Vegetarian Cooking Class & Basket Boat Ride in Hoi An

Shop fresh at the market, cook vegetarian dishes, then glide through coconut palms by basket boat

A vegetarian cooking class in Hoi An combines a local market tour, instruction in traditional Vietnamese cuisine from a chef, a basket boat ride through water palm channels, and a meal you prepare yourself. The class runs five hours from central Hoi An with hotel pickup included. You choose between a shared group or a private session, and vegetarian options are available throughout.

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel in Hoi An's center, then moves straight into the rural countryside. Your guide takes you through a local market where you'll see the ingredients and daily rhythms of the area before heading to the water. The basket boat ride comes next. You'll learn to row the traditional bamboo boats yourself, explore narrow channels into the water palm forest, join local fishermen catching purple crabs, and watch a basket boat dancing performance. It's the kind of thing you can't arrange on your own without knowing exactly where to go.

After the water, you settle into the cooking class with a local chef. You'll learn the traditional methods for authentic Vietnamese dishes, working through the menu together: rice milk, rice pancakes, spring rolls, papaya salad, and fried vegetables with lemongrass are on the standard list, though the chef adjusts based on what's available. Everything you cook becomes lunch, which you eat right there. The whole experience wraps up by early afternoon or early evening depending on which time slot you choose, with transport back to your hotel included.

The class is vegetarian by design, so there's no substituting or explaining dietary needs. The food is built around vegetables, tofu and plant-based proteins from the start. You get a recipe book to take home, so the dishes don't disappear once you're back in your hotel room.

What’s included

• English-speaking guide.
• local market tour.
• basket boat ride with instruction in rowing.
• lunch or dinner made during the cooking class.
• recipe book.
• hotel pickup and return to central Hoi An.

Options for this experience

2 options

Shared tourGuide in English · 08:30 and 14:00Lasts 5 hours; by car and boat; includes pickup

Private cooking classGuide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 16:30Lasts 5 hours; private tour; includes pickup

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 16:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Senior (61 to 80 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 10 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Stroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Happy Tour

Is this one for you?Book the shared tour if you want to meet other travelers and keep the cost lower. Choose the private class if you prefer one-on-one instruction and a flexible pace with the chef. Either way, you're learning to cook and eating the food the same day, so nothing is wasted on theory.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (2 to 10 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What time does the vegetarian cooking class start and end?

The class starts at 8:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m. depending on which session you book, and finishes around 1:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. respectively. The full experience runs five hours from pickup to drop-off.

Do I need cooking experience to join the class?

No. The class is designed for beginners and taught by a local chef who walks you through each step. You'll learn traditional Vietnamese cooking methods even if you've never cooked these dishes before.

What happens during the basket boat ride?

You'll row a traditional bamboo basket boat through narrow water channels into the water palm forest, help local fishermen catch purple crabs, learn palm-leaf crafts, and watch a basket boat dancing performance. The guide teaches you how to row the boat yourself.

Is the market tour included, or do I pay extra?

The local market tour is included in the class. Your guide introduces you to the ingredients and explains the daily life of the area before you move on to the basket boat and cooking lesson.

Can I book this as a private class instead of a shared group?

Yes. You can choose between a shared tour with other travelers or a private cooking class. Both options include the market, basket boat ride, and lunch.

What if I have dietary restrictions beyond vegetarian?

The menu is vegetarian, so meat and fish are not part of the class. If you have allergies or other restrictions, contact the operator before booking to discuss what can be adjusted.