Hoi An: Eco Basket Boat Ride & Cooking Class with Pickup

Summary

Hoi An flavors, basket boats, and laughter in the coconut groves

You’ll taste your way through Hoi An’s bustling market before gliding along quiet coconut waterways in a bamboo basket boat. Learn to cook Vietnamese dishes in a local’s kitchen—expect laughter over lopsided spring rolls and stories from your guide. It’s less about perfection than sharing real moments together.

What’s the experience like?

"Try this—just a pinch," our guide Linh said as she handed me something bright green at the Hoi An market. I think it was rau ram? Anyway, it tasted peppery and kind of lemony. The air smelled like fish sauce and morning rain on concrete. Locals moved around us with baskets full of greens and noodles. Linh pointed out how to pick the right papaya for salad—she tapped one and grinned, like there was a secret I’d never quite get but she’d let me in on it for today.

After the market, we squeezed into these round bamboo basket boats (they call them thung chai), which honestly looked impossible to steer. The river felt slow and brown under the palms. Our boatman laughed when I tried paddling—I spun us in a circle instead of going straight, which cracked everyone up. There were purple crabs clinging to roots, and for a second everything got quiet except for the sound of water slapping against the hull. I didn’t expect that part—the hush between jokes.

The cooking class happened at someone’s home—there were plastic stools, open windows, and a fan whirring overhead. We made rice pancakes (banh xeo) that sizzled loud in the pan, spring rolls stuffed with herbs from earlier, and fried chicken with lemongrass that left my fingers greasy but happy. Linh showed me how to roll cha gio tighter; mine still came out lopsided but she just winked. Lunch tasted better because we’d chopped everything ourselves. I still think about that first bite of papaya salad—crunchy, sweet, so bright you almost squint.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hoi An eco tour and cooking class

• Pick up at hotel or meeting point
• Visit local market and learn ingredients
• Ride bamboo basket boats in channels
• Row boat and catch purple crabs
• Make souvenirs with palm leaves
• Watch basket boat dancing performance
• Relax with cold water break
• Join cooking class with local chef
• Prepare and enjoy Vietnamese meal
• Return to hotel or meeting point

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Hoi An eco tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at hotels in Hoi An city are included.

What dishes do we cook in the Hoi An cooking class?

The menu usually includes rice milk, banh xeo (rice pancakes), spring rolls, papaya salad, and fried chicken with lemongrass.

How long does the day trip last?

The tour lasts about 5 hours including all activities and transfers.

Are vegetarian options available on this cooking class tour?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if you advise at booking.

Do we get to row the bamboo basket boats ourselves?

Yes—you’ll be guided but can try rowing yourself during the ride.

Where does the cooking class take place?

The class is held at a local’s home in Hoi An after the market visit and boat ride.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Specialized infant seats are available; children can join with supervision.

Does this Hoi An tour include lunch or dinner?

Your meal is included—either lunch or dinner depending on your chosen time slot.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your Hoi An hotel or meeting point, all ingredients for the cooking class, an English-speaking guide throughout, a recipe book to take home, plus lunch or dinner featuring what you cooked before you’re dropped off again at your hotel.