Hoi An isn’t just a picture-perfect town with lantern-lit streets and ancient architecture. It’s also a hub for interactive workshops and classes where you can get your hands dirty, learn new skills, and take home memorable souvenirs. Whether you want to craft your own lantern, master Vietnamese coffee, or cook a traditional meal, Hoi An offers options that cater to all interests. Among the highlights, the Vietnamese Lantern Making Class (which consistently earns a 4.9/5 rating based on more than 2,600 reviews) is a must-do for anyone wanting to connect with local culture through a fun, hands-on craft. Meanwhile, the Coffee Culture and Coffee Making Class lets you sample and create a variety of authentic Vietnamese brews, making it perfect for caffeine lovers.
If you’re looking to go beyond just sightseeing, these experiences offer genuine immersion. They are perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families looking to add an authentic touch to their trip. And with options ranging from quick 1-hour workshops to full-day adventures, there’s something for every schedule and budget.
Quick Overview
In this list, you’ll find 15 of the best workshops and classes in Hoi An. These include lantern making, Vietnamese coffee crafting, market tours combined with cooking, and basket boat adventures. Each offers a distinct way to experience local life and traditions, from making your own colorful lanterns to mastering recipes handed down through generations. Many tours feature small group sizes, local guides, and hands-on activities, ensuring you get an authentic and personal experience. Now, let’s explore each one in detail.
1. Hoi An: Vietnamese Foldable Lantern Making Class
At number 1, this Lantern Making Class is a hit, earning 4.9/5 from more than 2,600 reviews. For around $10, you’ll spend 1.5 to 2.5 hours learning how to craft a foldable lantern—a symbol of luck and happiness in Vietnam. The workshop uses silk, bamboo, and other traditional materials, with instructors guiding you through bending bamboo and folding the lantern into a compact, portable shape. Many visitors comment on the friendly, informative guides and the joy of creating something both beautiful and meaningful. You’ll leave with your own hand-made lantern, perfect as a souvenir or gift.
This class is suitable for all ages, and its short duration makes it a practical activity even on a busy day. The only downside might be the limited time to perfect your craft, but that doesn’t stop the fun. If you want to add a colorful, cultural keepsake to your trip, this is a top choice.
Bottom Line: Fun, affordable, and culturally enriching, this lantern workshop offers a hands-on introduction to Hoi An’s iconic craft.
2. Hoi An: Vietnamese Coffee Culture and Coffee Making Class
Number 2 on our list is the Vietnamese Coffee Culture and Coffee Making Class, rated 4.9/5 from over 2,300 reviews. For just $14, you’ll spend 2 hours learning how to brew four authentic Vietnamese coffees, including Ha Noi egg coffee and coconut coffee. The local guide shares stories behind Vietnam’s coffee obsession and guides you through the process from crop to cup. You’ll get to try making and tasting each style, then take home your new skills to impress friends back home.
Reviewers often mention the friendly family-run atmosphere and the high-quality coffee, which is both delicious and educational. It’s perfect for coffee lovers or anyone curious about Vietnam’s famous café culture. The workshop’s affordability and focus on practical skills make it a standout experience.
Bottom Line: A delicious, educational journey into Vietnam’s coffee traditions—an ideal activity for caffeine enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.
3. From Hoi An: Market Tour, Basket Boat Ride and Cooking Class
Number 3 combines multiple experiences into one, rated 4.8/5 based on over 2,200 reviews. For $17, you’ll visit a bustling local market, explore a coconut palm forest by bamboo basket boat, and participate in a hands-on cooking class. This tour gives a real taste of rural Vietnam, with vendors haggling over exotic ingredients and you learning to cook traditional dishes. The basket boat ride is a highlight, offering a glimpse into rural life and the ecosystem of water coconut trees.
Travelers love the mix of cultural sights and culinary fun, with many noting the lively market visit and the delicious dishes they create. The tour’s modest price and variety make it a good value, especially for those wanting an immersive experience.
Bottom Line: An engaging blend of market shopping, rural boat rides, and cooking, suitable for those who want to see and taste Vietnamese life firsthand.
