Hoi An: Cooking Class, Market Tour & Basket Boat Ride

Summary

Hoi An food adventure with market shopping and basket boats

You’ll shop Hoi An’s lively market with a local chef, float through coconut groves in a basket boat trying your hand at crab fishing, then cook Vietnamese classics together back at Mrs. Tram’s home kitchen. Expect hands-on moments and real flavors—plus plenty of laughter if your pancakes don’t flip perfectly.

What’s the experience like?

I never thought picking out lemongrass at Hoi An’s market would feel like an adventure, but there I was, squinting at heaps of herbs while Mrs. Tram (our chef-guide) nudged me toward the “good” chili. The place was noisy and bright—vendors calling out prices, little kids darting around with baskets. I tried saying “cà rốt” for carrot and Li laughed (I probably butchered it). It smelled like fresh greens and something sweet frying nearby. We filled our bags for the cooking class—honestly, I could’ve stayed just watching people haggle over fish.

Then we hopped into these round bamboo basket boats in Cam Thanh coconut village. I’d seen photos before but didn’t expect how wobbly they’d feel at first—like sitting in a floating bowl. The canal water was brownish-green under the nipa palms, quiet except for the slap of paddles and someone singing in Vietnamese off in the distance. Our guide showed us how to scoop up tiny crabs from the roots (I only caught one, but it was more fun than it sounds). There was a moment when the sun came through the leaves just right and everything felt slow—I still think about that view sometimes.

Back at Mrs. Tram’s place we cooked together—her hands moved so fast slicing banana flower for salad, mine…not so much. She kept encouraging us (“no worry, more practice!”) even when my pancake tore apart flipping it. Lunch tasted better because we made it ourselves: crispy pancakes, spring rolls that actually held together (mostly), noodles with pork and fresh herbs from earlier at the market. Sitting around her table with everyone, eating what we’d cooked—it felt warm and easy, like being let in on a family secret.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hoi An cooking and fishing experience

• Pick up from hotel
• Visit Hoi An market
• Select ingredients with guide
• Travel to Cam Thanh coconut village
• Ride basket boat in nipa forest
• Fish for crabs and observe fishing
• Attend cooking class with chef
• Cook and enjoy Vietnamese dishes
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long does the Hoi An cooking class tour last?

The tour runs about 4.5 to 5 hours depending on morning or afternoon start time.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Hoi An are included.

What dishes do you cook during the class?

You’ll make banana flower salad, crispy Vietnamese pancakes, deep-fried spring rolls, stir-fried Cao Lau noodles with pork or chicken, stir-fried chicken with lemongrass and chili, plus fresh fruit dessert.

Do I need experience to join this Hoi An cooking class?

No experience needed—the chef guides you step by step.

Is lunch or dinner provided after cooking?

Yes, you eat what you cook as lunch or dinner depending on tour time.

Are life jackets provided for the basket boat ride?

Yes, life jackets are provided for safety during the basket boat ride.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available.

What if it rains during the tour?

Raincoats and umbrellas are provided if needed; tours run rain or shine.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hoi An, all entry fees and tickets for activities in Cam Thanh coconut village, a guided walk through the local market to buy ingredients for your cooking class, a bamboo basket boat ride with crab fishing (life jackets included), hands-on Vietnamese cooking lesson led by Chef Mrs. Tram (with English-speaking guidance), plus lunch or dinner featuring all the dishes you prepare together before heading back to your hotel.