Can Tho is a fantastic place to learn about Vietnamese cuisine, especially because of its vibrant floating markets, lush countryside, and welcoming locals eager to share their culinary traditions. Unlike some touristy spots that focus solely on selling souvenirs, Can Tho offers authentic opportunities to see daily life unfold, especially through cooking experiences. For example, the Floating Market, Canals, Garden & Cooking Class (https://happytovisit.com/can-tho-floating-market-canals-garden-cooking-class/) combines a morning visit to Cai Rang Floating Market with a hands-on cooking lesson, making it a favorite for those who want more than just sightseeing — they want to get their hands dirty and taste local flavors. We particularly like the chance to learn to make steamed leaf cakes and enjoy tropical fruits in a peaceful setting.
Many tours here blend scenic boat rides, market visits, and cooking classes, providing a well-rounded taste of Vietnamese culture. Whether you’re after a relaxed half-day or a full immersion, Can Tho’s cooking classes are a perfect way to make your trip memorable, especially since they often include visits to local homes, markets, and farms, offering genuine insights into the Mekong Delta’s culinary scene.
1. Can Tho: Floating Market, Canals, Garden & Cooking Class
At number 1, this tour is highly rated with 88 reviews and a perfect 5/5 score. It’s ideal for those who want to experience the Mekong Delta’s authentic floating markets, cruise peaceful canals, and then learn to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes. The tour kicks off early at Cai Rang Floating Market, where you can see boats exchanging goods at sunrise and enjoy a bowl of local noodle soup on a traditional sampan. Afterward, the tour heads to a lush garden, where you can sample tropical fruits and tea, soaking in the calm of the Mekong environment.
What makes this tour stand out is its blend of market exploration, boat rides, and hands-on cooking. The highlight is learning to prepare dishes like steamed leaf cakes—an authentic Mekong specialty. The reviews rave about the personalized experience and the knowledgeable guide, with one saying, “Clara showed us the best places in and around Mekong and shared great insights about everyday life.” At around $26 per person for six hours, it offers excellent value, especially given the variety of activities. This tour suits travelers wanting a comprehensive, authentic Mekong experience with a focus on local cuisine.
Bottom Line: Perfect for first-timers or anyone eager to combine floating market sights with cooking and cultural insights without spending a fortune.
2. Full-Day Experience in Mekong Cycling and Authentic Home Cooking
Number 2 on our list offers a full day of cycling through rural landscapes topped with a home-cooked Mekong meal. Led by a local host, this tour is designed for those who want to see the real Mekong Delta away from tourist crowds. Starting from Can Tho, you’ll visit local farms and villages, cycle along scenic trails, and then head to a local home for an authentic cooking class.
What makes this experience special is the combination of cycling and cooking, as well as the chance to exchange cultural stories with your host. The guide emphasizes showing guests “very local places and off-beaten tracks,” which appeals to travelers seeking a more genuine connection. At $60 per person for about seven hours, it’s a great value considering the personalized experience and the chance to learn local recipes firsthand. The reviews mention how the host’s enthusiasm made the day memorable and how the trip included a delightful meal.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers who want a culture-rich day combining biking, local interaction, and cooking.
3. Can Tho Cooking Class in the countryside – Vegetarian available
This 4- to 5-hour countryside cooking class offers an intimate look at Vietnamese flavors with local guides in a peaceful rural setting. The tour starts with a scenic drive to a local village, where you’ll visit a market to pick fresh ingredients, then move to a farm or home to prepare a variety of traditional dishes. The emphasis on vegetarian options makes it accessible for different dietary needs.
What sets this class apart is its focus on authenticity. The guide introduces you to ingredients like tropical herbs and fresh vegetables, helping you understand their role in Vietnamese cuisine. A notable review mentions the friendly guide Thuy, who “adapted to what we needed,” making the experience relaxed and personalized. For about $35, you get a hands-on cooking experience combined with local scenery—perfect for food lovers looking for a peaceful rural environment while learning to cook.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting an authentic, intimate, and veggie-friendly Vietnamese cooking experience.
4. Biking and Cooking Class in Can Tho Rural
Number 4 offers a 4-hour tour blending rural biking with Vietnamese cooking. Starting from Can Tho, you’ll head to a fruit garden and then cycle on peaceful trails through flower fields and small villages. The tour combines scenic biking with opportunities to learn about local produce, followed by a cooking class featuring traditional dishes.
The highlight is the laid-back atmosphere—cycling in the countryside with fresh air and stopping for a home-cooked lunch afterward. The review mentions how enjoyable it was to “bike around small village roads and learn about local fruits and vegetables.” At $32, it’s very accessible, and the small group size makes for a personal experience. This tour is perfect for active travelers who want to combine outdoor activities with authentic food preparation.
Bottom Line: Great for those who enjoy cycling, rural scenery, and hands-on cooking in a relaxed setting.
5. Cai Rang Floating Market & Cooking Class In Local’s House
At number 5, this tour combines a dawn floating market visit with a cooking class in a local home. For $166, it’s one of the more premium experiences, focusing on immersing guests in daily Mekong life. You’ll start by watching boats bustling with trade, then visit a local house to learn how to prepare traditional dishes.
