Canadian Navy Sailors Discover the Magic of Making Lanterns in Hoi An During a friendly visit to Vietnam in May 2026, sailors from HMCS ...
Canadian Navy Sailors Discover the Magic of Making Lanterns in Hoi An
During a friendly visit to Vietnam in May 2026, sailors from HMCS Charlottetown stepped into the ancient streets of Hoi An and experienced the centuries-old tradition of lantern making. Here’s how the craft touched their hearts and created lasting memories.
On a warm evening in May 2026, a group of Canadian Navy sailors found themselves far from the open sea and deep inside the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An Ancient Town. They had arrived in Vietnam as part of a diplomatic visit aboard the frigate HMCS Charlottetown. Instead of staying on the ship or exploring modern Da Nang, they chose to immerse themselves in one of Vietnam’s most beautiful and meaningful cultural experiences: making traditional Hoi An lanterns by hand.
From my observation, this was not just another tourist activity. It became a powerful moment of connection — between people from two different countries, between modern sailors and an ancient craft that has existed for nearly 400 years. Many of the sailors had never made anything with their hands like this before. Yet by the end of the workshop, they were proudly holding colorful lanterns they had created themselves, ready to bring them home as precious souvenirs for their families.
This experience shows us something beautiful about travel in 2026. More and more people, especially younger travelers, are no longer satisfied with just taking photos. They want to feel the culture, use their hands, and create something meaningful. Hoi An gave them exactly that.
Canadian Navy sailors visiting Hoi An in May 2026 participated in traditional lantern-making workshops, describing the experience as deeply meaningful. They bonded with teammates while learning a 400-year-old craft recognized as Vietnam’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage, creating lanterns to bring home as special gifts for their families.
A Special Visit Rooted in Friendship Between Canada and Vietnam
The sailors came to Da Nang aboard HMCS Charlottetown as part of Canada’s Horizon Campaign and its Indo-Pacific Strategy. Their four-day friendly visit aimed to strengthen the relationship between Canada and Vietnam. While in the region, they took time to explore not only Da Nang but also the nearby ancient town of Hoi An ✏️, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its well-preserved architecture, lantern-lit streets, and rich cultural traditions.
During their time in Hoi An, the sailors visited the Hoi An Folk Culture Museum, where they learned about centuries-old houses, traditional shrimp fishing boats called “song,” and the important role of silk in the town’s trading history. But the activity that touched them the most was the hands-on lantern-making workshop.
Canadian Navy sailors arriving at the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An Ancient Town during their cultural visit in May 2026
Inside the Lantern-Making Workshop: 400 Years of Tradition in Their Hands
Lantern making in Hoi An is not a new trend. The craft has existed for nearly 400 years and was officially recognized as Vietnam’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2024. At the workshop inside the Hoi An Folk Culture Museum, local artisans patiently guided the Canadian sailors through every step.
The process looked simple at first but required care and attention. The sailors had to apply glue carefully and paste colorful silk fabric onto bamboo frames. Some found it challenging at the beginning, especially those who had never done crafts before. Yet with the gentle help of the artisans, every sailor eventually completed their own beautiful lantern.
From my observation, watching these strong, disciplined sailors focus quietly on such delicate work was truly moving. It showed that no matter where we come from, the joy of creating something with our own hands is universal.
Close-up of Canadian sailors carefully pasting silk fabric onto bamboo lantern frames under the guidance of Hoi An artisans
“This Is a Fun Experience” – What the Sailors Said
Several sailors shared their feelings after finishing their lanterns. Jared Drury was the first in his group to complete his lantern. He shared that he often makes crafts with his wife at home, but doing it here in Hoi An felt different. “This is a fun experience,” he said. “I will introduce it to other tourists when they come to Hoi An.” He planned to bring the lantern home as a special souvenir for his family.
Jody Ann, a female sailor on her first visit to Hoi An, was amazed by the beauty and colors of the ancient town. She admitted she was quite clumsy at the start and struggled with the delicate work. However, with patient guidance from the local artisans, she successfully finished her lantern. The experience helped her understand more about local life and culture.
Raymond Hnatyshin had a clear goal before he even started. He wanted to make a beautiful lantern to give to his mother back in Canada. “I believe that this special souvenir from the journey across the ocean to Vietnam will make her feel proud and happy,” he shared.
Proud Canadian sailor holding up his completed colorful Hoi An lantern with a big smile
More Than Just a Souvenir: Lanterns Filled with Love and Meaning
What touched me the most was how personal this activity became for the sailors. These were not mass-produced souvenirs. Each lantern was made with their own hands, carrying the memory of an evening in Hoi An, the kindness of local artisans, and the laughter shared with their teammates.
For many young people today, travel is about collecting experiences rather than things. But sometimes, the best experiences result in something tangible you can hold and give to someone you love. These lanterns became exactly that — small pieces of Vietnam traveling across the ocean to Canada.
Why Cultural Experiences Like This Matter More Than Ever
In 2026, travelers — especially Gen Z and young millennials — are looking for authentic connections. They want to understand the places they visit, not just see them. Activities like lantern making in Hoi An offer exactly this: a chance to slow down, use their hands, learn from local people, and create something meaningful.
The visit of the Canadian Navy sailors also reminds us that cultural exchange builds bridges between nations. Through simple acts like making lanterns together, people from different backgrounds discover shared humanity. I believe this is the future of meaningful travel — not just visiting places, but truly experiencing them.
Group of Canadian sailors walking through the beautifully lit lantern streets of Hoi An Ancient Town at night
Would You Like to Try Making a Hoi An Lantern?
If you ever visit Hoi An, I highly recommend joining a lantern-making workshop. It doesn’t matter if you have never done crafts before. The local artisans are patient and kind, and the joy of completing your own lantern is something you will remember for a long time.
Have you ever tried a traditional craft while traveling? Or do you have a special souvenir from a trip that means more to you than any photo? I would love to hear your stories in the comments below. Let’s keep sharing beautiful travel moments together!
Mong Thy
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