Discover Hoi An’s Lantern Village in Da Nang City! Explore lantern-making workshops, ticket prices, Full Moon Festival, and sustainable tours in this UNESCO-connected craft hub. Book your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group today!
Hoi An Ancient Town, now Minh An Ward in Da Nang City following the merger of Quang Nam Province, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage, attracting over 4.5 million of Da Nang’s 8 million annual visitors. At the heart of Hoi An’s charm lies its lantern-making tradition, centered in Xa Duong Village, often referred to as the “Lantern Village.” Dating back to the late 16th century, this 400-year-old craft produces iconic silk and bamboo lanterns that illuminate Hoi An’s streets and are exported globally. Known for their symbolic colors—red for luck, yellow for peace, blue for harmony—these lanterns shine brightest during the monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival. With hands-on workshops, eco-friendly tourism, and a rich history, Xa Duong Village offers an immersive cultural experience. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, curates eco-conscious tours to explore this radiant craft, bookable via links throughout this guide. Light up your Hoi An adventure—reserve your tour now!
Legend Travel Group delivers authentic Southeast Asia experiences, prioritizing sustainability and cultural immersion. Our Hoi An lantern-making tours feature low-impact transport like bicycles and electric boats, guided by local artisans who share the craft’s history. We support Minh An’s community and align with Da Nang City’s “Green Heritage” initiative to preserve cultural traditions. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless journey. Experience Xa Duong Village responsibly with our curated tours—book via the links on this page!
Quang Nam Province has merged into Da Nang City, making Hoi An Minh An Ward and Xa Duong Village part of this new administrative unit. This restructuring eliminates the district level, but Hoi An’s UNESCO status remains intact. Da Nang City enhances sustainable tourism with cycling paths, electric buses, and a VND500 billion flood mitigation project (2023), ensuring year-round access to Hoi An’s cultural sites, including lantern-making workshops.
Originating in the late 16th century during Hoi An’s peak as a Silk Road trading port, lantern-making in Xa Duong Village emerged as Chinese and Vietnamese artisans crafted silk and bamboo lanterns for homes, temples, and festivals. By the 17th century, these lanterns symbolized prosperity and protection, becoming integral to Hoi An’s identity. Today, over 50 households in Xa Duong, located across Minh An Ward’s streets like Tran Phu and Nguyen Thai Hoc, produce lanterns exported to Europe, the U.S., and Japan. The craft, passed down through generations, uses eco-friendly materials and supports 200+ artisans.
The Full Moon Lantern Festival, held monthly on the 14th lunar day, transforms Hoi An into a glowing wonderland, with lanterns symbolizing luck (red), peace (yellow), harmony (blue), and purity (white). Recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, Xa Duong’s lantern-making tradition thrives through workshops and eco-tourism, offering visitors a chance to create their own lanterns and engage with Hoi An’s living culture.
Visiting Xa Duong Village’s lantern-making workshops typically requires an Hoi An Ancient Town ticket, as many are within the heritage area, funding preservation efforts.
Hoi An Ancient Town Ticket:
Foreign Tourists: $6 (120,000 VND) per person, covering 5 of 22 attractions (e.g., Japanese Covered Bridge, lantern workshops).
Vietnamese Tourists: $3.20 (80,000 VND) per person (fewer attractions).
Children (under 16): Free entry.
Seniors (over 60) and Veterans: Discounted per Vietnamese law.
Hoi An Residents: Free with ID.
Workshops: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND) per person, 1–2 hours, including materials to craft a small lantern.
Souvenirs: Lanterns $2–$10 (50,000–250,000 VND); larger or custom designs $15–$50 (375,000–1,250,000 VND).
Where to Buy: Ticket booths at Old Town entrances (e.g., Tran Phu, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai); workshop fees paid at shops like Hoi An Handicraft Workshop. Tours often include tickets.
Validity: Old Town ticket valid for your entire stay; retain for re-entry.
Group Perks: Groups of 8+ get a free 2-hour guided tour from the Hoi An Center for Cultural Heritage Management (+84 235 386 2719).
Workshops: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM daily, including holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year). Some shops extend to 8:00 PM during festivals.
