The Half-day Hoi An Cooking Class & Basket Boat Ride Experience blends culinary exploration and culture. For just $34.97 per person, this 5-hour tour takes participants through a lively local market, a picturesque coconut village, and a hands-on cooking class. Travelers will learn Vietnamese cuisine while savoring the flavors of the dishes they’ve prepared. With included hotel transfers, this experience offers a convenient way to discover Hoi An’s vibrant food culture. What more could one ask for in a single afternoon?
Good To Know
- A half-day experience in Hoi An that includes a guided market visit, coconut village tour, cooking class, and bamboo basket boat ride.
- The experience lasts 5 hours and costs $34.97 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Participants will learn about Vietnamese ingredients, culture, and cooking techniques during the market visit and cooking class.
- The itinerary features eco-tourism initiatives and highlights the cultural heritage of the region, such as the traditional bamboo basket boat ride.
- Hotel transfers within Hoi An city center are provided, and the experience is accompanied by an English-speaking live guide.
Overview and Pricing
The Hoi An Cooking Class & Basket Boat Ride Experience is a half-day tour that costs $34.97 per person.
The 5-hour experience includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and allows you to reserve your spot without paying upfront.
The 5-hour experience includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and allows you to reserve your spot without paying upfront.
The tour includes a guided market visit, a coconut village tour, a cooking class, and a bamboo basket boat ride. Meals are provided, and hotel transfers within the Hoi An city center are included.
Dietary requirements can be accommodated if informed at least 7 hours before departure. The itinerary is subject to change, and a live English-speaking guide is available.
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Itinerary
After pickup from the hotel or apartment within Hoi An’s city center, the experience begins with a guided tour of the local market, where participants can explore the vibrant stalls and learn Vietnamese shopping vocabulary for about 30 minutes.
Next, the group heads to the Cam Thanh Eco-Coconut Village for a 30-minute guided tour.
The highlight of the day is the 2-hour hands-on cooking class, where you will learn to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes.
Finally, the experience concludes with a return to Hoi An.
Activities and Highlights
While the experience begins with a guided tour of the local market, where participants can explore the vibrant stalls and learn Vietnamese shopping vocabulary, the real highlight is the 2-hour hands-on cooking class.
Guests will:
Ride in a traditional bamboo basket boat through a coconut palm forest
Participate in a boat racing competition and fish catching
Focus on preparing authentic Vietnamese cuisine
Relish in the flavors of the dishes they’ve prepared during the class.
This immersive cooking class offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich culinary traditions of Hoi An.
Inclusions
The package includes round-trip hotel transfers within Hoi An’s city center, allowing for a seamless start and end to the experience.
Participants will also enjoy a boat and basket boat ride, seeing the local waterways and coconut palm forests.
The cooking class, lasting 1.5-2 hours, focuses on Vietnamese cuisine, and attendees can savor the flavors of the dishes they prepare.
Enjoy the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine during a 1.5-2 hour cooking class where you’ll savor the dishes you prepare.
Entrance fees to all destinations mentioned in the itinerary are covered, as are the meals.
Tips and gratuities are optional.
Travel insurance is included, providing peace of mind during the adventure.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyImportant Information
Guests should inform the tour operator about any dietary requirements or food allergies, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, or no seafood, at least 7 hours before the tour’s departure. This ensures the chef can prepare suitable options.
An English-speaking live guide accompanies the tour. Though the itinerary is subject to change, the experience typically includes:
Visiting a local market to pick up ingredients and learn Vietnamese shopping vocabulary
Riding in a traditional bamboo basket boat through a coconut palm forest
Participating in boat racing and fish catching competitions
Hands-on cooking class focusing on Vietnamese cuisine
Picking Up Ingredients at the Local Market
After arriving at the local market, guests embark on a guided tour to learn about the diverse array of Vietnamese ingredients and explore the vibrant shopping atmosphere. The tour leader introduces a variety of fresh produce, herbs, and spices, explaining their culinary uses and cultural significance. Guests eagerly browse the stalls, examining the unfamiliar items and interacting with the friendly vendors. The following table highlights some of the key ingredients found at the market and their role in Vietnamese cuisine:
| Ingredient | Culinary Use | Cultural Significance |
|————|————–|————————|
| Lemongrass | Flavoring soups, curries, and marinades | Symbolizes purity and cleansing |
| Galangal | Adding warmth and depth to dishes | Considered a "warming" spice in traditional medicine |
| Rau Ram | Fragrant herb used in salads and wraps | Believed to promote good luck and happiness |
| Nuoc Cham | Dipping sauce for spring rolls and grilled meats | Essential condiment in Vietnamese meals |
Exploring the Cam Thanh Eco-Coconut Village
From the local market, the group ventures to the picturesque Cam Thanh Eco-Coconut Village.
This lush, verdant oasis showcases the traditional coconut palm cultivation that has sustained Vietnamese communities for generations.
The guided tour highlights:
The intricate techniques used to harvest coconuts
The versatility of coconut – from food to building materials
The importance of coconut palms in the local ecosystem
The eco-tourism initiatives preserving this way of life
Immersed in the serene coconut groves, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s cultural heritage and sustainable practices.
Hands-on Cooking Class and Dining
After visiting the local market and Cam Thanh Eco-Coconut Village, participants embark on the hands-on cooking class, the highlight of the experience.
The class focuses on Vietnamese cuisine, allowing guests to learn traditional recipes and techniques. Under the guidance of an expert local chef, they prepare a variety of dishes, from appetizers to main courses.
Participants get to enjoy the flavors and aromas of Vietnamese cooking.
Once the cooking is complete, they savor the fruits of their labor, relishing the delicious dishes they’ve created during the class.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Request a Specific Cooking Menu?
Yes, you can request a specific cooking menu. The tour operator is usually happy to accommodate dietary requirements or food preferences if you inform them at least 7 hours before the departure.
Is There an Age Limit for the Basket Boat Ride?
The cooking class and basket boat ride experience doesn’t have a strict age limit. Children are welcome, but parents should consider their child’s ability to participate safely in the boat ride.
Are There Any Stops or Rest Breaks During the Tour?
The tour includes a stop at a local market and a visit to the Cam Thanh Eco-Coconut Village, providing opportunities for rest breaks and exploration during the 5-hour experience. Participants have time to relax in the basket boats as well.
The hotel pickup and drop-off is provided as a private service. Guests don’t have to share the transportation with other travelers, ensuring a more personalized and convenient experience throughout the tour.
Can I Purchase Additional Products From the Market?
Yes, participants can purchase additional products from the market during the tour. The tour allows free time to explore the market and buy local ingredients or souvenirs as desired. Guests are responsible for any additional purchases.
The Sum Up
The Half-day Hoi An Cooking Class & Basket Boat Ride Experience is an immersive culinary and cultural tour. Participants learn about Vietnamese cuisine, try their hand at cooking traditional dishes, and enjoy a scenic boat ride through the Hoi An waterways. With hotel transfers and all activities included, this tour provides a well-rounded and convenient way to discover the flavors and traditions of Hoi An.
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