If there’s one thing Hoi An is famous for, it’s the hanging lanterns. They’re everywhere around town, in many different shapes, shining during the day and lit at night. And the best way to get one is to create your own at a lantern making class in Hoi An.
That’s right – Lantern making Hoi An is one of the best activities I joined while traveling around Vietnam, and I’m confident you will love it too.
In the heart of Hoi An, with a skilled artisan, you’ll learn the art of lantern making, a craft deeply rooted in local heritage. I joined a lantern class in Hoi An and this is everything you should know before going!
Lantern Making Hoi An – Overview
First things first, let’s start this guide with all the essentials you should know before booking, such as where to book, the price, how long a lantern class Hoi An lasts, and more.
Is a Lantern Making Lesson Hoi An Worth It?
Absolutely, joining a lantern-making class in Hoi An is a fantastic way to learn about the Vietnamese culture and the lanterns themselves, which you’ll find on every corner of Hoi An Old Town.
It’s not just about crafting something beautiful and taking your own lantern back home, but instead about connecting with a tradition that lights up the town, especially during festivals. You’ll leave with a unique, handmade souvenir and a deeper appreciation for Hoi An’s heritage, which is certainly my case.
Best-Rated Class
Full Lantern Making Class in Hoi An
- Patient and friendly teacher
- Best lantern-making class in Ho An
- Learn about the lanterns, the colors, and more
Includes
- English-speaking teacher
- Your own lantern back home
- Herbal tea, water, and lots of fun!
Where to Book a Lantern Making Class in Hoi An?
I recommend pre-booking the class online before coming. While you can visit the lantern-making workshops and start the class as a walk-in, I personally had to go three times as they were too busy the first 2 times.
Eventually, I booked the class online and I’m so glad I did!
If you wake up early and roam around Hoi An in the morning, then you can visit the local workshops and book a class with the owner.
How Much Are Lantern Making Classes in Hoi An?
Prices for lantern-making classes in Hoi An can vary, typically ranging from $15 to $30. The cost usually includes all materials needed to make your lantern, as well as expert guidance from the instructor.
Sometimes, the price might also cover a drink or tea, which is a nice addition, especially on hot days in town. You might find better prices when asking the workshops directly, but I spent $15 and I was super happy with the experience.
How Long Does a Lantern Class in Hoi An Last?
A lantern-making class in Hoi An usually lasts between 1 to 2 hours, depending on whether you make the lantern from scratch or from a pre-tied bamboo stakes frame.
This gives you enough time to learn the basics, get hands-on experience, and complete your lantern without feeling rushed.
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What to Expect on a Lantern Making Class in Hoi An?
Start the experience by meeting your instructor at the artisan’s workshop, who will welcome you with a traditional herbal tea—a perfect start that sets the tone for the class.
The artisan will tell you the history and significance of the lanterns in Hoi An, making it more enjoyable to create them once you’re at work!
For you to have a better understanding, these are the steps of this fun and unique activity, which I’ll go into detail below:
- Step 1: Choosing and building the lantern’s frame
- Step 2: Choosing the silk and color
- Step 3: Gluing the fabric to the lantern
- Step 4: Repeat the gluing part to each side until the bamboo frame is covered
- Step 5: Cover the top and bottom of the lantern until it’s fully covered
- Step 6: Add a tassel at the lantern’s base
- Step 7: Learn to fold and unfold your lantern, and leave with a big smile!
You’ll get to choose the shape of your lantern—be it a lotus, diamond, sunrise, or sunset, and you’ll start building the frame. This was not an easy process, but the instructor helped us a lot, which was very nice.
After that, you’ll choose the fabric and the color (read the next section for the meanings) and it’s time to glue the fabric to the lanterns.
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You’ll start gluing the fabric into the frame, first on two sides, then complete the remaining spots and carefully stretch silk to cover it completely. While this sounds easy, it’s actually a little more complicated, and the teacher helped us a few times, but that’s part of the class!
Lastly, you’ll cover the top and bottom of the lantern, and add a tassel at the base, and you’ll feel happy to have made your own Vietnamese lantern!
How to Pick the Lantern’s Color
Asians are pretty superstitious in general, and Vietnamese are no exception, and lanterns are known for bringing good luck. This is one reason why locals in Hoi An hang them by their door.
The color you pick for your lantern will bring different types of good luck or meaning, which is as follows (don’t pick black or white!):
- Red: Happiness, general luck, celebration, love
- Yellow: Wealth, life change, happiness
- Purple: Nostalgia, fragility, sadness
- Blue: Hope, peacefulness, growth
- Green: Desire, jealousy
- Black: Evil
- White: Purity, death
I personally picked red, and I hope it’ll bring some more happiness and luck to my life!
Related Guide!
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What Do Lantern Making Classes in Hoi An Include?
Apart from a unique experience and a fabulous time, this is what you’ll get when joining a lantern class in Hoi An:
- Experienced English speaking instructor
- Welcome drink: Traditional Vietnamese tea
- A foldable lantern to take back home with you
- A fun group to share the experience with!
Final Thoughts – Lantern Making Class Hoi An
Taking part in a lantern-making class in Hoi An offers more than just a hands-on crafting experience; it connects you to a tradition that is a core part of Vietnam’s cultural identity, and you’ll love take your awesome handmade souvenir lanterns back home with you!
When crafting your lantern, you not only gain insight into the artistic process but also create a personal link to Hoi An’s history and traditions.
This unique activity allows you to bring home not just a lantern but a piece of the city, and I’m confident you’ll love your time at the workshop!
