Saigon: Ben Thanh Market Tour & Vietnamese Cooking Class

Summary

Ben Thanh wet market flavors meet hands-on Saigon cooking with chef

You’ll wander Saigon’s Ben Thanh Market with a local chef who knows every vendor, then get hands-on during a Vietnamese cooking class — rolling spring rolls, mixing spices, and sharing laughs over your own meal. With transport included and recipes to take home, this is more than just learning to cook; it’s tasting real Saigon life from the inside.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t be shy — smell everything,” Chef Minh grinned as he handed me a bunch of rau ram that I’d never seen before. The morning at Ben Thanh Market was pure chaos in the best way: clattering baskets, women calling out prices, that sharp scent of fish sauce hanging in the air. I tried to keep up as Minh darted between stalls, greeting vendors by name and showing us how to spot the freshest herbs. At one point, I got distracted by a woman slicing jackfruit and almost lost the group — honestly, it was easy to get swept up in all those colors and sounds.

After the wet market tour (which felt like a crash course in real Saigon life), we piled into a van for the short ride to the cooking studio. Aprons on, hands washed — Minh walked us through each step of our three-course Vietnamese cooking class. My spring rolls were sort of lopsided (Li laughed when I tried to say “nem rán” in Vietnamese — probably butchered it), but rolling them myself made lunch feel earned. The kitchen filled up with the smells of lemongrass and sizzling pork; there’s something about making your own nuoc cham that just hits different than eating it at a restaurant.

Sitting down together at the end — sharing what we’d cooked, swapping stories over a cold cocktail — felt like that rare travel moment where you’re both guest and participant. I still think about how warm everyone was, even when my rice paper stuck together and Minh had to rescue me with a quick tip. They sent us home with a little cookbook (mine already has splatters on page three) so maybe I’ll try again back home… or just remember how good that first bite tasted right here in Saigon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wet Market Tour and Cooking Class

• Tour Cho Ben Thanh market
• Learn to select fresh ingredients
• Attend 3-course cooking class
• Cook classic Vietnamese dishes
• Enjoy dessert preparation

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Saigon cooking class?

No, but transportation from Ben Thanh Market to the cooking studio is provided.

Are vegetarian options available for the Vietnamese cooking class?

Yes, vegetarian options are available upon request when booking.

What dishes do we cook during the class?

You’ll prepare a daily menu of classic Vietnamese dishes curated by local chefs.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

Yes, infants can ride in strollers and service animals are allowed; suitable for all fitness levels.

Do we eat what we cook during the experience?

Yes, you’ll enjoy a sit-down meal featuring all your culinary creations.

Is gratuity included in this day trip?

Yes, gratuity is included in your booking price.

How long does the wet market tour last before cooking?

The guided tour of Ben Thanh Market takes place before heading to the cooking studio; exact duration may vary but is part of the overall experience.

Will I get recipes to take home after this class?

Yes, an elegant Vietnamese cookbook with 25+ recipes is included.

What’s included

Your day includes guided wet market tour at Ben Thanh Market led by a local chef, private cook station and ingredients for each guest during your three-course Vietnamese cooking class with dessert, transportation from market to kitchen, all gratuities covered, vegetarian options if needed, an elegant recipe book to bring home — plus you’ll share your own meal together over a complimentary cocktail before heading out into Saigon again.