Paper lanterns feel magical in daylight. In Hoi An, you get a hands-on lantern making session (with silk color choices) and a look at the silk process, all in a small group near the Ancient Town area.

I like that the workshop is set up so you can leave with a finished souvenir: the frame and materials are handled for you, and the lantern is easy to fold up and take home.

One thing to think about: there can be some shopping pressure at the end, so if you hate hard-selling, be ready to politely say no.

Highlights at a glance

• Tools and materials are provided, so you’re not figuring things out with a travel bag full of guesswork
• Choose your silk colors over a bamboo frame, for a lantern that actually looks like you
• Coffee/tea is included, and coconut coffee can show up when weather turns
• Small-group cap (max 10) means you’re not lost in a crowd
• Lanterns fold up for easy transport back to your hotel or onward travel

Starting in Hoi An Ancient Town: where the day feels grounded

You’ll start at Viettown Hội An, 127 Đ. Phan Chu Trinh (Phường Minh An). This is a good launch point because you’re already in the orbit of the Ancient Town area, the place Hoi An is famous for—an old South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century.

There’s also a practical note: Ancient Town admission isn’t included. That matters because it can affect how you manage your time. If you’re the type who likes to wander first and craft second, you’ll want to plan how much of the Ancient Town you expect to see before you head into the workshop portion.

Also, there’s no pick-up or drop-off included. The good news is the meeting point is straightforward. The tradeoff is you’ll want to make sure you can get there on your own, especially if you’re staying a bit outside the center.

Lantern making with a bamboo frame and silk color choices

This is the core of the experience: you build a lantern using a bamboo frame and silk for the outside. The workshop setup is friendly to beginners. You’re provided the lantern making tools and materials, so you’re not standing around waiting for the basics.

What I especially like about this kind of workshop is the control you actually get. You don’t just follow a script—you pick the silk color for your lantern. That’s what turns it from a one-size souvenir into something personal.

You’ll also leave with a lantern that’s designed to be manageable for travel. The lanterns are easy to fold up and take home, which is exactly what you want in Hoi An. You’re crafting in Vietnam, but you still have flights, buses, and luggage to think about.

What you’ll be doing during the workshop

Expect a guided process where the artisan/instructor helps you get the structure right and teaches you how to work with the silk so it looks clean. Because the group is small, it’s the sort of experience where you can ask a quick question and get an answer without waiting forever.

And yes, this is one of those activities where you’ll feel progress fast. Even if you’re not crafty at home, the steps are concrete, and you can see your lantern taking shape.

The small comforts: coffee/tea during a short, focused session

This workshop includes coffee and/or tea, and that’s a small detail that ends up being a big deal. Hoi An can get warm, and a drink break helps you stay comfortable while you focus on the craft.

One nice touch mentioned in past experiences: coconut coffee can show up when it rains near the end. If weather turns, you’re not stuck feeling like the whole day is ruined—you’ve still got a pleasant, included refreshment that keeps the mood calm.

The overall time on the experience is listed at about 1 to 2 hours, so it’s not one of those half-day commitments. It’s a solid choice when you want something meaningful but still want time to explore Hoi An on your own schedule.

The silk making process stop: worms, tailoring, and embroidery you can see

The title promises lantern making and the silk making process, and the silk part is a key reason this outing feels more than just a craft. In practice, it’s commonly paired with a stop that includes a silk worm farm and then moves into a tailor/craft shop environment.

That arc is useful for understanding how silk becomes fabric—and then how people turn that fabric into finished, decorative work. One thing you can look for during the visit is the embroidery: craft areas can show detailed scenes (including picturesque Vietnam-themed designs), which helps you appreciate the skill behind what you see in finished products.

This is the kind of stop that pairs nicely with lantern making because your hands are already working with silk. You’re not just learning a technique; you’re also seeing the supply chain that leads to the material.

Small group, personalized attention, and Henry’s helpful style

This activity caps at a maximum of 10 travelers, and that changes the feel immediately. In a small group, instructors can correct small issues early, and you’re more likely to get individual attention when you’re handling the silk.

Past sessions have highlighted an instructor named Henry, with people describing the experience as enjoyable and easy going. That’s the best kind of workshop energy: supportive, not stressful.

If you’re the type who likes to learn while you do, this format works well. You’ll likely find it easier to focus because you’re not juggling a tour bus rhythm.

Price and value: what $40 gets you (and what to watch)

At $40 per person, this isn’t an all-day city tour price—it’s a craft experience price. And the value is strongest if you want a tangible souvenir and don’t want to spend time sourcing materials yourself.

Here’s what helps justify the cost:

• Lantern making tools and materials are included, which usually costs you something if you DIY
• Coffee/tea is included, which keeps the workshop comfortable
• You get small-group, guided instruction, so you’re more likely to finish with something you’re proud of
• The lantern is designed to be folded and taken home, so you’re not stuck with a fragile mess

What can reduce value depends on your attitude toward shopping. One review specifically called out wanting the hard sell to end. So if your vacation style is buy nothing unless it’s a perfect fit, go in with that mindset. You can still enjoy the crafting and silk portion—you just need to be prepared to politely decline purchases.

Also remember: Ancient Town admission isn’t included, and pickup/drop-off isn’t included. Those aren’t deal-breakers, but they’re real cost/time factors.

Who this lantern and silk workshop is best for

This works best if you want:

• a creative, hands-on activity that results in a take-home item
• a short outing that fits into a day of Hoi An exploring
• a small-group setting where you can ask questions
• the combo of lantern making plus a silk process look (not just one workshop stop)

Most travelers can participate, which makes it a reasonable choice even if you’re not confident with crafts. It’s also a good option for couples or friends who want something memorable without turning it into a full-day program.

If you’re traveling with kids, it may also be a decent fit as long as the group’s pace feels comfortable for them—but the exact suitability will depend on how patient they are during the craft steps.

Should you book it? My quick decision guide

Book this experience if you want a finished bamboo-and-silk lantern you can fold and carry, and you like learning the “how” behind silk rather than only buying finished souvenirs. The small-group format and the included coffee/tea make it feel grounded and not overly hectic.

Skip or rethink if:

• you strongly dislike any shopping pressure during tours
• you’re only interested in big landmark sightseeing (this is a workshop-centered activity)
• you’d be unhappy if weather affects your schedule, since the experience requires good weather and may be moved or refunded if canceled

If your goal is a practical, memorable craft day in Hoi An—with silk knowledge you’ll actually use to appreciate what you see—this one is a strong pick.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Viettown Hội An, 127 Đ. Phan Chu Trinh, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam.

How long does the experience take?

The duration is listed as about 1 to 2 hours. One stop includes Hoi An Ancient Town for about 3 hours.

Is pick-up or drop-off included?

No. Pick up and drop off are not included, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is Ancient Town admission included?

No. Admission ticket is not included for the Ancient Town stop.

What’s included in the workshop?

Lantern making tools and coffee and/or tea are included.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 10 travelers.

Do I get help with choosing materials?

You’ll choose your colored silk for the outside of your lantern, and the bamboo frame is provided.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

FAQ

How easy is the lantern to take home?

Lanterns are easy to fold up, making them easier to take home as a souvenir.

How does cancellation work?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Within 24 hours, the amount you paid isn’t refunded.