A lantern-making village in Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam becomes bustling as the Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) season approaches, with colorful lanterns preserving the centuries-old cultural traditions of the locals.

The craft of making lanterns in Hoi An has thrived for centuries, providing a livelihood for generations of residents.

These handmade, shimmering lanterns light up the UNESCO World Heritage Site rooftops, enhancing its tranquil beauty.

According to the Hoi An lantern artisans, crafting the perfect lantern requires precision at every step. 

From selecting old bamboo, boiling it to prevent termites, drying it before shaving it thin to constructing the frame and gluing the fabric, each process demands meticulous care.

Around 40 families in Hoi An continue to preserve this traditional craft.

Artisan Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy, whose workshop is in Cam Chau Ward, says the 12th lunar month is the busiest time of year due to family, friends, and tourists preparing for the Tet holidays, which typically fall at the end of January or early February.

Lantern demand also increases during the Mid-Autumn Festival and Vu Lan, which honors deceased ancestors and filial piety on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month.

“My workshop produces more than 200 lanterns daily, and since November, we’ve released thousands of products in time for Tet,” Thuy revealed.

The lanterns come in various shapes and sizes, from simple round, hexagonal, and octagonal designs -- typically costing VND100,000 (US$3.9) -- to more intricate ones, such as 'kéo quân' (revolving) lanterns and those shaped like the 12 zodiac animals; with foldable bamboo lanterns growing in popularity thanks to their portability.

Every year the lantern visionaries surprise with new and more intricate designs.

Experiential tourism is creating workshops where visitors can learn the art of lantern-making under the guidance of artisans.

This not only promotes the traditional craft to international tourists but also provides a stable source of income for local families.

“I really like Hoi An lanterns because they are not only beautiful but they also carry the traditional culture of the old town,” tourist Ngo Quang Quy said.

“I often bring friends, especially foreign tourists, to experience creating a lantern.”

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