Hoi An: Lantern Making, Basket Boat, and Cooking Class

Hoi An’s lantern-making, basket boat, and cooking class offer an enticing blend of culture and hands-on experiences. Visitors can discover the region’s artistry, natural beauty, and culinary traditions through this guided tour. With a local market visit, step-by-step lantern crafting, a serene boat ride, and cooking traditional Vietnamese dishes, this 5.5-hour adventure promises an enriching journey. Priced at $29.99 per person, it’s an opportunity to uncover the enchanting charm of this historic town.

Good To Know

• A guided 5.5-hour tour in Hoi An that includes a local market visit, bamboo basket boat ride, cooking class, and lantern-making workshop for $29.99 per person.
• The tour offers a maximum group size of 10 participants and features an English-speaking guide, transportation, and meals.
• Participants can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and utilize a reserve now, pay later option.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users but offers accommodations for dietary restrictions and recommendations for comfortable attire.
• The tour has a 4.9/5 rating from 115 reviews, with positive feedback on the cooking experience, boat ride, and overall culture.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This guided tour offers visitors a chance to experience everyday life in Hoi An.

Priced at $29.99 per person, the 5.5-hour tour has a small group size limited to 10 participants. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can also opt for a reserve now, pay later option.

The itinerary includes a visit to a local market, a bamboo basket boat ride, a cooking class featuring traditional Vietnamese dishes, and a lantern-making workshop.

Transportation, meals, and an English-speaking guide are included. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated, and a rainy season wardrobe is recommended.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a pickup at the meeting point of 11 Hoang Dieu Street in Hoi An at 8:25 AM.

Participants visit a local market to gather ingredients for a hands-on cooking class featuring traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho bo, banh xeo, banh cuon, and che.

Next, they’ll take a bamboo basket boat ride through the Water Coconut Forest at 9 AM.

The cooking class starts at 10 AM, where they’ll learn to prepare the Vietnamese specialties.

After lunch, the group participates in a lantern-making class to create their own handmade lantern.

The tour can also operate in the afternoon.

Included Services

The tour includes a variety of services to enhance the experience. It provides bottled water, transportation, tour insurance, meals, a cooking class, and an English-speaking guide.

Participants will also receive a lantern-making class and hotel pickup and drop-off. However, gratuities aren’t included.

Customers should be aware of any dietary restrictions or allergies to ensure the meal options accommodate their needs.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection, as well as a raincoat during the rainy season.

Participant Requirements and Recommendations

Although the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and a raincoat during the rainy season (October to January).

It’s recommended to inform the tour operator of any dietary restrictions or allergies, such as vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free, to ensure the cooking class accommodates individual needs.

The tour is designed for a small group of up to 10 participants, fostering an intimate and personalized experience.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Based on the reviews, the Hoi An cultural tour has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from past participants.

With an impressive 4.9/5 rating from 115 reviews, the tour has consistently delighted travelers. Guests praised the cooking experience and fresh ingredients, the enjoyable boat ride, and the overall value for money.

The Hoi An cultural tour has consistently delighted travelers, with guests praising the cooking experience, boat ride, and overall value.

While one reviewer felt the lantern-making could be more engaging, the general sentiment indicates a high level of satisfaction with the knowledgeable guide, convenient transportation, and immersive cultural activities.

This tour appears to offer an authentic and memorable Hoi An experience.

Exploring the Local Market

Participants begin their Hoi An cultural adventure by visiting the local market, where they’ll find an array of fresh, vibrant ingredients for the upcoming cooking class.

Guided by an expert, they explore the bustling stalls, learning about local produce, seafood, and spices. The sights, sounds, and aromas of the market immerse them in the daily rhythm of Hoi An.

They select the finest vegetables, herbs, and proteins, gaining an appreciation for the fundamental building blocks of Vietnamese cuisine. This hands-on experience sets the stage for a deeply authentic cooking lesson to follow.

Bamboo Basket Boat Adventure

After exploring the vibrant local market, the tour group heads to the Water Coconut Forest for a serene bamboo basket boat ride.

They’ll glide peacefully through the lush, verdant mangroves, surrounded by the tranquil waters. The traditional bamboo boats provide a unique and immersive experience, allowing participants to appreciate the local way of life.

As they navigate the winding waterways, they’ll have the opportunity to observe the daily activities of the villagers and gain insights into the importance of the Water Coconut Forest in the region’s ecosystem and culture.

Cooking Up Traditional Vietnamese Dishes

Following the guided tour of the local market, the group heads to a spacious kitchen to start their hands-on cooking adventure.

Under the expert instruction of the local chef, they learn to prepare classic Vietnamese dishes like Pho Bo, Banh Xeo, Banh Cuon, and Che.

Participants enthusiastically chop, mix, and sauté the fresh ingredients, absorbing cooking tips and cultural insights.

The interactive cooking class provides an authentic taste of Vietnamese culinary traditions.

After savoring the flavorful dishes they’ve created, the group leaves with a newfound appreciation for the complexities of Vietnamese cuisine and the valuable skills to recreate these tasty specialties at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Ingredients for the Cooking Class?

No, you can’t bring your own ingredients. The cooking class includes pre-purchased ingredients for the traditional Vietnamese dishes. The tour provides all the necessary materials and supplies needed for the hands-on cooking experience.

Is There a Vegetarian/Vegan Option for the Cooking Class?

Yes, the tour offers vegetarian and vegan options for the cooking class. Guests can advise the tour guide about any dietary restrictions or food allergies when booking to ensure their needs are accommodated.

Can I Take the Tour in a Different Language Besides English?

Yes, the tour can be conducted in other languages besides English. Participants can request alternative language options, such as French, German, or Spanish, when booking the tour. The tour guides are multilingual and accommodate various language preferences.

Is There a Discount for Group Bookings or Children?

The tour offers group discounts, with a 10% discount for bookings of 4 or more people. Children under 12 receive a 15% discount. Discounts are applied automatically at checkout.

Can I Extend the Tour to Include Additional Activities?

Yes, you can extend the tour to include additional activities. The tour provider offers customizable options, allowing you to add extra experiences like visiting ancient temples or exploring the city’s historic sites for an additional cost per person.

The Sum Up

This Hoi An tour offers a well-rounded cultural experience, combining hands-on activities like lantern making and cooking with immersive explorations of local markets and scenic waterways. With a small group size and expert guidance, visitors can dive into Vietnamese traditions and cuisines, creating lasting memories of this enchanting destination. At just $29.99 per person, it’s an excellent value for an enriching half-day adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: