Hoi An: Hand-on Making Vietnamese Coffee Class & Culture

A hands-on dive into Vietnam’s beloved coffee culture in Hoi An

If you’re wandering through the charming streets of Hoi An and have a moment to slow down, a Vietnamese Coffee Making Class offers a genuine taste of local life. For just $16 per person and about an hour of your time, you’ll visit a local coffee roastery where the magic begins, learn how to craft traditional Vietnamese coffee, and taste your own creation. The experience is hosted by Dich vu du lich lang que Cam Thanh, and what makes it appealing is the chance to see and do rather than just watch.

We especially appreciate how this class combines culinary skill with cultural storytelling. Your guide will share stories behind Vietnam’s vibrant coffee scene, taking you from crop to cup. Plus, the small group size—limited to 10 participants—ensures a cozy, engaging atmosphere ideal for learning and tasting. On the flip side, it’s not suitable for children under 10, which is worth considering if you’re traveling with youngsters eager to get hands-on.

For anyone interested in authentic experiences that connect you directly with local customs, this class hits the spot. It’s perfect for curious travelers who want more than just sightseeing, especially those who enjoy a relaxed, social vibe and the chance to taste what they’ve made.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Affordable and engaging: Just $16 for a comprehensive, hands-on experience.
Authentic storytelling: Learn about Vietnam’s coffee culture and history from your guide.
Interactive learning: Make your own Vietnamese coffee, choosing from popular styles like Phin Filter, Egg Coffee, or Coconut Coffee.
Quality focus: The roastery emphasizes small-batch roasting and sustainability, reflected in the flavor.
Small group setting: Limited to 10 people, ensuring personalized attention.
Flexible timing: Check availability for start times; enjoy a cozy, unrushed atmosphere.

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What to Expect When You Join

The experience kicks off at 88 Phan Chau Trinh Street in Hoi An—an easily accessible central location. Once there, you’re welcomed into a local coffee roastery, where you’ll immediately notice the aroma of freshly roasted beans. Your host, likely a coffee expert, will share engaging stories about Vietnam’s cafés and their cultural significance, setting the stage for what’s to come.

The heart of this class is hands-on. You’ll learn how Vietnamese coffee goes from farm to cup, gaining insight into the small-batch roasting techniques that highlight quality and sustainability. The instructor will guide you through selecting your style—options include Vietnamese Phin Filter coffee, Egg Coffee, Salt Coffee, or Coconut Coffee—and show you each step of the brewing process.

The process involves measuring, brewing, and pouring—each stage an opportunity to understand traditional methods that make Vietnamese coffee so distinctive. For example, the Phin Filter method uses a metal drip filter that slowly extracts concentrated coffee, while Egg Coffee combines rich, whipped egg yolk with strong coffee for a creamy, indulgent treat.

Once your coffee is ready, you’ll get to taste and enjoy your own creation, often accompanied by some relaxing music in a cozy setting. Many reviews highlight how satisfying it is to drink the coffee you’ve just made, with Debra noting she loved the experience of making and drinking her own coffee.

The experience’s highlights include:

Learning the story behind Vietnam’s vibrant coffee scene.
Making a traditional coffee tailored to your choice.
Sampling expertly roasted beans that reflect the area’s focus on quality and sustainability.
Enjoying a relaxed atmosphere with good music, making it a memorable, Instagram-worthy moment.

Possible considerations

While the class is intimate and engaging, it lasts only about an hour, which might feel short if you’re craving a deep dive into coffee brewing. Also, it’s not suitable for children under 10, so traveling families with younger kids might want to plan accordingly.

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Who would love this experience?

This class is ideal for culinary curious travelers who enjoy hands-on activities, as well as those who want to connect to Vietnam’s cultural fabric through its iconic beverage. It suits people looking for an easy, affordable, and authentic activity that offers both learning and tasting. If you’re a coffee enthusiast or simply curious about Vietnam’s coffee traditions, you’ll find this a worthwhile addition to your trip.

