Hoi An: Evening Food Tour, Folk Games & Lantern Boat Ride

Summary

Hoi An night food walk with home meal lantern boat and folk game

You’ll wander Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets with a local guide, tasting nine Vietnamese dishes—including dinner in a family home—and try folk games like Bingo or Dap Nieu before floating your own flower lantern down the Hoai River by boat. It’s lively, sometimes funny, always welcoming—and leaves you with more than just photos.

What’s the experience like?

We started weaving through the glowing streets of Hoi An just as the lanterns were flickering on—our guide, Minh, waved us over outside a yellow shopfront. I could smell grilled pork and something sweet in the air already. We didn’t rush; Minh kept stopping to point out little things—like how the old tiles underfoot felt cool even after a hot day, or how locals always seem to find time for coffee no matter how busy the street gets. First stop: Banh My from this tiny stall where the lady grinned at my clumsy “cam on.” The bread was warm, crunchy, and honestly better than any sandwich I’ve had at home.

After that we tried White Rose dumplings (delicate, chewy—I still think about those) and then sat down for Cao Lau noodles. Minh explained how they’re only made with water from one ancient well in town. He told us stories about his childhood here—how he’d sneak extra dumplings when his mom wasn’t looking. We laughed a lot more than I expected on a food tour. There was even an optional balut egg tasting; I passed but cheered on a brave Aussie who gave it a go (the look on her face!).

Dinner was at a local family’s house, tucked away behind lantern-lit alleys—four courses, all homemade, plus this strong iced coffee that woke me right up. After eating way too much we played Bingo and Dap Nieu (a pot-breaking game that’s harder than it looks). Everyone got competitive fast—Minh laughed when I missed by a mile. Then we walked to the river for the lantern boat ride. The water reflected all those wild colors from above; it was quieter out there than I thought it’d be, just soft voices and oar splashes echoing off the old walls. Letting go of my little flower lantern felt oddly peaceful.

The Japanese Covered Bridge looked different at night—a bit mysterious with its shadows and gold light pooling underneath. We took some photos but mostly just stood there for a minute, not saying much. That part stuck with me more than any picture could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening food tour and cultural activities

• Meet tour guide at office
• Eat Vietnamese sandwich and dumplings
• Dine four-course meal at local house
• Play Bingo or breaking pot game
• Release flower garlands
• Take photo at Japanese Covered Bridge

Top questions

How long does the Hoi An evening food tour last?

The tour lasts about 4 hours in total.

Is dinner included in this Hoi An food tour?

Yes, dinner is included as part of a four-course meal at a local house.

Are vegetarian options available?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

Does this tour include pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide at their office in Hoi An.

What activities are included besides eating?

You’ll play folk games like Bingo or Dap Nieu and enjoy a 15-minute shared boat ride to release flower lanterns.

Is this evening walking food tour suitable for families?

Yes, it’s suitable for all ages—even infants can join in strollers or prams.

Do I need to buy an entrance ticket to Hoi An Old Town?

Yes, you’ll need an entrance ticket for Hoi An’s Old Quarter; bring cash or buy ahead.

How many people share each boat during the lantern ride?

A maximum of five guests per boat during the river trip.

What’s included

Your evening includes all food and drinks listed in the itinerary (nine tastings plus dinner), folk games like Bingo or Dap Nieu, one floating flower lantern per person for the Hoai River boat ride (shared with up to five guests), an English-speaking local guide throughout, bottled water to keep you going between stops—and plenty of chances to take photos along Hoi An’s most famous sights before heading back on foot.