Hoi An Lantern Making and city tour

Taking a trip to Hoi An isn’t complete without experiencing its glowing lanterns, and this Lantern Making and City Tour promises to blend history, culture, and a dash of creativity—all in around four hours. Priced at $29 per person, it offers an accessible way to dive into local traditions without breaking the bank. While it’s not a comprehensive sightseeing extravaganza, it’s a special opportunity to get hands-on with one of Hoi An’s most iconic symbols.

What we immediately appreciate about this tour is the chance to make your own lantern — a cherished custom believed to bring luck and happiness. Plus, the itinerary includes key sights like the Japanese Covered Bridge and Old House of Tan Ky, giving a taste of Hoi An’s historic charm. One possible consideration is that entrance fees are not included, so budget extra for the museums and attractions. This experience suits travelers seeking a blend of culture and craft, eager to create a personal souvenir and learn more about Hoi An’s enchanting past.

Key Points

• Authentic Handcraft: Making your own lantern is a memorable, tangible souvenir.
• Cultural Sights: Combines sightseeing of historical landmarks with local traditions.
• Small Group: Typically up to 12 travelers, creating a personalized experience.
• Cost-Effective: Good value, considering the guided tour and craft class, though entrance fees are extra.
• Family-Friendly: No special skills required, suitable for most ages.
• Timing and Pacing: Around four hours, fitting well into a day of sightseeing.

A Warm Introduction to Hoi An’s Nighttime Glow

As soon as you arrive in Hoi An, you’re greeted with scenes of floating lanterns illuminating the river and lining the streets. It’s a picture-perfect setting that draws countless visitors, and this tour aims to let you participate directly in that magic. The experience begins in the morning with a pickup from a central meeting point, Hoachampa Coffee & Tea, located at 43 Phan Chu Trinh. The tour’s intimate size, capped at 12 travelers, means you’ll likely enjoy a relaxed, conversational atmosphere.

The real highlight? You get to craft your own handmade lantern — a skill that’s both simple and rewarding, no prior experience necessary. It’s a chance to bring home a personal keepsake that’s more meaningful than a generic souvenir. The tour also includes visits to notable sites like the Museum of Folk Culture, Old House of Tan Ky, Japanese Covered Bridge, and Fujian Assembly Hall, offering a glimpse into Hoi An’s history and architecture.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides a local guide who helps bring the experience to life and guides you through the craft and sightseeing. The lantern you make will be a size 30, suitable to decorate your home or gift to a loved one. The class itself is designed to be accessible for everyone, regardless of craft skills — the emphasis is on fun and learning, not perfection.

However, it’s important to note that entrance fees (about 120,000 VND per person) are not included in the price, and you should budget for these if you wish to explore the sights more deeply. Also, transportation to and from your hotel, as well as meals, are extra — so this tour functions as a focused half-day activity rather than a full sightseeing package.

A Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Itinerary

8:00 AM – Departure from Hoachampa Cafe
The tour kicks off with a friendly meet-up at the café, setting a relaxed tone. The guide, perhaps accompanied by a guide-in-training, warms everyone up with a brief overview of what’s to come.

Visit to Cultural Landmarks
The first stops include the Museum of Folk Culture, Old House of Tan Ky, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, and Fujian Assembly Hall. These sites are carefully selected to showcase Hoi An’s unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences, giving you a well-rounded introduction to the city’s historical layers.

Artistic and Craft Workshops
Around 10:15 AM, the tour moves on to an art craft manufacturing workshop—a space where traditional techniques come alive. This is where your creative side is invited to join in, as you learn the process of lantern-making. The class lasts about an hour, during which you’ll be guided step-by-step through assembling and decorating your own lantern.

Making Your Own Lantern
By 11:00 AM, the main event begins. No special skills are needed — just a willingness to have fun. The guide helps you choose colors, shape, and finish your lantern, resulting in a beautiful handmade item to take home. The process is as much about cultural appreciation as it is about crafting. A previous reviewer mentioned that they appreciated the chance to do something “not available to us at home,” highlighting the uniqueness of this activity.

Tour Wrap-Up
At noon, the tour concludes, and you’re free to explore the rest of Hoi An at your leisure. The experience ends back at the starting point, leaving you with a new craft and a deeper connection to the city.

Authentic Touches from Past Participants

One reviewer, who traveled from Australia, said that the experience allowed them to try something unique outside their usual activities — the lantern-making process was straightforward and enjoyable. They appreciated being shown the lantern-making process firsthand before helping to craft their own. Such insights reveal that the experience is well-organized and accessible even for beginners.

Another point of note from reviews was the friendly and knowledgeable guides, who made the process smooth and engaging. The inclusion of cultural sites in the itinerary ensures you’re not just doing a craft, but also absorbing Hoi An’s historic atmosphere.

The Practicalities

Timing is well-structured, giving you enough time to enjoy each site without feeling rushed. The total duration of approximately four hours makes it a perfect morning or early afternoon activity, especially if you’re balancing other sightseeing plans. The small group size fosters intimacy and allows the guide to give personalized attention, which enhances the overall experience.

The price of $29 represents good value, considering the guided instruction, the lantern you create, and the cultural insights. However, since entrance fees are separate, budget roughly 120,000 VND for museum and site entries.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who love hands-on activities and want a meaningful souvenir. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy culture but prefer a relaxed pace. Families or groups of friends will find it particularly fun, especially since no craft skills are required. It’s also perfect if you’re curious about traditional Vietnamese crafts and want a deeper understanding of Hoi An’s lantern festival.

Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, the Hoi An Lantern Making and City Tour offers a charming glimpse into the city’s history and customs, with a creative twist that leaves you with a tangible memory. The combination of sightseeing, cultural storytelling, and craft makes for a well-rounded half-day experience that balances education and fun.

While it’s not a full exploration of all Hoi An has to offer, it’s a wonderful introduction to the city’s most iconic symbol. The guides’ friendly approach and the chance to create something personal ensure you’ll depart with both new knowledge and a handcrafted keepsake.

If you’re looking for a meaningful, affordable way to connect with Hoi An’s traditions and enjoy some creative time, this tour hits the right notes. It’s best for curious travelers eager to make the most of a short visit, or those wanting a memorable, hands-on activity in Vietnam’s lantern capital.

Is transportation included in this tour?
No, the tour begins at the designated meeting point, Hoachampa Coffee & Tea, and does not include pick-up or drop-off. You will need to arrange your own transportation to and from the meeting point.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees are not included and cost about 120,000 VND per person. It’s advisable to budget extra if you plan to visit museums or other sites during the tour.

Can children participate in the lantern-making class?
Yes, most travelers of all ages can participate, and no special skills are required. It’s a family-friendly activity suitable for a wide range of ages.

How long does the lantern-making class last?
The craft session takes about an hour, during which you will be guided through the process of making your own lantern.

What sights are included in the tour?
You will visit key sites like the Museum of Folk Culture, Old House of Tan Ky, Japanese Covered Bridge, and Fujian Assembly Hall, providing insight into Hoi An’s history and architecture.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely, with a maximum group size of 12, solo travelers can expect an intimate experience and personal interaction with guides.

Do I need prior craft experience?
Not at all — the lantern-making is designed to be simple and fun, with guidance provided every step of the way.

This tour offers a colorful blend of history, culture, and craft in a way that’s accessible and memorable. Whether you’re a history buff, a craft enthusiast, or simply seeking a different way to experience Hoi An, it’s an activity worth considering.