Overview: River cruises & Ocean boat trips
Da Nang’s location gives you two types of boat experiences: one on the river, one on the sea. The Han River cuts through the center of the city—lined with bridges, lights, and a lively riverfront. Just east of the city, the coastline stretches along the East Sea, where you’ll find beaches and open water.
In short:
- – Han River cruises are best for a chilled evening—think city lights, bridges, and maybe even the Dragon Bridge fire show.
- – Ocean boat tours are more about daytime fun: fishing trips, short island tours, or scenic rides near Son Tra. Snorkeling is mostly done around Cham Island, closer to Hoi An.
And if you’re heading that way, Hoi An has its own boat tours too—like sunset rides on the Thu Bon River or the popular basket boat tours through the coconut groves.
Han River Cruises – City Lights & Nightlife
Cruising the Han River is a popular way to spend an evening in Da Nang. You’ll glide past the city’s skyline, lit-up bridges like Dragon Bridge and Tran Thi Ly Bridge, and see the riverfront come alive after sunset. These cruises aren’t high-adrenaline activities—they’re more about atmosphere: gentle water, bright lights, and a relaxed pace.
You’ll find a mix of tourists and locals onboard. Some cruises lean toward a Vietnamese audience with karaoke and pop music, while others are quieter and more suited for couples or international travelers. Reviews vary a lot, so it’s worth checking recent feedback before you book—especially if you care about seating, music, or views.
1. Standard evening cruises
Budget-friendly and quick, these basic cruises last 30–60 minutes. They usually operate in time slots like 7:15 PM, 8:15 PM, and 9:30 PM. You’ll sit on open-deck or semi-enclosed boats and pass under the city’s iconic bridges.
Expect basic services—some cruises include water or fruit, others offer optional drinks. No guide commentary, and the experience can vary from peaceful to noisy depending on the crowd and operator.
Prices start from 100,000–150,000 VND (~4–6 USD). You can often walk up and buy tickets at the docks along Bach Dang or Tran Hung Dao Street, or book online.
Recommended operators:
- My Xuan Cruis : Popular, well-organized, often includes water, soft drinks, fruit. Offers all-you-can-drink packages.
- 7STARS Cruise: Mixed reviews—some enjoy the value, others complain about delays and loud karaoke. Best to book early for weekend fire show slots.
2. Han River Dinner Cruises
A more complete night out with food and city views. Cruises often include a set menu or buffet of Vietnamese or Asian-Western fusion dishes. Some boats offer live acoustic music, DJs, or short cultural dance performances. These tend to last 60–90 minutes and are popular with couples, families, or groups celebrating special occasions.
Prices range from 250,000–500,000 VND (~10–20 USD), depending on menu and seating. Most don’t include drinks unless noted.
Recommended Operators:
- Vinh Anh Cruise: Affordable set menu or buffet with night views. Some complaints about poor seating and booking chaos during busy periods.
- Poseidon Cruise: Focuses on style with a DJ, female dancers, and an Asian-European menu. Some call it romantic, others find it too loud and touristy.
3. Events & specials
Most river cruises are timed to match local events, especially on weekends. If you’re in Da Nang on a Saturday or Sunday, many cruises will pause in front of Dragon Bridge around 9 PM for the short but popular fire and water show.
A bigger highlight is during the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF), held every summer. Fireworks are launched over the Han River, and many cruise operators offer special viewing packages. These are more expensive and can include better seating or extras like drinks and snacks. Cruises book out early during DIFF, so plan ahead if you’re in town for it.
Is a Han River cruise worth it?
That depends on what you’re expecting.
A standard Han River cruise is a short and simple ride—cheap, easy, and decent for first-time visitors. It gives you a different view of the city and bridges, especially if you go at night. Just don’t expect anything super exciting. Most cruises are around 45 minutes and fairly quiet unless there’s a karaoke crowd onboard.
For the Dragon Bridge fire show, it’s a fun way to avoid the riverside crowds—but you’re not guaranteed the perfect view. There are lots of boats, and sometimes your cruise ends up behind others with limited visibility. It’s luck of the draw.
Overall, a river cruise isn’t a must-do in Da Nang, but it’s a pleasant extra if you have time. Go in with the right expectations and it can be a nice, low-key part of your evening.
