Overview
Immerse yourself in Hoi An's most treasured craft. This deeper class takes you through the complete lantern-making process — from bending and binding the bamboo skeleton to stretching silk over the frame, painting decorative motifs, and adding the finishing touches that make each lantern unique. Afterward, a village elder shares the history and symbolism of lanterns in Vietnamese culture, and you join a boat ride at golden hour, floating past the illuminated ancient town with your beautiful creation in hand.
Tour Highlights
- Full lantern-making process (2+ hours hands-on)
- Choice of 5 traditional designs and 12 silk colours
- Learn the cultural symbolism of each lantern colour
- Village elder storytelling session
- Sunset / evening lantern boat ride
- Keep your completed lantern
What's Included & Excluded
Complete lantern-making class (all materials)
Cultural storytelling session with village elder
Evening lantern boat ride (~30 min)
3 flower lanterns to release
Complimentary jasmine tea and local sweets
Hotel transfer
Main meals
Travel insurance
Tour Itinerary
2 hours
Full lantern-making class — bamboo framing, silk stretching, painting decorative motifs, finishing touches. Choose from 5 designs and 12 silk colours.
30 min
Cultural storytelling session with a village elder — history and symbolism of lanterns in Vietnamese life, festivals, and spiritual traditions.
30 min
Transfer between workshop and river jetty. Enjoy jasmine tea and local sweets while walking through the ancient town.
~30 min
Evening lantern boat ride on the Thu Bon River. Release flower lanterns, photograph the illuminated ancient town, and savour the atmosphere.
Important Information
- Duration breakdown: 2 hours lantern class + 30 min cultural talk + ~30 min boat ride + 30 min transfer between venues
- Suitable for all skill levels — no artistic experience needed
- Completed lanterns are fragile — we provide a carry bag for safe transport
- Jasmine tea and sweets are served during the cultural storytelling session
Common Questions
How is this different from the shorter lantern workshop?
This class covers the complete lantern-making process (over 2 hours of hands-on work), including painting decorative motifs and a cultural storytelling session with a village elder. The shorter workshop focuses on the basic assembly steps. This is the definitive experience for anyone truly curious about this ancient craft.
Can I choose my lantern design and colours?
Yes! You can choose from 5 traditional designs (round, diamond, lotus, star, and cylinder) and 12 silk colours. Your instructor will help you understand the cultural significance of each colour before you choose.
How do I transport my finished lantern home?
We provide a protective carry bag. Lanterns are surprisingly sturdy once complete but we recommend wrapping them in soft clothing for flights. They are also available as flat-pack versions that fit easily in luggage — just ask your instructor.
