Lantern Making Class

Hoi An’s lanterns are more than pretty decorations: they are a familiar part of the Old Town’s look and are believed to bring luck, happiness, and wealth. At this workshop, you choose the shape and silk, then make a foldable lantern to carry home. I like the choice between a quick start and the full bamboo frame, and the patient, hands-on instruction that makes the work approachable even for beginners.

The class also offers two practical comforts: a welcome cup of traditional Vietnamese tea and a finished souvenir that folds for packing. One thing to weigh is the time. The stated duration is two to three hours, but the express class can take about an hour, so don’t build a rigid schedule around the full estimate.

At a glance: bamboo, silk, and a souvenir

• Pick your level of hands-on work: The express class begins with bamboo already tied into a frame. The full class takes you through all 11 steps, starting with the bamboo.
• Choose your own look: Select a lantern shape, silk color or print, and a tassel for the base. You can make a piece that feels like yours, not a shop purchase.
• Take home a foldable lantern: Each participant gets one lantern, about 30cm long, and the frame folds down for luggage.
• Expect close instruction: English-speaking instructors guide you through the process and help when glue, fabric, or bamboo proves fiddly.
• Plan for an indoor activity: The workshop is a useful change of pace on a rainy day, though the room can feel hot and workstations may get messy.
• Find it near the Old Town: The class is at 507 Hai Ba Trung, about a 10-minute walk from the centre of Hoi An Old Town.

A hands-on way to meet Hoi An’s lantern tradition

Hoi An is known for its lantern-lit streets, and making one gives you a better sense of how the pieces are put together than simply choosing one from a shop. The finished lantern is still a souvenir, but the time spent shaping it and picking the fabric gives it a personal touch.

The class frames lanterns as symbols of good fortune and happiness when hung in front of a home. The instructors also share some background about their history and cultural influences. Don’t expect a long lecture: the cultural context is part of a practical workshop, not a separate museum visit.

I especially like that this is an activity you can do together without everyone needing to be equally crafty. The instructors are there to guide each stage, and they will help correct a frame or fabric if your first attempt goes awry. That makes the class a good fit for families, couples, friends, or solo visitors who want a low-pressure indoor activity.

Tea first, then a choice of class

The visit begins with a welcome drink of traditional Vietnamese tea. After that, you choose the lantern shape and fabric, then work through the making process with an English-speaking instructor.

The main decision is between the express and full class. In the express version, the bamboo stakes are already tied together. You begin at step five, choosing the silk that will cover the frame. It’s the shorter route if you want the craft experience and a handmade lantern but don’t need to build the structure yourself.

The full class covers all 11 steps. You attach 12 bamboo stakes with wire thread, shape them into either a sunrise form, an inverted triangle, or a sunset form, a triangle, then fit them into a hanger and secure them. You choose the fabric, apply glue, stretch the silk over the frame, cover the sides, and finish the top and bottom with silk strips. A tassel completes the base.

That list can sound exacting, but you don’t have to master the technique alone. Instructors demonstrate the steps and provide help as you go. Applying glue evenly and stretching the silk neatly can take some care, and the frame may need adjustment. If you’re particular about the finish, ask for help rather than pressing on with a crooked panel.

The process is part of the point. With the express class, you spend more time on the fabric and finishing. With the full class, you see how a bundle of bamboo becomes a lantern frame. Choose based on whether you value a shorter session or the satisfaction of making the structure from scratch.

Choosing silk, shape, and finishing touches

Once the making begins, the design choices are a big part of the fun. You can select the lantern shape and choose from different silk colors and patterns. The class information also notes that you pick a tassel for the base. Some participants combine patterns, so you needn’t aim for a single uniform look.

Your instructor can help with the tricky parts, including placing the fabric and checking that glue is spread properly. The aim is not to test your craft skills. It’s to guide you toward a lantern you’re happy to keep. If you have a young child with you, expect to work together: children can participate from age four, and the staff’s patient approach helps make the steps manageable.

The workshop is family-friendly, but it’s still a craft class. Glue and fabric work can get messy, and one visitor wished for aprons and cleaner workstations. Wear something you won’t fret over if it picks up a little adhesive, and keep an eye on small children around the materials and tools.

