Joanna James
Ancient city Hoi An specialises in the production of lanterns; these conforming to ancient beliefs that a lantern hung outside a house brings prosperity are hard to resist creations of immense beauty.
There are plenty of traditional and fascinating goodies to buy in Hoi An; historical city of Vietnam. Influenced by its colonial past and strong traditional roots the place is one of the country's best producers of traditional Silk Lanterns. Chances are you will not buy just one lantern; the colourful creations deemed to bring good luck and loads of cheer to a house are quite beautiful. Stroll along the UNESCO World Heritage Site at night and you will be fascinated by the glowing lanterns. Head over to the Thu Bon River besides which sits the Anantara Hoi An Resort; home to the 'Lanterns' Hoi An restaurant; cross the river and get to the night market based on a small islet there. The market is not for just lanterns but many other articles of interest.
If the colourful glowing sight of traditional Hoi An silk lanterns fascinates you why not try making your own? Head over to the Lifestart Foundation and enrol yourself in a fun lantern making class. The non-profit organisation intent on helping differently abled people, conducts the one and a half hour workshop for enthusiastic visitors to learn the art of lantern making as well as purchase handmade arts and crafts.
The lanterns are so popular that it is no wonder you get many stores specialising in the production of lanterns within the ancient city. Some of the stores to frequent are Ngoc Thu Lantern Workshop on Tran Phu Street, Nguyen Boi Lam Lantern at Tran Phu Hoi An, Sedge Ware Workshop on Le Hong Phong Street, Hoi An Handicraft Workshop at Nguyen Thai Hoc Street and Hoi An Lantern Cua Dai Street Cham Chau Ward.
The lanterns come in many colours and sizes; choose from diamond shapes, circles and even garlic contours. Likewise the colours too are varied and cheerful, pulling at the heart strings of each individual. Prices of course depend on the size, colour and texture or quality of the material used to create the lanterns. If you are thinking of taking back some lanterns to brighten up your home do invest in good quality lamps for durability and value for money.
Hoi An lanterns are produced with silk or brocade; the material is elegant, beautiful, water resistant and also very easy to clean. Lanterns are so popular amongst awe struck tourist that they are available packed and ready for transport. The lanterns are foldable and fit quite conveniently into any form of luggage. A tip to remember is that when purchasing the lanterns it is best to go shopping at night when they are lit and show off each colours dazzling effect.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
