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The 15 Best Workshops & Classes in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City isn’t just about bustling streets and delicious street food — it’s a hub for hands-on experiences that deepen your understanding of Vietnamese culture. Whether you’re into cooking, coffee, or exploring rural life, this city offers options that are practical, authentic, and surprisingly fun. We especially like the Mekong Delta day trip with its combination of cycling, cooking, and boat rides, giving you a taste of local life in a way that feels genuine and relaxing—plus, you get to eat well.
If you're looking to really immerse yourself, the Chef Vu Cooking Class with its market trip offers a perfect blend of shopping and cooking, and the Farm-To-Table classes bring you directly into the countryside for fresh ingredients and farm visits. For something more leisurely, the Vietnamese Coffee Workshops are a delightful way to learn about one of Vietnam’s most beloved beverages. Whatever your interest, Ho Chi Minh City has a class or workshop to suit your style.
Quick Overview of the Top Workshops & Classes
This list covers cooking classes ranging from short experiences to multi-day tours, with options like immersive market tours, farm-to-table cooking, and market visits combined with cooking.
Cultural workshops include Vietnamese coffee, egg coffee, and specialty drinks.
Rural and adventure experiences like the Mekong Delta cycling and cooking tour, and 2-day floating market trip round out the options for those seeking a mix of scenic exploration and culture.
1. Mekong Delta Day Trip: Explore Cycling & Cooking Classes at Farm
This full-day Mekong Delta experience combines cycling through fruit orchards, hands-on cooking lessons, and tranquil boat rides. Starting early from Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll visit Ben Luc, explore the countryside by bike, and learn to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes, including spring rolls and pancakes. It’s a small-group tour rated 5.0/5 from 488 reviews at just over $30 per person, making it excellent value.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on authentic, local life — you’ll visit orchards, see rice fields, and even visit Vinh Trang Pagoda. The highlight is the cooking class with a guide leading you through Vietnamese recipes, topped off with a BBQ lunch. While the journey involves a few hours of bus travel, the pacing is perfect—giving you a comprehensive slice of Mekong life. Reviewers love the mixture of cycling, sightseeing, and food, with comments like “the bike ride & cooking was fun.”
Bottom line: Ideal for active travelers who want a balanced day of sightseeing, cultural insight, and good food.
2. Chef Vu Cooking Class Plus Market Trip in Saigon Center
This hands-on cooking class takes place in the bustling Saigon center and includes a market visit to Ben Thanh Market. For around $46, you get to shop for fresh ingredients, learn Vietnamese cooking techniques, and enjoy a meal you prepare yourself—including classic dishes and ending with egg coffee as dessert. The class is limited to 15 participants, ensuring personalized attention, and the reviews are glowing with perfect ratings.
Chef Vu’s expertise shines as he guides you through selecting ingredients and preparing dishes like spring rolls and Vietnamese barbecue. The experience is as much about learning the culture as it is about food—walking through Ben Thanh Market immerses you in local sights and smells. Guests mention frequent fun and informative moments like knife skills and food decoration.
Bottom line: Perfect for food lovers wanting an interactive, small-group experience with cultural highlights.
3. Immersive Cooking Class & Wet Market Tour – Chef Led w/ Private Cook Stations
Starting at Ho Chi Minh’s iconic Ben Thanh market, this 4-hour class offers a chance to select ingredients and follow a chef across four signature Vietnamese dishes, like spring rolls or goi cuon. You sit at your own cooking station, which makes this class feel personal and engaging. At the end, you taste your own culinary creations and receive a Vietnamese cookbook with 25+ recipes.
Rated 5.0/5 from 352 reviews, guests praise Sarah and Anh for their clear instructions and friendly teaching style. The class is well-organized, with many appreciating the opportunity to learn hands-on and walk away with new skills. The market visit adds a cultural layer, making it more than just a cooking session.
Bottom line: Great for those who want to learn traditional dishes from a professional chef in a relaxed, interactive setting.
4. Fun & Easy Vietnamese Coffee Workshop in Ho Chi Minh City
For coffee fans, this 1.5-hour workshop is hard to beat. Held in central Ho Chi Minh City, it teaches you how to craft three different Vietnamese coffee drinks, from traditional white coffee to salt coffee infused with caramel. All ingredients and equipment are included, and you’ll get to taste all three coffees at the end.
Rated 5.0/5 from 283 reviews, visitors love how easy and informative this workshop is, with a fun, relaxed vibe. The host Vi and Siu share detailed tips, and many mention how they now feel confident making Vietnamese coffee at home. It’s perfect for a quick, tasty taste of local culture.
Bottom line: Ideal for coffee enthusiasts who want a quick, fun, and tasty experience with authentic brewing techniques.
5. Immersive Cooking Class & Market Tour by Local Chef + Cookbook
This 4-hour class combines a market visit with a hands-on cooking lesson led by a local chef. You’ll pick fresh ingredients from the market, then cook three traditional Vietnamese dishes plus dessert. The class also includes an elegant Vietnamese cookbook with over 25 recipes, making it easy to recreate your favorites at home. Rated 4.8/5 from 426 reviews, it’s praised for the quality of instruction and authentic ingredients.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a comprehensive cultural and culinary experience with take-home recipes.
6. Small-group 2-Day Mekong Delta: Floating Market, Cooking Class…
For travelers with more time, this two-day Mekong Delta tour offers a deep dive into local life. Highlights include exploring Cai Rang Floating Market, visiting villages, and staying overnight in a homestay. Meals and all transport are included, and reviews are stellar—many mention it as a “great introduction” with “well-organized” activities. The itinerary packs in visits to brick kilns, coconut candy workshops, and boat rides.
