One of Vietnam’s most famous traditional crafts, lantern making, is firmly entrenched in the ancient trading port of Hoi An. This ancient art form, focused in the lantern-lit streets of central Vietnam, welcomes travellers into local workshops to collaborate with skilled artisans and to discover the cultural heritage behind Vietnam’s famous glowing silk decorations.
Key Highlights And Workshop Experience
Workshops of Traditional Crafts Take part in hands-on classes with local instructors in Hoi An to make and decorate your own traditional lantern step-by-step.
Bamboo & Silk Construction: Learn how to stretch colourful, vibrant silks across collapsable bamboo frames cut in classic garlic, lotus or diamond shapes.
Evening River Lantern Releases: Enjoy a traditional wooden boat ride along the Hoai River at dusk, release a glowing paper candle lantern and make a traditional wish.
Hoi An Lantern Festival: Witness the spectacular full moon festival held monthly, where electric lights are switched off and thousands of silk lanterns illuminate the ancient town.
Visitor Guide: Best Time to Visit and How to Reach
Getting there: The Ancient Town of Hoi An is located in central Vietnam, just a short shuttle or taxi ride away from Da Nang International Airport.
Participation in best time: Late afternoon or early evening are best, so you can finish a workshop just in time to see the historic streets light up at nite.
Visitor Tips: The majority of the handmade silk lanterns are collapsable and collapse flat into a small tube so they are easy and safe to pack inside your luggage home.
Places near Hoi An Ancient Town: World Heritage site with merchant houses with yellow walls, historic assembly halls and pedestrian alleyways strung with lanterns.
In the heart of Hoi An’s old quarter is the Japanese Covered Bridge, an architectural monument from the 16th century, straddling a placid waterway.
Thu Bon River: a beautiful river waterway with peaceful sunset cruises, traditional river life and buzzing nite markets.
Where is the best place to experience lantern making in Vietnam?
There are many boutique lantern workshops in the Ancient Town and surrounding villages of Hoi An, the birthplace of lantern making.
How long is a typical lantern making class?
The majority of hands-on crafting and painting workshops are 1-2 hours long, so they can be easily incorporated into any sightseeing plan.
Can travelers pack and take their handmade lanterns home?
Yes, the traditional Vietnamese silk lanterns are made with collapsable bamboo frames that fold flat, so you can safely tuck them into your luggage.
Enjoy an unforgettable, interactive journey into Vietnamese art, culture and the vibrant local scene. Get in touch with Skanda Holidays today to design your own itinerary!
