Hoi An: Evening food tour by bike with local dinner

Summary

Evening cycling, street eats & family tables in Hoi An

Pedal through Hoi An’s backstreets as dusk falls, taste home-cooked noodles in Tra Que village, share sizzling banh xeo and BBQ with locals on Cam Nam island, and end your evening with tea by the river. With hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and plenty of real moments along the way — it’s an experience you’ll remember long after leaving Vietnam.

What’s the experience like?

We were already wobbling a bit on our bikes when our guide, Minh, grinned and handed me a tiny sprig of something green — “smell this,” he said. It was sharp and fresh, kind of peppery. We’d just left the Discova shop and were pedaling out of the busy part of Hoi An, following Minh’s bright shirt through alleys that smelled like wood smoke and sweet rice. I kept losing track of the group because I was staring at everything — lanterns flickering above doorways, a grandma waving from her stoop. The evening air felt sticky but not heavy; you could hear frogs somewhere off in the fields.

In Tra Que village we stopped at a small house with a terrace overlooking rows of neat vegetables. The family there barely spoke English but smiled so much it didn’t matter. We helped pick herbs for our noodle soup — I tried to copy their quick hands but mostly just got dirt under my nails. The broth was light but somehow rich too (I still think about that flavor). Minh explained how every herb has its own job in the dish; I nodded like I understood but honestly just wanted another bowl.

Later on Cam Nam island, we squeezed into a spot where locals were grilling pork and seafood over open flames. The smoke made my eyes water and my stomach growl at the same time. Banh xeo arrived sizzling hot — crispy edges, soft inside, stuffed with shrimp and bean sprouts. I tried to say thank you in Vietnamese; everyone laughed (in a nice way). There were quick bites between stops — something wrapped in banana leaf that I never caught the name of — and then finally we ended up by the river for tea and sweets. It was quieter there; even the city lights seemed softer. Minh asked what our favorite dish was but honestly? Hard to choose.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening Food Tasting by Bike

• Meet at Discova Day Tour Shop, bike fitting and safety briefing
• Visit Tra Que organic vegetable farm and assist gathering herbs
• Try Banh Xeo and Hoi An style BBQ on Cam Nam island
• Enjoy Vietnamese outdoor BBQ by the river with historic views
• Cycle back to Discova Day Tour Shop

Top questions

How long is the Hoi An evening food tour by bike?

The tour lasts about 5 hours total.

Is hotel pickup included for this food tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

How far do we cycle during the tour?

The total cycling distance is around 15 km over 4 hours.

What kind of food will we try on this tour?

You’ll taste home-cooked noodles in Tra Que village, banh xeo pancakes, Hoi An-style BBQ meats and seafood, plus snacks and sweets.

Is this tour suitable for children or beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels; child seats are available upon request for kids up to 14kg.

What should I wear for the evening bike tour?

Wear casual or sports clothes and comfortable shoes for cycling.

Does the tour operate if it rains?

The tour runs in most weather conditions; if canceled due to poor weather you can rebook or get a refund.

Are food allergies or restrictions accommodated?

Please advise any food restrictions or allergies when booking so they can be accommodated.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hoi An, use of a bike (with infant seats if needed), water throughout the ride, all tastings including dinner at local homes and restaurants, snacks along the way, plus an English-speaking local guide who’ll show you both famous dishes and hidden favorites before returning you safely to your starting point.