Hoi An is a food lover’s paradise, especially when it comes to lunchtime options. This charming town offers a mix of cultural excursions paired with authentic local cuisine, making your midday meal an experience in itself. Whether you’re craving a traditional Vietnamese lunch after exploring ancient temples or want to learn how to cook the dishes yourself, Hoi An has it all. We particularly love the From Hoi An/Da Nang: Hue Imperial City Group Tour with Lunch, which combines a fascinating historical journey with regional specialties, and the Cooking class for lunch start at 12:00-3:00pm cooking yourself, perfect for hands-on foodies. Check out the full list below to find your ideal midday adventure.
Quick Overview
This list covers a variety of lunch experiences in Hoi An, including full-day tours with historical sites, early morning visits to avoid crowds, private guided trips, and fun cooking classes. Some tours include cultural performances, boat rides, or hands-on activities like rice paper making, providing a well-rounded experience for different interests and budgets. Whether you prefer exploring ancient ruins, sampling local dishes, or learning to cook Vietnamese recipes, there’s an option that will suit your style.
1. From Hoi An/Da Nang: Hue Imperial City Group Tour with Lunch
At number 1, this full-day Hue Imperial City tour offers a comprehensive dive into Vietnam’s imperial past. It includes visits to the Hue Imperial City, Khai Dinh Mausoleum, and Thien Mu Pagoda, with an emphasis on history and architecture. The tour stands out for its regional Hue lunch, served at a local restaurant, giving you a taste of authentic cuisine. The guide’s storytelling makes the complex history of Hue lively and accessible, and the architecture of the mausoleum and imperial city is truly impressive. Many reviews highlight how well-organized and informative this trip is, with travelers appreciating the convenience of pickup and drop-off.
Bottom line: Ideal for history buffs and culture enthusiasts looking for a full-day experience combining sightseeing with regional food.
2. My Son early morning tour with Vietnamese lunch
For around $21, this early morning tour of My Son Sanctuary is perfect for those who prefer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. You’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site starting at dawn, giving you uninterrupted time to explore the ancient Cham ruins. The tour includes a traditional Cham dance and a local family lunch after the site visit, making it a more intimate cultural experience. The early start not only avoids the daytime bus crowds but also allows you to enjoy the site’s quiet beauty and take photos in the morning light.
Bottom line: Best suited for history lovers and early risers wanting a quiet, immersive experience with local cuisine.
3. Hoi An: My Son Sanctuary with Basket Boat and Lunch Options
At number 3, this tour combines the exploration of My Son’s temple ruins with a fun bamboo basket boat ride in the Bay Mau Coconut Forest. The tour includes a guide who shares stories about the Cham civilization, and the boat trip offers a relaxing way to see mangroves and wildlife. During the visit, you’ll also have the chance to see traditional performances and even learn how to make rice paper at a local house. The inclusion of a boat ride makes this trip more dynamic and entertaining, especially for families or travelers wanting a mix of history and activity.
Bottom line: Great for those who want a cultural experience combined with a unique boat adventure.
4. Ba Na Hills Avoid Crowd, Local Food Lunch & Easy Marble Mountain
Number 4 on our list is the private trip to Ba Na Hills and Marble Mountain. It’s perfect for travelers who want a personalized experience, avoiding the big tour buses. You’ll ride the cable car to Ba Na Hills, walk along the Golden Bridge, and explore the European-style French Village and Fantasy Park. Afterwards, you’ll visit Marble Mountain, with elevator access to its caves and pagodas. The tour includes a local food lunch, offering authentic Vietnamese flavors. Many travelers praise the guide’s expertise and the peaceful early morning start, which helps beat the crowds.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers seeking a private, hassle-free day with scenic views and cultural highlights.
5. Hoi An: My Son Sanctuary W Guide, Champa Show, Boat & Lunch
This full-day tour offers a deep dive into Cham culture, with guided exploration of My Son’s temples, a Champa dance show, and a river boat trip. The tour includes a traditional Vietnamese lunch and the chance to see local artisans demonstrating craftwork. The guide shares stories that bring the ruins to life, and the boat ride at the end provides a scenic conclusion. With an overall rating of 4.8, travelers appreciate the well-organized schedule and cultural richness.
Bottom line: Perfect for those interested in archaeology, culture, and traditional performances, with a relaxed pace.
6. Cooking class for lunch start at 12:00-3:00pm cooking yourself
At number 6, this hands-on cooking class offers a chance to learn Vietnamese recipes from scratch. You’ll visit a local market, pick fresh ingredients, and prepare dishes like spring rolls and banh xeo under the guidance of a friendly host. The class is highly personalized, with many reviewers noting how fun and tasty the experience is—plus, you get to enjoy your homemade lunch. The price point is attractive for a 3-hour culinary adventure, making it popular among foodies.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who want a practical skill and a delicious meal to take home.
7. Hoi An Fishing Tour Private-Lantern /Cafe Making Class by Lunch
This private tour combines fishing, crabbing, and cafe making with a local host. The experience includes basket boat fishing and learning how to make Vietnamese coffee, followed by a tasty lunch of local dishes. The tour’s appeal is its authenticity and the chance to connect with local fishermen and artisans. Many reviewers highlight how family-friendly and relaxed this experience is, with the boat ride through coconut forests adding a special touch.
Bottom line: Excellent for families or anyone wanting an intimate, culture with food and craft.
