The 8 Best Craft Workshops in Hoi An

Hoi An is known for its old town, its beaches, and the small surrounding villages. But there’s something else that really deserves your attention: craft workshops. That’s where things get real — you’re no longer just watching, you’re doing.

Whether you want to make a traditional lantern, get your hands dirty with some pottery, or learn how bamboo is shaped and worked, these workshops are not just tourist activities. They’re opportunities to meet local artisans who work with passion and take the time to share their skills. You leave with more than just a souvenir — you leave with a real experience.

Here’s an overview of the best workshops in Hoi An, the ones I truly recommend.

1. Lantern-Making Workshop in Hoi An

Website: https://hoian-decouverte.com | Price: 290,000 VND per lantern | Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Lanterns are kind of the symbol of Hoi An. You see them everywhere — hanging in the streets, on balconies, in cafés. But beyond the decorative aspect, they’re part of a deep local tradition that goes back centuries.

Joining a lantern-making workshop is a great chance to get hands-on and leave with a unique souvenir that you actually made yourself. It’s not just about sticking some fabric together — you’re guided step by step, from choosing the materials, to assembling the bamboo frame, to stretching and attaching the fabric. And if you want to take it a bit further, you can even personalize your lantern. I drew my own website logo on mine — simple, but it worked.

Just a quick note: not all workshops offer the full process. Some only let you decorate a pre-made frame (just the silk part), so check what’s included before you book.

My recommendation: the workshop run by Hoi An Découverte. The artisans are professional and great at explaining not just how, but why things are done a certain way — with real links to local history and cultural beliefs. Bonus: the lantern is foldable, which makes it super easy to pack in your suitcase.

Whether you’re with family, friends, or on your own, it’s a fun, accessible, and rewarding activity.

2. Tuồng Mask-Making Workshop in Hoi An

Address: 58/7 Le Loi, Hoi An | Price: 210,000 VND to 414,000 VND | Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

If you’re looking for something a bit more artistic and off the beaten path, I recommend checking out the Tuồng masks. These are traditional masks used in classical Vietnamese theater, known for their bright colors and expressive shapes. Each color has a meaning: red for heroes, black for strong personalities, and white for female characters. Nothing is random here.

At The Timing Masks, a family-run workshop led by artist Bui Quy Phong, you have two options:

• Paint a pre-made mask → 210,000 VND
• Create your own mask from scratch → 414,000 VND

In the second option, you start by molding the base with papier-mâché, then paint and decorate it however you like. It takes more time, but it’s definitely more immersive.

The workshops are open daily and are suitable for all ages, including kids. If you’re solo or in a pair, you can drop in without booking. For larger groups, it’s best to call ahead.

My tip: it’s a great activity if you want to do something different, and leave with a meaningful handmade souvenir.

3. Pottery Workshop in Thanh Ha Village

Address: Thanh Ha Pottery Village | Price: 50,000 VND – 150,000 VND

Just 2 kilometers from Hoi An’s Old Town, the Thanh Ha pottery village is well worth a visit if you’re interested in local craftsmanship. Founded in the late 15th century, the village once supplied ceramics to the imperial palace in Hué, and the techniques are still passed down from generation to generation today.

Once there, you can join a hands-on workshop led by real village artisans. You’ll learn how to shape clay on a traditional potter’s wheel. It’s not as easy as it looks — and that’s exactly what makes it fun. Vase, bowl, little sculpture… you leave with whatever you manage to make, even if it’s not perfect (which is part of the charm).

Next to the workshop, there’s also the Terracotta Park, a modern space with ceramic replicas of famous monuments from around the world. Honestly? It’s not a must-see. If you’ve got time and you’re curious, go for it. But the workshop alone is more than enough for a great experience.

4. Bamboo Workshop at Taboo Bamboo in Hoi An

Address: Thanh Tam Dong, Cam Thanh | Price: 700,000 VND per person | Duration: 3 hours | Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, closed on Sundays | Email: taboobambooworkshop@gmail.com

Taboo Bamboo, it’s all about bamboo — in every possible form. The place was created by Vo Tan Tan, a passionate artisan, right at the foot of Cua Dai Bridge. Everything here is made from bamboo: the house, the furniture, everyday objects… even an electric car. That’s actually how I discovered the place — I saw the car and had to check it out. Honestly, it’s impressive what you can do with this material.

