Cooking with Jolie in Hoi An and Lantern making class (JHA4)

Discover the Charm of Hoi An with Cooking and Lantern Making

This tour in Hoi An, Vietnam, offers a charming blend of hands-on experiences, starting with a visit to an organic garden and a vibrant local market, then moving into the artistic world of lantern making, followed by a home-cooked Vietnamese meal. For $40 per person, you get roughly six hours of engaging culture, led by friendly local guides like Jolie herself. It’s well-suited for travelers who crave authentic, participatory experiences that go beyond just sightseeing.

What we love about this tour is how it combines learning about traditional farming practices with the visual delight of making your own lanterns—a symbol of Hoi An itself. Plus, sitting down in a local home to cook and eat a meal you’ve prepared adds a warm, personal touch you won’t find in standard cooking classes. The fact that vegetarian options are available makes it accessible to all dietary preferences.

A possible consideration is the timing—since it’s a full six-hour experience, it’s best suited for travelers with a flexible schedule who enjoy active, participatory outings. If you’re short on time or prefer more leisurely activities, this might feel a bit packed. Still, for those eager to learn and connect with local life, this tour offers a well-rounded day.

This experience is perfect for curious travelers who appreciate culinary arts, craftsmanship, and genuine local interactions. It works especially well for those who like to get hands-on and enjoy sharing their creations, whether it’s a lantern or a delicious Vietnamese meal.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Engagement: Combines farming, market shopping, lantern making, and cooking at a local home.
• Hands-On Learning: You’ll craft your own lantern and cook a traditional Vietnamese meal.
• Local Insight: Guided by Jolie and her family, offering authentic stories and warm hospitality.
• Flexible and Inclusive: Vegetarian options are available, with a friendly, small group setting.
• Value for Money: For $40, you get a full day of meaningful activities, including drinks and a takeaway lantern.
• Ideal for Curious Travelers: Perfect for those who enjoy interactive, immersive experiences away from tourist traps.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting at 53 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, the tour begins early with a meet-up, setting the tone for a day filled with discovery. The first stop is at a local organic garden, where you’ll spend around 30 minutes with local farmers. Here, you’ll learn how Vietnamese farmers grow and tend to their crops—an eye-opening look at rural life that adds depth to your understanding of the food you’ll later cook.

This farm visit is appreciated by travelers like LeonieKennedy4, who mentions the “interesting & educational visit” and the help with lantern making. It’s a chance to see real agricultural practices, which bring a more meaningful context to the ingredients you’ll buy later.

Next, you’ll head to a local market. This part is not just a shopping trip but an educational walk where you’ll learn how Vietnamese people select their produce, a vital skill for anyone who loves to cook or simply wants to understand local customs better. The market visit provides sensory overload—vivid colors, bustling sounds, and enticing aromas—and offers practical insights into Vietnamese shopping habits.

The Lantern Making Workshop in a local home is where you’ll get to create your own lantern, a quintessential symbol of Hoi An. The process is simple but satisfying, and the guide, perhaps someone like Jolie or her helper Bamboo, will assist with the craft. The lanterns are not just souvenirs but a meaningful connection to the city’s identity. Many reviews highlight how proud and excited guests are when they finish their lanterns, often sharing stories over a cup of coffee—a moment of rest and camaraderie before heading to Jolie’s home.

Arriving at Jolie’s house, guests are welcomed with a drink and stories that make the experience more personal. This is where the tour turns into a cooking class, using the ingredients purchased earlier. The cooking is supervised yet relaxed, encouraging you to learn traditional techniques and recipes. The focus is on creating a delicious Vietnamese meal, and many reviewers rave about the “great recipes” they receive, which they can replicate at home.

Lunch is a highlight—enjoying the dishes you’ve prepared, often described as flavorful, well-balanced, and authentic. The tour includes free-flow passion fruit juice and filtered water, ensuring you stay refreshed. After the meal, a bit of leisure follows—playing guitar, sharing stories, and relaxing before heading back.

The entire experience wraps up around 2 p.m., with transportation back to your accommodation, typically via Grab. The group size is capped at 10, creating an intimate environment perfect for meaningful interactions and personalized attention.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The balance of hands-on activities and cultural storytelling makes this tour memorable. You’re not just watching or listening—you’re actively participating. The lantern making allows you to take home a beautiful souvenir that symbolizes Hoi An, a city famous for its lanterns. Cooking in a local home elevates the experience from a typical class to a genuine exchange, with Jolie sharing stories about her life and community.

The value is notable, especially considering the full-day engagement, guided interaction, and included drinks and lantern. For $40, it’s a reasonable price for such an immersive experience—particularly valuable for travelers who want to learn and create rather than just observe.

Many reviews mention the quality and organization of the class, noting how helpful and friendly the guides are. The fact that vegetarians are welcomed with dedicated ingredients makes this tour accessible, and the small group size ensures everyone gets enough attention.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour begins promptly at 53 Dinh Tien Hoang. Arriving a bit early is wise, especially if you want to soak in the local atmosphere beforehand. Since transportation is not included, booking a Grab or similar service to and from the meeting point is recommended, especially in the heat or if you’re unfamiliar with local transit.

The six-hour length makes this a full-day activity, so plan accordingly—wear comfortable clothing and bring sun protection if it’s sunny. The tour is near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers. Remember that during public holidays, a surcharge of USD 9 per person applies, payable onsite.

For vegetarians, the tour is accommodating, with specific ingredients provided. If you have other dietary restrictions, it’s advisable to communicate ahead of time.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for food lovers, craft enthusiasts, and curious travelers who want a taste of daily Vietnamese life. It’s especially good for those who enjoy participatory activities and are eager to bring home a tangible souvenir—whether a handmade lantern or a recipe to try back home. It’s less suited for travelers seeking a quick overview or who prefer more relaxed, passive activities.

The Sum Up

The Cooking with Jolie in Hoi An and Lantern Making Class offers a well-rounded glimpse into Vietnamese culture through hands-on cooking, lantern craftsmanship, and local storytelling. It provides genuine insight into farming, shopping, and home cooking, all wrapped in a warm, friendly environment. The small group size and authentic experience make it a standout option for those wanting to engage deeply with Hoi An’s traditions.

If you enjoy food, crafts, and cultural exchanges, this tour will leave you with delicious memories, a handmade lantern, and a better understanding of Vietnamese daily life. It’s a meaningful way to spend a day in Hoi An—delivering more than just a meal, but a story of community, craft, and cuisine.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarians are welcome, and vegetarian ingredients are provided. The tour explicitly mentions accommodating vegetarian diets.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately six hours, starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending around 2:00 p.m., including all activities from farm visits to lunch.

What’s included in the price?
The price includes the cooking class, a delicious Vietnamese lunch, drinks (free-flow passion fruit juice and filtered water), and a handmade lantern to take home.

Do I need to arrange transportation?
Yes, transport to and from the meeting point at 53 Dinh Tien Hoang is not included. It’s recommended to book a Grab or similar service.

Can I join if I don’t know how to cook?
Absolutely. The class is designed to be accessible for all skill levels, guided step-by-step, and focused on learning and fun.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—perfect for flexible plans.

Is there an age limit?
While not explicitly stated, the activities are suitable for most ages, especially those interested in hands-on crafts and cooking. Always check with the provider for specific age restrictions.

This tour provides a lively, authentic slice of Hoi An life—perfect for travelers eager to get their hands dirty, their bellies full, and their hearts full of local stories.