Bottom line: Best suited for those wanting an authentic, multi-day experience and a thorough look at Mekong life.
7. Decadent Vietnamese “Egg Coffee” Workshop in Ho Chi Minh City
This short, sweet workshop walks you through the creation of Vietnam’s famous egg coffee—rich, whipped egg yolk on sweetened condensed milk. Held in a cozy shop, it lasts about 90 minutes. You learn about the coffee’s history and make your own, then enjoy your creation with cocoa-coated cashews. Rated 5.0/5 from 145 reviews, it’s perfect for a quick cultural indulgence.
Bottom line: A must-do for coffee lovers wanting a unique, hands-on experience in a relaxed setting.
8. Experience Half-day Cooking Class with Market Visit
This beginners-friendly class lasts around 4 hours and covers dishes from Vietnam’s three regions. It includes a visit to Ben Thanh Market (except for evening classes) and ends with a delicious meal of what you cook. The class is praised for its clear instructions and practical recipes, suitable for cooks of all levels.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want a quick, comprehensive introduction to Vietnamese cuisine with a local market experience.
9. Vietnamese Cooking Class and Cu Chi Tunnels Tour from Ho Chi Minh City
A full-day adventure combining culinary skills with history. After a cooking class with a master chef, you’ll visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, exploring the underground network used during the Vietnam War. The tour includes a hearty lunch and visits to a rubber plantation. At 9.5 hours, it’s long but rewarding, with reviews highlighting the memorable experience of combining culture, food, and history.
Bottom line: Perfect for history buffs who want to learn how to cook and explore wartime Vietnam.
10. Ho Chi Minh City: Fun and Easy Coffee Workshop for Beginners
Similar to the earlier coffee experience, this fun workshop teaches you three brews using simple methods like the phin filter. It lasts about 1.5 hours and includes tastings of Bạc Xá»u, Cà Phê Muối, and other specialties. Rated 4.9/5 from 98 reviews, it’s a lively introduction to Vietnam’s coffee culture.
Bottom line: Great for coffee beginners who want a quick, interactive session in a friendly setting.
11. Farm-to-Table Healthy Cooking Class in Ho Chi Minh City
This 6.5-hour farm-to-table experience involves visiting a farm, picking fresh herbs and vegetables, then cooking four healthy dishes with a master chef. The focus is on simple, nutritious cooking techniques. Reviewers praise the experience as “lovely,” noting the insights into organic herbs and traditional flavors. This class is suited for health-conscious travelers who want fresh ingredients and practical skills.
Bottom line: Excellent for those seeking a longer, immersive farm experience combined with cooking.
12. Cooking Class with Ben Thanh Market Visit
This 4-hour class starts with a guided tour of Ben Thanh Market, then moves into a kitchen where you prepare a three-course meal. It’s a well-paced experience with positive reviews highlighting the fun, easy-to-follow recipes. You’ll learn about Vietnamese ingredients firsthand.
Bottom line: Best for visitors wanting a balanced mix of market exploration and hands-on cooking.
13. Unique Farm to Table Cooking Class in Saigon
This 6.5-hour class includes a visit to an organic farm to collect ingredients before cooking four traditional dishes. The instructor, Chef Linh, emphasizes local, fresh produce and includes a farm tour. It’s perfect for serious foodies interested in farm-to-table concepts and organic ingredients.
Bottom line: Designed for those who want an authentic agricultural and culinary experience.
14. Hands-On Vietnamese Cooking Lesson in Small Group
In this 3-hour class, you cook a three-course meal with a talented local chef. The class is small, allowing for detailed instruction, and focuses on traditional Vietnamese dishes. Many reviews mention the friendly atmosphere and the enjoyment of creating and tasting the dishes.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a quick, personal, and practical cooking experience.
15. Unique Farm to Table Cooking Class with Top Chef in Vietnam
Led by Master Chef Tan, this 7.5-hour experience combines farming, cooking, and life lessons. Chef Tan’s background as a doctor, farmer, and culinary expert makes this class stand out. It includes a farm tour, cooking four dishes, and inspiring stories about “nothing is impossible.” It’s best for adventurous travelers seeking a transformative and meaningful experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for those interested in holistic learning and top-tier culinary guidance.
How to Choose the Right Workshop or Class in Ho Chi Minh City
When deciding between these options, consider your interest level and time availability. Want an authentic farm-to-table experience? The Farm-To-Table classes (see here) and Unique farm experience (here) are excellent choices. If your focus is culinary skills and local market insight, the Chef Vu Cooking Class (here) or the Market & Cooking classes (here) fit well.
For coffee lovers, the workshops (here, here) are short and sweet, offering quick insights into Vietnam’s beloved brew. Budget-wise, most classes hover around $20–$50, offering great value for authentic experiences. Longer tours like the 2-day Mekong (here) require more time but reward you with deeper immersion.
Remember to book early, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot in these popular workshops.
Final Thoughts
Ho Chi Minh City offers a variety of workshops and classes that cater to culinary enthusiasts, coffee aficionados, and curious explorers alike. Whether you want to master Vietnamese dishes, sip traditional coffee, or learn about farm-to-table practices, there’s an experience waiting for you. The Mekong Delta cycling and cooking tour is excellent for outdoor lovers, while the market-based classes are perfect for those wanting local flavor.
For a short visit, the egg coffee workshop or the half-day cooking class provide quick but rich insights. For longer stays, the 2-day Mekong tour or the farm-to-table classes offer memorable, immersive adventures. Whatever you choose, booking in advance ensures you won’t miss out on these authentic, practical experiences that will leave you with skills — and stories — to enjoy long after your trip ends.