Hoi An: Cam Thanh Cooking Class & My Son Sanctuary Day Tour

This full-day journey through central Vietnam is designed for travelers eager to combine culture with hands-on experiences. For $68, you’ll spend around 9 hours exploring local markets, learning to cook traditional dishes in a rural village, discovering the ancient Cham ruins at My Son, and cruising along the Thu Bon River at sunset. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, this tour offers a friendly, authentic taste of local life.

What we love most about this experience is how it balances culinary traditions with historical exploration. First, the chance to shop at a bustling market with your guide provides genuine insights into local ingredients and culinary customs. Second, the boat ride at sunset offers a wonderfully relaxing way to see the city from the river, with a perfect view of the sunset over Hoi An.

A potential consideration is the schedule—covering so many sites in one day means a fairly packed itinerary, so travelers who prefer slow-paced sightseeing might find it a bit full. This tour is best suited for curious travelers who want a well-rounded, engaging day of cultural discovery, good food, and scenic views, all with the comfort of a private group.

Key Points

Authentic Market Experience: Shop with your guide and see local ingredients firsthand.
Hands-On Cooking: Learn to prepare Vietnamese dishes in a rural setting.
Historical Insight: Discover the ancient ruins of My Son with an expert guide.
Scenic River Views: Enjoy a boat trip on Thu Bon River at sunset.
All-Inclusive Value: Hotel transfers, entrance fees, and lunch included.
Group Size: Private group, ensuring personalized attention.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

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Starting the Day: From Hoi An to the Market

The tour kicks off early with a pickup from your hotel in Hoi An or Da Nang, traveling comfortably in a private vehicle. We appreciated the punctual and friendly pickup, setting a relaxed tone for the day.

Our guide, whose enthusiasm and local knowledge shone through, took us to a bustling market around 8:30 am. This is where the real magic happens—meeting local sellers, hearing their stories, and seeing the vibrant colors and aromas of fresh herbs, spices, and tropical fruits. It’s a lively scene that provides context for the ingredients you’ll later use in your cooking class.

One quote we noted from a fellow traveler: “Seeing the market through the guide’s eyes made me appreciate Vietnamese cuisine even more.” It’s a genuine, behind-the-scenes look that adds depth to the culinary experience.

Cooking in Cam Thanh Village

Around 11:00 am, we transferred to Cam Thanh Village, either by car or boat—depending on the day’s schedule—offering a scenic drive or gentle boat ride through rice paddies and coconut groves. The lush landscape, filled with water and coconut trees, makes for a peaceful backdrop.

Once at the village, we were welcomed with a refreshing drink and given time to relax before jumping into the cooking. The cooking class itself was truly hands-on. Our chef explained each step clearly, guiding us through the preparation of several local dishes. We loved how the class took place in a rustic setting, connecting us directly to the environment where Vietnamese food is made daily.

One participant commented, “The chef was very patient, and I learned so much about ingredients I’d never heard of before.” After cooking, we sat down together and enjoyed our creations—an authentic meal that tasted just as good as it looked.

Afternoon Exploration: My Son Sanctuary

Post-lunch, we headed straight to My Son Sanctuary, about a 1.5-hour drive from the village. This UNESCO World Heritage site features the remains of ancient Cham temples dating back to the 4th century. Our guide, Emily, provided engaging stories about the Champa Kingdom, adding rich context to the ruins.

We spent around two hours walking through the landscape, exploring the temples and learning about the history behind the site. The traditional Cham dance performance, set against the ruins, was a highlight—its rhythmic music and graceful movements made the history come alive.

From the reviews, travelers enjoyed the chance to visualize the ancient civilization that once thrived here. One said, “The guide’s explanations really helped me understand the significance of the site—it’s worth the visit.”

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Sunset Boat Ride on Thu Bon River

As the afternoon winds down, we returned to Hoi An for a scenic boat trip along the Thu Bon River. Boarding around 16:30, the gentle breeze and calm waters made for a peaceful ride. We loved the views of Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets from the water, especially as the sun began to set.

The boat ride offers a glimpse into everyday life along the river, with local people working, fishing, and socializing along the banks. The stunning sunset over the river created perfect photo opportunities, making this a memorable part of the tour.

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Return and Drop-Off

By 18:00, we arrived back in Hoi An, where our guide arranged for the private transfer back to our hotel in Da Nang or Hoi An. The day wrapped up comfortably, leaving us with plenty of stories and photos to reflect on.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s value is solid—your fee of $68 covers hotel transfers, all entrance fees (including Cam Thanh Coconut Jungle), a basket boat ride, your cooking class, lunch, and a boat trip. Plus, bottled water is provided.

Keep in mind, the My Son entrance fee (150,000 VND) is extra if you want to explore independently, but the guide’s inclusion of a detailed history and performance makes the visit worthwhile. Optional pick-up fees are available if your hotel is outside the standard area.

Practical Tips

Bring comfortable shoes for walking, sun protection, and your camera—this tour is photo-friendly. Note that luggage or large bags are not allowed on the boat or at the sites, so pack light.

Accessibility

This experience isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchairs, given the uneven terrain at My Son and the rural setting of the cooking class.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers an impressive combination of culinary discovery, cultural history, and scenic relaxation. The small group setting ensures you receive personalized attention, and the guides’ knowledge enhances every stop. The experience of shopping at a local market, cooking with Vietnamese flavors, and exploring ancient ruins all in one day creates a well-rounded understanding of central Vietnam.

While the schedule is busy, it’s perfect for travelers who want a meaningful taste of the region without feeling rushed. It’s especially good for first-time visitors looking for an active, educational, and delicious day out.

If you’re fascinated by local traditions, enjoy authentic food experiences, and want scenic views along a classic river in Vietnam, this tour will serve you well. And with the balance of guided insights and hands-on activities, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for what makes central Vietnam truly special.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or people with food allergies?
Yes, the food ingredients can be adapted depending on dietary preferences or allergies, but it’s best to inform the guide beforehand.

What is the duration of the entire tour?
The tour lasts about 9 hours, starting around 7:30 am and ending around 7:00 pm, depending on your pick-up location and pace.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, your hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the price, along with transportation to each site during the day.

How much time is spent at My Son Sanctuary?
You’ll have around 2 hours to explore the site, walk through the ruins, and enjoy the Cham dance performance.

Are tickets for My Son included?
No, the entrance fee (150,000 VND per person) is not included but can be paid on-site if you wish to explore independently.

What makes the boat trip special?
The boat ride offers a tranquil view of Hoi An from the water, with lovely sunset scenery and insight into daily life along the Thu Bon River.

Can I join this tour if I have limited mobility?
No, this experience isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to uneven terrain and site accessibility.

This thoughtfully designed tour combines the best of Vietnamese cuisine, history, and scenery—making it ideal for curious, active travelers eager to deepen their understanding of this captivating region.