The story behind lanterns in Hoi An
Lanterns in Hoi An are more than just decoration—they’ve become one of the city’s most iconic symbols. Introduced centuries ago by Chinese merchants and settlers, lanterns were originally used to bring light, ward off bad spirits, and invite good fortune into the home. Over time, they became a symbol of wealth, harmony, and happiness.
You’ll find lanterns of all shapes and sizes throughout Hoi An. Common styles include the garlic bulb, lotus, diamond, and UFO shape. Frames are typically made of bamboo, while the fabric is often silk or patterned cloth in bright, auspicious colors like red, yellow, and blue. Some are hung for everyday charm, while others are made specifically for special occasions.
Lanterns play a key role in local festivals—especially the Full Moon Lantern Festival, when the Old Town switches off its electric lights and lanterns light up the streets and riverfront. During Tet (Lunar New Year), homes and businesses are decorated with red lanterns to usher in luck and prosperity.
As tourism grew, lantern making classes in Hoi An became a way to preserve this traditional craft while letting travelers take part in the process. Today, these workshops are one of the most popular hands-on activities in town—blending culture, creativity, and a meaningful souvenir you can take home.
What to expect during a lantern making class in Hoi An
Joining a lantern making class in Hoi An is a hands-on, relaxing, and surprisingly creative experience. Whether you join a small family-run workshop or one of the more popular studios, the structure is usually the same: choose your materials, get step-by-step guidance from local artisans, and take home a foldable handmade lantern as a special souvenir. Classes are beginner-friendly and suitable for all ages—including kids.
Step 1: Choose your lantern style & materials
Your lantern making class typically starts with picking out your preferred shape and color. Most workshops offer a choice of 3 to 5 traditional shapes, such as lotus, garlic, diamond, or UFO. Depending on the class, you may start from scratch—including bending bamboo into shape—or choose a quicker option where the frame is already prepared.
You’ll also browse through a wide range of colorful fabrics, from simple patterns to vibrant silks. Many places let you mix and match materials, or even paint your own design. It’s all up to your creativity.
Some classes include a short introduction about the meaning of lanterns in Vietnamese culture—believed to bring luck, happiness, and prosperity when hung in front of the home.
Step 2: Hands-on crafting with help from local artisans
This is where the real fun begins. Local instructors walk you through each step of the process, from assembling the bamboo frame (if you opted for the full class) to carefully folding and gluing the fabric panels in place.
It’s not overly technical, but it does require some patience. Luckily, the teachers are always nearby to help, fix mistakes, or simply cheer you on. The atmosphere in these classes is usually very friendly and relaxed, often with music playing in the background and tea or coffee offered as a welcome drink.
Decorative touches—like tassels, trimmings, or hand-painted elements—are often added at the end. Some places even include a quick photo session or a small extra souvenir after the class.
Step 3: Take your lantern home
Most Hoi An lantern making classes include one finished lantern to take with you. Some classes offer the option to make more than one, or let you purchase additional ones crafted by the studio.
The best part? The lanterns are foldable, so you can easily pack them in your suitcase without damage. It’s a unique and personal keepsake that will remind you of your time in Hoi An every time you see it.
Best lantern making classes in Hoi An
Lantern making has become one of the most popular hands-on experiences in Hoi An, and with so many workshops across the Ancient Town, it can be hard to choose. While you’ll come across several smaller studios just by walking around, the three options below consistently stand out for their quality, friendliness, and overall experience. Each one offers a slightly different atmosphere, so you can pick the one that fits your style and schedule.
1. Tieng Vong Pho Lantern Workshop
This family-run workshop offers a cheerful and creative space just outside the most hectic parts of the Old Town. You can choose from several lantern shapes and a wide range of colorful fabrics to personalize your design. The instructors are hands-on throughout the session, guiding each step and checking your work to make sure the final result looks great.
You can choose between a shorter express session or a longer version where you build the frame from scratch for a small extra fee. The setup is welcoming, lighthearted, and surprisingly interactive — often with some unexpected extras like photos, tea, and folding lanterns you can pack easily for travel. It’s a particularly good choice if you’re traveling with kids or prefer a lively, social vibe.
Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours
Location: Just outside the Old Town walking zone (Google Maps)
Extras: Folding lanterns, optional frame-making, photos, tea
2. The Lantern Lady
Located along the river and slightly away from the Old Town crowds, this lantern making class offers a quieter, more scenic setting. It’s known for its clear structure: prices are fixed, materials are well organized, and you can usually walk in without a reservation. You’ll choose your shape, pick from a wide variety of fabrics, and either make a small frame yourself or use a ready-made one.
Sessions here feel calm but engaging — ideal for solo travelers, couples, or anyone who wants a less commercialized experience. The workshop doesn’t feel rushed, and the open-air riverside setting adds to its charm. Finished lanterns fold down for packing, and there’s no pressure to buy anything extra.
Duration: 1–2.5 hours
Location: Along the river, outside the main tourist flow (Google Maps)
Extras: Walk-in friendly, peaceful setting, fixed prices
3. Hang Dung Lantern Making & Painting Class
This workshop offers a more flexible format with two creative options: fabric lantern making or hand-painting a blank frame. You can choose to assemble the frame yourself or skip straight to the decorative part. It’s also one of the most affordable classes in Hoi An, often including small extras like drinks, snacks, and a souvenir gift.
Hang and her team guide you step by step, making it easy to follow even if you’re not confident with crafts. It’s an especially good option for families or larger groups thanks to the spacious setup and organized flow. The atmosphere is friendly, relaxed, and very hands-on — a great way to spend a couple of hours learning something new while creating a meaningful souvenir.
Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Location: Central part of Ancient Town, easy to find (Google Maps)
Extras: Tea/coffee, snacks, souvenir, foldable lanterns
Tips about Hoi An’s lanterns
Lanterns are everywhere in Hoi An, but knowing when, where, and how to enjoy them—or bring them home—makes a big difference. Here are a few practical tips for making the most of your lantern experience.
Learn More at Hoi An Silk Village
If you want to understand the craftsmanship behind lanterns, a visit to Hoi An Silk Village is worth it. Many lanterns use traditional silk fabrics made right here in the region. At the village, you can see how silk is produced—from mulberry gardens to hand-loom weaving—and learn about Hoi An’s centuries-old role in the international silk trade. It gives great context to the materials used in lantern making, as well as broader insight into the town’s heritage.
Read our full guide to Hoi An Silk Village for more.
You don’t have to take a class to bring one home
Lanterns in Hoi An are widely available to buy, even if you don’t join a workshop. You’ll find them in souvenir shops, local ateliers, and especially along the Hoi An Night Market. Prices vary depending on the size, fabric, and frame quality:
- Small lanterns: around 30,000–60,000 VND
- Medium to large lanterns: 80,000–200,000+ VND
Pro Tip: Many lanterns are foldable—make sure to test how compact it becomes before buying to ensure it fits in your luggage.
Best time to see lanterns in Hoi An
Most people talk about the Full Moon Lantern Festival, and it’s true—on these nights, electric lights are turned off across much of the Ancient Town, and the streets glow with lantern light. But don’t worry if you miss it. Lanterns are lit up every evening in Hoi An, especially around the riverfront and Old Town streets.
While the festival has a special atmosphere, it can also be crowded. If you prefer a quieter experience, strolling the lantern-lit streets on any other night of the week can be just as magical—and more relaxed.
Want to know more? Check out our guide to the Hoi An Lantern Festival.
