With Guide
Our Tip
Hoi An Ancient Town Experience
Discover the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage town with lantern making and culinary delights.
4 days
View
$649
The lanterns everywhere in Hoi An. Now make one.
Trip duration: 2 hours
Traditional Lantern Making Class in Hoi An: Cycle to the Village Workshop
Trip duration: 2 hours
The lanterns hanging above every street in Hoi An are still made by hand, in small family workshops in the villages just outside the old town. Most visitors photograph them and move on. This class gets you into one of those workshops.
You cycle there with your local guide — a short ride that takes you past the rice paddies and tile-roofed houses that sit just beyond the tourist centre. At the workshop, the craftsman explains the history: the shapes, the colour traditions, what different lanterns were made for. Then you make your own, step by step, with the artisan guiding you through the process that their family has been practising for generations.
The class runs morning or afternoon. You keep the lantern. Bicycle, guide, all materials, and mineral water: all in.
Guided tour central-vietnam hoi-an cultural crafts lantern cycling half-day hands-on
Get inspired
Watch our videos and become part of the adventure.
What you'll experience
🚲
Bicycle ride to the village
A short cycle out of Hoi An's old town through rice paddies and tile-roofed houses to the family workshop.
🏮
Family lantern workshop
A working workshop in a village just outside the old town — the same family has been making Hoi An lanterns here for generations.
📖
History of the craft
The craftsman walks you through lantern shapes, colour traditions, and what different styles were originally made for.
✂️
Make your own lantern
Hands-on from start to finish: frame, fabric, and finishing — guided by the artisan at every step.
🎁
Take it home
Your finished lantern is yours to keep — one of the few souvenirs from Hoi An you actually made yourself.
What to expect
-
Guide meets you at your hotel with bicycles
Your guide arrives at your hotel lobby at the agreed time — morning (around 08:00) or afternoon (around 14:00). Bicycles are provided.
-
Cycle to the lantern workshop in the village
A short, flat ride out of the old town through the surrounding villages. Your guide points out what you're passing — the route itself is part of the experience.
-
Workshop session: history, then make your lantern step by step
The craftsman introduces the history of Hoi An lanterns — shapes, colours, traditions — then guides you through making your own. The class is hands-on throughout: you choose your style, work the frame, attach the fabric, and finish it yourself.
-
Cycle back to your hotel with your lantern
The guide returns you to your hotel. The class takes about two hours from start to finish.
What's included
All essential services for a comfortable and memorable trip.
- Bicycle for the ride to and from the workshop
- Local English-speaking guide throughout
- Craftsman's instruction and all lantern-making materials
- Your finished lantern to keep
- Mineral water
Not included
Items and services that are not part of the package price.
- Tips (appreciated)
- Personal expenses
The class runs in two slots: morning (guide arrives ~08:00) and afternoon (guide arrives ~14:00). Specify your preference at booking. The bicycle ride is flat and easy — suitable for all fitness levels.
1/5
Similar trips you might like
With Guide
Central Vietnam Discovery
Journey through the cultural heart of Vietnam from Hoi An to Hue and the ancient ruins of My Son.
6 days
View
$999
With Guide
Basket Boat and Cooking Class: Hoi An Half-Day
Hoi An's central market, the nipa palm canals of Cam Thanh, a spinning bamboo basket boat, and a hands-on cooking class using what you chose at the stalls. Half a day, hotel pick-up included.
4 hours
View
$35
$27
Why travel with Banh Mi Escape Travel
Trips with English-speaking guide
Our experienced guides speak fluent English and know Vietnam inside out. They share local insights and ensure you have an authentic experience.
Group or individual travel
Choose between small group tours with like-minded travelers or customize a private journey just for you and your companions.
Vietnam specialists for 8+ years
With nearly a decade of experience in Vietnam, we've built trusted relationships and deep local knowledge.
We've tried everything ourselves
Every hotel, restaurant, and activity we recommend has been personally tested by our team. We only offer what we love.
We plan your ideal trip A to Z
From the moment you land to your departure, every detail is arranged. Just relax and enjoy the journey.
Guaranteed customer satisfaction
Our 4.9 rating speaks for itself. We go above and beyond to ensure every traveler returns home with amazing memories.
Weather
Best months to visit this destination
Best
Good
Off-peak
Weather in Hoi An in July
Vietnam can be visited year-round. The north is cooler in winter (January, February), sometimes with snow in the mountains. Autumn (September, October) in central Vietnam can be rainy. The south is warm year-round, with minimal rainfall from March to the end of September except for some islands. Best time to visit: February-June and September-December.
Air temperature
30 °C
Water temperature
27 °C
Frequently asked questions about this trip
None. The craftsman guides you through every step. The class is designed for complete beginners and works well for all ages.
About two hours from the guide meeting you at your hotel to returning with your finished lantern.
Yes. The craftsman explains the different styles at the start and you choose your own before the workshop session begins.
Yes. The finished lanterns are lightweight and designed to fold flat for packing. Your guide can advise on the best way to pack it at the end of the class.
At your hotel lobby in Hoi An at the agreed time — morning (~08:00) or afternoon (~14:00). Confirm your slot and hotel address when you book.
Yes. The route is flat and follows quiet village lanes — no traffic, no hills. Anyone comfortable on a bicycle can do it.
Yes. The class works well for children aged 7 and up. Younger children can participate with parental help. Let us know ages at booking.
Light, comfortable clothes. The lantern-making involves glue and dye — wear something you don't mind getting marked.
Non-binding inquiry
Fill out the form and we'll get back to you with a personalized offer.
From
$0