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Discover the Origin of Lantern & Experience Anmira Hoi An Lantern Workshop

When mentioning Hoi An, people often think of colorful lanterns - symbols that preserve stories of history and cultural values throughout the centuries. Join Anmira Hoi An as we explore the origin and meaning of Hoi An lanterns and discover an emotional Lantern-making Workshop at Anmira Hoi An.

I. The Origin of Hoi An Lanterns - A 400-Year Journey from the Trading Port of Faifo

To understand why lanterns have become the “soul” of the Ancient Town, we need to travel back to the 16th and 17th centuries, when Hoi An was known as the bustling trading port of Faifo, one of the most important commercial ports in Southeast Asia.
 
According to the Hoi An Centre for World Cultural Heritage Conservation, the name Faifo was derived from the way contemporary merchants pronounced “Hoai Pho” or “Hai Pho” when conducting business and trade.

"Shipping on the River Faifo" (1792-1793), John Barrow
 Busy boats along the Hoi An River
 

Traces of 16th-17th Century Trade

According to documents from the Hoi An Centre for Cultural Heritage Management and Conservation, lanterns were introduced to Hoi An by Japanese and Chinese merchants. In the beginning, hanging lanterns in front of houses served a simple practical purpose: providing light and helping those living far from home ease their longing for their homeland.
 
The glow of lanterns helped soothe the homesickness of foreign merchants
 

The Creative Transformation by Vietnamese Artisans

Over time, local residents adopted and transformed the lantern into an artistic creation deeply rooted in Vietnamese identity. The bamboo used to create the frame had to be mature bamboo soaked in saltwater to prevent termites, while the exterior was traditionally covered with Quang Nam silk, allowing the light to shine through softly and warmly.
 
Traditional forms of Hoi An lanterns passed down through generations
 
At the same time, the craft of making Hoi An lanterns was refined through techniques influenced by Japanese, Chinese, and Western cultures, according to the Hoi An Centre for World Cultural Heritage Conservation.
 
Hoi An Lantern-making village
 
After more than 400 years of development, the origin of Hoi An lanterns has become closely intertwined with the town's history, contributing to the cultural identity that helped Hoi An Ancient Town earn UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999.


II. The Meaning of Lanterns in Hoi An, Vietnamese, and East Asian Culture

According to research from the Hoi An Centre for Monument Management and Conservation, lanterns have been associated with the cultural life of Hoi An for hundreds of years as symbols of celebration and good fortune during weddings, festivals, Lunar New Year celebrations, and ceremonies welcoming royal figures and officials.
 
The tradition of decorating streets with lanterns and flowers creates spectacular illuminated evenings and has become an important spiritual symbol in Vietnamese culture as well as broader East Asian culture.


A Light of Good Fortune, Peace, and Family Reunion

According to Quang Nam Culture Magazine, an organization that ceased operations following administrative consolidation, in traditional East Asian culture, the Chinese character “Đăng” (燈 – lantern) has a similar pronunciation to “Đinh” (丁 – descendants or members of a household).
 
The old saying “Thiêm đăng thiêm đinh” (translated: More lanterns, more descendants) reflects the belief that hanging lanterns is not merely a way to provide illumination, but also a blessing for family harmony, a flourishing household with many descendants, and prosperity.
 
Artwork “Mid-Autumn Festival”, Nguyễn Tư Nghiêm (1963)
The warmth and togetherness of the Mid-Autumn Festival as children joyfully carry lanterns
 
In Hoi An, this meaning becomes even more profound as the glow of lanterns illuminating the Ancient Town serves as a connection bringing millions of travelers back to this heritage destination.
 
International visitors in Hoi An Ancient Town
 

A Cultural Bridge Connecting Heritage with Modern Life

Amid the fast pace of modern life, the simple glow of Hoi An lanterns offers a quiet moment of peace. It serves as a reminder of traditional craftsmanship and the meticulous patience of local artisans - qualities that inspire travelers from around the world to search for meaningful Hoi An souvenirs to take home.
 