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A detailed look at the experience

The Meeting Point and Local Setting

Starting at 88 Phan Chau Trinh Street, the location feels like stepping into a local neighborhood rather than a tourist trap. The setting is a local coffee roastery, not a polished commercial venue, which adds to its authenticity. Walking in, you’re greeted with the aroma of freshly roasted beans, and the intimate size of the group—no more than 10 participants—keeps the session friendly and personal.

The Roastery and Its Focus

The small-batch roasting process is central to this experience. As you watch and participate, you’ll see how the roaster’s careful attention to detail results in flavor-rich beans. This emphasis on quality and sustainability is evident, making each sip of your finished coffee feel like a small victory. The host will explain how different regions contribute unique flavors, giving you context to appreciate the beans’ origin stories.

The Hands-On Coffee Making

The core of this class is doing. You’ll learn how to prepare Vietnamese coffee using traditional tools like a Phin filter, which is a simple yet effective metal drip device. Your instructor will guide you step-by-step, from measuring beans and brewing to pouring and serving. You might choose to make Egg Coffee, which involves whipping egg yolks into a frothy topping on a strong brew—a favorite among locals and travelers alike.

Participants have praised how interactive and straightforward the process is. Sofie describes it as a “cozy experience,” emphasizing how relaxed and approachable the class feels. You’ll find that the methods are accessible, even for those new to coffee-making.

Tasting and Reflection

After brewing, it’s time to taste your creation. This is where the experience turns personal—savoring the coffee you took part in making. Many find it satisfying to drink something they crafted with their own hands, and the flavor profiles often surprise newcomers with their richness and balance.

Music and a cozy environment enhance the moment, making it not just a lesson but an enjoyable social activity. Debra notes she loved being able to make and then drink her coffee, which underscores how this experience creates a tangible connection between effort and reward.

Additional Notes

The duration of about 1 hour offers a perfect snapshot of Vietnamese coffee culture without demanding a long commitment.
All ingredients and equipment are provided, so there’s no need to worry about bringing anything.
The experience includes a local expert or specialist to guide you, adding credibility and storytelling depth.

Value for the Price

At $16, this class offers excellent value. You’re getting more than just a tasting; you’re learning a skill and understanding cultural nuances. Compared to more commercialized activities, this small-group experience feels authentic, affordable, and memorable.

Who should consider this experience?

If you enjoy interactive activities that enrich your understanding of local culture, this class is a perfect fit. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate culinary arts, local stories, or simply want a relaxing, social experience in a beautiful setting. Those traveling with children over 10 will find it suitable, but it’s not designed for very young kids.

FAQs

How long does the class last?
The class lasts about one hour. You should check availability for specific starting times to fit your schedule.

Where does the class take place?
It begins at 88 Phan Chau Trinh Street in Hoi An, at a local coffee roastery.

What is included in the price?
All ingredients and equipment for making coffee, the experience itself, and a coffee expert or specialist are included. You get to make and taste your own traditional Vietnamese coffee.

Are there any extra costs?
Not unless you choose additional drinks or personal expenses. Hotel pickup or drop-off is not included.

Is it suitable for children?
No, this experience is not suitable for children under 10 years old.

Can I cancel and get a refund?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this experience accessible?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible and conducted in an easy-to-manage, small group setting.

Do I need to know anything beforehand?
No prior experience is necessary. Just bring your curiosity and enjoy the relaxed, hands-on learning.

What makes this class different from just drinking coffee in a café?
You’ll actively participate in the brewing process, learn the cultural stories behind the drinks, and enjoy a more meaningful connection with Vietnam’s coffee traditions.

Final thoughts

This Vietnamese coffee class in Hoi An is more than just a quick activity—it’s a small window into the local culture, craftsmanship, and daily life. For $16, you’re gaining a hands-on skill, enjoying authentic storytelling, and leaving with a tasty souvenir—your own coffee creation. It’s perfect for foodies, culture lovers, or anyone wanting to slow down and savor a quintessential part of Vietnam.

While it’s a short session, the genuine connection to local traditions makes it a worthy addition to your Hoi An itinerary. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or just curious about Vietnam’s beloved brew, this experience offers a friendly, authentic, and affordable way to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Vietnamese hospitality and craftsmanship.