8. Cycling vegetable village, buffalo, Basket Boat and local lunch
This cycling tour lets you pedal through the countryside of Hoi An, passing rice paddies, coconut trees, and lotus ponds. It’s suited for active travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local life. The tour includes buffalo rides, basket boat trips, and a local village lunch, all with plenty of hands-on activities like rice paper making and farming. Many reviews mention how the knowledgeable guide makes the experience more meaningful, especially for families or adventure seekers.
Bottom line: Perfect for active travelers looking for an authentic rural experience with hearty local food.
9. Private My Son Tour w. included admission & lunch, knowledgeable guide
Number 9 offers a private, all-inclusive trip to My Son, ideal for those who want a personalized experience. It features early pickup, guided tour of the ruins, lunch, and admission tickets included. The guide, with extensive experience, makes the visit engaging and educational. Many travelers comment on the smooth logistics and the value of having everything taken care of, especially the private transport and expert guidance. It’s a great option for those who want flexibility and a deep understanding of Cham culture.
Bottom line: Best for travelers seeking a private, hassle-free day with in-depth insights.
10. Hoi An Countryside, Village Life & Tasty Local Lunch
This countryside tour takes you through peaceful villages, meeting locals, and trying activities like buffalo riding and coconut boat riding. It is perfect for travelers interested in seeing traditional rural life firsthand. The local lunch features authentic dishes, and you’ll learn about organic herbs and farming practices. The varied activities and friendly villagers make it a memorable experience for families and cultural explorers alike.
Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting a relaxed, immersive day in rural Vietnam with delicious local food.
11. Hoi An Buffaloes Riding/Coracle Boat Tour/Coffee Class with Lunch
This tour combines buffalo riding, crab catching, and a Vietnamese coffee class, finishing with a tasty lunch. It provides a genuine look at rural life and is praised for its family-friendly setup. The basket boat ride into coconut forests and the chance to learn how to make coffee are highlights. Many reviews emphasize how fun and relaxed the pace is, with plenty of opportunities to try activities and taste regional specialties.
Bottom line: Perfect for families or travelers wanting an engaging mix of food, culture, and countryside fun.
12. Cooking Class Lunch/ Dinner with Local Chef in Coconut Village
This cooking class teaches you to make traditional Vietnamese dishes like spring rolls and papaya salad. It takes place in Coconut Village, with a local chef guiding you through the process. You learn about Vietnamese ingredients and techniques, and you get to enjoy your creations afterward. It’s a great option for those who want a practical skill and a taste of true Vietnamese flavors, with many positive reviews praising the friendliness of the host and the delicious results.
Bottom line: Perfect for foodies who want to learn and eat in a relaxed, small-group setting.
13. Hoi An: My Son Ruins: Guide-Bus-Boat-Cultural Show-Lunch
This full-day tour offers a mix of My Son exploration, a Brocade weaving activity, and a cultural show, with lunch included. The boat trip on the Thu Bon River adds a scenic touch, while the cultural show provides entertainment. The guide makes complex history accessible, and reviews note how well-paced and engaging the experience is. A good choice for travelers who want a balance of cultural education and entertainment with a relaxing lunch.
Bottom line: Suitable for those interested in traditional crafts, cultural performance, and scenic river travel.
14. Private Hoi An Bike and Kayak Guided Tour with Lunch
This private adventure combines cycling through the countryside with kayaking on the Thu Bon delta. It’s designed for active travelers who want a full-day immersion, including craft workshops, farming activities, and rural scenery. The tour ends with a local lunch. The guide’s local knowledge makes each stop meaningful, and many mention how unique the kayaking experience is—seeing river communities from a different perspective.
Bottom line: Ideal for adventurous travelers eager to combine physical activity with cultural discovery.
15. Experience Cooking Class for Lunch or Afternoon With Local Chef
Last but not least, this cooking class offers a hands-on experience making four local dishes, from a family in Cam Thanh. The class is intimate, with a small group size, and focuses on traditional techniques like pounding rice and mixing condiments. At the end, you get to savor your creations, making it a tasty and educational finale to your day. Many reviewers highlight the friendly atmosphere and the chance to learn recipes you can replicate at home.
Bottom line: Perfect for culinary travelers wanting an authentic, personalized cooking experience.
How to Choose Your Lunch Experience in Hoi An
When selecting a lunch tour, consider your interests—do you want a comprehensive historical and cultural experience like the Hue Imperial City trip, or are you more interested in learning to cook authentic dishes? Budget is also key: tours range from budget-friendly My Son early morning to private experiences like the Ba Na Hills.
If you’re a food enthusiast, the hands-on cooking classes are a highlight, especially the Cooking class for lunch, which combines learning with tasting. For those seeking a relaxing scenic experience, the boat rides and countryside tours provide a peaceful window into rural life. Keep in mind your fitness level—some trips involve walking or cycling, while others are more relaxed. Booking early, especially for popular tours like the My Son early morning tour, ensures you avoid crowds and get the best experience.
Final Thoughts
From full-day cultural explorations to short, hands-on cooking classes, Hoi An offers a wide spectrum of lunch experiences designed to suit different interests and budgets. If you love history, the Hue Imperial City tour provides a fascinating journey with regional cuisine. For a culinary adventure, the cooking classes are a fantastic way to bring Vietnam’s flavors home. And if you want a relaxing, scenic break, boat rides and countryside tours deliver peace, beauty, and authentic tastes.
No matter what you choose, these experiences highlight the rich culture and warm hospitality that make Hoi An such a special place. To make the most of your trip, consider booking early—many tours fill quickly, especially during peak season. Whatever your style, there’s no better way to enjoy lunch in Hoi An than with a thoughtfully curated tour that combines history, culture, and delicious food.