evening
• Delicious Food: Multiple tastings including Banh Mi, White Rose Dumplings, Cao Lau, and local coffee
• Value for Money: All food, drinks, boat trip, lantern, and folk game included at $39
• Pre-Booking Popularity: Book 25 days in advance on average
• Additional Costs: Old Town entrance fee and optional tips not included

An In-Depth Look at the Hoi An Evening Tour

This tour is a well-curated blend of food, culture, and scenery, making it a standout for travelers eager to experience Hoi An’s nightlife in an authentic way. Starting at the White Rose Restaurant, you’re greeted at 4:30 pm by a friendly, knowledgeable guide. From there, the evening unfolds with a series of carefully selected stops that showcase the best of local cuisine and traditions.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Meet at White Rose Restaurant
The tour begins here, setting a relaxed tone. Your guide, often praised for their friendliness and knowledge (notably Quin and Nancy in reviews), provides an overview of what’s to come, including insider tips on where to eat and what to see.

Hoi An Ancient Town & Food Tasting
While the entrance ticket isn’t included, most guests find it worthwhile to purchase this in advance or at the entrance—costing around 120,000 VND. The tour’s first stop involves exploring the town’s iconic streets, with stops for sampling Vietnamese Banh Mi, White Rose Dumplings, and Cao Lau Noodles. These dishes are staples in Hoi An and provide a delicious introduction to the city’s culinary identity.

Many reviews mention how the guides excel at explaining the origins and cultural significance of each dish. For example, Nancy’s storytelling about the white rose dumplings and their history adds a layer of appreciation that elevates the tasting experience beyond just eating.

Local Home Dinner & Folk Games
Next, the group heads to a local house for a 4-course dinner, which feels like dining with a welcoming Vietnamese family. This is often praised as a highlight, with reviewers like Victoria describing everything tried as “amazing,” and others noting the sense of genuine hospitality. The folk games, especially the “breaking pot” game and flower garland release, add playful, memorable moments to the evening.

Photo Opportunities & Scenic Views
A brief stop for photography captures the glowing streets and lantern-lit river, setting the scene for the next activity—a 15-minute boat trip on the Thu Bon River. This short cruise offers guests a chance to see monuments and bridges illuminated at night, creating beautiful photo memories. Reviewers like Kellyn P and Cindy H mention how much they enjoyed the lantern launch into the river, a peaceful yet vibrant cultural tradition.

Lantern Release & Folk Games
The lantern boat ride culminates in releasing a floating lantern, a highlight that many rave about. The experience is calming but visually stunning, with glowing lanterns drifting away and adding to the magical atmosphere.

Evening Fun & Closing
The night wraps up with a lively bingo game, a favorite among many guests. It’s a fun, lighthearted way to end the tour, with some reviewers mentioning they even won prizes!

The Value: What’s Included & What’s Not

For $39, this tour offers excellent value, considering it covers all food and drinks (including a bottle of water), a boat ride, a lantern, and folk games. The key is that the tour is designed to maximize culture and fun, rather than just ticking off sights. The small group size ensures you get ample attention from your guide, often praised for their friendliness and expertise.

However, you should be aware of some additional costs:
– The Old Town entrance ticket (around 120,000 VND) is not included but is essential for access to the lantern and folk game sites.
– Tips are not included but are customary if you enjoy the experience.
– There’s a surcharge of 150,000 VND on certain national holidays like April 30 and May 1, 2025, so plan accordingly.

Guides and Authenticity

Reviews frequently highlight guides like Nancy and Quin for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and humor. Guests appreciated how guides shared stories about Vietnamese cuisine and customs, making the food tastings more meaningful. The guides’ ability to connect with guests makes the tour feel like an evening out with friends rather than a formal activity.

The Experience: From Food to Fun

This tour is more than just eating. It’s about experiencing local culture through food, folk traditions, and scenic views. The bingo game and folk games set a playful tone, while the scenic boat ride and lantern launch evoke a sense of serenity and wonder. Guests often comment on how the tour successfully balances delicious eating, cultural insights, and fun activities.

Practical Considerations

The tour lasts about four hours, starting in the late afternoon. It’s perfect for visitors wanting a relaxed but engaging evening without the need for extensive planning. Since it’s limited to just 12 people, it feels intimate and offers plenty of opportunities to interact with guides and other travelers.

Be sure to come hungry, as reviews warn that there’s quite a bit of food—what some call “coming hungry” advice is sound here. Also, consider skipping lunch if you want to fully enjoy each tasting without feeling overly full.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

This experience suits travelers who love food, enjoy cultural activities, and want a relaxed but lively evening in Hoi An. It’s especially good for those who appreciate small-group experiences and are curious about Vietnamese customs beyond the usual sightseeing. It’s ideal for couples, friends, or solo travelers looking to connect through food and fun.

The Sum Up

The Evening Walking Food Tour in Hoi An offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of the city’s vibrant night life. With knowledgeable guides, delicious local dishes, scenic boat rides, and engaging folk games, it provides excellent value at a reasonable price. The personalized attention and intimate group size mean you’re not just another tourist but a guest in someone’s local world.

This tour is a perfect way to wind down your day in Hoi An, especially if you want to combine culinary discovery with cultural highlights in a relaxed setting. Whether you’re a foodie eager to try traditional dishes or a traveler who loves a bit of fun and scenery, this experience promises to leave you with lasting memories—and plenty of insider tips to continue exploring.

In summary, if you’re after an evening that’s flavorful, fun, and scenic, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s best suited for those who want to connect with local culture in a genuine way, all while enjoying a good meal and scenic views.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian options are available. Just advise at the time of booking so the tour can accommodate your dietary needs.

What is included in the tour price?
All food and drinks listed in the itinerary, one bottle of water, a 15-minute boat trip, one floating lantern per person, and folk games like bingo are included.

Are entrance tickets to Hoi An’s Old Town included?
No, they are not included but are required if you want to access the lantern boat and folk game sites. You can purchase them in advance or during the tour.

What should I bring?
Bring cash for the Old Town entrance fee if you haven’t purchased it beforehand, and dress comfortably for walking. Come hungry—there’s a lot of food!

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the folk games and scenic boat ride could appeal to families. Check with the tour provider for age recommendations.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 4 hours, starting at 4:30 pm and ending back at the meeting point.

Is the group size small?
Yes, limited to 12 guests, ensuring a more personal experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

What makes this tour stand out?
Guests frequently praise the guides’ friendliness and knowledge, the quality and variety of food, and the scenic boat and lantern experience that beautifully caps off the evening.