A foldable keepsake that is easier to pack

Each participant receives one foldable lantern, about 30cm long, along with the required materials and tools. At the end, the instructor shows you how to fold and unfold it. That practical detail matters: a full-size, rigid decoration could be awkward to protect in a suitcase, while this one can be stowed away.

A special gift is also included, though no details are given about what it is. The lantern is the main keepsake, and the value lies in making it yourself as well as taking it home. It can remind you of Hoi An without requiring a fragile ornament to remain on display during the rest of your trip.

Timing, location, and what the price buys

The class is held daily from 9am to 5pm, with listed start times at 9am, 10am, 11am, 2pm, and 3pm. The stated duration is two to three hours. In practice, the express class may take around an hour, and one participant in the full class finished within an hour too. Treat the listed duration as a planning guide, not a promise that you’ll fill the whole window.

Starting early may mean a quieter room. One couple who booked the 9am full class had the workshop nearly to themselves for the first hour. That won’t be guaranteed, but an early slot is a sensible choice if you prefer a calm start. The workspace has seats for a number of participants, with helpers moving between tables.

The workshop is at 507 Hai Ba Trung, around a 10-minute walk from the centre of the Old Town. You can also take a private hire car directly there. Transport is not included, so factor in the walk or ride when planning your day.

The express class starts at about US$10, while the full class starts at about US$14. For a few dollars more, the full option adds the bamboo-frame construction and more of the craft process. If you mainly want a personal souvenir and a relaxed activity, the express version is good value. If learning how the lantern takes shape is important to you, the full class is the better buy.

The price includes the English-speaking guide, tea, materials and tools, one foldable lantern per person, and a special gift. Tips and transport are not included. You’ll need to show your mobile voucher at the selected date and time.

Who will get the most from the class

I’d consider this class if you want a break from sightseeing that still connects with Hoi An. It’s hands-on without requiring prior experience, and the finished lantern gives the session a clear reward. The full class is especially appealing to anyone curious about the bamboo frame, while the express option suits those who prefer to spend less time at the worktable.

Families can make it a shared project, and the minimum age is four. Children may need an adult’s help with the more careful steps, but the instructors are used to guiding beginners. Couples and solo visitors can also enjoy the class; it is structured enough to make it easy to join in without a companion.

It’s also a handy rainy-day plan. The activity takes place indoors, and the tea and craft work offer a welcome pause when the weather makes wandering less appealing. On a hot day, though, the room may feel warm. If you’re sensitive to heat, consider an earlier start and bring water.

Don’t book it expecting a long, formal lesson in local history or a guaranteed three-hour activity. The cultural background is a useful part of the workshop, but the focus stays on making. And if you’re looking for a completely polished studio setting, the work area may feel more practical than pristine.

Should you book the Hoi An Lantern Making Class?

Book it if you want a personal, packable souvenir and enjoy the idea of learning a simple craft with an instructor nearby. The express class keeps the commitment short; the full class gives you a more complete look at how the bamboo frame is built. Both offer a pleasant, purposeful way to spend time in Hoi An.

If your schedule is tight, choose the express option and leave some flexibility around the timing. If you’re keen to make the lantern from the beginning, pay the small step up for the full class. Either way, you’ll leave with something made by your own hands, and a clearer sense of why lanterns feel so at home in Hoi An.

FAQ

Where is the lantern-making class?

It is at 507 Hai Ba Trung in Hoi An, about a 10-minute walk from the centre of Hoi An Old Town.

What are the class start times?

Classes start at 9am, 10am, and 11am, then at 2pm and 3pm, daily.

How long does the class take?

The stated duration is two to three hours. The express class may take about an hour, and the actual time can vary.

What is the difference between the express and full classes?

The express class begins with pre-tied bamboo stakes, so you start by choosing silk. The full class covers all 11 steps, including attaching and shaping the bamboo stakes.

What is included in the price?

The class includes an English-speaking guide, traditional Vietnamese tea, materials and tools, one 30cm foldable lantern per person, and a special gift.

What is not included?

Transport and tips or gratuities are not included.

What is the minimum age?

Participants must be at least four years old.

Can I take my lantern home?

Yes. Each participant makes one lantern to take home. It folds for storage in your luggage.

How do I get to the workshop?

You can take a private hire car directly to the address or walk about 10 minutes from the centre of Hoi An Old Town.

How do I use my booking voucher?

Present your mobile voucher at the selected date and time.