Ocean & island boat tours – Coastal adventures
Da Nang isn’t just about the Han River—it’s also right on the coast, facing the East Sea. While river cruises run year-round, most ocean boat tours only operate during the dry season (roughly February to August). Rainy months, especially December and January, often bring rougher seas and cancellations.
Most ocean trips from Da Nang focus on snorkeling and relaxing around the Cham Islands, located just off the coast from Hoi An. There are also a few premium options around Son Tra Peninsula, and fishing tours if you’re after something more local.
1. Cham Islands boat tours
This is the go-to island tour from Da Nang or Hoi An. Most trips include speedboat transfers, snorkeling stops, a beach lunch, and time to relax or explore the island. The coral here is decent (not world-class), but the clear water and quiet beaches make for a fun day out.
You’ll usually transfer to the port in Hoi An first, then head out by boat. Tours typically run from March to late September, depending on the weather. Scuba diving trips are also available if you want to explore deeper.
2. Son Tra Catamaran Tour
If you’re looking for something quieter and more scenic, a catamaran cruise around Son Tra Peninsula is a great pick. One standout is the Aphrodite S16 yacht—a modern boat with open-air decks and water activities like paddleboarding, fishing, and even a slide off the boat. Some packages include snacks and drinks, and the crew is known to help with photos and basic fishing guidance.
There are short join-in cruises (~2.5 hours) and longer private options (~4.5 hours), which can cost upwards of $280 per group. It’s more expensive than other tours, but you get great service, chilled vibe, and beautiful views—especially on sunny days.
3. Fishing Tours
Fishing tours around Da Nang are mostly run by local-style operators—think wooden boats, basic equipment, and plenty of grilled seafood onboard. Options range from half-day bottom fishing to full-day deep sea trips, often with the chance to catch snapper, grouper, barracuda, and more.
For something unique, you can also try a night squid fishing tour. These run after sunset, when the lights attract squid to the surface. It’s a slower-paced experience but often comes with fresh grilled seafood and drinks on deck.
Fishing tours are more relaxed and don’t require experience. Most include gear, guides, and lunch, and some even offer to prep sashimi from your catch. Just be prepared for basic conditions and salty air.
Boat tours in Hoi An – Worth a Detour
Hoi An is just a short drive from Da Nang and offers its own set of boat experiences—slower-paced and more local in feel. If you’re planning a day trip or staying overnight in Hoi An, a river or basket boat tour can be a fun, easy addition to your itinerary.
1. Thu Bon River boat tour
These tours are all about calm waters and cultural stops. Daytime trips often include visits to traditional craft villages like Kim Bong (carpentry) or Thanh Ha (pottery), giving you a glimpse of local life. In the evening, small rowing boats offer short, scenic rides through Hoi An’s lantern-lit waterfront—perfect for photos and a peaceful break from the crowds.
2. Basket boat tour
Found in Cam Thanh Coconut Village, this is a short but entertaining ride through palm-lined waterways in round bamboo boats. It’s not about going far—it’s about the experience. Expect spinning boat tricks, coconut fishing demos, and a bit of fun chaos. Great for families, small groups, or anyone wanting something quirky and lighthearted as part of a countryside tour.
Tip: Want to explore more boat tours in Hoi An?
Hoi An has some of the most unique boat experiences in central Vietnam—from peaceful lantern-lit river cruises to fun basket boat rides in the coconut village. Check out our full Hoi An Boat Tours Guide to see all your options.
Best time for a boat tour or river cruise in Da Nang
When it comes to timing, the best season depends on the type of tour you’re planning.
Han River Cruises run year-round, even during the rainy season. Since the river is sheltered and the boats usually have roofs, you can still enjoy a calm and scenic cruise even in wet weather. Only in rare cases—like strong storms—might cruises be canceled. So if you’re visiting Da Nang during the wet season (roughly October to January), a river cruise is still a solid evening activity.
Ocean and Island Boat Tours, like trips to Cham Island or catamaran cruises around Son Tra, are more seasonal. These tours generally operate from March to September, when the weather is dry and seas are calm. The rainy season brings more wind and rougher waves, which not only affects comfort but also causes many tours to stop operating entirely. If your trip falls during this time, it’s best to check availability or consider other activities.
