Vegetarian Cooking Class & Basket Boat from Hoi An

A delightful taste of Vietnam’s culinary and cultural charms awaits you in this 4.5-hour experience combining a vegetarian cooking class with an exciting basket boat ride near Hoi An’s tranquil water coconut village. For just $30 per person, you get to explore local markets, learn traditional recipes, and navigate the scenic waterways on bamboo baskets.

What we love most? First, the chance to shop and bargain in a lively market, which offers a real slice of daily Vietnamese life. Second, the basket boat ride through the Bay Mau coconut forest is a uniquely fun way to see the water-topped landscape and watch fishermen in action.

A small point to consider is that pickup and drop-off are limited to certain hotels or require an extra fee. If you’re staying outside the designated areas, you’ll want to arrange transport or be prepared for the additional cost.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy hands-on cultural experiences—whether you’re a foodie eager to master Vietnamese dishes or someone looking for a mix of scenery, local life, and cooking fun. It’s especially well-suited for those who prefer a relaxed pace with plenty of authentic interaction.

Key Points

• Authentic Market Experience: Shop, sell, and bargain like a local in Hoi An’s bustling food markets.
• Scenic Waterway Adventure: Navigate the lush Bay Mau coconut forest on traditional bamboo basket boats.
• Learn to Cook Vietnamese Classics: Prepare four genuine dishes, including spring rolls and rice pancakes, under expert guidance.
• All-Inclusive Price: Includes all equipment, ingredients, transportation, and a generous lunch.
• Flexible Scheduling: Available as a morning or afternoon activity, with flexible cancellation policies.
• Extra Costs: Be aware of additional charges for pickup outside certain hotels and on specific holidays.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

Starting with the Market

Our journey begins with a pickup from your hotel in Hoi An, where a friendly guide will introduce you to the day’s adventure. The visit to a local market is a highlight — it’s more than just shopping; it’s a glimpse into Vietnam’s daily life. We loved the way our guide explained the ingredients and encouraged us to bargain, a skill that adds a layer of authenticity to your experience.

You can expect to see vibrant stalls bursting with fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices, giving you a sensory overload of sights and smells. One traveler commented that “bargaining here felt like an art form, and it was fun to get involved.” Picking out ingredients yourself makes the subsequent cooking feel more personal and rewarding.

Exploring Cam Thanh’s Coconut Village

Next, a short drive takes you to Cam Thanh, a peaceful village famous for its coconut forests and water-based traditions. Here, the real fun begins with the basket boat ride. These small, bamboo vessels are traditional fishing tools, and riding them offers a unique perspective of the water coconut forest.

You’ll see fishermen catching crabs or throwing fishing nets — a lively scene that connects you with local livelihoods. Watching a basket boat performance adds an entertaining touch, showcasing the skill involved in maneuvering these lightweight crafts. One reviewer shared, “It’s a surprisingly peaceful ride, but also a lively spectacle with the fishermen showing off their skills.”

Cooking Authentic Vietnamese Dishes

Post-ride, it’s time to get hands-on in the kitchen. The menu includes tofu in a clay pot with steamed rice, papaya salad, Hoi An spring rolls, and rice pancake. The chef-guided class makes it approachable, breaking down each step clearly. The restaurant prepares four additional dishes, including vegetable soup, morning glory, rice, and dessert, giving you a full meal experience.

We appreciated how the recipes are traditional, not commercialized, giving you a taste of real Vietnamese home cooking. The process is interactive, and you’ll learn tips on how to balance flavors and prepare dishes that are easy to recreate at home.

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The Overall Value

With the price covering transportation, market visits, ingredients, guide service, boat rides, and a hearty lunch, this experience offers excellent value. It’s perfect for those who want an immersive taste of local life without the hassle of planning multiple activities.

Practical Tips

• Check availability in advance, as starting times vary.
• Bring cash for souvenirs or extra snacks, as bargaining is part of the market experience.
• Wear comfortable clothes suitable for cooking and boat riding — think quick-dry items and sun protection.
• Consider your hotel’s location for pickup costs; the tour offers optional extra charges for pickup outside the designated hotels.

Authenticity and Fun

Many travelers remarked that the local market and water coconut forest felt genuine, not staged for travelers. One reviewer said, “We loved how we could see the real Vietnamese market life and then enjoy an authentic, home-style meal afterward.”

The basket boat ride adds a playful element that appeals to all ages, and watching local fishermen at work deepens your appreciation for the region’s traditional ways.

Final Thoughts

This tour strikes a good balance between culture, culinary education, and scenic fun. It’s ideal for travelers eager to get a hands-on experience that’s both educational and relaxing. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie, a culture buff, or someone seeking a break from more structured sightseeing, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

It’s also a smart choice for travelers who want a value-packed activity that includes transportation, instruction, and a delicious meal—all in one morning or afternoon outing.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the tour specifically features vegetarian dishes, and the menu includes tofu, vegetable soups, and spring rolls that cater to a plant-based diet.

How long does the basket boat ride last?
While the exact duration isn’t specified, the boat ride is a core part of the experience, including fishing, crabbing, and watching performances, and is part of the overall 4.5-hour tour.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers all transportation (including hotel pickup and drop-off), the basket boat exploration, market visit, ingredients for cooking, guided instruction, lunch, and entrance fees for Cam Thanh Coconut Village.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Are there extra costs I should be aware of?
Extra charges apply if your hotel is outside the designated pickup areas or during certain holidays (e.g., January 1, April 30, May 1). Also, additional transportation costs are listed for extra pickup options.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for cooking and boat riding are recommended, along with sun protection like hats and sunscreen.

Is this experience suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Most likely yes, given the gentle boat ride and hands-on cooking, but consider mobility and comfort levels, especially with the boat activity.

In all, this tour offers a charming blend of culinary discovery, cultural interaction, and scenic fun in the heart of central Vietnam. It’s a wonderful way to deepen your understanding of local life while enjoying some delicious food in good company.

You can check availability for your dates here: