Top 4 Hoi An River Cruises

1.Hoai River Boat Trip by Night and Floating Lantern

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,988 reviews · 20 min · from $8Our pick

Meet your English-speaking guide at the Kazimierz Kwiatkowski bust on Tran Phu Street. Walk five minutes to the dock, board a private wooden boat for up to five people, and release a paper lantern with the rower’s help. Expect a short, atmospheric ride with no onboard commentary.

“We enjoyed our boat ride at the height of Tet. We were met by a guide who took us to the point where we caught a boat for 20 minutes. From start to finish we felt safe and looked after with life jackets and a confident rower. It was busy on the river but we loved the atmosphere of the lanterns and sending a candle downstream. It was delightful. Pity the modern Irish venues played such loud music which was inappropriate for Tet. This was a lovely end to our stay in Hoi An.”

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2.River Lantern Boat Experience with Free 5G eSIM

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,819 reviews · 20 min · from $8

Meet at 153 Tran Phu Street near the Japanese Bridge, collect your lantern and tea, then walk five minutes to the Hoai River. An English-speaking team leads you to a traditional boat for a 20-minute evening ride, lantern release, and photos. The $8 ticket also includes a 24-hour 8GB eSIM.

“The boat trip was beautiful seeing all the lanterns on the water and the beautiful lit up building around the canal. I would highly recommend this”

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3.My Son Sanctuary and Thu Bon River Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 653 reviews · 5 hours · from $16

From Hoi An, you’ll visit My Son Sanctuary with an English-speaking guide, watch a Cham dance, and learn how its temple towers served the Champa Kingdom. Choose a morning tour with a local lunch or an afternoon trip with banh mi, then return by boat along the Thu Bon River.

“Amazing , good information, nice guide, not fast paced and amazing lunch”

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4.My Son Sanctuary & Sunset River Cruise BBQ or Banhmi

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 345 reviews · 5 hours - 330 minutes · from $18

You’ll leave Hoi An at 12:30 for My Son Sanctuary, where guides such as Thao, Van, Tin, and Lam explain Cham culture, temples, and wartime stories. After a traditional Cham performance, finish with a sunset Thu Bon River cruise, choosing a BBQ meal or banh mi.

“The guides provide us from abundance information. He had knowledge about the religion and had knowledge about Vietnamese culture. The side was marvellous. The boatride was cute. Guide self provide us very fast of delicious barbecue.”

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