Hoi An is a town not just for sightseeing, but for experiencing with your own hands. As the lanterns begin to cast their vibrant glow upon the streets and the familiar calls of vendors echo through the air, you’ll feel a Hoi An that is more alive than ever.
The best way to understand a heritage site isn't just through a camera lens, but by contributing to its living rhythm—shaping clay at Thanh Ha Pottery Village, stretching silk for a lantern, mastering the spices of Quang Nam in a cooking class, or meticulously stitching a piece of handmade leather. Each Hoi An workshop is a small, meditative journey, allowing you to discover your own creativity and preserve a unique memory of this ancient town.
Hoi An's cuisine is a symphony of flavors, where every dish tells a story of the land and its people. By joining a Hoi An cooking class, you don't just see the ingredients—you touch, smell, and taste them, personally preparing specialties from Cao Lau to White Rose Dumplings. The experience often starts with a trip to the local market with a chef, where you'll select fresh herbs from Tra Que Vegetable Village, listen to stories about the old town's culinary history, and then immerse yourself in a kitchen where spices, sounds, and colors converge.
The cooking class at moodhoian begins in the verdant herbal garden, where you gently touch each sprig of basil, inhale the fresh fragrance of the leaves, and are introduced to the unique herbs that flourish here. From the garden, the journey flows into the kitchen: harvesting, selecting ingredients, and cooking under the attentive guidance of our chef. Each step unfolds like a gentle meditation, allowing you to learn while savoring the joy of creativity. Even those who have never stepped into a kitchen before will find calm in every moment and delight in tasting the dish crafted by their own hands.
Lanterns are the soul of the ancient town; their light and color reflect the quiet yet warm rhythm of life in Hoi An. Originating in the 16th-17th centuries during the port town's prosperous era, lanterns were introduced from Japan and China and later adapted by the Vietnamese into a signature symbol of the city. Today, lantern making workshops quietly preserve this tradition, allowing visitors to experience and appreciate its cultural value with their own hands.
In a workshop, you will be guided through every step, from selecting a bamboo frame and bending the spokes to applying the silk fabric and adding decorative details. The workshop space, filled with the warm, golden light of hanging lanterns, creates a serene atmosphere perfect for focused, creative work. Even if you don't consider yourself crafty, you can easily create a personalized lantern—a meaningful souvenir that also offers a deeper understanding of the dedication and artistry of Hoi An's artisans.
With a history spanning over 500 years, Thanh Ha Pottery Village is a living symbol of Hoi An, where the art of Vietnamese ceramics has been preserved for generations. On the potter's wheel, blocks of brown clay are transformed by the artisans' hands into exquisite bowls, jars, and vases, each piece carrying the centuries-old story of this ancient land.
In a pottery workshop, you will get to knead the clay, shape it on the potter's wheel, and listen as artisans share the history and secrets of their craft. As you focus on each step, you'll discover a gentle meditative state: stress melts away, replaced by the joy of creation. This hands-on activity is accessible to everyone, allowing even complete beginners to create a unique piece to take home.
The art of leather crafting in Hoi An is more than just a skill; it's a form of storytelling. From wallets and notebooks to bags and watch straps, each leather item embodies the spirit of the old town, serving as a timeless gift that holds memories and the owner's unique personality.
When you join a leather workshop in Hoi An, you will personally choose the leather, then cut, stitch, and emboss unique details under the guidance of experienced artisans. You can stamp your name, a pattern, or a personal symbol onto your creation. In the quiet, focused space, concentrating on each stitch, you’ll experience a sense of mindfulness and creative satisfaction, even if it’s your first time working with leather.
To make your workshop in Hoi An an unforgettable memory, these small tips will help you fully enjoy the creative and meditative process.
Nestled on the banks of the gentle Do River, moodhoian Riverside Resort is more than just a place to stay—it's a space that inspires creativity. Every corner of the resort is thoughtfully designed, from the clear saltwater pools and spacious river-view rooms to the lush green gardens, creating a perfect harmony between nature and people.
Here, you can easily combine your vacation with unique cultural activities and workshops. The resort’s tranquil atmosphere, abundant natural light, and attentive staff create the perfect environment to relax, learn, and create freely.
Book your stay at moodhoian Riverside Resort today to begin an inspiring Hoi An journey, where every moment is a memorable experience.
Email: sm@moodhoian.vn