Hoai River in Hoi An is a small, poetic river in the heart of the ancient town. As night falls, the river becomes shimmering with hundreds of floating lanterns gently drifting on the water surface. Join Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery in exploring the romantic beauty of the Hoai River and the delightful experiences through the article below.
Overview of the Hoai River in Hoi An
Hoai River is a gentle, small branch of the Thu Bon River, winding through An Hoi Ward, Hoi An City, Da Nang Province. With a length of about 8.5 km, this poetic river flows through many famous attractions such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An Ancient Town, Nguyen Hoang Night Market, lantern boat wharf, Bach Dang Street, Thanh Ha Pottery Village, and Tra Que Vegetable Village.
Not only does it add charm to the romantic scenery, Hoai River is also closely associated with the ups and downs in the history of the old Hoi An trading port. This river once witnessed the golden age when merchant ships from across Asia and Europe docked here in large numbers, making it one of the most bustling places in Central Vietnam. If you have a chance to visit Hoi An, don’t forget to stroll along the banks of the Hoai River to feel its peaceful beauty and the nostalgic atmosphere typical of the old town.
Distinguishing the Hoai River and Thu Bon River
Thu Bon River and Hoai River both flow through Hoi An but have different characteristics and roles. Specifically, Thu Bon River is a large river originating from the Ngoc Linh mountain range, with a drainage area of more than 10,000 km². It was once an important trade route during the Champa era and provides alluvium and water for craft villages such as Thanh Ha and Kim Bong. It is considered the “Mother River” of Quang Nam for its vital role in the region’s economic and cultural development.
Meanwhile, Hoai River is a small branch of the Thu Bon River, about 8.5 km long, winding through the center of Hoi An Ancient Town. The river holds a serene, poetic beauty and is associated with tourism activities such as floating lanterns, boat rides at sunset, and check-ins at the old bridge. If Thu Bon represents abundance and history, then Hoai River is the emotional soul, adding a sense of tranquility and nostalgia to the charm of Hoi An.
How to get to the Hoai River in Hoi An
If you’re in Da Nang or nearby areas, you first need to get to Hoi An, then continue on to the Hoai River. Depending on where you’re staying and your travel budget, you can choose from the following options:
- Motorbike: From Da Nang, take the route Vo Nguyen Giap – Truong Sa – Lac Long Quan. At the Hai Ba Trung junction, turn right and continue straight to reach Hoi An. The trip takes about 50 minutes.
- Bus: If you’re looking to save money and have plenty of time in the day, taking the bus is a good choice. Bus route No. 1 from Da Nang to Hoi An costs about 20,000 VND per ride, ideal for a full-day exploration.
- Taxi or Grab: This is a quick and convenient option, especially if you’re traveling in a group or carrying a lot of luggage. One-way fares range from 350,000 – 430,000 VND, and round-trip fares range from 750,000 – 950,000 VND.
After arriving in Hoi An, you can easily walk to the Hoai River since the distance from the old town center to the riverbank is only about 2 km, very convenient and pleasant for a leisurely stroll.
- Route 1: From Cao Hong Lanh Street, turn right at Co Be Banh Can shop into Tran Hung Dao Street. Then go straight past Spa & Beauty and you’ll reach the river area.
- Route 2: Follow the route Phan Chu Trinh – Nguyen Duy Hieu; it takes about 8 minutes on foot to get to the Hoai River. This is a short, easy path, perfect for walking and enjoying the peaceful charm of Hoi An.
Unmissable experiences when visiting the Hoai River
At Hoai River, you will be immersed in the peaceful scenery of the ancient town and explore typical cultural activities of Hoi An. Below are the experiences you should not miss when visiting this place.
Wooden boat ride
Sitting on a wooden boat gently drifting along the Hoai River is an ideal way to feel the tranquil and ancient beauty of Hoi An. Along the journey, you will pass moss-covered rooftops, aged yellow walls, and famous bridges such as An Hoi, Cam Nam, and Anh Trang. When the sun sets, the reflection on the water creates a romantic scene, making the experience even more poetic and memorable.
The rental fee is quite reasonable, about 30,000–50,000 VND/person for 20–30 minutes, or 50,000–100,000 VND for longer tours of around 45 minutes.
