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Making a lantern in Hoi An has become a bit of a classic. You see them everywhere in town, you might buy one, but making it yourself is a completely different experience. And honestly, it’s one of the easiest and most accessible workshops I’ve tried here.

I wanted to see what it was like, especially because people kept asking me: “Do you know a good place to make a lantern?” So I tried several, some were great, others pretty average.

In this article, I’ll share the workshops I recommend, what exactly you do there, how much it costs, and who it’s best suited for. You’ll see, you don’t need to be particularly crafty, it’s easier than you’d think, and it makes for a great souvenir to take home.

Full lantern or fabric-only? What’s the difference?

In Hoi An, not all lantern workshops offer the same experience. In many of them, you arrive and the frame is already made, you simply choose the fabric and glue it around. It’s quick, easy, and perfect if you’re short on time or visiting with kids. And it helps keep prices low to attract tourists.

But if you’re looking for a more authentic experience, go for a workshop where you build the lantern from A to Z. You bend the bamboo, create the frame yourself, and attach the fabric. In short, you actually learn how to make a lantern, not just decorate one. It’s more complete, a bit longer, but much more rewarding.

Choosing your lantern color

Yellow – prosperity, wealth, happiness, change, royalty
Red – luck, joy, celebration, love
Purple – tenderness, nostalgia, fragility, sadness
Blue – hope, calm, growth
Green – lust, jealousy
Black – evil
White – purity, ending, death

My Selection of the Best Lantern-Making Workshops in Hoi An

In Hoi An, there’s a wide range of lantern-making workshops. Some are very touristy, others more low-key. Here, I’m sharing the ones I recommend after testing them myself or observing them closely. You’ll also find some good tips to choose the one that fits you best.

1. Hoi An Handicraft Tours – The Most Complete Experience

This is Hoi An’s top-rated lantern workshop, with over 2,900 positive reviews on GetYourGuide.

Lantern Workshop was founded in 2017 by Diep and Len, two brothers who took over their grandfather’s family business after his retirement.

Right from the start, the artisan explains the history of Hoi An’s lanterns and what they represent for the locals, something you don’t always get in other workshops.

2. The Lantern Lady – The Cheapest Option

This is probably one of the most well-known lantern workshops, and also one of the most affordable. It’s located a few minutes’ walk from the central market, tucked away in a quiet alley. No flashy storefront here, but a warm welcome as soon as you step inside.

The basic option is to cover a pre-assembled frame with fabric, which makes the workshop easy for everyone, even kids. But if you ask in advance, you can also make the lantern from scratch, starting with the bamboo frame. It takes more time and effort, but it’s really rewarding.

The owner speaks English, takes the time to explain each step, and lets you go at your own pace. No need to be crafty, the vibe is relaxed, and you’ll walk away with a nice handmade souvenir.

It’s simple, quick, and accessible, which makes it a great choice if you’re short on time or with family. Just keep in mind that depending on the time of day, it can get a bit busy, as the low price attracts a lot of visitors.

Price: From 100,000 VND to 200,000 VND
Duration: 2 hours
Perfect if you’re looking for a cheap and easy activity

Book your lantern workshop on GetYourGuide

3. Hoi An Discovery Tours Lantern Workshop

This is one of the few workshops in Hoi An that lets you build your entire lantern from scratch. Unlike many places where you’re handed a pre-made frame, here you’ll bend the bamboo yourself, assemble the structure, and then attach the silk fabric. It takes longer, but it’s way more satisfying. The workshop lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours (sometimes more), and you’ll leave with a foldable traditional silk lantern ready to fit in your bag.

The place is quiet and peaceful, tucked just behind the Japanese Bridge, far from the crowds. If you’re looking for a truly hands-on artisan experience without spending too much, this is clearly a great choice.

4. Lantern Making Class With Lynn

This is one of the most well-known workshops in Hoi An’s Old Town. It’s located on Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai Street, right next to the Japanese Covered Bridge, so it’s very easy to find. The place is often busy, with groups, couples, and a constant flow of visitors. The vibe is lively, sometimes a bit noisy, but always friendly.

Here, you build the lantern from scratch: cutting the fabric, folding, attaching it to the frame, and final assembly. Everything is explained step by step, with clear demonstrations. The staff is used to tourists, and the process runs smoothly. You’re guided quickly and there’s no downtime.

It’s a solid choice if you like a dynamic atmosphere and don’t mind sharing the space with others. Not super intimate, but efficient, well-organized, and with a great value for money.

Price: 300,000 VND
Duration: around 2 to 3 hours
Perfect if you want a hands-on, well-run activity in the Old Town

Book Lantern Making Class With Lynn

5. Reaching Out Lantern Workshop

This workshop is run by a social enterprise that aims to employ people with disabilities. It’s a mission I personally think is worth supporting, even if the approach is a bit different from the typical lantern-making classes.

Here, you’ll make a foldable diamond-shaped paper lantern. The style is less traditional than the silk and bamboo versions, but it’s definitely more unique, using handmade paper with elegant patterns. Once folded, it easily fits in a suitcase.

They also offer guided tours of their workshop and have a boutique where everything is handmade by local artisans. Even if you don’t join the class, I really recommend stopping by the shop to see their work and maybe pick up a beautiful and useful souvenir.

Booking is done directly via their website: https://reachingoutvietnam.com/art-craft-shop/workshop-tours/

My Opinion

Making a lantern in Hoi An isn’t just a hands-on activity to kill time. It’s a simple and meaningful way to discover a local craft that’s still very much alive. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or even solo, you leave with a personalized souvenir that’s easy to pack in your suitcase.

Not all workshops are the same, so it’s worth choosing one that suits you, quiet or lively, quick or complete, simple or more creative. And if you’re unsure, just reach out directly to the workshop, most of them reply quickly.

The Best Lantern-Making Workshops in Hoi An