A lantern shop becomes your workshop in an hour. You’ll learn how Hoi An lanterns reflect Vietnam–Japan–China influences while you make your own colourful, foldable lantern.

I love the hands-on, step-by-step guidance that helps you actually finish something good, even if you’re not crafty. I also like how the class stays compact, so you can still plan an evening stroll afterward. One possible drawback: the workshop can be busy, and the session may run a little past the booked time when lots of people show up.

Key points to know before you go

• Local-led instruction: English-speaking hosts guide you through each stage of making your lantern.
• You choose the look: pick the shape and the fabric/pattern, plus tassel details.
• Materials are covered: tools and supplies are included, and you leave with a 20-cm lantern.
• Relaxed, small-shop vibe: it’s typically not rushed, even when several people are working at once.
• Travel-friendly souvenir: your lantern folds up, so it’s easier to pack than you’d expect.

Finding the Workshop on Phan Boi Chau Street

This is the kind of experience that’s simple to join and satisfying to complete. You meet at 3/6 Phan Boi Chau street, Hoi An (a spot with a Google map pin listed by the organizer). The address is in a residential/old-town area, but the workshop itself is tucked away in a small lane.

Practical tip: arrive a few minutes early. Multiple people noted you have to look for the lantern signs and follow the turn-off into the lane. If you’re coming by foot from the Ancient Town, give yourself time to find the correct laneway entrance rather than assuming it’s right on the main road.

Once you’re there, you’ll likely be greeted by an English-speaking host or greeter. The workshop setup is the real charm: it feels like you’re stepping into a family-run lantern shop, not walking into a theatre-like tourist show. Some classes are held in a compact space where you can watch work happening around you, including people helping each other and the rhythm of the craft.

Also worth planning: the class doesn’t include hotel transfer, food, or drinks. So think of it as a low-friction add-on to your day: you get a start time, you walk/ride to the meeting point, you create, you go back out into Hoi An.

Hoi An Lanterns 101: Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese Threads

Hoi An lanterns aren’t just decoration. In this class, you get a short introduction to why they look the way they do—through cultural exchange. You’ll learn how lantern styles in Hoi An grew from interactions among Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese traditions, each leaving its own influence on shape and color.

That history matters, even though the workshop is hands-on. It changes your mindset while you work. When you choose a lantern style, you’re not only picking something pretty—you’re choosing a form with a story behind it. By the time you start assembling, the lantern becomes something you understand, not just something you assemble.

Expect the instructor to talk you through:

• the general lantern shape and color ideas
• the lantern-making process in stages
• how the pieces work together so your finished lantern hangs properly

You’ll spend the time creating something you can keep, but you’ll also come away knowing why the craft became part of Hoi An’s evening atmosphere. One of the best reasons to do this class right here is that Hoi An at night is famous for its flickering lantern glow—and you get to participate in that culture instead of only viewing it from the sidewalk.

Your Custom Lantern: Shape, Fabric, and Tassel Choices

This is where the class turns from learn-to-craft into personalize-your-own souvenir. You’re guided through the choices so you end up with a lantern that feels like yours.

Here’s what you can usually control in the workshop:

• Lantern shape: you’ll choose from a set of options.
• Fabric/pattern: pick the color and design you like.
• Tassel details: the tassel is part of the visual style, and you’ll make decisions that affect the final look.

The included lantern size is 20 cm per person. The goal is to get you from blank materials to a finished, decorative lantern in about an hour of guided work. Several people emphasized that the instruction is clear and that staff move around to help when needed, which is reassuring if you’re worried you’ll mess up.

A useful detail from past participants: if you want a bigger lantern, ask during the workshop. One review noted they could pay the difference to go up to a 30 cm size. That’s not something I’d assume is always available, but it’s an option you can inquire about on the day if you want extra impact for your souvenir.

Also, don’t skip the small comfort prep. One person recommended bringing reading glasses if you use them—because you may be working with small details and it helps to see close-up clearly. It’s a simple thing, but it can make the crafting feel much easier.

If you want a souvenir that doesn’t look like everyone else’s, this is one of the best ways to get it in Hoi An: you’re not just buying lanterns off a rack. You’re making yours with your own fabric choices.

In One Hour: How the Class Flows from Start to Fold

The time is the main selling point here: 1 hour. In practice, it can vary a bit depending on how busy the workshop is. People have said the workshop may take longer than the time they booked, especially when there’s a larger group. So plan to keep your evening schedule flexible. Think of it as a focused craft session, not a rushed production line.

What the class feels like:

• You start with materials and an explanation of what you’re building.
• You choose your lantern shape and your fabric/pattern combination.
• You assemble in stages, with step-by-step help.
• You add finishing touches so the lantern looks complete.
• You end with a lantern you can fold and take home.

