Lantern Making in Hoi An: Get a Unique Souvenir
Hoi An is almost synonymous with lanterns. While you see lanterns all around Vietnam, in Hoi An they are literally everywhere. Based on the number of shops selling them, in all colours and shapes, they are popular souvenirs as well. But did you know that you can join workshops to learn lantern making in Hoi An and bring a completely unique souvenir home?
I did this on my last afternoon in Hoi An and can confirm it’s a fun activity suitable for all ages! Read on to find out how to book and what to expect from a lantern making class in Hoi An here.
The story of lanterns in Hoi An
Lanterns have become one of Hoi An’s most recognisable symbols, and they date back to the town’s days as a bustling international trading port. From the 15th to the 19th century, Hoi An was home to merchants from China, Japan, India and Europe, all of whom left their mark on the town’s architecture, religion and traditions.
The lantern tradition in Hoi An is believed to have been introduced by Chinese and Japanese traders, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries. Hanging lanterns outside homes and shops comes from feng shui, where it’s thought to balance energy and bring luck, prosperity and harmony to the owner.
Some local legends, as presented in the Hoi An Memories Show, also say that women once hung lanterns along the riverbanks to help their men at sea find their way home.
In modern times, lanterns have been embraced as both a symbol of local identity and a way to preserve traditional craftsmanship, especially as tourism began to grow. Today, they light up every corner of the Ancient Town.
Hoi An Lantern Festival
Every full moon, the Hoi An Lantern Festival brings the streets to life with thousands of glowing lanterns, floating candles, and a magical atmosphere.
However, don’t make the mistake and think that you need to visit during the full moon to experience this. I honestly can’t imagine how they can add more lanterns and floating candles into the area than what was already there on a normal weekday.
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What to expect from a lantern workshop
Joining a lantern workshop in Hoi An is a fun and hands-on way to connect with one of the town’s most beloved traditions. You’ll usually start by choosing your fabric and frame, the shape, size and colour of your lantern, before getting step-by-step guidance from the local teacher.
The process is surprisingly fun: folding, gluing, stretching, and cutting silk over bamboo. It doesn’t take much skill, just a bit of patience, and the instructors are used to helping travellers of all ages. Most workshops last about 60 to 90 minutes, and you’ll leave with your very own handmade lantern. And just so you know, the lanterns are easily collapsible to fit in your luggage.
Most classes are group workshops at set times and arranged in the facilities of a lantern shop. However, you can come across private classes, like I did, which give you a 1:1 tutorial.
Practical information
How to book a lantern workshop in Hoi An
You’ll find lantern workshops all over Hoi An, especially in the Ancient Town and in the smaller alleys just outside the main walking streets. Some are walk-in friendly, but it’s best to book in advance during high season or at weekends. While most workshops can be found on Google Maps or booked through your accommodation or a local tour office, the easiest is to use booking sites like Klook or GetYourGuide.
It’s also possible to book lantern class in combination with other activities, such as a basket boat in the coconut forest or a cooking class.
Duration and price
Most classes last 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the workshop you choose. Prices typically range from 150,000 to 300,000 VND per person (around 5-10 Euro). A pretty good deal, considering you also get to take your lantern home.
When to go
Workshops run throughout the day, some have set times and others offer classes every hour until late afternoon. I went late afternoon and was finished just in time for a sunset drink on a rooftop. It’s also a perfect activity for a rainy day in Hoi An, or if you’re taking a break from sightseeing and shopping.
Who is it for?
Lantern making is easy, low-pressure, and surprisingly fun and satisfying. It’s an activity for solo travellers, couples, families with children, or anyone curious about traditional Vietnamese crafts.
My lantern making experience
I’d read about lantern making workshops, but I must admit it wasn’t on top of my list of things to do in Hoi An. But when my last day in the city basically rained away, why not give it a try and make my own souvenir to bring home?
It was a spontaneous decision and I booked my experience on Get Your Guide only few hours before it started. I didn’t know much about what to expect, but I walked into the ancient town and the small shop near the market. It ended up being a private workshop, where I sat at a small table in the midst of the lantern shop.
This could have been a bit awkward, but as soon as we got started, I didn’t even notice the other tourists stopping by.
I first chose the shape of the lantern I wanted to make, and then the fabric. There was an abundance of patterns and colours, but I opted for a more boring one. A color that fits my apartment interior better than a flowery pattern.
The lovely girl working in the shop, showed me what to do. In reality, she finished half of the lantern, and I did the other half. First glue on one part, then stretch the fabric over it, and at last cut as close to the frame as possible. When all sides were done, I got to choose the colour of the tassel. And just like that, an hour after I entered the shop, my workshop was over and I had a mustard-coloured lantern to bring home.
Why lantern making in Hoi An is worth it
Okey, I get that that sounded a bit industrial. However, it wasn’t like that at all. Learning how to make a lantern and taking it home was fun, but the real experience was the time I spent chatting with my sweet tutor and her niece in the shop.
We talked about work, men (and boys) and the differences between Vietnam and Norway. And as I was concentrating and spending at least three times as long as them on cutting the fabric, they laughed. Not being self-important is a good tip in Vietnam. Meeting people will be so much better!
Whether you’re travelling solo, with kids, or just need something to do on a rainy afternoon in Hoi An, a lantern making workshop it’s a colourful little break from the heat and crowds. And a lovely way to bring a piece of Vietnam home with you.
