Hue, Vietnam, is a culinary treasure trove. The city’s reputation for bold, flavorful dishes isn’t just hype — it’s rooted in centuries of tradition, local ingredients, and a genuine love for sharing food. What makes Hue especially appealing for cooking classes is its unique blend of urban markets, rural villages, and centuries-old culinary techniques. If you’re a foodie eager to learn how to make iconic dishes like Bún Bò Huế or Bánh Khoái, this city offers a variety of options that go beyond typical cooking lessons. Some tours even combine market visits, boat rides, and cultural insights, making them well worth the investment.
We’ve handpicked the eight best cooking classes in Hue, each offering something special — whether it’s a hands-on experience with a local family, a scenic biking adventure, or a market tour with expert guidance. From beginner-friendly classes to more immersive cultural experiences, this list has choices for every interest and schedule. Whether you want to learn in a bustling restaurant setting or in a quiet village, you’ll find an option that fits your style.
Quick Overview
The list below covers a variety of cooking experiences in Hue, from market visits and rural village adventures to family-led cooking classes. Some tours like Hue City: Cyclo, Market Tour & Cooking Class at Madam Thu combine a traditional market stroll with a relaxing herbal foot bath and hands-on cooking. Others, such as the From Hue: 1 day COOKING CLASS IN THUY BIEU VILLAGE, immerse you in countryside life with bike rides, craft lessons, and a scenic boat trip. For a more intimate, local experience, there’s the Hue: Traditional Cooking Class & Market with Mr. Anh Family. Scroll down for detailed reviews of each.
1. Hue City: Cyclo, Market Tour & Cooking Class at Madam Thu
Starting with a perfect blend of local culture and culinary learning, this tour at Madam Thu offers a relaxed yet insightful experience. For just $27 per person, it combines a scenic cyclo ride across the Perfume River with a visit to Dong Ba Market, where you’ll shop for fresh ingredients alongside your guide. The highlight is the hands-on cooking class where you prepare Beef Noodle Soup, Dumpling Cake, and Spring Rolls with an experienced chef. Post-cooking, you sit down to enjoy your meal in a warm setting, then walk away with authentic recipes and a certificate.
What makes this experience stand out is the personalized attention and friendly atmosphere, making it ideal for first-timers or those wanting a genuine local touch. The herbal foot bath before cooking adds a relaxing element, and the small group size ensures personalized guidance throughout. With a 5/5 rating from 10 reviews, it’s clear many find this tour both fun and educational. For those on a budget but eager for a comprehensive Hue experience, this offers a lot of value.
Bottom line: A highly-rated, affordable introduction to Hue’s flavors and culture with a friendly guide and memorable souvenirs.
2. Hoi An: Authentic Vietnamese Cooking Class Tour
Although technically in Hoi An, this cooking class is worth mentioning for its rural setting and authentic approach. For around $35 per person, the tour takes you to Cam Thanh Village, where you explore the local market with a guide, then enjoy a coconut basket boat ride—a fun way to see traditional transport. The highlight is the hands-on cooking class led by a local chef, focusing on authentic Vietnamese dishes you’ll be proud to recreate at home.
This tour’s charm lies in its rural atmosphere, offering a break from city life, combined with cultural activities like boat riding and village visits. It provides a well-rounded taste of Vietnamese traditions, perfect for travelers wanting more than just a cooking lesson. Although reviews are limited, those who have been praise its genuine, laid-back vibe and tasty results.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers interested in rural Vietnam, combined with fun activities and a focus on authentic home-style cooking.
3. Hue Cooking Class: Best Local Restaurants with Madam Thu
Another gem from Madam Thu, this hands-on Hue cooking class lasts about 3 to 4.5 hours, offering a deeper dive into regional dishes like Bánh Khoái and Bún Bò Huế. The tour kicks off with a visit to a local market where you pick fresh ingredients, then guides you step-by-step through preparing traditional dishes. The class ends with a relaxing foot soak in medicinal herb water, a perfect way to unwind after cooking.
Rated 4.5/5 from 2 reviews, this experience stands out for its expert guidance and authentic atmosphere. Many guests appreciate the opportunity to learn proper techniques in a relaxed setting and often mention how delicious their homemade dishes turn out. The slightly longer duration and quality instruction make it a good choice for foodies ready to get serious about Hue cuisine.
Bottom line: A comprehensive, hands-on experience in a top local restaurant, with expert instruction and authentic dishes.
