Hoi An Cooking Class, Basket Boat & My Son Sanctuary Sunset

A Full Day of Culture, Cuisine, and Scenic Beauty in Central Vietnam

This Hoi An Cooking Class, Basket Boat & My Son Sanctuary Sunset tour offers a taste of Vietnam’s most iconic sights and flavors in one well-rounded package. For $50 per person, you’ll spend about 9.5 hours exploring the best of Hoi An and nearby attractions, with a focus on authentic experiences like shopping at a local market, riding bamboo basket boats, and learning how to cook traditional dishes alongside a friendly local chef. You’ll also visit My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and finish your day with a relaxing sunset cruise along the Thu Bon River.

What we love most about this experience is the combination of hands-on activities—like cooking and basket boating—and the opportunity to learn about Vietnam’s cultural and historical landscape from knowledgeable guides. The personal touch brought by local guides such as Anna and Lee makes the experience more engaging and meaningful.

A potential consideration is the full day’s schedule, which can be quite packed. If you prefer a slower pace or are not comfortable with long days, this might feel a bit rushed. Yet, for those eager to get a well-rounded taste of the region in one go, it’s a fantastic choice. This tour suits travelers who enjoy interactive experiences, authentic culture, and scenic views, especially those who want to see both historical sites and local life in one trip.

Key Points

• Authentic Immersive Activities: Cooking with a local chef and riding bamboo basket boats provide practical, memorable experiences.
• Historical Exploration: Visiting My Son Sanctuary offers insight into Vietnam’s ancient Champa civilization.
• Scenic Sunset Cruise: The boat ride along Thu Bon River offers beautiful views and a relaxing end to the day.
• Local Market Experience: Shopping for fresh ingredients in a vibrant market adds a tactile connection to Vietnamese cuisine.
• Value for Money: At $50, this tour packs in a full day of diverse activities, guided by friendly, knowledgeable locals.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for those comfortable with a full day of activity; children under 3 can join but won’t participate in cooking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at What the Tour Offers

This day trip begins with a hotel pickup in Hoi An, making transportation one less thing to worry about. The first stop is a local market, where your guide—likely someone like Anna or another friendly English-speaking guide—will introduce you to Vietnam’s main ingredients. We loved the way the guide explained the flavors and uses of each ingredient, making the cooking class more than just a recipe lesson—it’s a mini culinary lesson in Vietnamese flavors.

From the market, the journey continues to Cam Thanh Coconut Village, a lush area famous for its Bay Mau coconut forest. Here, the highlight is the basket boat ride—a unique experience where you sit in a small bamboo boat rowed by a local rider. We found this peaceful trip especially charming, as it winds through calm waters, offering glimpses of daily life along the river. You might watch a basket boat performance, learn how to throw a fishing net, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.

Back at the restaurant, you’ll join a hands-on cooking class. The chef will teach you how to prepare four traditional Vietnamese dishes—an activity that’s both practical and fun. We appreciated how the class was interactive rather than just demonstration, giving us a real sense of Vietnamese home cooking. Afterward, you get to enjoy the meal you’ve prepared, which makes the experience more satisfying.

In the early afternoon, it’s time to head to My Son Sanctuary. This UNESCO World Heritage site features the ruins of an ancient Cham civilization that once thrived in Central Vietnam. Our guide, Lee, was especially knowledgeable, providing context about the site’s historical significance and answering our questions confidently. We also enjoyed traditional Cham performances, adding a cultural flavor to the visit.

By around 4:30 pm, it’s time to transfer back to the river for the sunset boat cruise. Boarding on the Thu Bon River, you’ll enjoy the cool breeze and stunning views of the riverbanks, dotted with local activity. The sunset cast a warm glow over the landscape, making it an ideal moment for photographs. It’s a scenic, laid-back way to end a busy day.

