Thu Bồn River

To end off the night, I went for the famous lantern boat ride along the Thu Bồn River — something Hội An is really known for. I booked the experience through Klook, and after booking, they actually dropped me a WhatsApp message to arrange the meet-up point and time, which was pretty convenient. The ride itself lasted about 20 minutes, and included two lanterns for release. So here’s the thing — this whole tradition of releasing paper lanterns with candles onto the river isn’t just some tourist gimmick. It’s actually rooted in Vietnamese and East Asian culture, tied to wishes for peace, good luck, and happiness. In Hội An specifically, this act is often associated with Lantern Festival, held monthly on the 14th day of the lunar calendar, but these days you can release lanterns almost every night because of the tourist demand. The symbolism is pretty beautiful — you light a candle inside the lantern, quietly make a wish, and gently float it out into the river. It’s said to carry your hopes downstream, bringing calm and clarity. Some locals also associate it with honoring ancestors and letting go of burdens. That said, a lot of people (myself included) start wondering — where do all these lanterns go? Isn’t this polluting the river? And honestly, yes, this is something people have raised concerns about. Thankfully, many boat operators and local staff do go out in the early mornings to collect the used lanterns from the water, especially the candle holders and paper that don’t naturally break down. Some operators are also shifting to more eco-friendly materials. My boat paddler was super friendly and even offered to help take photos of me and my wife during the ride, which was a nice touch. If you’re happy with the service, I think it’s worth tipping them a little at the end — they work hard and often row multiple trips per evening. All in all, it’s a short and sweet experience, made memorable by the warm glow of lanterns, the peaceful paddling through the river, and the unique charm of Hội An at night. A lovely way to close the day — simple, calm, and a little magical.