Ho Chi Minh Cooking Class & Cu Chi Tunnels Day Tour

Summary

Vietnamese Food Experience & Cu Chi Tunnels Adventure

If you want to get your hands dirty in a real Vietnamese kitchen and see history up close at Cu Chi Tunnels—all in one day—this tour’s got you covered. You’ll pick your own ingredients on a local farm, cook classic dishes with help from friendly guides, then step into Vietnam’s past underground.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air out at the organic farm felt different—fresher, with a hint of lemongrass drifting in from somewhere nearby. Our guide, Linh, greeted us with a grin and handed out little baskets. We wandered between rows of herbs and leafy greens, picking what we’d need for our cooking class later. I still remember the sticky feel of dew on my fingers as I plucked coriander for the prawn wraps. There was this old farmer who showed us how to spot ripe papaya—he tapped them gently and listened for a hollow sound. It’s small things like that you don’t forget.

Back in the open-air kitchen, we got right into it—no standing around watching. Linh explained how Vietnamese dishes balance “Yin and Yang,” which was new to me but made sense once I tasted the food. My spring rolls didn’t look perfect, but they tasted fresh and crunchy, especially dipped in homemade sauce. Lunch was loud with laughter and clinking chopsticks as we tried everything from Banh Xeo to banana spring rolls with coconut cream. They even gave us certificates (mine’s already on the fridge at home) and recipe cards to take back.

The drive out to Cu Chi Tunnels took about an hour or so—enough time for a quick nap. The tunnels themselves were something else: dark, narrow, surprisingly cool inside despite the heat outside. Our guide shared stories about how locals survived underground for years; he pointed out old traps and bomb craters scattered around the forest floor. Crawling through one short tunnel section left me sweaty and a bit breathless, but honestly? It gave me real respect for what people went through here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Vietnamese Cooking and Cu Chi Tunnels

• Visit organic farm and learn about nutrition
• Pick your own ingredients
• Enjoy fresh fruit on the farm
• Learn Ying and Yan balance for dishes
• Hands-on cooking class
• Enjoy your cooked meal
• Receive certificate and recipes
• Explore Cu Chi tunnels and learn history

Top questions

Is there a vegetarian option available?

Yes! Just let us know when you book—we can adjust recipes for vegetarians.

How long is the tour?

The whole experience usually takes about 8-9 hours including travel time from Ho Chi Minh City.

Do I need any cooking experience?

Nope! The class is hands-on but beginner-friendly—the chef will guide you step by step.

Are hotel pickups included?

Yes, we offer hotel pickup and drop-off within central Ho Chi Minh City.

What’s included

Your day includes all activities: guided farm visit, hands-on cooking class with lunch (vegetarian options available), entrance to Cu Chi Tunnels, local guide throughout, air-conditioned transport, plus hotel pickup and drop-off.