Hanoi Cooking Class: Cyclo Ride, Herb Garden & Local Market

Summary

Hands-on Hanoi cooking class with market tour and herb garden

You’ll wind through Hanoi’s lively markets by cyclo before finding calm in a hidden herb garden. With your host guiding you, harvest fresh herbs, cook classic Vietnamese dishes from scratch, and share stories over lunch with homemade treats and rice wine. You might leave smelling like lemongrass — but you’ll remember the warmth long after.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, the cyclo ride through Hanoi’s old quarter was the first thing that made me nervous — I’d never been in traffic like that, all those scooters weaving around us while our driver just grinned. At Dong Xuan market, our guide Thom waved us over to a stall selling something sizzling on a tiny grill (I still have no idea what it was, but it smelled sweet and smoky). She kept pointing out things I’d never notice alone: piles of herbs, little jars of shrimp paste, vendors shouting prices in quick bursts. I tried to say “thank you” in Vietnamese and got a laugh from an old woman selling limes. It was humid and noisy and honestly kind of thrilling.

After that rush, stepping into Thom’s garden felt like dropping into another world. The air changed — softer somehow, with this green smell from all the herbs growing everywhere. We picked handfuls for the cooking class (I didn’t know half their names), and Thom explained which ones go into pho or bun bo Nam Bo. There were dragonflies over the fish pond and her uncle sitting quietly by the family altar. I liked how nothing felt rushed; we chopped ginger together while herbal tea cooled on the table. My hands still smelled like lemongrass hours later.

The actual cooking part was messier than I expected — my spring rolls looked wonky but tasted right, dipped in something sharp and salty. Thom told stories about each dish as we cooked (she says every family does nem Hanoi a little differently). Lunch stretched out with rice wine shots and homemade desserts; someone played old songs on their phone in the corner. On the way back to my hotel, I realized I’d barely checked my phone all day. That garden feeling stuck with me longer than any recipe did.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi cooking class and market visit

• Take cyclo ride to Dong Xuan market
• Explore street food and local trade
• Visit Thom Culinary garden house
• Harvest fresh herbs in garden
• Learn Vietnamese culinary traditions
• Get hands-on cooking experience
• Enjoy feast with desserts and drinks
• Learn eating etiquette and dish stories
• Transfer back to hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Hanoi cooking class?

Yes, round trip transportation is included with your booking.

What dishes do we cook during the class?

You’ll make four authentic Vietnamese dishes such as Nem Hanoi, Bun bo Nam Bo, Bo cuon la lot, Pho Ga, or Banh bo.

Do we visit any markets during this experience?

Yes, you’ll visit Dong Xuan market plus other traditional markets for street food tasting and ingredient shopping.

Is this suitable for children or infants?

Yes, infants can join using prams or specialized seats provided by the organizers.

Are drinks included during the class?

You get unlimited herbal drinks plus homemade rice wine throughout your meal.

Will I learn about Vietnamese culinary traditions?

Absolutely — your host explains herb uses, flavor balancing, eating etiquette, and shares family stories behind each dish.

What’s included

Your day includes a cyclo ride through Hanoi’s bustling markets with street food tastings; harvesting fresh herbs and exotic fruit from Thom’s lush green garden; hands-on cooking of four authentic Vietnamese dishes under her guidance; endless herbal drinks plus homemade rice wine; unique desserts; visits to a tranquil family worship hall and fish pond; and round-trip hotel transfers so you can relax after your feast.