Heritage Area: Open 24/7; pedestrian-only zones 8:30 AM–11:00 AM and 3:00 PM–9:30 PM.
Full Moon Lantern Festival: 14th lunar day monthly, 6:00 PM–10:00 PM, with peak activity along the Thu Bon River.
Best Times to Visit:
Morning (8:00–10:00 AM): Cooler (24–28°C or 75.2–82.4°F), fewer crowds.
Evening (6:00–8:00 PM): Lantern-lit ambiance, especially during festivals.
Dry Season (February–August): Clear skies; avoid rainy season (October–November) due to flooding risks.
Note: Check lunar calendar for festival dates; confirm workshop hours during Tet (January–February).
Xa Duong’s lantern-making workshops are scattered across Minh An Ward, primarily along Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc, and Bach Dang Streets, within Hoi An’s Old Town, 28 km from Da Nang’s Hai Chau Ward. Below are sustainable travel options.
Walking: Free; 5–10 minutes from Japanese Covered Bridge (300 m) or Hoi An Market (200 m). Follow Tran Phu Street.
Bicycle: $1–$2/day (25,000–50,000 VND); 5 minutes. Providers: Hoi An Bike Rental (+84 961 172 423). Zero-emission option.
Cyclo: $2–$5/trip (50,000–125,000 VND); 5–10 minutes. Book at Tran Phu Street.
Taxi/Grab: $3–$6/trip (75,000–150,000 VND); 5 minutes. Use Mai Linh (+84 236 352 5252) or Grab.
Sustainable Tip: Walk or cycle to reduce emissions; use offline maps (e.g., Maps.me).
Bus #1: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND); every 15–20 minutes (5:00 AM–9:00 PM) from Da Nang Central Bus Station to Hoi An Bus Station; 10-minute walk to workshops. Use DanaBus app.
Taxi/Grab: $12–$15 (300,000–375,000 VND) one-way; Xanh SM electric taxis $13–$16 (325,000–400,000 VND).
Shuttle Bus: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND); hourly (6:00 AM–9:00 PM). Book via Klook.
Motorbike: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND) + $2 fuel; requires IDP or A1 license.
Guided Tour: $55–$120; includes eco-transfers, tickets, and guide.
Sustainable Tip: Use electric taxis or buses; share rides to lower emissions.
Craft your own silk and bamboo lantern under artisan guidance, learning to frame, stretch, and decorate.
Cost: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND), 1–2 hours; take home a small lantern.
Highlights: “Making my own lantern was a highlight” (Tripadvisor, 4.7/5 stars).
Tip: Book at Hoi An Handicraft Workshop (9 Nguyen Thai Hoc); wear casual clothes. Included in our Hoi An Lantern Tour ($65–$85).
Experience Hoi An’s monthly festival (14th lunar day), with thousands of lanterns illuminating the Thu Bon River, street performances, and boat rides.
Cost: Free with Old Town ticket ($6); boat rides $6–$8/boat (150,000–200,000 VND, up to 4 people).
Highlights: “A glowing, magical night” (Tripadvisor, 4.8/5 stars).
Tip: Arrive by 6:00 PM; book boats early via Klook. Included in our Hoi An Night Glow Tour ($55–$75).
Purchase vibrant lanterns as souvenirs, from portable folding designs to large decorative pieces, symbolizing luck and peace.
Cost: $2–$50 (50,000–1,250,000 VND).
Highlights: “Beautiful, affordable keepsakes” (Tripadvisor, 4.5/5 stars).
Tip: Bargain politely at shops like Lantern Lady (28 Nguyen Thai Hoc); check export rules for large items.
Watch artisans shape bamboo, stretch silk, and paint intricate designs, showcasing 400-year-old techniques.
Cost: Free with Old Town ticket ($6); guided tours $10–$45 (250,000–1,125,000 VND).
Highlights: “The skill is mesmerizing” (Tripadvisor, 4.6/5 stars).
Tip: Ask about bamboo curing; avoid touching materials. Included in our Hoi An Cultural Tour ($75–$95).
Explore lantern workshops and Hoi An’s heritage streets by bike, soaking in the town’s historic ambiance.
Cost: Bike rental $1–$2/day (25,000–50,000 VND); guided bike tours $10–$25 (250,000–625,000 VND).
