Can Tho is a standout for hands-on experiences that go beyond typical sightseeing. Its floating markets, lush countryside, and friendly locals make it an ideal spot for workshops and classes that let you get your hands dirty—or taste deliciously—while learning about Vietnamese culture. We love how many of these tours combine authentic activities with local insight, like learning to cook traditional dishes or exploring vibrant floating markets. Whether you’re a foodie, a curious traveler, or someone who loves cycling in scenic rural areas, Can Tho offers something memorable. These experiences help you connect with Vietnam on a much deeper level than just snapping photos.
Of particular note is the floating market, canal cruise, and cooking class that combines boat rides, tropical fruits, and hands-on cooking in just six hours. It’s a fantastic way to witness local trade and learn how to make Vietnamese dishes yourself. For those wanting to explore the countryside on two wheels, the biking and rural cooking tour offers fresh air, scenic paths, and a peaceful village atmosphere. If your schedule is tight but you still want a taste of local life, the shorter market and cooking class is an affordable, engaging option.
1. Can Tho: Floating Market, Canals, Garden & Cooking Class
At number 1 on our list, this 6-hour immersive tour offers a perfect introduction to the Mekong Delta’s vibrant trade and lush scenery. The experience kicks off at Cai Rang Floating Market at sunrise, where boats laden with produce and goods craft a lively scene. You’ll have the chance to savor local noodle soup on a traditional sampan and take a peaceful long-tail boat ride through scenic canals, away from the throngs of travelers.
What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to visit a tropical garden where you taste fresh fruits and tea in serene surroundings. Then, the highlight: learning to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes, including steamed leaf cakes—an experience that lets you take a piece of Vietnam home. The guide is praised for being knowledgeable and personable, with reviews emphasizing the personal touch and local insights. The value is excellent at $26 per person, especially given the 6-hour duration and multiple activities.
This tour suits travelers eager to see real Mekong life, enjoy authentic food, and explore the canals without the crowds. The only caveat: check the availability for your preferred start time, as sunrise tours are popular.
Bottom line: A well-rounded, authentic experience blending floating markets, gardens, and cooking that offers great value and a genuine taste of the Mekong Delta.
2. Can Tho Cooking Class in the countryside – Vegetarian available
At number 2, this 4 to 5-hour hands-on cooking class emphasizes Vietnamese cuisine in the tranquil countryside. The tour begins with a scenic village ride to a lush rural area, perfect for those wanting to escape the city. You’ll visit My Khanh Market, where your guide helps you select ingredients while sharing tips about local produce. This lively, authentic market visit sets the stage for the cooking part.
The focus here is on traditional Vietnamese dishes, with the chance to prepare and cook in a local setting. The class is praised for its authenticity and local atmosphere, with reviews highlighting the friendliness of the guides and the delicious results. The option for vegetarian cooking is a bonus for plant-based eaters. The cost of $35 offers good value, considering the rural setting and personalized experience.
Ideal for food lovers who want to learn cooking in an authentic village environment and enjoy fresh ingredients straight from the market. The relaxed pace and scenic surroundings make it perfect for a memorable half-day activity.
Bottom line: Authentic, engaging, and delicious—this class is ideal for travelers eager to learn Vietnamese cuisine in a peaceful rural setting.
3. Biking and Cooking Class in Can Tho Rural
Number 3 on our list is a 4-hour tour that combines rural biking with a cooking class. You’ll start with a pickup from your hotel and head to a garden outside the city, where you visit a fruit garden filled with local produce. The cycling trail takes you through scenic, peaceful countryside, where you can enjoy fresh air and see local life up close.
After working up an appetite, you’ll stay on-site to join a hands-on cooking class, preparing traditional Vietnamese dishes. The experience is praised for its authenticity and relaxed atmosphere, with reviews mentioning how enjoyable the bike ride and the delicious meal are. At $32, it’s a good value for a half-day adventure that combines physical activity with culture.
