Hoi An, a picturesque town in central Vietnam, offers a unique cultural experience through the "Making Lantern & Cooking Class With Basket Boat Ride." This immersive tour promises to introduce visitors to the vibrant local traditions, from bargaining at the market to crafting paper lanterns and preparing authentic Vietnamese dishes. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer, this experience promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the charm and authenticity of Hoi An. But what exactly can you expect from this engaging adventure?
Good To Know
- The experience is priced at £26.75 per person and includes a 4.5-hour tour with hotel pickup/drop-off, entrance fees, and lunch/dinner.
- The tour involves a visit to a local market, a basket boat ride, a lantern-making class, and a cooking class to learn traditional Vietnamese dishes.
- Participants can learn the art of bargaining and negotiating prices during the market exploration.
- The tour includes a visit to the tranquil Cam Thanh coconut palm village, where visitors can learn about the local fishermen’s daily life.
- The lantern-making class covers the history and techniques of Hoi An lanterns, and the cooking class teaches participants how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Overview and Pricing
The experience of Hoi An Lantern Making & Cooking Class with Basket Boat Ride is priced from £26.75 per person and lasts for 4.5 hours.
This tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can also choose the reserve now and pay later option.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hoi An city, entrance fees, a coracle boat ride, lunch/dinner, and mineral water.
However, it excludes personal expenses, travel insurance, and other services not mentioned.
Adaptable food ingredients are available for dietary preferences like vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free.
Find more activities and experiences we've covered in Hoi An.
Itinerary and Activities
After exploring the local colorful market and learning bargaining skills, participants visit the Cam Thanh coconut palm village to learn about the daily life of local fishermen and families. They then enjoy a 45-minute basket boat ride around the coconut palm forest, featuring local river performances. Next, the group participates in a lantern-making class to learn the history and techniques, culminating in creating their own lantern. Finally, they join a cooking class to prepare traditional dishes such as:
| Dish | Ingredients |
| — | — |
| Hoi An Fried Spring Rolls | – Rice paper wrappers
– Pork, shrimp, vegetables |
| Vietnamese Rice Pancake | – Rice flour, water, turmeric
– Pork, shrimp, bean sprouts |
| Papaya Salad with Chicken | – Green papaya, carrots, chicken
– Fish sauce, lime juice, sugar |
| Cao Lau Noodle | – Rice noodles, pork, greens
– Broth, herbs, crispy croutons |
Market Exploration and Bargaining Skills
How do participants explore the local colorful market and learn bargaining skills?
The experience begins with a visit to Hoi An’s bustling marketplace. Travelers stroll through the vibrant stalls, taking in the sights, sounds, and aromas of local produce and ingredients.
Travelers stroll through Hoi An’s bustling marketplace, immersed in the vibrant sights, sounds, and aromas of local produce and ingredients.
Under the guidance of the knowledgeable English-speaking instructor, participants learn the art of bargaining. They practice negotiating prices and interacting with the friendly vendors, honing their haggling skills.
This lively market exploration not only sets the stage for the upcoming cooking class but also immerses guests in the authentic local culture and traditions of Hoi An.
Cam Thanh Coconut Palm Village
After exploring the bustling local market, participants visit the tranquil Cam Thanh coconut palm village.
They learn about the daily life of local fishermen and families who call this lush, green oasis home. Visitors explore the winding waterways and dense coconut groves, gaining insight into the community’s reliance on the natural environment.
The highlight is a 45-minute basket boat ride, where guests can admire the scenic landscape and witness local river performances.
This immersive experience offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the Hoi An countryside.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyBasket Boat Ride and Local Performances
Guests embark on a tranquil 45-minute basket boat ride around the coconut palm forest. The serene journey showcases the local river performances, providing a glimpse into the daily lives of the fishermen and families.
The experience offers:
Peaceful glide through the lush coconut palm canopy
Opportunities to observe traditional fishing and river activities
Chance to interact with the friendly boatmen and learn about their way of life
Breathtaking views of the picturesque natural surroundings
This immersive experience complements the lantern-making and cooking class, creating a well-rounded culture in Hoi An.