Highlights: “Cycling through lantern-lit streets is serene” (Tripadvisor, 4.5/5 stars).
Tip: Use Maps.me; cycle early to avoid heat. Included in our Hoi An Cycling Tour ($60–$80).
Xa Duong Lantern Village is integral to Hoi An’s UNESCO heritage, supported by Da Nang City’s sustainable tourism initiatives:
Eco-Tourism Growth: A 2023 project links Xa Duong with Kim Bong and Thanh Ha villages, promoting green travel. Tourism employs 200+ artisans, up from 150 a decade ago.
Flood Mitigation: Da Nang’s VND500 billion drainage project (2023) protects Minh An Ward from November floods, ensuring workshop access.
Sustainable Practices: Artisans use biodegradable bamboo and recycled silk; shops adopt eco-friendly packaging, aligning with Vietnam’s 2022 anti-plastic campaign.
Cultural Preservation: UNESCO-funded training and the National Intangible Cultural Heritage designation preserve lantern-making. Festivals boost community pride.
Recent Developments: Guided eco-tours expanded in 2024, and solar-powered lanterns introduced in workshops, reducing energy use by 20%.
Plan Ahead: Book workshops or tours 2–3 weeks in advance via Legend Travel Group or Klook (+84 938 987 654). Confirm festival dates via lunar calendar.
Dress Code: Casual clothing; closed shoes for workshops; bring a shawl for temple visits nearby (e.g., Phuc Kien Assembly Hall).
Pack Smart: Reusable water bottle, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, small VND for souvenirs, camera (ask permission for artisan photos).
Budget Wisely: Expect $20–$120/day (budget: $20–$50; mid-range: $50–$80; luxury: $80–$120). Ticket $6; workshops $10–$15; tours $10–$120.
Stay Safe: Secure valuables during festivals; watch for uneven paths; check flood risks in November via Vietnam News.
Sustainability: Use bikes or electric boats; buy from artisans to support locals; avoid plastic waste with reusable bags.
Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you); don’t touch lanterns without permission; tip artisans/guides ($1–$2).
Navigation: Allow 1–2 hours for workshops; combine with Hoi An Market (200 m) or Japanese Covered Bridge (300 m) for a half-day itinerary. Offline maps essential.
Our sustainable tours immerse you in Xa Duong’s lantern-making heritage, tailored for eco-conscious travelers:
Hoi An Lantern Tour ($65–$85/person): Lantern-making workshop, Full Moon Festival, Thu Bon River boat ride. Includes Old Town ticket ($6), eco-transfers, and snacks.
Hoi An Heritage & Craft Tour ($75–$95/person): Lantern village, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, Kim Bong carpentry, cooking class. Includes bike rentals, boat transfers, and meals.
Hoi An Night Glow Tour ($55–$75/person): Lantern festival, night market, Bánh Mì Phượng tasting. Includes eco-transfers and festival access.
Hoi An Cycling Adventure ($60–$80/person): Bike through lantern workshops, Tra Que Village, local coffee. Includes eco-transfers and lunch.
Central Vietnam Explorer ($350–$550/person, 3–4 days): Lantern village, My Son Sanctuary, Da Nang, homestays ($15–$50/night). Includes all activities, meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, entrance fees ($6), and meals/snacks. Group discounts (10% off for 10+ travelers) and seasonal promotions available. Book now via links around this page!
Hoi An’s Lantern Village, centered in Xa Duong within Hoi An’s historic core, is a 400-year-old cultural treasure, illuminating the UNESCO World Heritage Site with its silk and bamboo lanterns. With no entry fee, daily workshops from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the enchanting Full Moon Lantern Festival, it offers an immersive craft experience. Supported by sustainable tourism initiatives like eco-tours and flood mitigation, Xa Duong thrives as a symbol of Hoi An’s heritage. Legend Travel Group’s Hoi An Tours guide you through this radiant gem, ensuring a sustainable Hoi An Travel experience that supports artisans and green practices. Don’t miss this radiant gem—browse our featured tours and book your Hoi An Lantern Village adventure today!
Ready to craft lanterns and light up Hoi An’s streets? Reserve your tour with Legend Travel Group and immerse yourself in Vietnam’s cultural glow!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
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