Hoi An lanterns as a bridge between traditional and modern values
 

III. Express Your Feelings Through a Lantern-Making Workshop at Anmira Hoi An

If you are looking for a peaceful Hoi An lantern-making workshop where you can connect more deeply with the culture and meaning behind one of Hoi An's most distinctive traditions, we invite you to slow down and enjoy a gentle afternoon at Anmira Hoi An Village of Arts and Culture.
 
Surrounded by lush greenery and artistic charm, the experience offers a different way to discover Hoi An - not simply by observing its famous lanterns, but by creating one with your own hands.


An Artistic and Private Creative Space

Unlike production workshops or more vibrant spaces around the Ancient Town, the Lantern-making Workshop at Anmira Hoi An takes place in a leafy garden shaded by trees and framed by elegant Indochine-inspired architecture.
 
You can immerse yourself in a peaceful atmosphere, listen to the birdsong, and take your time creating your own lantern.
 
Lantern-making Workshop in the shaded garden of Anmira Hoi An
 

A “Miniature Hoi An” Souvenir

At Anmira Hoi An, guests have the opportunity to complete a traditional lantern using a prepared bamboo frame. With careful guidance and support from the Anmira Hoi An team, each piece of fabric is cut, attached, and harmoniously arranged to create a unique work bearing the maker's personal touch.
 
We hope this little piece of Hoi An becomes a vivid yet gentle memory of your journey - just like the lantern itself, carrying your wishes for peace and happiness for yourself and your family.
 
Finished lantern from the Lantern-Making Workshop at Anmira Hoi An
 

Latern-making Workshop Information

This August, Anmira Hoi An would love to spend a gentle afternoon with you, just like Hoi An itself, as you create and complete a lantern of your own.
 
Here are the details of the Latern-making Workshop at Anmira Hoi An:
 
  • Location: Anmira Hoi An Village of Arts & Culture – 276 Cua Dai Street, Hoi An Dong, Da Nang
  • Price: VND 150,000/person, including all materials and the finished lantern to take home
  • Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM daily 
  • Signup: walk-in at Front Desk or via Anmira Hoi An Fanpage 
  • Suitable for: Couples, solo travelers, and families with children who want to develop their creativity and dexterity while discovering Vietnamese culture during their holiday or resort stay.

IV. Conclusion - Bring the Light of Hoi An Home with You

Every pair of Hoi An lanterns has illuminated the streets of the Ancient Town throughout its long history. More than that, they continue to light up beautiful memories in the hearts of travelers.
 
We hope this article has helped you discover more about the origin of Hoi An lanterns and the meaning of lanterns in Vietnamese culture, adding greater depth and meaning to your journey and experiences in Hoi An.
 
We hope you will take a moment to slow down at Anmira Hoi An and join our Lantern-making Workshop, creating your own meaningful Hoi An souvenir and bringing a little piece of the “soul” of Hoi An home to illuminate your own space.


FAQs About Anmira Hoi An Lantern-Making Workshop

1. Can children participate in the Hoi An lantern-making workshop at Anmira?

Absolutely! Anmira Hoi An is delighted to welcome children to this experience. The workshop is a wonderful activity that allows children to develop their dexterity and patience while discovering the beauty of traditional Vietnamese culture.
 

2. Do I need to make a reservation for the lantern-making workshop at Anmira Hoi An?

You can join the Lantern-Making Workshop at Anmira Hoi An between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM daily. However, making a reservation in advance is recommended as it allows you to plan your itinerary more smoothly and gives the Anmira Hoi An team time to prepare a thoughtful experience for you.
 

3. Is the finished lantern easy to take on a flight?

Yes. The frame of the Hoi An lantern is thoughtfully designed with a structure that can be folded flat. After completing the workshop, the lantern will be folded and carefully packaged, making it convenient to place in your carry-on luggage or suitcase and take home with you.

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Contact Information

Anmira Hoi An – Village of Arts & Culture

Address: 276 Cua Dai Street, Da Nang City, Vietnam
Tel: +84 797 288 688
Email: reservations@anmiraresort.com

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