Hoi An: Lantern Making Class & Private Boat with Pickup

Summary

Make a wish in hoi an with lanterns river lights and laughter

You’ll craft your own bamboo lantern in Hoi An with help from a local artisan, write your wish on a floating candle, then release it during a peaceful private boat ride along the Hoai River. Includes hotel pickup and materials—expect laughter, sticky fingers, and maybe a quiet moment you’ll remember longer than you think.

What’s the experience like?

We walked into the little workshop in Hoi An and it smelled like fresh bamboo and glue—kind of earthy, not unpleasant. Our guide, Ms. Lan, greeted us with this wide grin and handed me a pile of colored paper. I was nervous about messing up my lantern but she showed me how to fold the pieces just right, her hands moving way faster than mine. There was this quiet hum from the street outside, scooters zipping by, but inside it felt calm. My fingers got sticky with glue and I accidentally glued two sides together—I laughed, Ms. Lan laughed too, and said everyone does that their first time.

I wrote my wish on the floating candle (hoa đăng), trying to copy the Vietnamese script she’d shown me. Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin—probably butchered it—and then we all ended up giggling at my attempt. The sun was starting to dip as we carried our finished lanterns down to the Hoai River. There were other families there too, some kids running around with paper lanterns almost as big as their heads.

The boat ride itself was quieter than I expected. The water had this gentle slap against the wood, and you could smell incense drifting from somewhere upstream. We set our candles afloat one by one—mine wobbled before catching the current—and watched them drift away under all those hanging lanterns along the banks. It wasn’t dramatic or anything; more like a soft feeling that stuck around after we stepped back onto shore. I still think about that moment when everything just slowed down for a bit.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lantern making and boat trip

• Attend lantern-making workshop
• Craft bamboo lantern and floating candle
• Write wishes on lantern
• Enjoy boat ride on Hoai River
• Release lantern on water

Top questions

How long does the Hoi An lantern making class take?

The experience lasts about 2 hours from start to finish.

Is hotel pickup included for the lantern workshop?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for your convenience.

Do I get to keep the lantern I make?

Yes, you’ll take home your own foldable bamboo lantern as a souvenir.

Is there an English-speaking guide or instructor?

Yes, local artisans who speak English will guide you through each step.

Can children join this Hoi An lantern making class?

Yes, it’s suitable for all ages—infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport or boat ride.

What do I do with the floating candle (hoa đăng)?

You’ll write your wish on it and release it onto the river during the boat trip.

Is transportation available if I don’t use hotel pickup?

Public transportation options are available nearby if needed.

Are there any health restrictions for this activity?

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Hoi An, all materials for crafting both a bamboo lantern and floating candle (hoa đăng), step-by-step instruction from English-speaking local artisans, plus a private boat ride where you’ll release your wish-lit candle onto the Hoai River—and you’ll bring home your handmade foldable lantern at the end.