Hoi An: Lantern Making & Painting Class with Tea & Cake

Summary

Paint and craft your own Hoi An lanterns with local teachers

You’ll sit with local teachers in Hoi An’s old town, gluing colorful fabric onto bamboo frames and painting your own lantern—even if you’ve never held a brush before. There’s free tea, coffee, and cake while you work, plus gentle help if you need it. You’ll leave with your own handmade lantern (foldable!) and maybe a few paint smudges on your hands.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to get glue on my fingers so quickly—guess that’s part of the deal when you sign up for a lantern making class in Hoi An. We ducked into this little studio just off one of those narrow streets where the air smells like incense and sweet things baking. Our teacher, Ms. Lan, greeted us with a huge grin and poured tea before we even sat down. There were already piles of colored fabric everywhere—reds, yellows, blues I couldn’t name—and the soft sound of scissors snipping somewhere behind me.

Honestly, I was nervous about messing up (I can barely fold a map), but Ms. Lan just laughed and said “No wrong way!” She showed us how to pick our frame—20cm or 30cm—and let us choose the fabric. The glue was stickier than I thought; my lantern ended up a bit lopsided but nobody cared. Kids at another table were painting dragons on theirs (one little guy got more paint on his hands than the lantern). It felt relaxed, not like a lesson at all—more like being at someone’s kitchen table with cake and coffee passed around.

The painting part was trickier than it looked. We practiced on paper first; mine looked like a confused fish but Ms. Lan clapped anyway. When I finally painted my lantern, she helped me steady my hand for the last brush stroke—I still think about that little moment of patience from her. By the end I had this bright blue lantern that folds flat for my backpack (didn’t know they could do that). The rain started tapping outside as we finished up, and for some reason that made everything feel even cozier. Didn’t buy any souvenirs from their shop this time—maybe next trip.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Make and paint lanterns in Hoi An

• Choose lantern size and shape
• Select color and fabric
• Glue fabric to frame
• Learn lantern making techniques
• Practice painting on paper
• Paint your lantern
• Enjoy free cake, tea, and coffee

Top questions

How long is the Hoi An lantern making class?

The class lasts about 1 hour.

Do I need experience to join the lantern workshop?

No experience is needed; all levels are welcome.

Is there an option to only paint or only make lanterns?

Yes, you can choose to just make lanterns without painting or just paint on different items.

Are children allowed in the class?

Yes, children from 1 year old can join with support from instructors.

What sizes are available for the lanterns?

You can choose between 20cm or 30cm foldable lanterns.

Is food or drink included during the class?

Free cake, tea, and coffee are included during your session.

Can I buy souvenirs at the studio?

Yes, there are souvenirs and decorations available for purchase.

Is pickup included for this activity?

No hotel pickup is included; you go directly to the studio in Hoi An old town.

What’s included

Your hour-long session includes all materials for making and painting your own foldable Hoi An lantern (choice of size and fabric), guidance from friendly local instructors, plus free tea, coffee, and cake while you work. Souvenirs are also available if you want to take home more than just your creation.