Lanterns and coffee in one afternoon? It sounds unusual, but that pairing is exactly why this class works so well: you get hands-on Vietnamese coffee you can actually recreate, then you make a foldable lantern as a take-home souvenir. I like that the session is structured, not just a demo, with a calm pace and music while you taste multiple brews (including egg coffee). One thing to consider: the coffee can be strong, so don’t feel you have to finish every cup.

What makes it extra fun is the human side. This is a family-run setup in the Hoi An old town orbit, and the guides bring jokes and good energy while they walk you through the steps. In the lantern part, you may work with Tam, who gets singled out for being funny and helpful while you build your design. Do note there’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll want to find the meeting point on your own.

Key things to know before you go

• Five Vietnamese coffee styles, brewed step-by-step using a traditional Phin metal filter
• You’ll taste what you make, not just watch it happen, with cookies at the end
• Lantern building is practical, and your lantern folds for easier packing
• Small vs large lantern options can change how long you sit crafting
• Expect strong coffee, so pace yourself and save room for the lantern part
• Family-run vibe with English support, plus a local master for added context

Finding the meeting point on your own (and getting oriented fast)

This class meets at a simple, central spot: behind the Viettin bank, and opposite Le Ba Truyen restaurant at 12 Ba Trieu St. Since hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, plan to arrive a few minutes early so you’re not rushing when the coffee schedule starts.

The good news is that everything is close. After the coffee workshop, you head to the lantern workshop down the street. In plain terms: you won’t need to figure out transport between parts of the experience. Some groups are even walked across, which matters in Hoi An where foot traffic can feel chaotic when you’re trying to carry bags and a camera.

Bring a camera. You’ll want photos of the Phin brewing setup, the different coffee cups, and especially your finished lantern design before you pack it away. You’ll also likely get some music in the background and a comfortable atmosphere, which makes it easier to enjoy the tasting rather than treat it like homework.

If you’re traveling with a wider range of ages, this tends to work well. People have mentioned keeping both teens and adults engaged, which usually means the instructions are clear and the pace isn’t too slow or too rushed.

Brewing Vietnamese coffee the Phin way: dark roast, condensed milk, and real technique

The coffee class is the heart of the morning/afternoon. You’ll learn how Vietnamese coffee gets brewed with a small metal device called a Phin. Think of it like a French press cousin: you load grounds, place the Phin over your cup, and let the coffee drip through slowly. The result is typically strong, concentrated coffee that tastes deep and layered rather than thin or watery.

A key step you’ll hear about is the roasting style. The process includes dark-bean roasting so the flavors mix well with sweetened condensed milk. This matters because Vietnamese coffee often isn’t just “black coffee.” The sweetness, the roast depth, and the strength all work together, and the class teaches you how each part changes the final cup.

You’ll also get to understand the order of operations, which is what makes this more than a tasting. When you know how long the drip takes, how the coffee is measured, and when condensed milk gets added, you’ll be able to make something similar at home. That’s the real value here: you’re learning a method, not just collecting flavors.

And because the session is interactive, you’re not stuck standing around. You’ll make the coffees yourself, then drink them during the lantern part as well. That’s a smart design choice: it turns the lantern workshop into a more relaxed, social craft session instead of a dry classroom.

The five coffee types you’ll taste, including Hanoi egg coffee

You’ll discover multiple Vietnamese styles, not just one “signature” drink. The class highlights include black coffee, happy white coffee, Hue Imperial salt coffee, and egg coffee from Hanoi. There’s also mention of enjoying creations like coconut and other variations during the tasting sequence, which helps you understand how Vietnamese coffee culture can swing from creamy-sweet to savory and rich.

Here’s what makes each one interesting in practical terms:

• Black coffee shows you the base strength and roast character. It’s the reference point for everything else.
• Happy white coffee gives you the creamy side, usually where condensed milk plays a starring role.
• Hue Imperial salt coffee adds a salty element that changes the whole balance. It’s a good one if you think coffee has to be purely sweet.
• Hanoi egg coffee is the most distinctive. You’ll learn how egg is used, and the result is a smooth, custard-like texture that feels different from standard café espresso drinks.
• Coconut and other finishes (depending on the exact tasting flow) round out the experience so you’re not drinking five near-identical cups.

