Ink on rice paper is the star here. In Old Town Hoi An, this small calligraphy class at the Hoi An Calligraphy Gallery lets you learn both ancient and modern Vietnamese calligraphy with Master of Art Huynh Dong, and you’ll leave with your own finished piece plus a personal keepsake.

What I really like is that it’s not just copying symbols for a photo. You create with fur pen, Chinese ink, and traditional Vietnamese Do rice paper, then get the cultural context behind the strokes. One possible drawback: it’s a tight ~2 hours, so it’s best if you want hands-on guidance and a take-home result, not a long, multi-day art immersion.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Master Huynh Dong teaches both ancient and modern calligraphy, with cultural history along the way
• Hands-on practice using fur pen, Chinese ink, and Do rice paper to make your own artwork
• You also learn watercolor drawing for folk scenes and scenery (more creative time than you expect)
• The workshop stays small (max 5 people) for quieter attention
• You receive a second calligraphy gift on rice paper made with your name or your idea
• Tea and a calm pace help you slow down away from the loud parts of Old Town

Hoi An Calligraphy Class at 33 Nguyễn Thái Học: A calmer Old Town stop

Old Town Hoi An has that classic “everything is happening at once” feeling. This class offers a different vibe: quieter, slower, and focused on one craft—Vietnamese calligraphy. The meeting point is easy to plug into your plans: 33 Nguyễn Thái Học, Phường Minh An, Hội An. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not spending your session zig-zagging around town.

The setting is at the Hoi An Calligraphy Gallery with Master of Art Huynh Dong. He’s described as soft-spoken, calm, and kind—exactly the kind of teacher who makes fine-motor, detail work feel manageable. If you like learning something you can actually hold in your hands at the end, this is the right kind of experience.

And because the group is capped at 5 travelers, it tends to feel more like a workshop than a classroom with a big audience. That matters in a craft class, because you want time to ask questions and get corrections on what you’re doing.

Who Huynh Dong Is, and Why His Teaching Style Matters

This isn’t taught by a random “activity instructor.” The class is led by Master of Art Huynh Dong, born in 1958, and described as having deep training in arts and culture.

His background spans several areas: Chinese calligraphy from an early age, plus degrees that include Vietnamese Philology, Psychology and Education, Foreign Languages, and a master’s degree in Arts. You don’t need to recite his CV to benefit from it. What you notice during the class is the combination of technique plus cultural explanation, not just “do this, then this.”

One of the best parts, based on past feedback, is his demeanor: gentle and calm, with lots of practice behind the scenes. When you’re learning calligraphy, that kind of teaching style helps you focus. Fine ink work is easier when you’re not rushed, and when your teacher’s instructions don’t feel harsh or mechanical.

Ancient and Modern Vietnamese Calligraphy: What You Learn in the Workshop

The headline promise here is clear: you can learn ancient and modern Vietnamese calligraphy. That’s valuable because it gives you more than one flavor of the art. Ancient calligraphy connects you to traditional character styles and cultural roots. Modern Vietnamese calligraphy helps you see how the same craft evolves into contemporary expression.

In practical terms, the class doesn’t just talk. You’re guided to create your own artwork using the proper materials:

• Fur pen
• Chinese ink
• Traditional Vietnamese Do rice paper

You’ll also get cultural history and the traditional art side of ancient Vietnamese calligraphy. That context makes your practice feel purposeful. Instead of treating each stroke as a puzzle, you begin to understand why certain forms exist and how the craft is respected.

Also, the group stays small, which helps the teacher tailor feedback. If you’re worried about “I can’t draw,” don’t be. Calligraphy instruction is mostly about process, spacing, and controlled brushwork.

Your Rice-Paper Artwork: Fur Pen, Ink, and Those First Real Strokes

The heart of the experience is the time you spend making something on Do rice paper. Do paper is part of the traditional look and feel of Vietnamese calligraphy, and using it in a structured class means you’re not guessing how the ink will behave. You’re working with a set of tools designed for this craft, not a generic “craft kit” substitute.

Here’s what you should expect as the session turns into hands-on practice:

• You’ll be shown how to hold and use the fur pen with the Chinese ink
• You’ll work through creating your own calligraphy piece
• You’ll receive guidance while you’re producing, not after the fact
• You’ll build confidence stroke by stroke

This is also where the calm teacher vibe becomes more than a nice personality detail. Slow attention helps you watch what’s happening—how the ink line forms, how pressure and movement can change the result, and how the paper responds.

Then there’s a really cool extra: even after your own work, Master Huynh Dong will create a separate calligraphy work on rice paper for you, using your name or your idea. That’s a thoughtful souvenir, and it’s not something you typically get from a quick demo.

Watercolor Folk Art and Scenery Drawing: The Creative Bonus

One of the most pleasant surprises in this class is that it’s not calligraphy only. In addition to learning calligraphy, you also learn how to draw traditional folk paintings and scenery in watercolor.

