Making your own lantern in Hoi An is one of those rare activities that feels simple, hands-on, and genuinely local. The workshop with Lynn is based right on the main street leading into Hoi An Old Town, so you’re close to everything, but you’re also doing something creative instead of just watching. You’ll learn how the bamboo frame and fabric come together, plus the family tradition behind Hoi An lanterns.

I especially loved two parts. First, Lynn’s guidance is practical and calming, and it helps you actually finish something beautiful in about an hour. Second, you get to choose your lantern style, from starting completely from scratch to the faster option that begins with the bamboo structure ready.

A possible drawback to consider is timing and scope. This is an approximately 1-hour class, so if you want a long, step-by-step deep craft session, you may find it a bit brief compared with half-day workshops.

Key things to know before you go

• Lynn teaches the process with a patient, hands-on approach that fits different ages and speeds.
• Full vs express options let you either build from scratch or start with a ready bamboo frame and focus on the fabric.
• You take your lantern home as a finished, foldable keepsake from the workshop.
• It’s small (up to 10 travelers), so you’re not lost in a crowd.
• You’re in Old Town access area, right on the main street near famous spots.

Lantern making class with Lynn, right in Hoi An Old Town

Hoi An lanterns are everywhere, but making one yourself is a different story. This class is hosted by a family with a lantern-making tradition, and the whole point is to share that know-how with visitors while keeping the craft alive. If you’ve ever bought a lantern as a souvenir, you already know they’re pretty. Here, you get the bonus part, the meaning and the method.

You meet in the Minh An area at 59A Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. The workshop is on the main street near the Old Town approach, so it’s easy to connect your class with a walk through the area after. You’re not fighting transport or timing issues. You’re just moving from street life into a calm craft corner, then back out again.

The price and what $17 buys you in real value

At $17 per person, this is priced like a short, skill-focused craft class rather than a big guided tour with add-ons. For me, the value comes from three things you actually get, not just see.

First, you’re paying for a finished item you can bring home. You’re not leaving with only photos. You leave with a lantern you made with your hands.

Second, you’re paying for instruction. The process includes bamboo shaping, fabric selection, and assembly with glue, and Lynn and her team guide you through it step by step.

Third, the session time is short, about 1 hour, which makes it a good fit when your schedule is packed. In Hoi An, that matters. You can do this on a day when you also want to browse markets, eat well, and still enjoy the evenings.

Full vs express: pick the style that matches your patience

You have two options, and choosing the right one can make your class feel either smooth and fun or slightly rushed.

Full option, build from scratch

In the full activity, you craft the lantern completely from scratch. That means you start with a bamboo frame build, learning how bamboo pieces get cut, bent, and glued into shape. Once the structure is ready, you choose your fabric and attach it to the frame.

This option is great if you like hands-on work and want to learn the whole method, including the parts that feel more technical.

Express option, start with the bamboo structure

In the express activity, the bamboo structure of the lantern is already made. Your work begins by choosing your fabric and sticking it onto the frame.

This option is great if you want the craft experience without the slower build stage. If you’re traveling solo, pressed for time, or just prefer to focus on the final look, express is usually the less stressful path.

What happens during your 1-hour workshop

Even though the class is short, it has a clear flow. You start with a welcome and an orientation to the materials, then you build, then you finish. That rhythm is one reason people leave feeling relaxed instead of overwhelmed.

Step 1, get oriented to the materials

Before you start gluing and shaping, you get a chance to see and understand the components that make up a lantern. You’ll learn what the bamboo frame does and how the fabric is meant to sit on it. You’ll also hear about the history and culture of lantern making in Hoi An, told through a family tradition.

This “setup” part matters. It helps you understand why you’re doing each step, instead of treating it like random crafting.

Step 2, bamboo shaping (for the full option)

If you choose full, you’ll handle bamboo pieces and work through forming the frame. Based on how the class is taught, you’re not expected to know bamboo craft already. The guidance is the point.

You’ll learn how bamboo gets bent into shape and glued into place. This part can feel a little fiddly at first, but it’s also the most satisfying because you watch the frame take form under your hands.

Step 3, choose fabric and decide your look

Whether you choose full or express, you’ll select a fabric from a range of colors and patterns. This is where you personalize your lantern. It’s also where your design instincts come in, even if you’re not a “craft person.”

If you care about the final look, don’t rush this part. Sit with the options, compare patterns, and pick one you’ll like enough to display after the trip. A small choice here makes a big difference once the lantern is finished.