One practical note: the class itself warns that the coffee can be very strong. Multiple people have described feeling extra buzzed if they finish too much. So I’d treat it like a tasting flight, not a sprint. Sip, enjoy, and keep some energy for the lantern building at the end.

At the close of the coffee portion, there’s usually a cookie and a chance to wind down while music plays and you reset for the lantern workshop. It’s a nice touch because you’ll be switching from sipping to crafting, and a small snack prevents that mid-afternoon slump.

Lantern making with foldable souvenir results (Tam’s the name to remember)

Then comes the creative part: making a lantern you can take home. This isn’t just painting a decoration; it’s a guided build. You’ll choose fabric colors and patterns, and you’ll make decisions about the lantern’s look while someone helps you keep your hands from getting stuck at the tricky moments.

Several practical details stand out from the experience itself:

First, your lantern is foldable, which is huge if you’re flying or you hate carrying bulky souvenirs through Vietnam. People have specifically praised how the design compresses for travel, so you can pack it without cramming your bag.

Second, you may have choices in how you build. Some versions include selecting a premade frame and attaching fabric, while others involve more work with bamboo components. There are also small vs large lantern options mentioned in accounts of the class, with the larger one taking more time. In a 210-minute total experience, that usually means you’ll be balancing how much crafting you want with how quickly you want to finish.

Third, the workshop atmosphere is meant to keep you relaxed. Because you’ve been drinking coffee during the first part (and sometimes as you move into lantern making), the pace feels calmer. That’s not an accident: it helps take the edge off if you’re not confident with crafts.

In the lantern session, Tam is named in feedback as a standout instructor—fun, patient, and helpful as you work. If you get her, you’ll likely get clearer instructions and more laughs than you expect for something this hands-on.

When you leave, you’re not just leaving with a photo. You’re leaving with a physical souvenir that reflects your choices: fabric pattern, shape, and how neatly you built it. And because it folds, you can keep it safe and still decorate at home.

Price and value: $24 for 3.5 hours of skills plus souvenirs

At $24 per person for about 210 minutes, this class is priced like a good local workshop, not a tourist-only show. The value comes from what’s included: cookies, herbal tea or water, coffee, an English guide, and a local master. You’re also getting two different skill sets in one block: coffee brewing technique and lantern construction.

You’re not paying extra for the basics of materials and instruction. You’re paying for a structured experience where someone stays with you while you do the work. That’s why people keep reacting positively to the hands-on nature and the professional setup.

Also, there’s less risk than many “one-day activities.” If you’re curious about Vietnamese coffee but don’t love crafts, you still get a full tasting and brewing lesson. If you like art or souvenirs but aren’t a coffee person, the lantern workshop stands on its own with clear guidance and lots of time to build.

Where it might not be ideal: if you want zero caffeine in your day, or you’re sensitive to strong coffee. This class seems designed for tasting and learning through the drinks, and the coffee really can hit hard. If that’s you, plan to sip slowly and choose smaller portions when offered.

If you’re in Hoi An on a day with rain or heat, this is also the kind of activity that doesn’t depend on weather. It’s an indoor, social format, and the music plus friendly staff makes it feel more like an afternoon with friends than a chore.

Should you book this Hoi An coffee and lantern class?

Book it if you want a hands-on activity that mixes food culture with a craft you can actually pack home. I’d especially recommend it if you like Vietnamese coffee flavors and want to understand the Phin method well enough to try at home, not just remember a sweet drink.

Skip it or approach it cautiously if you’re very caffeine-sensitive, because the tasting can be strong even when you’re just sampling. And since there’s no hotel pickup, you’ll want to be comfortable heading to the meeting point on your own.

If you’re aiming for one memorable afternoon in Hoi An old town area that’s practical, friendly, and different from the usual walking tours, this combo class is a solid bet.

FAQ

How long is the Hoi An lantern and coffee making class?

The experience lasts about 210 minutes.

Where do we meet for the class?

You meet behind the Viettin bank, opposite Le Ba Truyen restaurant, at 12 Ba Trieu St.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What’s included in the price?

Cookies, herbal tea or water, coffee, an English guide, and a local master are included.

What languages are offered?

The instructor/guide is listed as English, and the audio guide is also in English.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is listed as wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?

Bring a camera.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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