4. Hoi An: Eco Tour Cooking Class & Fishing
Coming in at number 4, this Eco Tour combines local market visits, fishing, and a Vietnamese cooking class in a quiet rural setting. For $29, spend about 4.5 hours learning to cook traditional dishes with a small group. The tour includes a coconut forest visit, river fishing with traditional techniques, and a hands-on cooking session, plus transportation from Hoi An.
The guide’s personalized attention and the unique combination of fishing and cooking make this experience stand out. Many reviews praise the friendly hosts and the opportunity to learn practical skills, with some noting that the class is very hands-on. The tour offers great value for those wanting a comprehensive rural experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for culinary adventurers and rural life enthusiasts, offering an authentic taste of Vietnam’s countryside.
5. Visit Local Market, Coconut Basket Boat Ride and Cooking Class
Rated a perfect 5.0/5 from 400+ reviews, this full-day adventure ($26.10) dives deep into Vietnamese culture with a local market visit, basket boat ride, and culinary lesson. You’ll learn to pound rice, grind rice into rice milk, and make rice paper, all before setting out on a bamboo boat through Cam Thanh village. The day concludes with a feast of Vietnamese dishes you prepared yourself.
Reviewers highlight the fun of shopping and cooking, and the immersive nature of the tour. It’s ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, hands-on experience with plenty of local interaction.
Bottom Line: An intensive cultural and culinary day, best suited for those wanting to fully engage with Vietnamese food and rural life.
6. Traditional Cooking Class with Basket Boat Ride and Market Tour
This 3.5-hour class (rated 5.0/5 from 384 reviews) blends a local market walk, basket boat adventure, and cooking lesson in the countryside. For $34, you’ll explore a market, take a river cruise, ride in a water buffalo cart, and learn to cook Vietnamese dishes. The tour also includes a relaxing shoulder massage and vegetarian options.
Guests appreciate the diverse activities packed into a half-day, although some mention the class can feel a bit rushed. It’s ideal for travelers seeking variety and rural scenery.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded experience mixing culture, cuisine, and relaxation, suited for active travelers interested in a full rural immersion.
7. Vietnamese Culture and Coffee Making Class
Number 7 combines Vietnamese coffee and culture insights into a 2-hour class rated 5.0/5 from 367 reviews. For around $15, learn to make five different coffees, including egg coffee, while discovering how French colonization shaped Vietnam’s coffee scene. The instructor shares intriguing stories, and you’ll get to sample your creations.
Reviewers enjoy the friendly family atmosphere and the detailed explanations. It’s a fantastic choice for those wanting a deep cultural dive into Vietnamese coffee traditions.
Bottom Line: An engaging workshop that combines brewing skills with cultural storytelling—great for coffee lovers and cultural explorers.
8. Hoi An: Basket Boat Ride, Cooking Class by Hangcoconut
Rated 4.8/5 from 447 reviews, this 3-hour class offers a basket boat adventure, cooking lesson, and insight into the water coconut ecosystem for about $17. Visitors love riding the boats, learning crab-catching, and making Vietnamese dishes with a local chef. The guide’s helpfulness and the fun atmosphere stand out.
It’s perfect for families or anyone wanting a quick, active, and food-focused experience. Some mention the boat ride is particularly enjoyable.
Bottom Line: An action-packed, family-friendly option combining water, food, and countryside scenery.
9. Hoi An: Local Foldable Lantern-Making Class with Locals
Rated 4.9/5 from nearly 300 reviews, this 1-hour lantern-making class offers a hands-on opportunity to craft your own colorful lantern, believed to bring luck. For just $8, you pick your colors, decorate, and take home a unique souvenir.
Reviewers love how patient and friendly the instructors are, and many find the activity relaxing and meaningful. It’s suitable for all ages, especially if you want a quick but memorable cultural craft.
Bottom Line: Quick, meaningful, and affordable—ideal for a family activity or a simple cultural keepsake.
10. Express Hoi An Lantern Making Class-Foldable lanterns
At number 10, this Express Lantern Making Class offers a 1-hour session with the chance to make a foldable lantern you can pack in your bag. Rated 5.0/5 and costing around $11, this activity emphasizes quick craftsmanship and fun.
