Lanterns of all shapes and sizes have been displayed for sale in many shops. Lanterns can be found in the shape of well-known copyrighted animated characters such as Doremon, or Hello Kitty, or lanterns themed around patriotism and national sovereignty.
In recent years, Vietnamese lantern makers have invested in technology to improve their products. An important competitive edge for domestic lanterns is the increasing use of locally-made, child-friendly materials and components.
According to many retailers, 70 to 80 percent of lantern sales this year come from locally-made lanterns. Besides improved quality and safety, Vietnamese lanterns also have messages about the culture, history and patriotism.