Hoi An : Making Lantern Class With Lantern Boat Trip.

Imagine wandering through a charming ancient town, where the sky darkens and thousands of glowing lanterns cast a warm, flickering light over the river. That’s exactly what you get with this Lantern-Making Experience in Hoi An, costing around $25 per person. It’s a short 2-hour journey that combines hands-on craftsmanship, a peaceful boat ride, and a chance to participate in a meaningful tradition.

The experience is run by Hoi An Lantern Boat Tours, and it begins with a friendly guide (possibly named Tam or Linh, based on reviews) leading you through creating your own silk lantern and flower-shaped candle. We particularly loved the opportunity to learn about the symbolism of hope and peace behind each lantern. Setting your custom-made candle afloat on the Hoai River as the sun sets creates a picture-perfect moment.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour is best suited for those interested in local traditions, cultural crafts, and peaceful evening scenery. It’s not a high-energy activity, but rather a gentle, memorable experience—ideal for couples, families, or solo travelers seeking authentic moments. If you’re looking for a lively nightlife experience, you might want to combine this with a different activity, as the focus here is on calm craftsmanship and reflection.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Activity: Learn to craft a traditional silk lantern guided by local artisans.
• Beautiful Nighttime Setting: The boat ride offers a tranquil view of Hoi An’s illuminated old town.
• Meaningful Souvenir: Take home a foldable lantern to bring good luck and happiness.
• Personalized Experience: You design your own lantern, choosing colors and patterns.
• Relaxing and Peaceful: The boat ride at sunset is calm and magical, perfect for unwinding.
• Limited Drop-off Options: The tour ends in Hoi An Old Town, with taxi assistance available if needed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins with hotel pickup within Hoi An (it’s essential to check if your accommodation qualifies, as beyond 5 km there may be extra charges). The group size is generally small, which allows for a more intimate experience and personalized attention from guides and artisans.

The initial activity is the traditional lantern-making class at 04 Luu Quy Ky Street. Here, you’ll learn how to assemble a bamboo frame and cover it with silk fabric, choosing from a variety of colors and patterns. The process is straightforward, but the guidance from local artisans adds depth—you’re not just copying a craft but understanding its cultural significance.

Making Your Lantern

Participants often comment on how meditative and satisfying the process is. We loved watching how each knot and fold transforms raw materials into a beautiful lantern. As one reviewer noted, “You get to make a really pretty souvenir that symbolizes hope.” The artisans also teach you how to fold a smaller version of the lantern—perfect for packing into your bag for future use or gifting.

Creating the Flower Lantern (Hoa Ng)

Next, you’ll craft a flower-shaped candle using colored paper and a small candlelight. This part is especially meaningful because in Hoi An, flower lanterns symbolize wishes for happiness and peace. The guide explains the spiritual importance, making the activity not just craftwork but a cultural lesson.

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The Boat Ride and Floating Candle Ceremony

Once your lanterns are ready, you’ll board a charming wooden boat decorated with lanterns. As the boat glides along the Hoai River at sunset, the atmosphere turns enchanting. You’ll light your floating candle (hoa ng) and gently release it into the water, making a wish for love, luck, or peace.

This is often highlighted as the most magical part of the experience. Several reviews mention how peaceful and calm the boat ride feels, with the glowing lanterns reflecting on the water creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale.

What’s Included and What to Expect

• Materials for lantern and candle making are provided, along with guidance from local artisans.
• You get to bring home a foldable lantern as a keepsake.
• The floating candle and lantern are part of the ritual, allowing you to participate actively in the tradition.
• The entire experience lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a perfect evening activity.

Practical Considerations

The price of $25 includes hotel pickup within Hoi An, the craft materials, the boat ride, and the lantern to take home. However, it’s wise to carry your camera—the sunset views and glowing lanterns are picture-perfect.

Since drop-offs are only in Hoi An Old Town, travelers staying outside the center will need to arrange taxis afterward—something to consider if you’re staying further out.

Authenticity and Value

What makes this tour stand out is how it combines craftsmanship, tradition, and environment into a seamless, memorable experience. The local artisans’ guidance ensures you’re learning authentic techniques, and the symbolic act of floating your candle offers a moment of reflection and connection to Vietnamese culture.

At $25, this experience offers great value—especially if you’re interested in cultural activities that include a personal touch. It’s not just a tourist spectacle but an opportunity to participate in a meaningful local custom.

What Reviewers Say

One visitor described the experience as “a peaceful way to see the town at night,” noting how the glowing lanterns created a “beautiful, almost spiritual atmosphere.” Another mentioned, “Making my own lantern felt special—I’ll remember this for a long time.” The calm boat ride, combined with the personal craft activity, makes for a well-rounded cultural outing.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for couples, families with children, or solo travelers who appreciate hands-on cultural activities and peaceful environments. It suits those eager to connect with local traditions and enjoy stunning sunset views. If you’re seeking a lively nightlife scene or energetic adventure, this tranquil, reflective tour might not suit you.

The Sum Up

The Hoi An Lantern-Making Class and Boat Trip offers a unique chance to craft a keepsake, float a candle into the river, and enjoy a serene, picture-perfect moment at sunset. It’s a relatively affordable way to deepen your connection with Hoi An’s cultural heritage while enjoying some truly stunning views. This tour is best suited for visitors who value authentic experiences—those willing to slow down, reflect, and take home a meaningful souvenir.

If you love hands-on activities, beautiful scenery, and cultural traditions, this is a wonderful addition to your Hoi An itinerary. It’s a gentle but memorable way to end your day, leaving you with a sense of peace and a beautiful keepsake to remember your trip by.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup within Hoi An. If your hotel is outside the center, additional charges may apply.

How long does the experience last?
The entire experience takes about 2 hours, including craft activities, the boat ride, and floating candles.

Can I take my lantern home?
Yes, you will receive a foldable lantern to take home as a souvenir, symbolizing good luck and happiness.

Are there any requirements for participation?
There are no age restrictions, but the tour is not suitable for people over 95 years old. Carrying a camera is recommended.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera to capture the glowing lanterns and sunset views.

Is it suitable for families?
Absolutely. The activity is gentle, fun, and meaningful, making it great for families with children and travelers seeking cultural connection.

This tour offers a wonderful blend of craftsmanship, cultural tradition, and stunning scenery. It’s a calm, authentic way to experience the spirit of Hoi An—perfect for those who want to create a personal memory while soaking in one of Vietnam’s most picturesque spots.

You can check availability for your dates here: