Hoi An, the jewel of central Vietnam, has long captivated visitors with its ancient, serene beauty and peaceful rhythm of life. In the heart of this ancient town, the gentle Hoai River meanders like a soft silk ribbon, offering a unique and romantic travel experience: boating on the Hoai River. More than just a simple recreational activity, a boat trip on the Hoai River is a journey to explore the culture, history, and soulful beauty of the ancient town, especially when combined with the magical tradition of releasing lanterns.
Hoai River – The Soul of Hoi An Ancient Town
The Hoai River, a branch of the Thu Bon River, not only plays a crucial role in Hoi An’s irrigation and transportation system but is also a historical witness, closely linked to the formation and development of a once-bustling trading port. The tranquil river flows through the ancient town, embracing moss-covered roofs, ancient houses, and the slow pace of life of the local people.
Scenic view of the Hoai River in Hoi An
The Hoai River is not merely a river; it is a cultural symbol, an endless source of inspiration for poetry and art. The beauty of the Hoai River transforms with each moment of the day, from the fresh dawn to the romantic sunset, and becomes especially magically shimmering at night when the ancient town lights up. This diverse and captivating beauty has made the Hoai River a must-visit destination in Hoi An, and a boat trip on the river a unique and unforgettable experience.
Immerse Yourself in Romantic Beauty with a Hoai River Boat Trip
A boat trip on the Hoai River offers visitors the opportunity to fully enjoy the poetic beauty of the ancient town from a completely different perspective. Unlike the hustle and bustle on the streets, sitting on a boat allows you to feel a strange sense of tranquility, peace, and relaxation.
Exploring Hoi An From the Water
A special feature of Hoai River boat trips is the small wooden boats, gently and slowly rowed by hand. This allows visitors to leisurely admire the scenery on both banks of the river, feel the slow pace of life of the locals, and enjoy the fresh, cool atmosphere.
Tourists enjoying a boat trip on the Hoai River in Hoi An
Hoai River boat trip during the day: Early morning or late afternoon is the ideal time for a daytime boat trip on the Hoai River. At this time, the sunlight is gentle, the air is fresh, and you can admire the ancient houses reflected in the river, the small, pretty bridges spanning the canals, and the everyday life of the people on both banks. You might encounter images of women carrying goods on their shoulders, fishermen catching fish, or children playing by the riverbank. All of this creates a simple, rustic, and charming picture of Hoi An.
Hoai River boat trip at night: When night falls, Hoi An ancient town puts on a new coat, becoming more shimmering and magical than ever. Thousands of colorful lanterns are lit, reflecting on the river, creating an extremely romantic and poetic scene. A nighttime boat trip on the Hoai River is an unmissable experience, especially on full moon nights or during lantern festivals. You will immerse yourself in a magical space, admire the brilliantly lit ancient town, and feel the peace and tranquility in the heart of the bustling city.
Releasing Flower Lanterns – Wishing for Peace on the Hoai River
Releasing flower lanterns is a traditional cultural beauty of Hoi An, usually taking place on full moon days (14th and 15th of the lunar month) and during festivals. These small, pretty flower lanterns, made of paper and bamboo frames, carry the wishes for peace, luck, and happiness of the people.
People releasing flower lanterns on the Hoai River in Hoi An
When participating in a Hoai River boat trip, visitors can also experience the custom of releasing flower lanterns. Buy a few flower lanterns, light the candles, and gently release them onto the river, sending your wishes along with the flowing water. The shimmering candlelight on the water, combined with the brilliant lanterns of the ancient town, creates a scene that is both magical, romantic, and imbued with spiritual culture. Tradition has it that wishes sent with flower lanterns will come true, bringing luck and peace to the releaser.
Guide to Experiencing a Hoai River Boat Trip & Releasing Lanterns
To experience a Hoai River boat trip and release lanterns, you can easily find the boat docks on Bach Dang Street or Chau Van An Street, right in the center of Hoi An ancient town.
Close-up of colorful flower lanterns being released on the Hoai River in Hoi An
Ideal times:
- Early morning (5am – 7am): Fresh, quiet air, suitable for watching the sunrise and feeling the tranquility of Hoi An.
- Late afternoon (4pm – 6pm): Cool weather, gentle golden sunlight, ideal for watching the sunset and the romantic scenery of the ancient town.
- Evening (after 7pm): The ancient town lights up shimmering and magically, suitable for releasing flower lanterns and enjoying the bustling, lively atmosphere. Especially on full moon nights (14th and 15th of the lunar month), the ancient town becomes most beautiful when the electric lights are turned off and only the light from lanterns remains.
Ticket prices and boat rental:
- Ticket price: Ranges from 30,000 VND – 50,000 VND/person for a boat trip of about 20-30 minutes. If traveling in a large group (4-5 people), you can rent the entire boat for about 150,000 VND – 200,000 VND. Ticket prices may vary depending on peak and off-peak seasons and holidays.
- How to rent a boat: You can go directly to the boat dock and rent a boat directly from local people. Alternatively, you can book a Hoai River boat tour through travel companies for a more professional and convenient service experience.
Important notes:
- Weather: Check the weather forecast before going to avoid rainy and stormy days, which can affect the boat trip experience.
- Clothing: Choose comfortable, polite clothing. If you want to take beautiful photos, you can rent traditional Ao Dai at shops in the ancient town.
- Beautiful photo spots: Bach Dang Street area, in front of the Japanese Covered Bridge, or ancient houses along the river are ideal locations for beautiful “check-in” photos.
- Safety: Always wear a life jacket when boating and follow the boat driver’s instructions to ensure safety.
- Bargaining: Ask for the price and bargain before getting on the boat to avoid being overcharged.
Conclusion: Hoai River Boat Trip – An Unmissable Experience in Hoi An
A boat trip on the Hoai River is not just a simple tourist activity, but a journey to discover the cultural, historical, and soulful beauty of Hoi An ancient town. From admiring the picturesque river scenery, releasing flower lanterns to pray for luck, to feeling the slow and peaceful rhythm of life of the locals, all create a unique, memorable, and meaningful travel experience. If you have the opportunity to visit Hoi An, do not miss the chance to experience a boat trip on the Hoai River, to fully feel the captivating beauty and charm of the ancient town beside the poetic river.