Step 4, attach the fabric to the frame

Then comes the glue and stick phase. You’ll apply fabric to your bamboo structure, following the method taught in the workshop. The team’s patience is a big part of why the experience feels doable for almost anyone.

A practical tip, if you like clean results: work steadily and take your time aligning the fabric, since you’ll be seeing the lantern close up when you bring it home.

Step 5, finish up with a takeaway you’ll actually want to keep

The finished lantern is described as foldable, which is a huge practical win. It’s easier to store than a rigid decoration, and it makes travel with your craft project more realistic.

That means your souvenir is not just pretty, it’s functional as a keep. You can pack it, store it, and still remember the hour you spent making it.

Why the location matters: Old Town access without the crowds

This class is in a straightforward spot on the main street near Hoi An Old Town. That sounds like a basic logistical point, but it has real travel impact.

You don’t want a craft class that’s a long ride away when Hoi An evenings are so time-sensitive. With this workshop, you can fit it into your day, then walk the Old Town area before or after, depending on what you feel like.

Also, being in the Old Town access zone means you can plan your meals around it. Do the class first, then grab dinner nearby. Or eat, stroll, then return to the workshop for something calmer.

Who this lantern making class is perfect for

This is one of those experiences that works across a wide range of travelers.

• If you’re a solo traveler, you’ll likely appreciate the small group size and the friendly, attentive teaching. It’s the kind of activity that gives you something to focus on, which takes the awkward edge off solo days.
• If you like crafts, you’ll enjoy the actual construction steps and the chance to choose your fabric.
• If you’re traveling with family or different ages, it’s taught for people of different speeds, and the team supports everyone through the process.
• If you want an authentic souvenir, you’re not just buying something. You’re making it, and that changes how you value it.

Small group size, big difference in how the hour feels

A maximum of 10 travelers is a sweet spot for a class like this. It’s big enough to have a lively atmosphere, but small enough that you’re not competing for attention.

This matters because lantern-making is very hands-on. If you’re trying to bend bamboo, glue pieces, or attach fabric carefully, you need quick feedback. With a smaller group, Lynn and the team can notice when you need help, instead of waiting your turn.

It also helps you feel comfortable asking questions. You’re there to learn, and the workshop setting makes that easy.

Timing: how to fit it into your Hoi An day

The class runs for about 1 hour. That makes it flexible. Here are two practical ways to plan your day:

• If you have a busy afternoon, schedule it earlier, so you still have energy afterward for a walk in Old Town.
• If you’re saving Old Town for evening lights and slow strolling, do the class earlier in the day and let your lantern become part of your day’s story.

Either way, you’ll leave with a completed craft project, so keep an area in your bag or plan for transport where your lantern won’t get squished.

The main reason people recommend this workshop

When I look at why people rate this class so highly, the standout is the human factor. Lynn is described as attentive, helpful, and patient, and that support shows in how smoothly people finish their lanterns.

Second is the overall mood. This doesn’t feel like a rushed factory process. It feels like a quiet, guided craft moment where you can relax while you create.

Third is the end result. You get a lantern you made, and it’s meant to be kept, not just posed with for a photo.

Should you book this Hoi An lantern class with Lynn?

If you want something hands-on in Hoi An that doesn’t require a long time commitment, this is a strong choice. The combination of small group size, clear instruction, and a take-home foldable lantern makes it good value at $17.

I’d especially recommend booking if:

• you like crafts and want a souvenir with meaning
• you want a short activity that still feels personal
• you prefer a guided experience over doing it alone

I’d think twice if:

• you’re looking for a long, deep craft session that takes most of the day
• you only want to passively observe, because this is truly a making class

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the lantern making class?

You meet at 59A Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam 560000, Vietnam. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the lantern making class take?

The class is about 1 hour.

How much does it cost?

The price is $17.00 per person.

What is the difference between full and express options?

For the full option, you make the lantern completely from scratch. For the express option, you start with the bamboo structure already made and begin by choosing your lantern fabric.

How large is the group?

The class has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Is there a mobile ticket?

Yes, the experience includes a mobile ticket.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel within 24 hours, it is not refunded.

Is the class suitable for most travelers?

Yes. The activity notes that most travelers can participate.

If you want, tell me your travel dates and whether you prefer full or express, and I’ll help you pick the option that fits your day best.