4. From Hue: 1 day COOKING CLASS IN THUY BIEU VILLAGE
This full-day adventure combines scenic countryside cycling, craft visits, and a cooking class in Thuy Bieu Village. Starting with a boat trip from Hue, you cycle through the village’s shaded lanes, visiting traditional artisans and a communal house. The highlight is the cooking lesson where you learn to make dishes like spring rolls, then share a local-style lunch.
Rated 4.4/5, this tour offers a full culture alongside cooking. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a balance of food, scenery, and local crafts. The stop at a traditional incense-making workshop and the chance to bike through pomelo groves make it particularly memorable. The price of $52 is reasonable considering the full-day scope and inclusions.
Bottom line: Great for those who want a mix of cultural activities and hands-on cooking in a picturesque rural setting.
$52 per person
5. From Hue: Cooking class in Thuy Bieu Village
For a slightly more relaxed half-day experience, this cooking class in Thuy Bieu centers on local village life, including a boat ride and visits to communal houses. The focus is on learning about traditional crafts like incense making and painting, as well as enjoying a homemade lunch of local salads and spring rolls.
Rated 4.3/5, this tour is ideal for travelers wanting a deeper cultural connection while honing their cooking skills. The inclusion of craft activities and a scenic boat ride makes it a well-rounded experience, especially for those who prefer a more contemplative pace.
Bottom line: A good choice for those interested in both culinary skills and traditional craft traditions in a tranquil village setting.
$50 per person
6. Hue: Thuy Bieu Cooking Class & Cycling Adventure Countryside
This tour combines cooking with cycling through the rural landscape of Thuy Bieu. You’ll pedal past lush gardens, ancient pagodas, and local homes while learning to prepare Hue specialties. It’s perfect for active travelers who want a workout plus a culinary lesson, with visits to an incense-making family and a votive paper workshop.
Although reviews are not available, the combination of eco-activities and cooking makes this a compelling pick. The $76 price reflects the full experience, including transportation and guided cycling.
Bottom line: Best suited for energetic travelers looking to blend outdoor activity with hands-on cooking in the countryside.
$76 per person
7. Hue: Traditional Cooking Class & Market with Mr. Anh Family
This small-group cooking class offers an intimate look at Hue cuisine in a local family setting. For 4 hours, you visit the market with Mr. Anh’s family, learn to select ingredients, then cook several traditional dishes. The class ends with sharing the meal you’ve prepared, emphasizing authenticity and cultural exchange.
Rated 4.8/5 from many reviews, this class is praised for its personal touch and genuine hospitality. It’s a perfect fit for travelers wanting a more personal experience and insight into daily Hue life. The price of $42 balances affordability with a meaningful cultural experience.
Bottom line: An authentic, family-led cooking adventure ideal for those seeking a cozy, engaging experience.
$42 per person
8. Hue: Traditional Cooking Class w Local Family & Market trip
This class is similar to the previous but emphasizes engagement with local markets and families. Over 4 hours, you cook traditional Hue dishes in a local family’s home, visiting the market to pick ingredients. The focus is on culture and learning about Vietnamese cuisine firsthand.
Rated 4.8/5, many visitors highlight the warm hospitality and genuine experience. The added market visit makes it ideal for travelers who want to go beyond just cooking and want to understand Hue’s food origins.
Bottom line: A highly personable experience for those who value cultural insights along with cooking.
$42 per person
How to Choose the Best Cooking Class in Hue
When selecting a cooking class, consider your budget, available time, and what kind of experience appeals to you. For a quick, affordable introduction, the Hue City: Cyclo, Market Tour & Cooking Class at Madam Thu offers great value. If you’re interested in rural life and hands-on craft skills, the 1-day in Thuy Bieu Village or the Cooking & Market with Mr. Anh are excellent options. For active travelers, the Cycling & Cooking Adventure combines outdoor activity with culinary learning.
Timing also matters — some tours are half-day, perfect for fitting into a busy sightseeing schedule, while others like the full-day Thuy Bieu Village provide a more immersive experience. Booking early is advisable during peak tourist season, especially for popular options with limited groups.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re after an authentic family experience, a scenic countryside adventure, or a quick culinary fix, Hue offers a variety of cooking classes that suit all tastes. For a balanced mix of market visits, hands-on cooking, and cultural insights, options like Hue City: Cyclo, Market Tour & Cooking Class at Madam Thu and the 1-day Thuy Bieu Village class stand out. Travelers seeking a more intimate, familial setting should consider the Market & Family Class.
No matter which you choose, booking early and clarifying your time preferences will ensure a smooth, tasty experience in Hue. Dive into these culinary adventures and bring home more than just photos — take home skills, recipes, and stories of Vietnam’s most flavorful city.