One reason people rate this so highly is how the instruction is delivered. The staff don’t just tell you what to do and walk away. They come by, check your progress, and show you how to handle the next step. A few reviews specifically mentioned that help was available when they needed it, and that the atmosphere felt relaxed and not rushed.

You might also hear music in the background, which adds to the light, fun energy. And because multiple people often work at the same time, you may find it’s cozy, social, and a little funny—like everyone is learning together and the staff is in a good mood.

Group size can change. Some sessions are around ten people with several staff members available for one-on-one help when needed. That balance keeps you from feeling lost while still giving you space to concentrate.

And then comes the key practical win: the lantern is foldable, so it’s easier to pack. That matters in a country where you’ll likely carry items between stops. A lantern you can collapse is far less stressful to travel with than a fragile, bulky souvenir.

Take-Home Tips for Your 20-cm Foldable Lantern

You leave with one 20-cm lantern per person, made during the workshop. That’s already solid value for the price, because you aren’t paying for a pre-made item—you’re paying for an activity plus a physical souvenir.

The big question is: how do you transport it home without turning it into a sad craft project in your luggage?

Here are tips grounded in what people reported:

• Use the foldable design: the lantern folds up after you finish, which makes it easier to pack.
• Handle the fabric carefully: even though it’s sturdy enough to complete and take home, treat the fabric like a craft item, not like a plastic trinket.
• Plan where it will go: once you’re back at your hotel or apartment, choose a safe spot to store it flat or gently supported until your trip ends.

What I like about this souvenir: it’s personal. You didn’t just buy a lantern with a generic pattern. You chose the look, and you learned how the pieces fit. That turns it into a conversation piece at home, not just an item on a shelf.

If you’re thinking about displaying it later, keep in mind your lantern is decorative. It’s not described as an LED or a flame-lit lantern for use on-site. Treat it as a keepsake display item.

Price, Timing, and Who Should Do This

At $8 per person for a one-hour local-led workshop and materials, this is strong value in Hoi An. You’re paying for:

• guided instruction,
• all required tools/materials,
• and a finished 20-cm lantern you take home.

Where the value really shows is the time + skill combo. You spend about an hour learning a craft, and you get a souvenir that feels handmade because it is. Many tourist activities in Hoi An are either purely sightseeing or purely shopping. This one is both, but in a good way: you build the item, then you understand why it looks the way it does.

Timing: book for a time when you can be present. It’s especially appealing if your day needs a calmer indoor option. Several people called it a great choice for rainy weather or when they wanted something cozy and less hectic than walking crowded streets.

Who this suits best:

• Couples and small groups who want an experience you can’t replicate at home.
• Solo travelers who like structured activities but still want a relaxed vibe.
• Anyone who wants a meaningful souvenir without spending a lot.

Who might find it less ideal:

• If you hate hands-on work or don’t want to spend time building something, it may feel too involved for your taste.
• If your schedule is strict to the minute, leave a little buffer because busy sessions can run longer than the booked slot.

One more small note: if you have mobility needs, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. That’s useful information for planning, and it’s a big plus for visitors who want a craft experience without barriers.

Should You Book This Lantern Class?

I’d book it if you want a hands-on, local, take-home souvenir that’s tied to Hoi An’s night culture. For the cost, it’s hard to beat: you get instruction, materials, and a finished foldable 20-cm lantern with real personality.

You should also book if you like learning as you go. This isn’t just craft for craft’s sake. The short cultural intro helps you connect the lantern you’re making to why Hoi An looks the way it does after dark.

The only reason not to book is schedule rigidity. If your itinerary is tight and you can’t risk going a bit over, pick a slot with breathing room.

If you can spare an hour (and a little extra just in case), this is the kind of activity that makes your Hoi An memories feel tangible.

FAQ

How long does the Hoi An lantern-making class take?

The class is listed as 1 hour. If the shop is busy, you might find it takes a little longer than the booked time, so it’s smart to keep some flexibility.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the lantern-making class, an instructor, all required materials and tools, and one 20-cm lantern per person.

Do I need to bring tools or materials?

No. The class provides the materials and tools you need. You just show up at the meeting point and follow the instructor’s steps.

Where do I meet the host?

You meet at 3/6 Phan Boi Chau street, Hoi An. The organizer provides a map link in the activity details.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so plan to eat before or after.

Can I choose my lantern design?

Yes. You’ll get guidance on shape and color, and you create your own lantern. In practice, you’ll be able to make choices about what you want your lantern to look like.

Is the class taught in English?

Yes. The host or greeter is listed as English, and the activity language is English.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

What are my cancellation options?

You have free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I reserve and pay later?

Yes. The activity offers reserve now & pay later, so you can book without paying immediately.