Hoi an lanterns appeared in the late 16th century when firstly Chinese arrived in Hoi An to establish trade exchange and permanent settlements. For a along time with the decline of Hoi An trading port , lanterns were fallen into oblivion gradually. Since the ancient town of Hoi An and My Son are recognized as World Cultural Heritage in 1995, lantern making has been developed and creatved many jobs for local people.
It is very sophisticated to make a lantern. They have to use the old bamboo soaking ten-day in salt water against wormhole and moth then drying it and sharpening it as the size of lantern. Cloth must be silken or nylon cloth, enough toughs for stretching and stretching worker need good technique to do it. To be done a couple of lantern requires 4-work day and 3 decorative works.
Hoi An lanterns not only gives its own unique features but also become an attractive souvenir item for tourists.
Full moon night, lanterns light fancifully under moonlight in front of every house. Without vehicles, no electric lights, lanterns are very luxurious surprising thousands of tourists.
Hoi An lanterns have become a precious gift, tourists buy on a small lantern to hold that special light of Hoi An, keeping legendary colors . There are many choices in price, depending on each piece, color, size, material and style.