Guests rave about the friendly staff and the detailed tips included. It’s perfect for those short on time but eager to create a meaningful souvenir.
Bottom Line: A fast, enjoyable activity that produces a practical, portable lantern—and makes for a fun story to tell.
11. Full Experience Tour: Cooking Class & Basket Boat at Eco-Village
Number 11 offers a full-day culture for $52, rated 5.0/5 from 181 reviews. You’ll explore a family farm, ride a bike and buffalo, learn rice-paper making, and cook with the Hoang family. The experience ends with a traditional Vietnamese meal shared together.
Guests describe the tour as “like visiting family”, with personalized attention and a variety of activities. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive rural experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a full, authentic day of local life, cooking, and countryside scenery.
12. Hoi An/Da Nang: Vietnamese Cooking Class with Transportation
Rated 4.9/5 from 227 reviews, this cooking class ($22) includes transportation and teaches you four traditional dishes. It’s suitable for families or anyone wanting to learn practical recipes in a relaxed environment.
Reviewers highlight the friendly, clear instruction and the delicious food they made. It’s great for travelers who want a mix of cultural learning and culinary skills without a full-day commitment.
Bottom Line: A straightforward, enjoyable cooking experience with added convenience of transport—ideal for busy schedules.
13. Hoi An: Traditional Cooking Class & meal with Local Family
Rated 4.9/5 from 221 reviews, this 3-3.5 hour class for $22 offers a hands-on cooking lesson with a local family in Cam Thanh. You’ll learn authentic recipes, pick fresh ingredients, and enjoy a meal you prepare yourself.
Guests praise its relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with local culture. It’s perfect for foodies looking for an intimate experience.
Bottom Line: Authentic, family-run cooking experience that results in a delicious meal and lasting memories.
14. Hoi An Basket Boat, Lantern Making And Cooking Class Tour
Rated 5.0/5 from 151 reviews, this half-day tour blends basket boat riding, lantern making, and cooking. For $30, you’ll start with a market visit, then ride a basket boat, learn to make lanterns, and cook Vietnamese dishes.
Reviewers love the variety packed into this experience, especially the boat ride and lantern craft. It’s ideal for those wanting multiple activities with minimal fuss.
Bottom Line: An all-in-one rural adventure blending culture, craft, and cuisine—great for active travelers.
15. Bay Mau Cooking Class with Market Tour and Basket Boat Ride
Finally, the Bay Mau Cooking Class offers a 5-hour experience including a market tour, basket boat ride, and cooking lesson for about $27. You’ll learn to make four dishes, including the iconic Pho, in a scenic stilt house.
Guests appreciate the detailed instructions and the scenic river views. It’s suitable for food lovers wanting an extensive, immersive experience.
Bottom Line: Long, comprehensive cooking tour with scenic touches—a great choice for dedicated foodies.
How to Choose the Right Workshop or Class in Hoi An
When selecting your perfect experience, consider your budget, time availability, and specific interests. For a quick cultural souvenir, the Lantern Making Class or the Express Lantern Workshop are great options. If you’re passionate about food, the full-day Eco Tour Cooking & Fishing or Traditional Family Cooking will give you a deep dive into Vietnamese cuisine.
For those interested in Vietnamese coffee, the Coffee Culture Class offers both tastings and skills. And if you want a mix of craft, culture, and countryside scenery, consider the Full Experience Tour.
Booking early, especially during peak season, ensures you secure your spot—these popular workshops fill quickly.
Final Thoughts
From crafting colorful lanterns to learning authentic Vietnamese recipes, Hoi An’s workshops provide a hands-on way to deepen your visit. The city’s rich traditions and welcoming locals make these experiences memorable. For a short but meaningful activity, the lantern or lantern foldable classes are perfect; for those wanting a full culture, the eco tours or family experiences deliver more depth.
No matter your interests, booking one or two of these classes can turn a sightseeing trip into a personal adventure. Dive into local life, learn new skills, and bring home more than just photos—bring home stories, skills, and souvenirs. Be sure to check availability in advance and enjoy your time in this charming town!