This tour is perfect for active travelers who want to experience both local rural life on two wheels and learn to cook in an informal setting. The only drawback might be the physical activity, which could be a consideration for those with mobility issues.
Bottom line: A well-balanced experience blending cycling and culinary skills, great for those looking to combine physical activity with cultural learning.
4. Cai Rang Floating Market & Cooking Class In Local’s House
Number 4 is a more personal experience—cooking in a local’s house combined with a floating market visit. This tour, priced at $166, takes you inside a local family’s home after exploring the bustling Cai Rang Floating Market. You’ll watch boats exchanging goods at dawn then participate in a traditional cooking class. The focus is on making authentic Vietnamese dishes in a homely setting.
What sets this experience apart is the chance to connect directly with local hosts and experience village life firsthand. The floating market is lively, and you’ll get to see large boats filled with fresh vegetables and fruits. The tour also includes a cycling trip through village roads, adding a poetic touch to the morning.
While the price is higher than other options, the intimate, familial atmosphere and authentic cooking make it worthwhile. It’s perfect for travelers seeking personalized culture and a chance to learn traditional recipes in a relaxed, homely environment.
Bottom line: A special opportunity to combine floating market sights with a heartfelt cooking lesson in a local home—ideal for those wanting an intimate experience.
$166 per person
5. Can Tho: Cooking Class – Flavors of the Delta
Number 5 offers a 5-hour deep dive into the flavors of Can Tho, emphasizing local market visits and home-cooked meals. With hotel pickup included from various locations, this tour is quite convenient. You’ll explore a food market, then participate in a cooking session with a local chef, preparing traditional dishes that you’ll enjoy afterward.
The highlight is the interactive experience—not simply observing, but actively learning about ingredients and techniques. Guests praise the friendly guides and the chance to taste the dishes in a relaxed setting. The price of $44 is reasonable for the full experience, which includes both market exploration and culinary education.
This class suits travelers who want a comprehensive food experience in Can Tho, combining local culture and cuisine with ease of logistics. It’s ideal for those who value guided tours with flexible pickup options.
Bottom line: A comprehensive, well-organized cooking experience perfect for those wanting to enjoy local flavors with minimal fuss.
$44 per person
6. Cai Rang Floating Market Tour And Cooking Class
Number 6 brings you to the largest floating market in the Mekong, with a rustic, authentic feel. For around $60, you’ll be picked up at Ninh Kieu Wharf, then cruise through Cai Rang, enjoying breakfast on the boat. You’ll experience the bustling trade firsthand and then visit a market to pick ingredients for your hands-on cooking class.
What makes this tour special is the combination of floating market sightseeing with personal participation in cooking traditional Vietnamese dishes. The guide helps you shop for ingredients, making it a true cultural exchange. The tour lasts around six hours, balancing boat rides, market visits, and cooking.
It’s suited for travelers who love boat trips and want to learn local cooking techniques in a relaxed atmosphere. The only potential downside is that the price is slightly higher, but the authentic experience justifies the cost.
Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting a full-day, immersive experience with both sightseeing and hands-on cooking in a less commercial setting.
$59.57 per person
7. Can Tho: Vietnamese Cooking Class with Lunch
Number 7 offers a focused cooking class that lasts around 2.5 hours, with options for hotel pickup from multiple locations. You’ll visit a local market, then learn to cook iconic dishes with a talented local chef. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch of the dishes you prepared.
This class is perfect for cuisine enthusiasts who want a shorter, engaging experience that ends with a meal. Guests mention the instructor Pi’s friendly approach and the delicious food as highlights. The price of $48 makes it a good deal for a comprehensive culinary lesson in a relaxed atmosphere.
It’s best suited for travelers with limited time but who still want to learn something authentic and bring recipes home. The class’s intimate setting makes it ideal for small groups or couples.
Bottom line: A high-quality, mid-length cooking class that’s perfect for those wanting a bite-sized but authentic Vietnamese culinary experience.
