Hoi An City by night and release paper latern on Hoài river

This tour offers a beautifully balanced mix of culture, cuisine, and authentic local experiences in the enchanting city of Hoi An. For just $46 per person, you’ll get to explore historic sites, craft your own lantern, and enjoy a magical lantern release on the river—all within about four hours. It’s a well-organized and engaging way to spend an evening, especially if you’re eager to see Hoi An’s vibrant night scene and learn about its past.

What really makes this experience shine is the personalized touch of the guided tour and the chance to create your own lantern—a meaningful souvenir. Plus, the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off simplifies planning for travelers with busy schedules. However, a consideration to keep in mind is the tour’s weather-dependent nature, as it goes ahead rain or shine, which could influence your comfort during outdoor activities.

This tour is ideal for visitors who want more than just a typical sightseeing trip. If you’re curious about local history, love interactive experiences like crafting, and enjoy sampling regional food, it could be just the thing. It’s particularly suitable for those traveling in groups or families who appreciate guided insights and memorable cultural moments.

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Combines historic sightseeing, lantern-making, and river lantern release in one outing.
• Authentic Cultural Engagement: Make your own lantern with guidance, then release it on the river, creating a personal and memorable moment.
• Convenience: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making your evening hassle-free.
• Expert Guides: Well-reviewed guides like Sue, Michael, and Duan bring local stories to life with humor and knowledge.
• Delicious Food & Local Sights: Tastes of Hoi An’s specialties at the night market add flavor to your cultural adventure.
• Moderate Price for Value: At $46, this tour offers a rounded experience with entrance fees, boat ride, and activities included.

An In-Depth Look at the Hoi An Night Tour

Starting in the Ancient Town

Your evening begins with a pickup from your hotel, a straightforward way to start your adventure without the hassle of arranging transport. Once you meet your guide, you’ll head into Hoi An’s renowned Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with charming streets, centuries-old architecture, and vibrant markets.

The tour visits key landmarks like the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, Tan Ky Old House, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. These sites aren’t just photo stops—they tell stories of Hoi An’s role in regional trade and cultural exchange. Expect your guide to share insights that bring the history to life, making the visit more engaging than just wandering on your own.

Guests frequently mention how knowledgeable guides like Sue and Duan enhance the experience, offering detailed explanations and funny anecdotes. One reviewer noted Sue’s impressive ability to explain the historical significance of each site, making the visit not only educational but also entertaining.

Exploring the Local Market

A lively local market rounds out the daytime exploration. Here, you’ll observe local daily life, see vendors selling fresh produce and crafts, and get a glimpse of everyday Hoi An. It’s a perfect opportunity to pick up souvenirs or simply soak in the authentic atmosphere. Many reviews highlight that guides often take visitors off the beaten path, leading to hidden corners and local food vendors, which adds a delicious and personal touch to the experience.

The River Lantern Experience

The highlight for many is the sampan boat ride on the Hoài River, where you’ll get to release floating paper lanterns. As you push your lantern into the water, you can make a wish—something many guests remember fondly. Reviewers like “a Tripadvisor Reviewer” shared that the lantern release was “beautiful” and “a perfect way to end the evening,” emphasizing how the peaceful, glowing river creates a magical scene.

The lantern workshop is more than just a craft session; it’s an opportunity to create a keepsake of your trip. The workshop leader guides you through making your own paper lantern, which you can take home as a personal souvenir. Reviewers raved about the craftsmanship and the fun they had during this activity, with some mentioning how it gave them a deeper connection to Hoi An’s culture.

Night Market & Local Food Tasting

Post-lantern release, the tour visits Hoi An’s night market, where you can browse souvenirs, try local snacks, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere. This segment lasts about 30 minutes and is free of charge. Guests frequently mention the delicious street food, describing it as “absolutely tasty” and highlighting how guides often recommend the best vendors.

What’s Included & What’s Not

This tour covers most essentials: entrance fees to historic sites, a guided walk, the sampan boat ride, lantern-making workshop, and hotel pickup. The price of $46 offers good value, especially considering that the lantern workshop, boat ride, and site entries are all included.

Extras to keep in mind include personal expenses, drinks, and the taxi back to your hotel, which isn’t included but is easily arranged. For travelers staying outside of Hoi An, a $10 pickup from Da Nang is available, adding convenience for those arriving from afar.

The Experience & Group Size

The tour is capped at 15 travelers, making it intimate enough for personalized attention but still lively. Many reviews highlight the friendly guides who balance informative commentary with humor and warmth. Guests like Michael and Duan received high praise for their local knowledge, friendliness, and their ability to tailor the experience to the group’s interests.

Weather & Practicalities

A key consideration is that the tour departs regardless of weather. While this means you’ll experience the activities rain or shine, it also suggests being prepared for outdoor elements. The timing—around 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm—means you’ll see Hoi An transition from daylight to nighttime, adding to the ambiance.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers looking for a taste of Hoi An’s cultural richness without spending an entire day. It’s perfect for those interested in history, local food, and creating a personal keepsake through lantern-making. Families, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate guided insights and interactive activities will find this tour especially rewarding.

If you’re a foodie eager to sample street snacks and learn about regional cuisine, the visit to the night market will appeal. Meanwhile, those who want a peaceful yet lively end to a day of sightseeing will love the lantern release—an activity that’s as picturesque as it is meaningful.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded, authentic glimpse into Hoi An’s evening scene. The combination of historical sites, local food, and the magical lantern release creates a memorable experience that’s both fun and educational. The guides’ warmth and knowledge are frequently praised, making the tour feel personal rather than generic.

At $46, you’re paying for a comprehensive half-day that covers significant sites, a craft activity, and a unique river lantern release—all included. This makes it a worthwhile choice for travelers wanting an immersive, meaningful evening adventure.

For those who value authentic experiences, engaging guides, and the chance to create a special souvenir, this tour ticks all the boxes. Just remember to come prepared for the weather if you’re sensitive to rain, and you’ll leave with wonderful memories of your night in Hoi An.

FAQs

Is pickup included in the tour? Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup in Hoi An, making it very convenient. Pickup from Da Nang is also available for an additional $10.

How long does the tour last? The tour runs approximately four hours, from 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm, covering multiple stops and activities.

What sights are visited during the tour? The itinerary includes Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, Tan Ky Old House, Japanese Covered Bridge, and the local market in Hoi An’s Ancient Town.

Can I participate if I don’t speak Vietnamese? Absolutely. The guides speak English fluently, and reviews highlight guides like Sue, Michael, and Duan for their great communication skills and sense of humor.

Is the lantern-making workshop suitable for children? While specific age limits aren’t mentioned, the activity is generally engaging for older children and adults who enjoy crafts.

What is included in the price? Entrance fees, guided tour, lantern workshop, boat ride, and hotel pickup are included.

What should I wear? Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and consider bringing a rain jacket or umbrella if the weather looks uncertain.

Is the tour canceled in bad weather? The experience proceeds regardless of weather; if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are food and drinks included? No, personal expenses and drinks are not included, but you’ll have the chance to sample local food at the night market.

How many people typically join this tour? The maximum group size is 15, ensuring a friendly, personalized experience.

This tour offers a genuine way to experience Hoi An after sunset—combining history, culture, and a touch of magic. Whether it’s your first visit or a repeat trip, the memories made during the lantern release and exploring the town’s illuminated streets are sure to stick with you.