Hoi An: Cooking Class, Lantern Making & Basket Boat Tour

Summary

Hoi An flavors, market sounds, river breeze & lantern light

You’ll wander Hoi An’s vibrant market with a local guide, float through Cam Thanh coconut groves in a basket boat (with plenty of laughs), craft your own lantern to take home, then cook—and eat—a full Vietnamese lunch together. It’s not polished or perfect; it’s real life here, warm and messy in all the best ways.

What’s the experience like?

Ever tried to bargain for herbs when you don’t know the words? That’s how my day in Hoi An started—standing in the middle of a busy market, our guide grinning as I pointed at mysterious greens. The air smelled like basil and fish sauce and something sweet I still can’t name. Locals moved fast but always had time for a quick smile or a joke (one lady laughed at my pronunciation, but handed me an extra chili anyway). It was loud and bright and kind of wonderful.

We rode out to Cam Thanh village after that—coconut palms everywhere, their leaves rattling above us. The basket boat looked wobbly (I wondered if we’d tip), but the fisherman helping us just winked and spun us around like it was nothing. There was this moment when the only sound was water slapping against the hull and someone nearby singing softly in Vietnamese. I tried crab-catching (not great at it), and we made little palm leaf fish—mine looked more like a sea monster. Li, our guide, showed us how to shake the boat for fun; honestly, I almost lost my hat.

Back on land, we cooled off with a drink before heading into lantern making. I didn’t expect it to be so fiddly—my fingers got sticky with glue and dye—but when the paper stretched over the frame and caught the sunlight just right… I felt oddly proud. Lunch was next: spring rolls crisp from the pan, papaya salad that woke up every taste bud, and Cau Lau noodles (Li explained they’re special here because of the water used—who knew?). We cooked together, laughed at each other’s pancake flipping skills, then finally sat down to eat what we’d made. The flavors stuck with me long after.

I keep my lantern by my window now—it reminds me of Hoi An’s colors and that quiet stretch of river. If you want a day trip from Hoi An that’s more than just sightseeing—a real slice of local life with some wonky crafts thrown in—I’d say this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Market, Basket Boat, Lantern, Cooking Class

• Pick up at hotel
• Visit local colorful market
• Travel to Cam Thanh coconut palm village
• Learn about fishermen's daily life
• Ride basket boat for 45 minutes
• Enjoy coracle boat performances
• Make souvenirs from palm leaves
• Try boat shaking and crab-catching
• Return to Phu Lanh Travel to refresh
• Attend lantern-making class
• Join cooking class with local host
• Prepare and enjoy Vietnamese meal
• End tour and return to hotel

Top questions

How long is the Hoi An cooking class tour?

The tour lasts about half a day including market visit, boat ride, lantern making, cooking class, and lunch.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip from Hoi An?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off within Hoi An city are included.

What food do you cook during the class?

You’ll make fried spring rolls, Vietnamese rice pancakes, papaya salad with chicken, and Cau Lau noodles.

Do I need experience for basket boat riding?

No experience needed—the local fisherman will guide you during the 45-minute ride.

Can kids join this private tour?

Yes, but infants must sit on an adult’s lap; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

Is lunch included in this Hoi An cooking class tour?

Yes—after cooking together you’ll enjoy all dishes as your lunch.

Are entrance fees covered?

All entrance fees are included in the tour price.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

Yes—a local English-speaking guide leads all activities throughout the day.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Hoi An city limits, all entrance fees along the way, mineral water to keep you cool under those coconut palms, hands-on lantern making to craft your own souvenir, a 45-minute basket boat ride guided by local fishermen (with some fun surprises), plus a full Vietnamese cooking class where you’ll prepare—and eat—a proper lunch before heading back home.