Lantern-Making Class
Participants dive into the rich cultural heritage of Hoi An during the lantern-making class. They learn the history and techniques behind this age-old tradition. Guided by a local expert, they carefully craft their own unique lanterns, adding vibrant colors and intricate designs. The class offers a hands-on experience that allows visitors to truly connect with the local culture.
| Step | Description |
| — | — |
| 1 | Learn about the history and significance of Hoi An lanterns |
| 2 | Select a lantern frame and choose desired colors and patterns |
| 3 | Carefully assemble the lantern, using traditional methods |
| 4 | Decorate the lantern with personal touches and creativity |
| 5 | Admire the completed lantern and take it home as a memorable souvenir |
Cooking Class and Traditional Dishes
During the cooking class, participants have the opportunity to prepare a selection of traditional Vietnamese dishes under the guidance of a local chef.
The menu includes:
Hoi An fried spring rolls
Vietnamese rice pancake
Papaya salad with chicken
Cao Lau noodle
Participants learn the proper techniques for each dish, from making the batter to assembling the ingredients.
The hands-on experience allows them to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese cuisine and its distinct flavors.
With the chef’s expertise, the class delivers a delightful and authentic culinary experience.
Transportation and Meeting Point
The tour includes pickup from hotels located within Hoi An city. For those staying in Da Nang, the meeting point is at 688 Hai Ba Trung St, Hoi An City, Vietnam. This provides a convenient starting point for the experience.
| Transportation | Details |
| — | — |
| Hotel Pickup | For Hoi An hotels |
| Meeting Point | 688 Hai Ba Trung St, Hoi An City, Vietnam |
| Transfer | From Da Nang hotels to Hoi An meeting point |
| Duration | 4.5 hours total |
| Included | English-speaking guide, entrance fees |
The comprehensive transportation arrangements ensure a seamless start to the Hoi An lantern making and cooking adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Experience?
The minimum group size for this experience is not specified. The activity can accommodate solo travelers as well as larger groups. Participants are picked up from their hotels in Hoi An city.
Can I Request a Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Menu Option?
Yes, the experience can accommodate dietary preferences like vegetarian or gluten-free. Guests should inform the provider of their needs when booking, and adaptable food ingredients will be provided during the cooking class.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Basket Boat Ride?
The basket boat ride is open to all ages. There are no age restrictions for this activity. Participants should be able to board and ride the boat safely, with assistance provided if needed.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?
Yes, the itinerary can be customized to suit your preferences. The tour provider offers flexibility to adapt the activities based on your interests and dietary requirements. You can discuss your preferences with the guide before the tour.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Lantern-Making Class?
The lantern-making class provides all necessary materials and tools. You don’t need to bring any special equipment. Just wear comfortable clothing and be ready to get creative in making your own unique lantern.
The Sum Up
Enjoy Hoi An’s vibrant culture with this 4.5-hour tour. Explore a local market, visit a coconut palm village, and enjoy a scenic basket boat ride. Then, unleash your creativity in a lantern-making class and delight your taste buds with a hands-on cooking class, learning to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes under the guidance of a local chef.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Tour Reviews in Hoi An
- Hoi An: Cooking Class + Basket Boat (Free Transfer in Hoian)
- Hoi An: My Son Sanctuary Early Morning Visit With Breakfast
- Hoi An: My Son Sanctuary Trip and Thu Bon River Cruise
- Hoi An: Cooking Class, Crab Fishing-Basket Boat, Market Tour
- Hoi an : My Son Sanctuary and Boat Trip With Hotel Pickup
- Hoi An : Lantern Boat Ride & Flower Lantern Making Class.
Looking for something different? Other Hoi An activities we've written about
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- Hoi An: My Son Sanctuary Early Morning Visit With Breakfast
- Hoi An: My Son Sanctuary Trip and Thu Bon River Cruise
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