Hoi An: Lantern and Coffee Making Class

If you’re visiting Hoi An and craving an authentic taste of Vietnamese tradition paired with a hands-on craft experience, this Lantern and Coffee Making Class might be just what you’re looking for. Rated an impressive 4.9 out of 5 from over 100 reviews, this tour combines the aromatic world of Vietnamese coffee with the creative art of making colorful lanterns. It’s a wonderful way to connect with local culture, learn new skills, and bring home some handmade souvenirs.

What makes this experience stand out? Firstly, the expert guides are praised for their humor and knowledge, making the entire process both informative and fun. Secondly, the variety of coffee types you’ll make—ranging from strong black to egg coffee—is both delicious and educational. Finally, the beautiful foldable lanterns are not just fun to create but practical to take home, serving as unique decor or gifts.

A potential consideration is that the tour lasts about 3.5 hours, which might feel a little long for those with tight schedules or shorter attention spans. Also, hotel pick-up and drop-off aren’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your transport to the meeting point.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy learning local traditions, appreciate craftsmanship, and want a fun, interactive activity that combines food, culture, and creativity. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers eager to try something different and memorable in Hoi An.

Key Points

• Authentic Vietnamese coffee: Learn to brew five different types, including iconic egg coffee.
• Family-run business: Guides are friendly, humorous, and passionate about sharing culture.
• Creative lantern craft: Make a foldable, portable lantern as a souvenir.
• Great value: For $24, you get a full 3.5-hour experience with multiple activities.
• Cultural insights: DiscoverVietnamese coffee techniques and lantern traditions firsthand.
• Inclusive and flexible: Suitable for most travelers, with wheelchair access and English guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience Breakdown: What to Expect

Meeting Point and Duration

The tour begins behind the Viettin Bank, opposite Le Ba Truyen restaurant at 12 Bà Trieu Street. It lasts about 3.5 hours, making it a well-paced afternoon activity. The guides are friendly and speak fluent English, helping to create a relaxed learning environment. Since hotel pick-up isn’t included, you’ll want to plan your transportation to the meeting point, which is easy to find with clear directions.

Vietnamese Coffee Making – A Flavorful Journey

The core of this experience is learning how local Vietnamese coffee is brewed. Unlike coffee machines we’re used to, Vietnamese coffee relies on a small metal filter called a Phin, which acts similarly to a French press. This method produces a rich, intense flavor that’s distinctly different from Western brews, and you’ll get to make five types: black coffee, white coffee, Hue Imperial salt coffee, coconut coffee, and egg coffee.

The guides—praised for their humor and expertise—will walk you through the roasting process, explaining how dark beans are prepared for optimal flavor. From the aroma of freshly roasted beans to the precise brewing steps, you’ll see how these methods develop the deep, hearty taste Vietnamese coffee is known for. Reviewers like Cian and Lisa have appreciated how helpful and entertaining the guides are, making the learning process enjoyable.

Tasting and Relaxing

After brewing, you’ll enjoy sipping your creations along with some cookies, listening to relaxing music in a cozy setting. This small moment of tasting and chatting helps to highlight how Vietnamese coffee is not just a drink but a social ritual. Many reviews mention how delicious the coffee was, with one reviewer noting that they created five different types, including coconut and egg coffee, which they plan to replicate back home.

More Great Tours Nearby

Lantern Making – Crafting Light and Memories

Once you’ve had your coffee, it’s time to switch gears and get creative. The lantern making activity is just a short walk away and is equally engaging. You’ll learn how to craft a foldable, portable lantern—a perfect souvenir or gift. This is a family-run operation, with guides who are happy to show you how to assemble the lantern from scratch or attach fabric to a pre-made frame.

From the reviews, it’s clear that working with fabric, bamboo, and colorful materials is both relaxing and satisfying. The guides help you compress the lantern for travel, making sure it’s easy to pack and transport home. Reviewers like Nancy and Bianca loved that their lanterns looked professional and that the process was fun and straightforward.

Making the Most of the Lantern

The lanterns are not only beautiful but foldable, which is a thoughtful touch. You’ll have the chance to choose from various fabrics and colors, making each lantern unique. This part of the experience offers a calming, creative break from the coffee tasting and provides a tangible memento of your time in Hoi An. Travelers like Juliet appreciated how the lanterns were easy to pack and how the guides patiently explained each step.

Combining the Two Activities

A key benefit of booking this package is that you drink the coffee you make during the lantern workshop, helping to alleviate some of the caffeine buzz while you craft. This clever approach keeps the energy up and makes the activities flow smoothly. Reviewers also pointed out how well-organized the entire process was, with guides walking guests from one venue to the next, ensuring a seamless experience.

The Value and Overall Impression

For $24 per person, this experience offers an impressive combination of cultural learning, hands-on craft, and delicious food. Many guests felt it was excellent value for money, especially considering the quality of guides, the variety of activities, and the memorable souvenirs. Multiple reviews highlight how this might be the highlight of their trip to Hoi An, with some even planning to try recreating the coffee recipes at home.

Why It Works

The family-run aspect adds authenticity and warmth to the experience. Guests consistently mention how the guides are friendly, funny, and attentive, making the class not just educational but also genuinely enjoyable. The mixture of learning about Vietnamese coffee traditions, tasting delicious brews, and creating a beautiful lantern ensures there’s something for all—whether you’re a foodie, craft lover, or culture seeker.

Potential Drawbacks

The main consideration is the duration—3.5 hours might be a bit long if you’re on a tight schedule or prefer quick activities. Also, because hotel transfers aren’t included, you’ll need to plan your own transportation, which could be a minor inconvenience for some.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This class is ideal for adventurous travelers eager to engage with local traditions in a relaxed, friendly environment. It’s especially well-suited for families, couples, or solo travelers wanting a memorable, interactive experience. If you love food, crafts, and cultural insight, this tour offers a delightful blend of all three.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
No, hotel pickup isn’t part of this tour. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point behind Viettin Bank at 12 Bà Trieu Street.

How long does the experience last?
The entire class takes about 3.5 hours, covering both coffee making and lantern crafting.

What types of coffee will I learn to make?
You’ll prepare five types, including black, white, Hue Imperial salt, coconut, and egg coffee.

Is the experience suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Can I purchase additional lanterns or coffee?
Yes, many guests buy extra lanterns and coffee during or after the class, often at very reasonable prices.

Do I get to keep what I make?
Absolutely. You’ll take home your foldable lantern and your own brewed coffee as souvenirs.

Final Thoughts

The Hoi An Lantern and Coffee Making Class offers an engaging peek into Vietnamese culture, combining sensory delights with creative fun. It’s a carefully curated experience that balances education, entertainment, and craftsmanship—all at a reasonable price. Guided by friendly, knowledgeable locals, you’ll leave not only with beautiful souvenirs but also with a deeper appreciation of Hoi An’s traditions.

Perfect for those who want an authentic activity that’s both fun and meaningful, this tour is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon and create lasting memories. Whether you’re a coffee lover, a craft enthusiast, or simply curious about local customs, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

If you’re looking for a genuine, family-run experience that leaves you with handcrafted keepsakes and tasty stories, this class should definitely be on your Hoi An itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: