Hoi An lanterns and the port town's craft of light
The lanterns that light the old town every evening are handmade from bamboo and fabric. Behind them is a craft tied to Hoi An's trading history.
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As dusk falls, Hoi An old town begins to glow with colourful lanterns. For many visitors it is the first image they remember of Hoi An. Few know that each lantern passes through the hands of several craftspeople.
Bamboo, silk and glue
A traditional lantern has three main parts: a bamboo frame, a fabric cover, and a base and top. The bamboo is split, shaved, soaked and bent into shape. The fabric is cut into panels, glued onto the frame and then neatly trimmed.
A craft tied to a port town
Lanterns in Hoi An are often linked to the influence of the merchant communities who once lived here. Over time, lantern makers developed their own shapes to suit local taste and visitors.
Try making a lantern
Many workshops in Hoi An run lantern making classes of about one to two hours. It is a good way to understand why a beautiful lantern needs so much patience, and to take home a gift made with your own hands.
The Localis editorial team researches, writes and fact-checks stories about local culture, working with artisans, researchers and local residents.
- Lantern maker (sample character)
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