Hoi An: Cooking Class, Market Tour & Basket Boat Crab Fishing

Summary

Hoi An food, market scents, basket boats and laughter on the river

You’ll walk Hoi An’s morning markets with a local chef, paddle a bamboo basket boat through coconut palms while trying your luck at crab fishing, then cook classic Vietnamese dishes by the river. Expect laughter, unexpected flavors, and moments that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We were already weaving through the narrow lanes of Hoi An before my coffee had really kicked in. Our guide, Tam, waved us over by the old tailor shop — he had this easy smile that made it feel like we’d known him longer than five minutes. The market was wild: cilantro and mint everywhere, women calling out prices I couldn’t quite catch (Tam helped with that), and the sharp smell of fish mixing with something sweet I still can’t name. I tried to say “rau ram” for Vietnamese coriander — Tam grinned and corrected me gently. It’s louder than I expected, but not in a bad way. More alive.

After stuffing our bags with things I’d never seen outside an Asian grocer, we jumped into these round bamboo basket boats — they look like giant bowls floating in the water. The river was quiet except for the slap of oars and a kid somewhere singing off-key. We spun in slow circles under the coconut palms; at one point, Tam handed me a stick and pointed at a purple crab hiding in the roots. I missed it completely but got mud on my shoes anyway. He laughed, said everyone does their first time. The air smelled green — if that makes sense — kind of damp and leafy.

The cooking class itself happened in this open-sided kitchen near the water, with birds making noise overhead and someone’s radio playing old pop songs in Vietnamese. We made crispy pancakes (banh xeo), banana flower salad with shrimp, grilled eggplant with peanut sauce… My pancake tore when I flipped it but nobody cared; Tam just showed me how to patch it up with extra rice paper. Lunch was what we cooked — salty-sweet, fresh herbs everywhere — and honestly I still think about that grilled banana with caramel for dessert. There was a recipe card to take home but mostly I remember Tam’s hands showing me how thin to slice papaya.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hoi An market, boat, and cooking class

• Pick up from hotel or meeting point
• Visit Hoi An colorful market
• Learn to select local ingredients
• Ride bamboo basket boat in Nipa forest
• Catch purple crab in canal
• Enjoy river and countryside views
• Join Vietnamese cooking class
• Cook and eat four traditional dishes
• Receive cooking recipes to take home

Top questions

How long is the Hoi An cooking class tour?

The tour lasts about 4 to 4.5 hours depending on morning or afternoon start time.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or meeting point is included.

Are vegetarian or dietary needs accommodated?

Yes, vegetarian and special dietary requirements can be catered for during the cooking class.

What dishes do you cook in this Hoi An cooking class?

Dishes include crispy Vietnamese pancakes (banh xeo), banana flower salad with shrimp, grilled eggplant with peanut sauce, and more.

Do you actually go crab fishing on the tour?

Yes, you’ll try catching purple crabs from a bamboo basket boat in the coconut forest canals.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and all areas are wheelchair accessible.

Does this tour include lunch?

Yes, lunch is included—you eat what you cook during the class.

Where does the cooking class take place?

The class is held at a riverside kitchen near Hoi An’s coconut village after visiting the market and basket boat ride.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup or meeting point transfer to Hoi An’s colorful market alongside your guide Tam; all ingredients for cooking; a ride through coconut village canals by bamboo basket boat (with plenty of chances to try crab fishing); hands-on instruction from a local chef; plus lunch made from your own creations before heading back relaxed—and probably full—to where you started.