During the 2-hour workshop, you’ll learn various techniques for working with bamboo and make your own item — something useful, decorative, or just for fun. Along with the lantern workshop, it’s one of my absolute favorites.

The activity is suitable for kids aged 5 and up, so it’s a great option for families. And if you’re feeling ambitious, you can even build a bamboo bicycle on request. Yes, a real one.

It’s a creative, hands-on, and eco-friendly activity. What more could you ask for?

5. Wood Carving Workshop at Cui Lu in Hoi An

Address: To 13 Thon Dong Na, Cam Ha, Hoi An | Price: 800,000 VND per adult – 600,000 VND for children aged 10 to 14 | Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM daily | Duration: 2.5 hours | Website: https://langcuilu.com/workshop/

If you enjoy hands-on activities that require a bit more precision, I recommend the wood carving workshop at Cui Lu. It continues the ancestral woodworking tradition of Kim Bong village, a place known for its craftsmanship for generations.

With guidance from skilled artisans, you’ll learn how to handle the tools and turn a simple piece of wood into a carved object. Nothing too difficult at the start — you can choose to make a buffalo, a fish, or a small tray (I made a fish), then paint and personalize it.

If you already have some experience, you can even go further and try more advanced techniques, like mother-of-pearl inlay — just make sure to ask in advance.

Each object you create has real value, because it’s handmade by you, in a workshop where everything is done with care and tradition. Whether you’re a beginner or a bit more experienced, it’s a genuine activity, far from the usual tourist traps.

6. Jewelry-Making Workshop at Bien Bac Jewelry in Hoi An

Address: 55 Hoang Dieu, Hoi An | Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Price: from 1,000,000 VND

At Bien Bac Jewelry, located in the lively market district of Hoi An, you can join a silver ring-making workshop, open to everyone — no reservation needed. The goal: to create your own personalized ring, from choosing the design to adding a custom engraving.

The workshop lasts about one hour and guides you through every step of the process, with discreet but helpful support from the team. You pick the style and shape, and can even engrave the inside or outside of your ring. The staff is attentive but lets you do the work yourself, which makes the whole experience feel genuine and hands-on.

7. Vegan Tofu-Making Workshop at Long Gia Kitchen in Hoi An

Address: 9 ĐX18, Cam Thanh, Hoi An | Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM | Price: 900,000 VND

If you’re looking for something authentic, unique, and hands-on, I highly recommend the tofu-making workshop at Long Gia Kitchen. Set in a traditional house surrounded by rice fields, far from the tourist buzz, the workshop teaches you how to make fresh tofu from scratch using organic, non-GMO soybeans and traditional tools. It’s not difficult, but it does require patience and care — and that’s what makes the process so rewarding.

You’ll go through all the steps: grinding the soybeans by hand, filtering, pressing, and shaping the tofu. You’ll also get to taste their amazing smoked tofu vegan cheese, which is full of flavor and packed with umami — honestly, one of the best I’ve ever had.

Long, the host, is passionate, generous, and full of stories. He’ll not only teach you about tofu but also give you great tips to explore a more local side of Hoi An. It’s a great way to spend a morning, especially if you’re into plant-based cooking or just want to try something different.

8. Leather Workshop at Blue Leather Lotus in Hoi An

Website: https://bluelotusleather.com/ | Address: 69/3 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An | Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

If you’re looking to create something useful and long-lasting, I recommend the workshop at Blue Leather Lotus, a small artisan leather studio based in Hoi An. The place was founded by Canh, an artisan who left his job in Hanoi back in 2014 to follow his dream. He started out selling his first pieces in the street, and eventually opened this welcoming studio, where he now works with a team of five craftsmen.

The atmosphere is relaxed, the guidance is clear, and whether you’re a beginner or more hands-on, they take the time to walk you through each step. You can choose a short 2-hour workshop (starting at $26), or go for a more advanced two-day course (up to $196). Everything’s included: tools, materials, leather, drinks, and even some background music.

You can make a card holder, wallet, or even a custom bag if you’ve got more time. The craftsmanship is high quality, with solid materials, and the best part — you leave with something you truly made yourself.

Special mention for Tuan, one of the artisans, who’s very patient and great at teaching. And of course, Canh’s dalmatians, always wandering around and adding to the charm. The whole experience is simple, friendly, and unpretentious — and that’s what makes it so enjoyable.