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All 130 Hoi An Attractions »

Lifestart Foundation Workshop

77 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An, Vietnam
Ranked #9 of 34 tours in Hoi An
5.0 of 5 stars 39 Reviews
Type: "Classes/Workshops", Tours
Owner description: The non-profit Lifestart Foundation Workshop focuses on creating unique handmade arts/crafts to help support those living in challenging situations....... more » Owner description: The non-profit Lifestart Foundation Workshop focuses on creating unique handmade arts/crafts to help support those living in challenging situations. Each item is individually made by members of the workshop and the entire proceeds from the sales go directly to workshop members to provide a sustainable income.There are also half day tours available which include the opportunity to make a Hoi An lantern, one-on-one dialogue with Lifestart Foundation workshop members and a traditional painting class. At the end of your experience you’ll have one small Hoi An lantern and your hand painted notecard to take home and share with friends. All of the money raised goes towards helping local people in difficult situations become self-sufficient. « less
Useful Information: Bathroom facilities, Wheelchair access
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39 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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    4
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Date Rating
Melbourne
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2012

You have come all the way to this nice, charming place called Hoi An. A stroll among the old town, a meal at one of the eatery nearby, a 24 hour tailor-made suit - or made-to-measure shoes (not recommended though) and that is all of Hoi An. However, a stop at Lifestart Foundation workshop will make your stay in Hoi... More

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taipei
Senior Contributor
43 reviews 43 reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
59 helpful votes 59 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 March 2012

We managed to collect at least 15 beautiful hand-made gifts from this wonderful shop, from notebooks to silk scarves and some stunning silver jewelry, some in the shape of the wonderful lanterns scattered all around this beautiful town. Service was good, not too pushy like many of the other shope here, friendly and helpful with lots of happy smiling faces.... More

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See 6 more reviews by madfish8 for Hoi An
Melbourne, Australia
2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 February 2012

A must visit on your trip to Hoi An. Lifestart is an initiative that gives artisans the chance to train, sell their goods and make a living. Going further than most non-profit organisations Lifestart actually teaches their artisans business skills enabling them to effectively run their own businesses, selling their goods through the Lifestart shop. Choose from a great selection... More

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Newcastle, Australia
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 February 2012

Hi, I did the Lifesatrt workshop tour today, it was great. Very interesting to meet some of the people who make the beautiful goods for sale in the store, plus I made a lantern then learnt about traditional painting and made my own card. A nice way to spend the afternoon. The staff are lovely, and the philosophy of the... More

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See 2 more reviews by Lisa R for Hoi An
Sydney, Australia
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 February 2012

What a relief it was to discover the lifestart workshop in the beautiful old town of Hoi An. Shopping for souvenirs in Vietnam can be stressful, with salespeople overwhelming you with pressure to buy. This place is a refuge for the shopper as well as the disadvantaged people it supports! The shop is a peaceful haven full of a huge... More

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Melbourne, Australia
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 February 2012

We loved visiting Life Start. We were scooped up on the street by the marvellous Trisha who invited us in to the lovely shop full of things made by the Lifestart attendees. it is a fantastic grass roots organisation that truly makes a difference. I highly recommend you call in. Maryann, Australia More

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Melbourne, Australia
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 January 2012

Our group of 19 secondary school students and 3 staff visited Lifestart Hoi An in Dec. Karen showed us around and introduced us to the warm and friendly workshop staff. We split into two groups had a traditional painting class whilst the other group made lanterns. After a meal at the nearby Streets Cafe we visited the free school for... More

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See 5 more reviews by WallyandPhoebe_11 for Hoi An
Sydney
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 January 2012

Lovely, friendly workers and the tour was fun, great way to spend a raining afternoon in Hoi An. Highly recommended! More

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Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 January 2012

Lovely selection, honest information, lots of varied choice and all very creative and beautifully made with good quality materials and an expert artistic eye. A nice visit and nice to feel able to contribute in a positive way More

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See 4 more reviews by buck_stephen for Hoi An
Jersey City, NJ
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 January 2012

We passed this shop while we were walking around town and recalled a nice couple telling us about it earlier in the day. The shop consists of handmade items made by disadvantaged Vietnamese people, and their families, to become self-sufficient. we walked out with several stuffed animals and cards. Was very pleased with this experience. More

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See 2 more reviews by thedoodlegirl for Hoi An

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