Finally, you arrive back in Hoi An around 6 pm, with the tour concluding at your hotel. This experience blends active participation, cultural education, scenic beauty, and relaxed cruising, offering a well-rounded day that appeals to a broad range of travelers.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Morning: Market Visit and Basket Boat Experience
The tour starts with hotel pickup and a ride to the local market. Here, your guide will walk you through the vibrant stalls, describing the ingredients used in Vietnamese cooking. Expect to see fresh herbs, vegetables, meats, and seafood, all brimming with life. Picking ingredients yourself adds a layer of connection that makes the subsequent cooking class more meaningful.

After the market, the group heads to Cam Thanh Coconut Village. We loved the way the bamboo basket boat made us feel like kids again—sailing through peaceful waters among coconut palms. The boat ride includes a performance by local riders and possibly a demonstration of traditional fishing techniques. The relaxed pace and tranquil scenery provide a peaceful contrast to the bustling market.

Midday: Cooking Class and Lunch
Back at the restaurant, you’ll join a hands-on cooking class. The chef will guide you through preparing four Vietnamese dishes, emphasizing fresh ingredients and simple techniques. We appreciated the focus on authentic flavors rather than overly complicated recipes. The class is suitable for beginners, and you’ll learn skills you can try at home.

Once the cooking is complete, you sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor—delicious Vietnamese cuisine that tastes far better knowing you cooked it yourself. The lunch is included, and the dishes are typically local favorites, providing a real taste of the region.

Afternoon: My Son Sanctuary & Cultural Insights
Post-lunch, the journey continues to My Son Sanctuary, about an hour away. The site is a sprawling complex of ancient Cham temples, set amidst lush greenery. Our guide, Lee, gave us a good overview of the site’s history, explaining its role as a religious and cultural center for the Cham people. We found the site fascinating and visually striking, with crumbling ruins against a backdrop of mountains.

Traditional Champa performances add a lively cultural touch, showcasing music and dance styles unique to the region. We recommend bringing a camera, as the scenery and relics make for great photos.

Evening: Sunset Cruise and Return to Hoi An
The last leg is a boat trip on the Thu Bon River. Boarding in the late afternoon, you’ll glide across the river with a gentle breeze and beautiful views of local activity—fishermen, floating markets, and riverside villages. The sunset provides a spectacular backdrop, turning the sky shades of orange and pink. This peaceful cruise offers a chance to reflect on the day’s experiences and enjoy the natural beauty of central Vietnam.

The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel around 6 pm. It’s a long, active day, but packed with authentic insights and memorable moments.

The Sum Up: Who is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for culture seekers and food lovers who want a comprehensive taste of central Vietnam in a single day. It’s especially suited for travelers eager to get hands-on with local cuisine and enjoy scenic, relaxing boat rides. Families with children over 3 will appreciate the engaging activities, and those interested in history will find the visit to My Son particularly rewarding.

Do keep in mind the full-day schedule—if you prefer a more leisurely pace, this might feel a bit busy. But for those wanting a balanced mix of cultural discovery, culinary adventure, and scenic beauty, this tour hits the mark.

This experience offers great value for its price, with friendly guides, varied activities, and a chance to see some of Vietnam’s most iconic sights—all in one memorable day.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off within the Hoi An area, making it very convenient. If you stay outside Hoi An, such as in Da Nang, there is an additional fee.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 9.5 hours, starting in the morning and ending around 6 pm, so be prepared for a full day.

Can children participate?
Children under 3 are free but won’t participate in the cooking class. The tour is suitable for families with kids over 3 who can handle a full day of activities.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers hotel transfers, market visit, basket boat ride, cooking class, lunch, entrance fees to My Son, boat trip on Thu Bon River, and mineral waters.

Are there additional costs?
Yes, the My Son Holyland entrance fee (150,000 VND) is not included, and drinks are extra. Also, a surcharge applies on public holidays.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to the nature of activities and site terrain.

This detailed journey through central Vietnam’s sights and flavors makes for an enriching and satisfying day out. Whether you’re a curious traveler wanting to learn local cooking, explore ancient ruins, or simply enjoy scenic river views, this tour offers a well-curated glimpse into the heart of Hoi An and its surroundings.