Influenced by centuries of cultural exchange with China, the lanterns of Hoi An hold a unique charm of their own. Crafted with strong bamboo structures and vibrant silk fabrics, these lanterns stand apart from their Chinese counterparts through their elegance and artistry.

By day, Hoi An captivates visitors with its aged yellow walls and meandering alleyways. But as dusk settles, the town transforms into a glowing canvas lit by hundreds of traditional lanterns. In this guide, we’ll uncover the origins of Hoi An’s iconic lanterns, how they’re created, where to craft your own, and more.

How Lanterns Arrived in Vietnam

Lantern-making in Vietnam has been deeply shaped by Chinese settlers over generations. Lanterns originated in China over 1,800 years ago during the Han Dynasty, where they became central to festivals, particularly during the full moon in the first lunar month.

As the lantern tradition traveled south, it left a permanent mark on Vietnamese culture. Unlike the thin paper lanterns seen in China, Vietnamese lanterns, especially those in Hoi An, are wrapped in silk. Today, they’ve become one of the most recognizable cultural emblems of the old town. As night falls in Hoi An, electric lights dim, and homes are lit by the warm glow of lanterns, keeping an old tradition alive.

Lanterns During Hoi An’s Golden Age

Back in the 1500s and 1600s, Hoi An—then called Faifo—was a bustling international port welcoming traders from Japan, China, and Europe. It was during this period that lanterns were introduced by the Chinese diaspora.

Initially used to light the entrances of Chinese homes, lanterns soon became widespread in the community. Traditionally, families hung two lanterns bearing their surname on either side of the balcony. Over time, these glowing orbs came to define the city’s identity, casting a nostalgic ambiance through the narrow streets.

The Craft Behind Hoi An Lanterns

Two materials are essential for crafting these lanterns: flexible bamboo and high-quality silk. Bamboo is soaked in salted water for up to two weeks to prevent warping, then left to sun-dry before being trimmed into the desired shape.

The silk, typically sourced from Van Phuc, a village famed for its weaving traditions, is carefully stretched over the frame. Artisans finish the lantern with a protective coating, a decorative finial, and a steel hook for hanging.

Lanterns in Hoi An come in a variety of shapes, including lotus, pear, pumpkin, diamond, and even animal motifs like dragons or koi fish. The old town’s traditional homes also feature carved wooden lanterns, hand-painted and often only displayed during festive times.

Where to Find Lanterns in Hoi An

Visitors can explore a wide range of lanterns at the lively Hoi An Night Market. Open daily from 6 PM, it offers countless options in terms of size, color, and pattern. Prices vary, so it’s worth browsing several vendors and bargaining to get the best deal.

Create Your Own Lantern in Cam Chau Village

For a more immersive experience, try a hands-on lantern-making workshop in Cam Chau village. This activity allows visitors to better appreciate the intricate steps behind each creation. Though lantern-making has existed for over four centuries, the process remains novel and inspiring to many travelers today.

Care Tips for Vietnamese Lanterns

Lanterns make perfect souvenirs but require gentle care. To clean, lightly dust the surface using a small, soft brush. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions, which could damage the silk and painted designs.

If storing them, fold the lantern carefully and place it in a dry, cool space. To prevent damage from termites, occasionally air them out in sunlight for a few hours before packing them away again.

Lantern Festival: When to Visit Hoi An for the Best Experience

The Vietnamese Lantern Festival coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu), celebrated on the 15th night of the eighth lunar month. It’s a magical time when Hoi An’s ancient streets glow entirely with lantern light.

Hoi An also hosts smaller full-moon festivals each lunar month, as well as elaborate lantern displays during the Tết holiday, Vietnam’s Lunar New Year, usually held from late January to early February. During these events, electric lights are turned off to allow the lanterns and moonlight to set the atmosphere, evoking a sense of ancient Vietnam at its most romantic.

Hoi An’s lanterns are far more than just decoration—they are a symbol of tradition, community, and artistry passed down through generations. Whether you admire them glowing in the night, purchase one to take home, or craft your own at a local workshop, these lanterns carry the spirit of a town that once lit the way for traders from across the world.