Hoi An: Lantern Making Class & Foldable Silk Lantern Gift

Summary

Hoi an lantern making class with silk bamboo folding souvenir

You’ll shape bamboo stakes by hand, choose your favorite silk color, and learn each step from a local master in Hoi An’s lantern making class. Sip herbal tea as you work, then take home not just your own foldable lantern but also a special handmade gift from your instructor — maybe even a little extra luck for your journey.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell — faint herbal tea drifting through the workshop, and that soft, woody scent from the bamboo stakes stacked on the table. We’d barely sat down when our instructor, Ms. Lan, started telling us about how Hoi An’s lanterns mean luck and happiness for families here. She had this gentle way of talking, pausing to let us listen to the street sounds outside — scooters humming past, someone laughing in Vietnamese. It felt like we were being let in on something old but still alive.

I’ll admit, my fingers weren’t made for threading twelve skinny bamboo sticks together (step one of eleven!), but Ms. Lan just smiled and helped me twist the wire tighter. My partner picked a bright red silk — apparently red’s for good fortune — while I went with blue because it reminded me of dusk by the river. The glue was stickier than I expected, and I got some on my jeans (she said it happens all the time). There was a moment when everyone just stopped talking, stretching silk over their frames, concentrating so hard you could hear only the brush of fabric and Ms. Lan humming under her breath.

After we finished our lanterns (mine a little lopsided), she surprised us with another — a special one she’d made herself as a gift. She showed us how to fold them so they’d fit in our luggage without getting crushed. I kept thinking about how something so delicate could be practical too. We sipped more tea before leaving, and I caught myself hoping that hanging this lantern back home might actually bring some of that Hoi An luck with it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Create your own Vietnamese lantern

• Enjoy herbal tea and listen to master
• Learn history and culture of lanterns
• Attach 12 bamboo stakes with wire
• Shape stakes into sunrise or sunset
• Insert stakes into hanger and secure
• Select silk and color
• Apply glue and let dry
• Stretch silk to cover stakes
• Cover sides with silk
• Cover hanger top and bottom with silk strips
• Select tassel for lantern base
• Finish lantern and fold for travel
• Receive special gift lantern from master

Top questions

Is this Hoi An lantern making class suitable for kids?

Yes, it’s family-friendly and suitable for all fitness levels; children can join easily.

What materials are used in the lantern making class?

You’ll use silk and bamboo to create your own foldable lantern during the class.

How long does it take to make a lantern in Hoi An?

The full process covers 11 steps and is paced gently; expect around 1–2 hours total.

Can I bring my finished lantern home after the class?

Yes, your foldable silk lantern is designed to fit in luggage so you can take it home safely.

Is there an English-speaking guide during the activity?

Yes, an English-speaking instructor guides you through every step of making your lantern.

Does this activity include any drinks or snacks?

You’ll enjoy traditional herbal tea during the workshop; water is also provided.

Are there wheelchair accessible facilities at the workshop?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible for participants’ comfort.

Do I get anything extra besides my own lantern?

Your instructor will make an additional special lantern as a gift for you at the end of class.

What’s included

Your experience includes all materials to make your own foldable silk and bamboo lantern in Hoi An, guidance from an English-speaking instructor, traditional herbal tea to sip while you work, water if you need it, plus a second special handmade lantern gifted by your instructor before you leave.