Hoi An Ancient Town By Night
As the sun sets, Hoi An Ancient Town transforms from a nostalgic golden village into a sparkling fairy-tale world. The streets are closed to motorized vehicles, the soft glow of thousands of hand-crafted lanterns takes over, and the atmosphere becomes truly magical.
Here is a guide to the best things to do and see in Hoi An by night:
Itinerary
- 17:00: Depart to Hoi An from hotel. The ancient, tranquil, and romantic atmosphere of Hoi An Old Town, where the shimmering lanterns and moss-covered tiled roofs evoke an unforgettable sense of nostalgia.
- 20:00: Go to Hoi An Memories park: To fully appreciate the cultural and historical values of the heritage site of Hoi An, visitors cannot miss the Hoi An Memories show. With vibrant performances, the show recreates meaningful historical stories and cultural beauty associated with this land.
- 21:30: End tour, return to hotel
Include
- Transportation as per itinerary
- Hoi An Memories Show
Booking Office in Da Nang
- Address 1: No. 85C Tran Bach Dang Street, Da Nang City
- Address 2: 214 Nguyen Duy Hieu, Hoi An Dong Ward, Da Nang City
Tel: (+84) 0902 277 679
Email: dnbackpackers@gmail.com; booking@danangbus.com
WeChat: DanangBusBooking
WhatsApp: (+84) 907 401 090
Description
1. The Must-Do Experiences
The Lantern Boat Ride & Floating Wishes: * Activity: Board a traditional wooden sampan boat on the Hoai River. You can buy small paper lotus lanterns (about 5,000–10,000 VND) to light and release onto the water while making a wish.
- Cost: Approximately 150,000 – 200,000 VND per boat (for 1–5 people) for a 20-minute ride.
Tip: The “Blue Hour” (just after sunset) offers the best lighting for photos.
Nguyen Hoang Night Market: * Location: Across the An Hoi Bridge. - Vibe: A bustling 300-meter stretch with over 50 stalls selling everything from silk scarves and jewelry to the famous colorful lanterns.
Highlight: This is where you’ll find the iconic “Lantern Walls”—shops with hundreds of lit lanterns that make for the perfect Instagram backdrop.
2. Culture & Entertainment
Hoi An Memories Show:
- What it is: A massive outdoor spectacle with over 500 performers on a 25,000 m2 stage, telling the 400-year history of Hoi An.
- Time: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Every day except Tuesday).
- Tickets: Start from ~600,000 VND. It’s highly recommended to arrive early to explore the Impression Theme Park beforehand.
- Traditional Folk Games (Bai Choi):
- Location: Near the An Hoi Bridge/Hoai River Square.
- Experience: Join locals in a lively game of Bai Choi, a traditional
- Vietnamese art form combining music, poetry, and bingo-style gameplay. Even if you don’t speak Vietnamese, the energy is infectious.

3. Best Views & Dining
- Rooftop Cafés: For a bird’s-eye view of the lantern-lit rooftops, head to Faifo Coffee (130 Tran Phu) or 92 Station. These spots offer the best panoramic views of the town’s architecture.
- Riverside Dining: Enjoy a meal at a restaurant along Bach Dang Street.
- Try local specialties like Cao Lau (thick rice noodles) or Banh Mi while watching the boats drift by.
- Cocktails & Bars: For a chill vibe, visit Q Bar (Indochine style) or Market Bar. If you want a more energetic night with live music, head to Tiger Tiger Bar or The Shamrock on the An Hoi side.
Night Photography Tips
- Japanese Covered Bridge: This iconic symbol is beautifully illuminated at night with changing colors.
- The Alleys: Don’t stick only to the main roads; the narrow yellow-walled alleys lit by single lanterns offer a more intimate and quiet “Old World” feel.

- An Hoi Bridge: Stand on the bridge for a wide-angle shot of the river filled with glowing boat lanterns.
- Travel Tip: The Ancient Town becomes a “pedestrian-only” zone in the evenings (starting around 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM), so wear comfortable walking shoes!

Tiếng Việt