Hoi An Lantern Release Guide: Hoai River Times, Spots and Photos
📅 Last updated: 2026/09/21
In Hoi An, you release lanterns on the Hoai River (Thu Bon River) next to the Ancient Town: you take a small boat out and set a paper lantern with a lit candle on the water to make a wish. After dark, the whole river glows with reflections of hanging lanterns and floating candle lanterns. It's the classic Hoi An evening experience, and we suggest arriving after 6 p.m., when it's fully dark and looks its best.
- Where: The Hoai River beside Hoi An Ancient Town, mainly along the riverbank near An Hoi Bridge and the night market.
- When: Busiest from dark until around 9 p.m., every night.
- How: Take a small rowboat or lantern boat onto the river and release your lantern from the boat, or release it from the riverbank.
- Boat ride: About 15–20 minutes.
- Note: Wear a life jacket on the boat. Lantern and boat prices are set on the spot, so agree on them before you get on.
Where do you release lanterns in Hoi An?
📍 Hoai River, Hoi An (around An Hoi Bridge) | Open in Google Maps for directions
Lantern release happens on the Hoai River along the south side of Hoi An Ancient Town. The liveliest stretch is around An Hoi Bridge, with the old town on one side and the night market on the other. From late afternoon, the riverbank fills with boat operators and lantern vendors.
How does lantern release work?
| Option | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Small rowboat | A boatman rows a small wooden boat, and you set your lantern down on the river | Those who want a quiet ride and close-up photos |
| Lantern boat | The boat is covered in lanterns and has a livelier feel | Those who love colorful shots or are sharing the boat with a group |
| From the riverbank | Buy a lantern on the bank, crouch down, and set it straight onto the water | Those who'd rather skip the boat and just try it |
The lantern is a small paper holder with a candle in the middle. Before releasing it, make a silent wish, then gently place it on the water and let it drift away.
What time is best?
| Time | What the river looks like |
|---|---|
| 17:30–18:00 | Still light out, lanterns just coming on, fewer people |
| 18:30–20:00 | Fully dark, with the best lantern reflections and the biggest crowds |
| After 20:30 | Crowds thin out and the mood gets quieter |
How is the full moon lantern festival different?
Every month on the evening of the 14th day of the lunar calendar, Hoi An holds its lantern festival. Electric lights are switched off in parts of the old town, leaving only lanterns and candlelight, and there are far more floating lanterns on the river. You can release lanterns any day, but on festival nights the atmosphere is richer and the crowds are bigger. For festival dates, see 2026 Hoi An Lantern Festival Dates.
Photo tips for lantern release
- From the boat: After you set your lantern down, shoot from a low angle to catch it with the lantern reflections behind.
- From the bridge: An Hoi Bridge gives you a view of the whole river with its lanterns and boats.
- Phone settings: Turn on night mode, hold your phone steady, and keep the flash off.
- What to wear: Light-colored clothes or an ao dai look best in lantern light.
How to get to Hoi An from Da Nang for lantern release
The drive from Da Nang to Hoi An takes about 45 minutes. Since lantern release is at night and you'll get back late, a private car charter or a day tour is the easiest option:
For how to spend an afternoon and evening in the old town, see our Hoi An Ancient Town One-Day Itinerary.
Hoi An Lantern Release FAQ
Where do you release lanterns in Hoi An?
On the Hoai River (Thu Bon River) next to Hoi An Ancient Town. The liveliest part is the riverbank around An Hoi Bridge and the night market.
What's the best time to release lanterns in Hoi An?
Between 6:30 and 8 p.m., when it's fully dark and the lanterns and their reflections look best.
Can you release lanterns in Hoi An every day?
Yes. Boat operators and lantern vendors are out every evening. On the 14th day of the lunar month, the lantern festival brings a richer atmosphere and bigger crowds.
Do you have to take a boat to release a lantern?
No. You can set your lantern on the water right from the riverbank. A boat takes you to the middle of the river, which makes for better photos.
How long is the lantern release boat ride in Hoi An?
Usually about 15–20 minutes.
How should I plan lantern release in Hoi An from Da Nang?
Hoi An is about 45 minutes from Da Nang, so we suggest leaving in the afternoon. The Lanytrip Hoi An Basket Boat Day Tour departs Da Nang in the afternoon and includes an evening boat ride with lantern release on the Hoai River. The guided option already includes the boat ride and lantern release.
What should I watch out for on a lantern release boat?
Wear a life jacket, confirm the boat and lantern prices before boarding, and hold your phone tightly so it doesn't fall into the river.
