Hoi An City Tour – A Magical Evening in Vietnam’s Lantern Town
If you are looking for a truly magical cultural experience in central Vietnam, this Hoi An City Tour is the perfect choice. Our relaxing afternoon and evening tour will introduce you to the beauty, history, and traditions of one of Vietnam’s most charming destinations.
Located along the central coast, Hoi An Ancient Town is famous for its well-preserved architecture, colorful lanterns, and peaceful riverside atmosphere. Once a bustling international trading port, the town today offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s cultural heritage. During this tour, you’ll explore historic landmarks, enjoy traditional performances, taste local cuisine, and take part in one of Hoi An’s most beloved traditions: releasing a flower lantern on the river.

Why Choose the Hoi An City Tour with Lantern Release?
Our Hoi An City Tour – Boat Ride – Release Flower Lantern offers the perfect combination of sightseeing, cultural discovery, and relaxing evening activities. Instead of simply walking through the town on your own, this guided experience helps you uncover the hidden stories behind Hoi An’s historic architecture and long trading history.
Highlights of the tour include:
- Walking tour through Hoi An Ancient Town
- Visiting traditional assembly halls and historic merchant houses
- Exploring the famous Japanese Covered Bridge
- Watching cultural performances at the Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House
- Enjoying dinner with authentic Hoi An cuisine
- Taking a scenic boat ride on the Hoai River
- Releasing a traditional flower lantern for luck and prosperity
Discover the Historic Beauty of Hoi An Ancient Town
Your journey begins in the afternoon with hotel pickup in Hoi An. From there, your guide leads you into the historic streets of the ancient town, where colorful lanterns hang from centuries-old buildings.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An Ancient Town has preserved its unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural influences for more than 400 years. Walking through its narrow streets feels like stepping back in time.
Visit Ancient Houses and Assembly Halls
One of the highlights of the tour is visiting some of Hoi An’s historic merchant houses, which once belonged to wealthy trading families. Famous examples include:
- Phung Hung Ancient House
- Tan Ky Ancient House
These beautifully preserved homes showcase traditional wooden architecture, antique furniture, and unique design elements influenced by international trade. You will also visit one of the town’s colorful Chinese assembly halls, where traders once gathered to socialize, worship, and conduct business.
The Iconic Japanese Covered Bridge
Another must-see landmark is the historic Japanese Covered Bridge. Built more than 400 years ago by the Japanese community living in Hoi An, this small but beautiful bridge has become the symbol of the city. Its elegant wooden structure, curved roof, and decorative carvings reflect the cultural exchange that shaped Hoi An during its golden trading era.
Traditional Culture at the Performing Arts House
To experience Hoi An’s artistic heritage, the tour includes a visit to the Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House, you can enjoy traditional Vietnamese performances such as:
- Folk music
- Classical singing
- Traditional dance
These performances provide insight into the region’s cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Explore Hoi An Market
Before dinner, you will have free time to wander through the lively Hoi An Market. This vibrant market is filled with local products, fresh fruits, spices, and handmade souvenirs. It’s also a great place to observe everyday life and interact with local vendors.
Enjoy Authentic Hoi An Cuisine
After sightseeing, the tour pauses for dinner at a local restaurant where you will taste some of the region’s signature dishes. Typical Hoi An specialties may include:
- Cao Lau
- White Rose Dumplings
- Hoi An Chicken Rice
This culinary experience is the perfect way to recharge before the evening’s most magical activity.
Boat Ride on the Hoai River
As the sun sets, Hoi An transforms into a glowing lantern city. Hundreds of colorful lights reflect on the water, creating one of the most beautiful nighttime scenes in Vietnam. You will board a small boat for a relaxing ride along the Hoai River. From the water, you can admire the ancient town illuminated by lanterns while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the evening.
Release a Flower Lantern for Good Luck
The highlight of the evening is the traditional lantern release ceremony. You will receive a small flower lantern made from colorful paper and a candle. According to local tradition, releasing the lantern onto the river symbolizes wishes for:
- Peace
- Happiness
- Health
- Prosperity
Watching the glowing lantern drift gently along the river creates a truly unforgettable moment during your visit to Hoi An. After the boat ride and lantern release, your guide will escort you back to your hotel in Hoi An between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM, marking the end of a wonderful cultural experience.
An Unforgettable Evening in Hoi An
Our Hoi An City Tour offers a perfect introduction to the beauty and traditions of Hoi An. From historic houses and cultural performances to delicious local cuisine and the magical lantern ceremony, this tour captures the spirit of one of Vietnam’s most beloved destinations.
If you are seeking culture, history, and romance in a single evening, this experience in Hoi An Ancient Town is simply unforgettable. Contact Explore Vietnam Team for further information and booking details.
What's included?
- Pick up and drop off
- Entrance fees
- English speaking tour guide
- Dinner with Hoi An cuisine
- Boat ride and flower lantern
- Mineral water
What's excluded?
- Boat ride ticket for chidlren under 4 years old (extra 3$)
- Personal expenses and Services not mentioned above
- Tips & gratuities for guides and driver
- If your hotel in Da Nang, please take the transfer to Hoi An meeting point (Venus office)
Price: 26 USD/ People
= 676,000 VND/ People
- Kid from 0 – 2 year old : pay %
- Kid from 3 – 10 year old : 20 USD
- Kid from 11 year old and older as Adult