Floating lanterns
One of the most iconic Hoi An experiences you should not miss is releasing floating lanterns on the Hoai River at night. On full moon nights or during special festivals, the river sparkles with hundreds of glowing lanterns, carrying wishes of peace and good fortune from both locals and tourists.
With prices from only 10,000 to 20,000 VND per lantern, you can release them by the wharf or choose to ride a boat, releasing lanterns while watching the old town bathed in the mystical light of lanterns.
Explore the night market and riverside cuisine
The night market by the Hoai River takes place from evening until late at night, making it an ideal spot for those who love vibrant yet traditional atmospheres. Stalls of handicrafts, paintings, lanterns, and charming wooden items line up under twinkling lights. The ambiance is lively but not noisy, allowing you to leisurely pick out souvenirs while feeling the soul of Hoi An with every step.
Riverside cuisine is also unmissable. Sitting at a small riverside eatery, ordering a hot bowl of cao lau, enjoying mi Quang, banh dap, or sweet corn soup is the way to savor not only a good meal but also the rustic and distinctive flavors of Hoi An.
Strolling the Ancient Town and enjoying folk performances by the River
Evenings in Hoi An are when the ancient town truly comes alive under thousands of lanterns. Along the Hoai River, each street sparkles in colorful lights. You can stroll slowly or take a cyclo ride, feel the breeze through your hair, admire the old houses, glowing lantern shops, and hear folk music echoing from nearby.
During festivals, both banks of the Hoai River become stages for folk games such as bai choi, blindfolded pot smashing, and ring toss. These performances are sincerely and warmly presented by locals and traditional artists.
Some notes when visiting the Hoai River
Before exploring the Hoai River and its many interesting experiences, you should keep in mind a few things to make your trip more complete and comfortable.
- You should visit in the early morning or at sunset to avoid the heat, enjoy the cool air, and experience a more peaceful atmosphere.
- If you’re in Hoi An on the night of the full moon (the 14th day of the lunar month), don’t miss the chance to join the floating lantern activity on the Hoai River. This is one of the town’s most iconic festivals.
- The old town bans motorbikes from 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Therefore, you should park your vehicle outside and travel by bicycle, cyclo, or walk.
- When releasing lanterns, do so gently to avoid tipping them over or disrupting the solemn atmosphere on the river.
- Take care of your personal belongings when visiting the night market or getting on a boat to avoid unnecessary loss.
- Dress respectfully and modestly to fit in with the cultural space and show respect in sacred places.
- Do not litter into the river or along its banks; help keep the area clean and beautiful.
- Prepare comfortable footwear, a hat, light jacket, sunscreen, or umbrella in case of sun or rain.
- Bring water and insect repellent if you’re visiting for a long time or at night.
Stay at Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery – A place of artistic and heritage charm
We hope this article has inspired you to plan a complete and fulfilling journey to explore the Hoai River in Hoi An. If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s both comfortable and rich in the spirit of the ancient town, Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery is a great option to consider.
Located by the Thu Bon River, just about a 10-minute walk from Hoi An Ancient Town, Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery stands out as one of the Luxury 5 Star Hotels in Hoi An. Inspired by the romantic love story between the Japanese merchant Sotaro and the Vietnamese girl Wakaku, this hotel offers a unique architectural blend of Japanese elegance and Vietnamese rustic charm.
The hotel offers 187 modern rooms and suites, many with balconies overlooking the river or pool, fully equipped with high-end amenities such as standalone bathtubs and minibars. Here, you can relax at two outdoor pools, including one on the rooftop with stunning views, or watch the sunset from the rooftop bar. Additionally, the hotel features the Woosah spa for wellness treatments, a modern gym, and free bicycles for easy exploration of the ancient town your own way.
In terms of dining, Hotel Royal offers a wide culinary experience with Faifo Café serving international dishes and Wakaku Restaurant specializing in Japanese cuisine. There are also bars such as River Bar, Attic Bar, and Deck Rooftop Bar. With its artistic atmosphere, professional service, and ideal location, this is truly a perfect place to enjoy a memorable holiday in Hoi An.
