Hoi An isn’t just a place you see — it’s a place you can touch, shape, and create with your own hands. If you’re looking to go beyond sightseeing and immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture, joining a workshop in Hoi An is one of the most meaningful and memorable things you can do.

From pottery and lantern-making to cooking classes and calligraphy, the town offers hands-on experiences for every kind of traveler.

Why Join a Workshop in Hoi An?

Hoi An is known for preserving traditional crafts and art forms. Many families have passed down their skills for generations, and today, these crafts are shared with visitors in small, interactive workshops.

By joining a workshop, you don’t just learn a new skill — you gain insight into the soul of Vietnam: its patience, its beauty, and its connection to nature.

Popular Types of Workshops in Hoi An

Here are the most popular and well-loved workshops in town:

🎨 Lantern-Making Workshop

Hoi An is famous for its colorful silk lanterns. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to assemble and decorate your own lantern using bamboo and fabric. A beautiful souvenir you made yourself!

Great for: Families, kids, couples
Duration: ~1.5–2 hours

🏺 Pottery Workshop in Thanh Ha Village

Step into the world of clay and wheel-throwing with local artisans in the Thanh Ha Pottery Village. Learn how to mold, spin, and decorate your own ceramic piece — then take it home or have it shipped.

Great for: Culture lovers, creative travelers
Duration: ~2–3 hours

🍜 Vietnamese Cooking Classes

Take a trip to the local market, learn how to pick ingredients, and prepare traditional dishes like cao lầu, spring rolls, and pho. Some classes are held in organic farms just outside the town.

Great for: Foodies, couples, friend groups
Duration: Half day or full day

🖌 Calligraphy & Traditional Art

Learn the beauty of Vietnamese characters and the philosophy behind each stroke. Some workshops also combine painting or woodblock printing using traditional methods.

Great for: Artists, spiritual travelers
Duration: ~2 hours

Where to Join a Workshop in Hoi An

Some recommended places include:

• Thanh Thi Pottery – Small-group pottery sessions in a peaceful, artistic setting

• Hoi An Handicraft Workshop – Offers multiple types of crafts in one space

• Red Bridge Cooking School – One of the top-rated cooking classes in Vietnam

• The Lantern Lady Studio – Intimate lantern-making guided by a 3rd-generation craftswoman

• Reaching Out Arts & Crafts – Ethical workshops with disabled artisans

Tips for Making the Most of Your Workshop

• Book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons

• Wear comfortable clothes (and ones you don’t mind getting messy!)

• Be curious — artisans love sharing their stories and methods

• Take photos, but be respectful of local traditions

• Ask if you can bring your creation home, or if shipping is available

Final Thoughts

A workshop in Hoi An isn’t just an activity — it’s a way to slow down, connect with local people, and take home something you made with your own hands. Whether it’s a glowing lantern, a clay cup, or a plate of handmade noodles, you’ll carry those memories longer than anything bought in a shop.

So come to Hoi An not just to see — but to create.