Hoi An lantern making: A unique family activity

Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enchants visitors with its ancient streets, yellow-walled houses, and colorful lanterns that glow softly at night. One of the most memorable and engaging activities for families is Hoi An lantern making. This creative workshop offers a chance to bond, learn about Vietnamese craftsmanship, and take home a meaningful souvenir you made yourself. With guidance from skilled artisans, both adults and children can enjoy shaping, decorating, and assembling lanterns using traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Looking to include authentic cultural moments in your Vietnam trip? Let Hanoi Voyages help you design a family-friendly itinerary where Hoi An lantern making becomes a highlight of your journey.

Colorful lanterns in Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An – “the city of lanterns” attracts tourists not only with the antiquity of the houses and the poetic beauty of the Hoai River, but also with the splendor of the lanterns in various shapes.

The color of Hoi An lanterns is also an impressive highlight. Each color has its own symbolic meaning. Red symbolizes luck and happiness, yellow symbolizes wealth and prosperity. Blue is associated with calm and peace, green symbolizes health and growth, and pink symbolizes love and romance. The vibrant color palette of the lanterns creates an enchanting spectacle, especially during the Lantern Festival.

Hoi An Lantern Festival

When visiting Hoi An, visitors cannot help but be overwhelmed by the ancient and romantic beauty of the ancient town. This place is also famous for its colorful lanterns, creating a magical and sparkling space that captivates visitors every time they visit.

Since 1988, to honor the unique beauty of lanterns and help preserve the beauty of indigenous culture, Hoi An has held a Lantern Festival every month on the 14th day of the lunar month. The festival is particularly brilliant and attracts the most tourists on the full moon night of the Mid-Autumn Festival. More than a festival, it is also a place to preserve the good traditional cultural values of Hoi An people. Lanterns not only bring dazzling beauty, but are also a symbol of peace and luck that will come to every home.

Hoi An Lantern Craft Village

Hoi An lantern making is a time-honored tradition that dates back over 400 years, blending the elegance of ancient craftsmanship with modern creativity. At the heart of this cultural heritage is artisan Huỳnh Văn Ba, who is widely recognized as the pioneer who revived the craft and introduced the iconic fabric-covered bamboo lanterns seen throughout the town today.

A visit to the Lantern Craft Village allows travelers to truly engage with Hoi An lantern making. You’ll witness every stage of the handmade process and even try crafting your own colorful lantern. During holidays, the village bursts with festive energy and glowing lights. The most popular places to experience this activity are the Huỳnh Văn Ba workshop and the Hà Linh workshop, both located in the historic center of Hoi An.

Steps to making a traditional Hoi An lantern

Lantern making in Hoi An is a meticulous and rewarding process that showcases the patience, precision, and creativity of Vietnamese artisans. Each handmade lantern reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region, making it a perfect activity for travelers seeking a deeper connection to Vietnam’s traditions. A family trip to Hoi An offers a unique opportunity to not only witness this ancient craft but also join in the creation of your own lantern—turning a simple experience into lasting memories.

The process of lantern making in Hoi An involves several detailed steps:

• Step 1: Craftsmen carefully select strong, termite-free bamboo with high resistance to humidity. The bamboo is then soaked to ensure flexibility.

• Step 2: The soaked bamboo is cut into thin slats, which are shaped and prepared for assembly.

• Step 3: After being cleaned and sharpened, the bamboo slats are arranged into a frame and tied together with durable parachute cords.

• Step 4: Fabric is cut to size, glued, and wrapped around the frame. Excess fabric is trimmed carefully, requiring a skilled and attentive hand.

• Step 5: The final step is decoration—adding embroidered or painted patterns like peach blossoms, apricot flowers, bamboo branches, or traditional calligraphy to give each lantern its distinctive charm.

Participating in lantern making in Hoi An is more than just a craft—it’s a cultural experience that brings families closer to the heart of Vietnam.

Workshops to make your own Hoi An lanterns

Beyond simply admiring their beauty, visitors can dive deeper into this vibrant tradition by joining a Hoi An lantern-making workshop. These hands-on experiences are not only fun and creative but also an opportunity to connect with local culture and craftsmanship.

If you’re wondering where to take part in this unique activity, here are some of the best workshops in town to make your own Hoi An lantern:

Lantern Making Class from Hoi An Handicraft Tours

• Address: 08 Tran Cao Van, Hoi An

• Price: 250,000 VND – 380,000 VND (~$10 – $16)/person

• Class times: 8:00-23:00

Lantern Making Class With Lynn

• Address: 8/6 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Hoi An

• Price: 300,000 VND (~$12.50) /person

• Class times: 2 hours between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

The Lantern Lady Workshop

• Address: 09A Pham Hong Thai, Hoi An

• Price: 90,000 VND – 250,000 VND (~$4 – $10.50)/person

• Class times: Meet anytime, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Joining Hoi An lantern making is not only a creative activity but also a wonderful way to deeply explore the traditional culture of this ancient land. Let this meaningful craft experience become an unforgettable memory of your trip. 

Contact Hanoi Voyages today to get support in planning your participation in unique lantern-making workshops and enjoy a complete, memorable Vietnam journey.