$48 per person
8. From Ho Chi Minh: Cai Rang Floating Market & Cooking Class
Number 8 is an extensive 12-hour day trip from Ho Chi Minh City, combining floating market visits, cooking classes, and sightseeing. You’ll see Cai Rang’s bustling activity, participate in making Hu Tieu noodles, and visit temples like Ong Pagoda.
This tour is packed with diverse activities—from boat rides to shopping and cultural visits—making it perfect for travelers who want to maximize their Mekong experience in one day. Guests appreciate the comprehensive itinerary and the opportunity to sample local foods and learn cooking techniques all in one trip. The price of $182 reflects the full day’s hassle-free organization and transport.
It’s suited for adventure-minded travelers wanting a full immersion or those with a limited schedule who want to see the highlights in a single day. Keep in mind, it’s a long day, so be prepared for a busy schedule.
Bottom line: A great all-in-one day trip for those eager to see the best of the Mekong in one go, with plenty of cultural and culinary experiences.
$182 per person
9. Ho Chi Minh: Mekong 2D1N-boat-bike-cooking in rural
If you’re staying longer, this two-day tour from Ho Chi Minh offers an immersive experience in the Mekong Delta. You’ll explore dragon fruit plantations, visit Cai Rang, and even discover Lung Ngoc Hoang Bird Sanctuary. The tour combines cycling, boat rides, and cooking with stays in local homestays.
Guests praise this trip for its depth and variety, with opportunities to learn traditional rice noodle and chocolate making. It’s suitable for travelers who want more than a day, emphasizing authenticity and cultural depth. The price of $309 reflects the comprehensive experience, including transportation, accommodation, and activities.
This tour is best suited for adventure travelers or those eager for multiple nights in rural settings. It’s a longer commitment, but perfect for full immersion. The main consideration: it requires a longer time investment and physical activity, such as biking and walking.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for travelers wanting a deep dive into Mekong life, combining multiple activities over two days.
$309 per person
10. Premium Can Tho Floating Cooking Class
Number 10 offers a 6-hour experience centered around the Cai Rang floating market. You’ll cruise the river, visit a traditional noodle factory, and learn to cook Vietnamese dishes. The tour emphasizes local culture, market shopping, and hands-on cooking.
Guests highlight the authentic floating market experience and opportunity to cook with locals as major pluses. The visit to a noodle factory where you can try making rice noodle pizza adds a unique touch. The price of $63 strikes a balance between quality and affordability, with reviews praising the comprehensive and cultural nature of the tour.
This tour suits travelers who want a full and authentic Mekong experience with a focus on local culinary traditions. It’s ideal for those who appreciate immersive, hands-on activities and want to learn specialized techniques.
Bottom line: A well-rounded, culturally rich tour for those eager to combine floating market sights with cooking in an authentic setting.
$63 per person
How to Choose the Right Workshop or Class in Can Tho
When selecting a workshop or class, consider your interests and schedule. If you want a full-day adventure with floating markets, check out Can Tho: Floating Market, Canals, Garden & Cooking Class. If you prefer more active outdoor experiences, the Biking and Cooking Class combines cycling and rural life. For shorter, culinary-focused trips, the Vietnamese Cooking Class with Lunch offers a quick but authentic taste.
Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the more affordable options, while those seeking personalized experiences should consider Cai Rang Floating Market & Cooking in Local’s House. Long-term visitors or serious foodies may want to explore the two-day Mekong Tour, which offers a deeper culture.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred schedule. Be clear about your fitness level and interests—rural biking, cooking, and boat trips all have different demands.
The variety of workshops and classes in Can Tho makes it easy to tailor your experience. Whether you’re eager to learn traditional recipes, explore floating markets, or cycle through scenic countryside, you’ll find a perfect match here. For a taste of authentic Vietnam, these tours deliver genuine insights and delicious moments that you’ll remember long after returning home.