The highlight is the opportunity to participate in market shopping from a boat and learn how local families cook. This makes it ideal for travelers wanting a more intimate and authentic experience with a cultural focus. The tour emphasizes village cycling and lively markets, making it a full sensory adventure.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a deep, personal insight into local life with a comprehensive floating market experience combined with home cooking.
$166 per person
6. Can Tho: Cooking Class – Flavors of the Delta
This 5-hour class is all about exploring local flavors through a market visit and cooking session. Starting with hotel pickup, you’ll visit a food market and then proceed to a local house for a hands-on cooking experience. The focus is on traditional dishes and interacting with vendors about ingredients.
What makes this class stand out is its scenic ride to a peaceful village and the chance to savor your own creations. The review notes the opportunity to learn about ingredients and cook with a local chef, making it suitable for foodies wanting a balanced mix of sightseeing and cooking.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a complete culture, from market shopping to a home-cooked meal.
$44 per person
7. Cai Rang Floating Market Tour And Cooking Class
Number 7 offers a 6-hour combo of floating market exploration and cooking. You’ll begin with a boat ride to Cai Rang, enjoy an unforgettable breakfast on the water, then visit local markets to buy ingredients for your cooking class.
This experience is ideal for travelers who want to see the largest floating market and then learn to cook traditional dishes in a relaxed setting. The focus on culture and hands-on preparation makes it a balanced choice for those who want both sightseeing and culinary skills.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those who want a full-day cultural journey that culminates in cooking local dishes.
$59.57 per person
8. Can Tho: Vietnamese Cooking Class with Lunch
This class delivers about 4 hours of cooking instruction, plus a delicious lunch of the dishes you prepare. It’s ideal for beginners or those short on time but eager to learn iconic Vietnamese recipes alongside a local chef.
The class includes market exploration, hands-on cooking, and tasting in a relaxed environment. The review highlights the fun, interactive nature, and the included recipes are great souvenirs for recreating Vietnam’s flavors at home.
Bottom Line: A good pick for travelers seeking a shorter, engaging cooking experience with a focus on authentic dishes.
$48 per person
9. From Ho Chi Minh: Cai Rang Floating Market & Cooking Class
This full-day 12-hour trip from Ho Chi Minh combines a floating market visit, noodle making, and temple visits. It’s perfect for those doing a longer trip or who want to combine Mekong tastes with cultural sightseeing.
You’ll see cultural sites like Ong Pagoda, learn to make Hu Tieu noodles, and enjoy boat rides with cold drinks. Although it’s a long day, it’s packed with diverse experiences—ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive Mekong adventure.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting an all-in-one Mekong experience from Ho Chi Minh, with a mix of food, culture, and scenery.
$182 per person
10. Ho Chi Minh: Mekong 2D1N – Boat, Bike & Cooking
Number 10 is a 2-day extended exploration designed for those wanting to truly immerse in Mekong life. It includes bike rides through plantations, visits to nature reserves, and cooking classes. Staying overnight in local accommodations makes it ideal for a deeper dive.
The tour’s highlights include dragon fruit plantations and bird sanctuaries, perfect for nature and food lovers. At around $309, it’s a more significant investment but offers a full multi-day culture.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers wanting a comprehensive, multi-day experience combining outdoor activities, local cuisine, and scenic relaxation.
$309 per person
11. Premium Can Tho Floating Cooking Class
Finally, the Premium Floating Cooking Class provides a luxurious take on Mekong cuisine. You cruise to Cai Rang, visit a noodle factory, and take part in a guided cooking session aboard a boat, all for about $63.
This tour’s charm lies in its floating market cruise combined with hands-on cooking and market shopping. The reviews mention the value of the cultural experience and the opportunity to learn local recipes directly from the community.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a comfortable, immersive floating market and cooking experience with excellent value.
$63 per person
How to Choose the Right Cooking Class in Can Tho
When selecting your ideal experience, consider your budget, your interest in active outdoor activities, and whether you’d prefer a full-day immersion or a shorter class. For example, if you love bike riding and rural scenery, the Biking and Cooking Class in Can Tho Rural might suit you best. Meanwhile, those eager for a luxurious floating market experience can opt for the Premium Can Tho Floating Cooking Class.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your spot in these popular classes. Think about your physical activity level—some tours involve cycling or boat rides, so choose accordingly. Lastly, if dietary preferences matter, check whether vegetarian options are available, like in the Can Tho Cooking Class in the countryside.
Final Thoughts
From the scenic boat tours and market visits to hands-on cooking classes in the countryside, Can Tho offers a range of culinary experiences that go beyond just tasting. For those who want a full culture, the floating market and cooking tours are unbeatable. If you’re after a more active day, cycling and rural biking tours will satisfy your craving for outdoor adventure.
For families, the shorter classes with interactive elements are perfect, while food connoisseurs will appreciate the detailed market visits and professional guidance. Whatever your style, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these authentic culinary adventures in one of Vietnam’s most intriguing delta towns.