How Hoi An Lanterns Are Really Made?

By day, Hoi An enchants visitors with its mossy yellow houses and narrow alleys. But at nightfall, the city truly comes alive under the glow of hundreds of handmade lanterns. In this blog, we will dive into the history behind Hoi An's lanterns, how they are made, where you can craft one yourself, and more.

Written by Oliver PHUNG (Local expert)Updated on 28-04-2025

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Table of contents

The History of Lanterns in Hoi An
Lanterns in Hoi An During the Sixteenth Century
How to make a lanterns?
Where to Buy Vietnamese Lanterns in Hoi An?
Make Your Own Vietnamese Lantern in Cam Chau Village
How to Use and Store Vietnamese Lanterns?
When Is the Vietnamese Lantern Festival Held?

The History of Lanterns in Hoi An

When Lanterns First Appeared in Vietnam

The art of making Vietnamese lanterns has been shaped by Chinese immigration over the past few centuries. Lanterns first appeared in China about 1,800 years ago, during the Han Dynasty.

Every year, on the full moon day of January according to the lunar calendar, the Chinese hang the red lanterns to contribute to the festive atmosphere. Since then, lanterns have been widely used at most major events and festivals in China.

*Lanterns in front of the GAM Hoi An Gemstone Museum - PHG Voyager*

Ever since lanterns first appeared among Vietnamese, the image of these beautiful and colorful lights has left its mark on Vietnamese culture. Unlike China's paper lanterns, Vietnamese lanterns are made of silk fabrics and have become the symbol of the ancient city of Hoi An. When night falls in the city, the streetlights gradually go out so that locals hang lanterns in front of their houses.

Lanterns in Hoi An During the Sixteenth Century

In the 16th century, Hoi An, known then as Faifo, was an important trading port along the east-west sea route. Merchants from many countries came to trade goods and foodstuffs. Among them, the Chinese and Japanese communities were the largest and most influential.

*A lantern shop in Hoi An Market - Phil Norton*

Lanterns came to Hoi An with Chinese immigrants during this period. They have been part of the city's life for over 400 years. At first, lanterns were used to light the entrances of Chinese homes, reminding families of their homeland. Over time, they became a symbol of Hoi An itself.

Traditionally, two large lanterns were hung on either side of the upper floor of a house, with the family name written on them. Simple but elegant, these lanterns added a warm, welcoming light to the streets of the old town, a tradition that continues today.

How to make a lanterns?

Bamboo slats and silk fabric are the two most important materials for making a lantern. Bamboo is harvested and soaked in salt water for 10 to 15 days to prevent it from curling.

After soaking, the bamboo is dried under the sun and cut into the frame shape of each lantern. The silk used must come from Van Phuc, a famous Vietnamese silk village, giving each lantern an elegant and refined touch.

Artisans then coat the bamboo frame with a protective paint, add a decorative finial, and bend a steel wire to form a hook for hanging.

*Flashlight Manufacturing in Hoi An - ste2d photography*

Vietnamese lanterns come in many sizes, shapes, and colors. Some of the most popular shapes include garlic, round, oval, pumpkin, dragon, and fish.

However, the traditional lanterns you will see in Hoi An’s old houses are even more special. They are built entirely from ancient wood, carved with fine craftsmanship, and each panel is illustrated with intricate designs. These wooden lanterns are usually only displayed on special occasions throughout the year.

Where to Buy Vietnamese Lanterns in Hoi An?

It's easy to find Vietnamese lanterns at the Hoi An Night Market. The market is usually open every day of the year, from 6 pm until nightfall. The materials and designs of lanterns are diverse. The price may vary depending on the store you buy from. Don't forget to haggle a bit and don't hesitate to check other stores to find the best price.

*Lanterns sold at the Hoi An Night Market - Rob N*

Make Your Own Vietnamese Lantern in Cam Chau Village

Making a Vietnamese lantern in Hoi An is a very interesting activity that will provide you with pleasure and unique experiences. Although the tradition of making lanterns has been around for 400 years, it is still new to tourists coming to Vietnam for the first time. Coming to the Artisan Village of Cam Chau, you will be able to learn more about traditional lantern making while making beautiful lanterns yourself.

*Our travelers make the lanterns in a workshop in Hoi An*

How to Use and Store Vietnamese Lanterns?

Vietnamese lanterns are considered some of the best souvenirs to buy for tourists from all over the world, so the techniques for cleaning and preserving them should be taken into account.

Cleaning lanterns is not difficult, but it requires care. All you need to do is gently remove the dust with a small brush. Do not attempt to wash the lanterns with water or any other cleaning liquids, as this may damage the silk fabric and motifs. If you are not going to use the lanterns for a while, fold them carefully and store them in a dry place. You can also decorate them with bulbs to highlight the printed designs.

Note: If lanterns are not used for a long time, termites may damage them. To prevent this, open the lanterns occasionally, shake them gently to remove any insects, and dry them in direct sunlight. Then store them in a cool, airy place for 1–2 weeks before folding them again.

When Is the Vietnamese Lantern Festival Held?

Every year, the Lantern Festival is celebrated during Tet Trung Thu, also known as the Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar. It has become a meaningful cultural tradition.

Hoi An also lights up with lanterns on the full moon of every lunar month and during Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. On these occasions, all electric lights are turned off to make way for the glow of colorful lanterns. The whole district is bathed in the soft light of the moon and lanterns.

*Hoi An Town Lights Up at Night with Thousands of Lanterns - Leonard Leong*

Visitors who come to Hoi An during these times can experience the atmosphere of the old international trading port from the 17th and 18th centuries. The largest Lantern Festival in Hoi An takes place during Tet, which usually falls between late January and early February. It is one of the most popular festivals, drawing many visitors to the city.