What To Do In Hoi An At Night
Things To Do In Hoi An At Night
Hoi An is a symbol of tradition and rich cultural heritage even as the sun sets. Nestled along the Thu Bon River, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a popular destination in Vietnam. It is known for its well-preserved architecture, vibrant markets and enchanting atmosphere. As night falls, the city comes alive with a myriad of activities for visitors and locals alike.
Situated 55 kilometers from Hoi An, Banyan Tree Lang Co highlights Hoi An as an essential nighttime destination in Vietnam. In this blog post, we will suggest seven activities in Hoi An after dark, from tranquil strolls through lantern-lit streets to immersive cultural experiences.
Stroll Around Ancient Town
Hoi An Ancient Town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional Asian trading port. Located in Vietnam’s central - Quang Nam Province, on the north bank near the mouth of the Thu Bon River, the town showcases a unique fusion of indigenous and foreign cultures, including Chinese, Japanese and later European influences.
As daylight fades, Hoi An Ancient Town transforms into a mesmerising display of lights. Take a leisurely stroll along the narrow streets adorned with charming storefronts and colourful Hoi An lanterns every night. Experience the enchanting atmosphere as historic buildings and ancient temples are illuminated, casting a magical glow over the cobblestone pathways.
Admire the Night Lanterns
Hoi An is famous for its traditional lanterns, and at night, they take centre stage to create a magical atmosphere. The craft of making lanterns in Hoi An dates back over 400 years, showcasing the town’s rich cultural M41 - Paragraph - Admire the Night LanternsTitleAdmire the Night LanternsTitleContentContentSelect mediaheritage. Hoi An lanterns come in a wide variety of styles and carry significance, with colours like red representing fortune and wealth. Stroll along Nguyen Phuc Chu Street, also known as Hoi An Lantern Street, to admire the beautiful lanterns. Situated next to the famous Nguyen Hoang Night Market, this location is most dazzling at night, especially during festivals on the 14th day of every lunar month.
You can also visit one of the many lantern shops in Hoi An to witness artisans crafting these works of art by hand. For a more immersive experience, join a lantern-making workshop to learn the intricate techniques behind these handcrafted treasures and create your own masterpiece to take home as a souvenir.
Take a Boat Trip on Hoai River
For a unique perspective of Hoi An at night, embark on a boat trip along the tranquil Hoai River. This activity offers a short journey aboard traditional Vietnamese boats adorned with lanterns, creating a glittering ambiance along the river. Enjoy a close-up view of the river's nighttime beauty, where lights reflect on the water to create a mesmerising journey. One of the best things to do in Hoi An at night, this boat trip lets you relish the cool breeze and atmospheric charm while taking in the nighttime scenery of Hoi An Ancient Town.
The Hoi An night boat ride costs VND 150,000 for 1–3 passengers and VND 200,000 for 4–5 passengers. It operates daily from 4PM to 9:30PM. Due to the usual volume of visitors, each boat trip lasts 20 minutes to ensure a memorable yet efficient experience for all.
Release a Flower Garlands and Make a Wish
Participate in the age-old tradition of releasing paper lanterns onto the Hoai River, a practice believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Write your wishes on your lantern before setting it afloat. Watch as it drifts along the water’s surface, carrying your hopes and dreams into the night.
Notably, this activity is a highlight of the Hoi An Lantern Festival, which is held on the 14th day of every lunar month when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. On these occasions, all shops, restaurants and homes turn off their lights. The locals decorate their façades with lanterns and light to wish for good fortune, health and fair weather. Visitors can release lanterns and make wishes as part of the Hoi An night boat ride, a beautiful way to connect with the local culture and add a touch of magic to your evening in Hoi An.
Shop at the Night Market
Indulge in a shopping spree at the bustling Hoi An night market, where vendors peddle a variety of local handicrafts, souvenirs and street food. Bargain for unique treasures such as silk scarves, wooden carvings and handmade jewellery.
As you wander through the market, located along Nguyen Hoang Street, don’t miss the opportunity to shop for Hoi An lanterns. The stalls here offer a wide range of lanterns in various shapes, sizes and colours, which you can try to bargain for to get at better prices.
Go on a Local Food Tour
Embark on a culinary adventure through Hoi An’s nocturnal food scene, sampling a diverse array of dishes at local eateries and street food stalls. Join a guided food tour to discover hidden gems and insider tips on where to find the best banh xeo (savoury Vietnamese pancake), cao lau (pork rice noodles) and com ga (chicken rice).
Some must-try spots include the street vendor stalls close to the Japanese Bridge in Hoi An Ancient Town, known for their delicious banh xoai (mango cake). For a more immersive dining experience, visit Bale Well Restaurant, a tiny open-air eatery in one of Hoi An’s back alleys, famous for its grilled pork spring rolls. Another notable stop is White Rose Restaurant, which has been serving its renowned “white rose” dumplings, named for their rose-like shape, for three generations.
Join Traditional Vietnamese Game
Immerse yourself in the local culture by participating in traditional Vietnamese games, a fun and interactive way to experience Hoi An’s vibrant nightlife. One popular game is Bai Choi, a diverse folk art that takes two main forms: Bai Choi performance and Bai Choi games. The games take place in a leaf hut, a traditional Vietnamese structure typically made from bamboo and thatched with leaves or grass, near the Hoai River Bridge.
Another favourite is blindfolded pot smashing, where players attempt to smash a hanging pot while blindfolded, cheered on by enthusiastic onlookers. For a more strategic challenge, try human chess, where participants act as chess pieces in a game following the rules of Chinese chess. Played on a large, painted chessboard, human chess features players dressed in distinct colours representing different teams. These traditional games offer a delightful way to connect with the community and enjoy Hoi An’s rich cultural heritage.
Banyan Tree Lang Co Shuttle Bus From Hoi An to Resort
There are many Hoi An hotels for visitors exploring this charming city, but for those seeking a luxurious hideaway, Banyan Tree Lang Co is the perfect destination. As a 5-star luxury hotel in Hue, Vietnam, Banyan Tree Lang Co offers a sanctuary for the senses away from the hustle and bustle. The resort also provides a shuttle bus service to and from Hoi An, so guests can enjoy easy access to all the attractions Hoi An has to offer.
Hoi An offers a wealth of activities and experiences for visitors, from exploring its ancient town and night market to enjoying boat trips and traditional games. After a day of discovery, retreat to Banyan Tree Lang Co, the premier destination for those seeking a luxury hideaway. Whether you’re looking for things to do in Hue, Vietnam or eager to explore Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue attractions, Banyan Tree Lang Co ensures a fun and memorable vacation for all.