This matters because it turns the experience into a broader creative session. If you’re the type of traveler who thinks, I like art, but I want variety, this fits well. It also pairs nicely with calligraphy. You’re still using a careful hand and attention to form, but you’re switching mediums and ways of seeing.

Watercolor instruction here is described as traditional, which suggests the focus is on learning how these styles look and how they’re approached—not just making pretty blobs. It’s also a nice way to keep your hands busy and your brain engaged, especially during a 2-hour window where you might otherwise feel like the session is too narrow.

The Pace: Tea, Small Groups, and a Workshop Feel

The vibe is practical and unhurried. Past feedback highlights a calm, kind teacher and a moment to sip tea while you slow down and feel the ink work on paper. That “tea + technique” combo may sound small, but in a place like Hoi An—where you can bounce between markets, temples, and photo spots—it can be the difference between feeling like you collected an activity and actually had an experience.

With a maximum of 5 travelers, you’re more likely to get:

• clearer instruction because you’re not lost in a crowd
• more personalized correction while you practice
• time to ask questions without feeling rushed

This class is also ideal if you want something that feels different from the usual Old Town checklist. You’re not just looking at culture—you’re making part of it, stroke by stroke.

Price and Value: Is $37 for 2 Hours Worth It?

At $37 per person, the price looks fair for Hoi An, but the key is what you get for that money.

You’re paying for:

• instruction by Master of Art Huynh Dong
• hands-on calligraphy practice using fur pen, Chinese ink, and Do rice paper
• cultural history about ancient Vietnamese calligraphy
• additional instruction in traditional folk painting and watercolor scenery
• and a take-home gift: a rice-paper calligraphy work made for you with your name or your idea

So you’re not walking away with just a lesson. You’re walking away with at least one finished artwork you made yourself and a second personalized gift created by the master. For me, that’s where the value clicks—having a personal calligraphy keepsake is more meaningful than a small souvenir you buy on the street.

Also, the small group size helps justify the per-person cost. A class capped at 5 tends to feel more “teaching-focused,” which is exactly what you want when you’re learning an art that depends on technique.

Where It Fits in Your Hoi An Day Plan

This is a great “middle” activity when your day needs a reset. If your morning is market-heavy, or if you spent too long doing riverside walking, you’ll probably enjoy the shift to paper, ink, and quiet concentration.

Timing-wise, you should plan for about 2 hours (approx.). That’s long enough to learn and produce something real, but short enough that you can still do dinner or an evening stroll in the Ancient City afterward.

Because the session starts at a specific address (33 Nguyễn Thái Học) and ends back at the meeting point, you can plan your day without guessing about transit. It’s also a simple stop to add if you’re doing Old Town sightseeing and want a change of pace that still feels cultural.

Who This Calligraphy Learning Class Is Best For

This class is a strong match if you:

• want a hands-on art experience in Hoi An, not just observation
• enjoy learning about Vietnamese culture through a craft
• want a personalized souvenir that’s created on rice paper
• like calm, small-group teaching

It’s also a good fit for couples and solo travelers. Solo travelers often like it because you’re not stuck waiting for a group to decide where to go next. Couples like it because you can work side by side and share the “we made something” moment—plus you both get your own personalized gift.

If you’re the type who only wants high-speed sightseeing with lots of stops, this may feel too focused. But if you’re okay choosing one meaningful activity and giving it your attention for a couple hours, you’ll likely appreciate the care put into the process.

Should You Book This Hoi An Calligraphy Class?

Yes, if you want an Old Town activity that feels quiet and real. The combo of calligraphy practice (ancient and modern), the use of traditional materials (fur pen, Chinese ink, Do rice paper), and the personal calligraphy gift made by Master Huynh Dong is a strong set of reasons to book.

I’d book especially if you care about leaving with something you can frame. A name-based or idea-based calligraphy keepsake is more personal than most travel purchases, and you get to participate in the making instead of only watching.

One caution: it’s a workshop-style class. If what you really want is a guided walking tour with lots of sightseeing stops, this won’t scratch that itch. But as a creative, cultural reset in Old Town Hoi An, it’s a smart choice.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the calligraphy learning class?

The class meets at 33 Nguyễn Thái Học, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam.

How long does the calligraphy class last?

The duration is about 2 hours.

What is the group size limit?

The class has a maximum of 5 travelers.

What materials do I use for my calligraphy artwork?

You’ll create your own artwork using fur pen, Chinese ink, and traditional Vietnamese Do rice paper.

Can I learn both ancient and modern Vietnamese calligraphy?

Yes. The class includes learning ancient and modern Vietnamese calligraphy.

Do I receive a calligraphy gift at the end?

Yes. After the course, Master Huynh Dong creates a calligraphy work on rice paper with your name or your idea, as a gift.

Is there any other art besides calligraphy?

Yes. You also learn how to draw traditional folk paintings and watercolor scenery.

Will I get a mobile ticket?

Yes, it includes a mobile ticket.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.

If you want, tell me what time of day you’re visiting Old Town and whether you prefer morning or afternoon activities—I can help you fit this class into a smooth Hoi An day plan.

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