Hoi An: Eco Cooking Class & Basket Boat Fishing Tour

Summary

Hoi An riverside flavors, basket boats, and family-style cooking

You’ll start in Hoi An’s bustling market before gliding through coconut palms by basket boat and learning fishing tricks from locals. Then you’ll cook classic dishes side-by-side with friendly chefs—and eat what you’ve made together over tea. Expect laughter, new flavors, and small moments that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the smell—fresh herbs and that sharp, leafy scent from the market in Hoi An. Our guide, Minh, grinned as she handed me a bunch of something green (I still don’t know the name), and we wandered between stalls while she pointed out what we’d use later in the cooking class. The vendors smiled at us—some with gold teeth—and I tried not to lose sight of Minh in the morning shuffle. It felt like being let in on a secret, just for a few hours.

After the market, we hopped into these round bamboo basket boats—wobblier than they look—and paddled into the coconut forest. The river was quiet except for birds and the slap of water against the hull. A fisherman showed us how to throw a net (mine landed with a sad plop), then he laughed and pulled up a tiny crab for me to hold. My hands smelled briny for ages after. There was this moment where sunlight flickered through palm fronds and everything just slowed down; I didn’t expect to feel so peaceful drifting there.

Lunch was back at their family restaurant—a low building with fans whirring lazily overhead. We learned to make Hoi An spring rolls (my wrappers kept tearing), rice pancakes, and this banana flower salad that tasted way better than it looked. The chef teased me about my chopping skills but showed me patiently anyway. Sitting down together at the end felt less like a class and more like joining someone’s home meal. I still think about that first bite—crunchy, sweet, smoky from the noodles—and how Minh poured tea without saying much, just smiling like she knew we’d remember it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hoi An fishing and cooking experience

• Pick up at hotel 8:30 AM
• Transfer to local market
• Learn about cooking ingredients
• Boat fishing on river
• Fish and crab catching
• Explore water coconut-palm area
• Welcome drink at restaurant 11:15 AM
• Two-hour cooking class
• Enjoy self-cooked lunch
• Return to hotel 1:00 PM

Top questions

How long does the Hoi An eco cooking tour last?

The tour lasts about 4.5 hours, either morning or afternoon slots.

Is hotel pickup included in this Hoi An cooking class?

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

What dishes will I learn to cook on this tour?

You’ll make Hoi An spring rolls, rice pancakes, banana flower salad with pork and shrimp, fried noodles with seafood—or vegetarian versions if needed.

Do I get to try fishing during the tour?

Yes, you’ll try traditional net fishing and crab catching with local fishermen on the river.

Are vegetarian options available in the cooking class?

Yes, vegetarian ingredients can be used for all recipes if requested.

Does the tour include lunch or dinner?

You’ll enjoy lunch or dinner featuring all dishes you cooked yourself during the class.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

Yes, your guide speaks English and will help throughout—from market to kitchen.

Is this suitable for families or children?

The tour welcomes families; infants can join using prams or sit on laps if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hoi An, all entry fees for exploring the coconut forest by basket boat (with life jackets provided), hands-on fishing with locals, an interactive Vietnamese cooking class led by friendly chefs (vegetarian options available), plus a full meal of your creations along with tea or water before heading back to your hotel.