Nha Trang isn’t just about beaches and sunshine; it’s also a fantastic place to explore local markets and authentic shopping experiences. Unlike many tourist spots, the city offers immersive ways to taste, see, and feel Vietnamese culture—especially through its cooking classes and night markets. We particularly love how some tours include visits to local craft villages or hidden bars, giving you a well-rounded taste of the city beyond its shoreline.
If you want to truly understand Nha Trang’s unique character, these shopping and market tours promise lively, hands-on adventures that bring you face-to-face with local life. Whether it’s learning to cook Vietnamese dishes, hunting for souvenirs at night markets, or discovering artisan crafts, each experience offers a different window into this vibrant city.
Quick Overview
Our list includes three top-rated tours that each provide a different way to enjoy Nha Trang’s markets and shopping scenes: a countryside cooking class with visits to markets and local workshops, a combined cooking and craft village tour, and an exciting nightlife experience with secret bars and the bustling night market. All three are designed to give you a more authentic taste of Vietnam.
Now, let’s dive into what makes each of these tours special, and see which one fits your travel style best.
1. Viet Garden Cooking Class (Countryside and Market tour)
At number 1, the Viet Garden Cooking Class combines a culinary lesson with a tour of the local countryside. For $75 per person, you spend about 6 hours immersed in Vietnam’s farming, food, and local markets. The tour starts with a visit to mat weavers, a noodle factory, and a bakery, offering insight into traditional Vietnamese livelihoods. You’ll explore a vegetable and herb garden, picking fresh ingredients for your cooking.
What makes this tour stand out is its hands-on approach and the chance to experience rural Vietnam firsthand. Along a scenic country road, you’ll enjoy local coffee and coconut juice, easily feeling like a local yourself. The highlight is shopping at a local market for ingredients—an authentic way to see what’s available seasonally—and then cooking three Vietnamese dishes with guidance from your chef, Mr. Dat. The reviews praise the personal touch, with visitors calling it “the highlight of their visit” and “a cozy, informative day,” making it perfect for food lovers and curious travelers alike.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a well-rounded, immersive experience into Vietnamese countryside life and cuisine, ideal for those who want a memorable and tasty hands-on adventure.
2. Nha Trang: Cooking Class, Market Tour, and Craft Village
For around $47, the Nha Trang: Cooking Class, Market Tour, and Craft Village combines culinary skills with artisan crafts. This tour is excellent for travelers interested in local markets and artisanal crafts. It starts with visiting a vibrant local market, where you’ll select fresh ingredients, then harvest herbs and vegetables directly from the garden—an immersive way to understand Vietnam’s fresh-food culture.
The tour also includes a visit to a traditional craft village, where artisans create pottery, textiles, or woodwork, giving you a glimpse of Vietnam’s handmade traditions. Afterward, you’ll cook authentic dishes and enjoy your meal while sharing stories with the locals. Unlike the countryside tour, this experience emphasizes artisanal skills and local produce, making it a great pick for those wanting a broader cultural experience.
Bottom Line: If you’re keen on combining Vietnamese cuisine with craft and traditional artistry, this tour offers a well-rounded day of tasting, shopping, and learning.
$47 per person
3. Nha Trang: Nightlife Tour with Secret Bars and Night Market
For an altogether different experience, the Nha Trang: Nightlife Tour with Secret Bars and Night Market is perfect for night owls and those wanting to see the city after dark. Priced at $32, this tour takes you around the Tram Huong Tower, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the city, then into two hidden bars—places you’d never find on your own.
The tour continues at the Nha Trang Night Market, where you can browse stalls for souvenirs, snacks, and street food. The lively atmosphere makes this a fun, informal way to experience local nightlife and city energy. Many reviews mention how much fun it is to explore secret bars and mingle with locals in the bustling market setting. The combination of city views, hidden bars, and street food makes it a good choice for travelers who want a relaxed yet lively evening.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for those wanting to experience Nha Trang’s nightlife scene—perfect if you enjoy socializing, sampling street food, and discovering local hangouts.
$32 per person
How to Choose
Choosing between these options depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you want to spend. If you’re passionate about cooking and rural culture, the Viet Garden Cooking Class offers a full-day hands-on experience. For travelers eager to combine culinary skills with a peek into artisan crafts, the Craft Village tour provides a varied cultural day. If your focus is on evening entertainment and exploring the city’s lively night markets and secret bars, the Nightlife Tour is your best bet.
Be sure to book early, especially during peak seasons, and consider your fitness level—some tours involve walking through markets and uneven terrain. Also, think about your budget: the nightlife tour is the most affordable, but the countryside cooking class offers a more in-depth, full-day experience.
Final Thoughts
Nha Trang offers a diverse range of shopping and market experiences, from culinary classes and craft visits to night market explorations. The countryside cooking class combines rural immersion with delicious food and is perfect for those wanting an authentic taste of Vietnam’s food culture. Meanwhile, the craft village tour suits travelers interested in traditional arts, and the nightlife tour is great for a lively evening soaking up the city’s energetic vibe.
For travelers who want a meaningful, memorable look at local life, these tours deliver. Consider what kind of experience suits your style—whether it’s cooking, shopping, or socializing—and book early to secure your spot. With so many options, Nha Trang can serve up a full plate of authentic, fun shopping and market adventures.