Would you like to experience a Hoi An Cooking Class with our local guide? Check out the detailed information below.

Tour Program: Hoi An Countryside, Basket Boat, Herb Farm, and Hoi An Cooking Class

Price: $48 per person (minimum 2 people)

Schedule:

+ 9:00 AM or 2:00 PM: Our guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to start the tour. You can choose to travel to the water coconut village by bike or motorcycle (car available upon request for an additional $15). Enjoy an adventure on a bamboo basket boat.
+ Next, we visit the vegetable village, where a local farmer will demonstrate traditional gardening methods. You'll walk through the vegetable gardens and see farmers working their fields as they have for hundreds of years.

+ We then proceed to our home for a cooking class preparation, starting with a welcome drink to relax. Following the welcome drink, we head to the kitchen to cook with a professional chef.

+ Under our guidance, you'll learn traditional Vietnamese cooking techniques and how to decorate dishes in the Vietnamese style—a fun and engaging experience. After the lesson, enjoy the meal you have prepared.
+ Tour Ends: 1:30 PM or 6:30 PM

Menu:

+ Green Papaya Salad
+ Spring Rolls
+ Hoi An Rice Pancake
+ Fish or Pork in Clay Pot
*Special food requests can be accommodated.

Additional Information: Car pick-up $15

Nestled between rivers, rice paddies, and beaches, Hoi An embodies the essence of a timeless destination. Its yellow-hued shop houses, vibrant blossoms, and lush countryside create the perfect backdrop for enriching days and enchanting nights.

View More: Group Tour Ba Na Hill in Da Nang

1.Walk Around Hoi An Ancient Town

Stroll through the old city of Hoi An and experience a breathtaking mix of ornate Chinese temples, a Japanese-style bridge, wooden shop buildings, French-colonial houses, and ancient canals. Many old shops have been carefully transformed into modern businesses for tourists, including numerous tailors, souvenir shops, art galleries, restaurants, and cafes.

The best way to explore this charming city is on foot. Be sure to visit both during the day and in the evening when lanterns illuminate the old town. The most famous sights in Hoi An include the Japanese Bridge, Cantonese Assembly Hall, Fujian Assembly Hall, and the Chuc Thanh Pagoda.

2. Take a Hoi An Cooking Class

Hoi An is the most popular destination for taking a cooking class in Vietnam. These classes often include more than just learning to cook; they frequently feature additional activities such as visits to local markets, boat trips, cycling, and exploring craft villages.

Numerous restaurants in Hoi An offer cooking classes. Be sure to compare options beforehand. Consider which activities are included, whether vegetarian or vegan options are available, and the duration of the class.

3.  Pedaling through the countryside

Grab a bicycle from your hotel or a rental shop on the street (VND30,000/day) and pedal your way from the Ancient Town toward the open roads of Cam Thanh and Cam Chau. Along the way, you'll experience Vietnamese countryside life firsthand, passing by lush vegetable gardens, charming duck ponds, and bustling repair shops.

4. Unwind the seaside

After a full day exploring the sights of Hoi An, you might be ready to unwind the next day. Luckily, there are several beaches in and around Hoi An to choose from. The most popular ones include An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach, both easily accessible by bicycle from the city center.

For those with a scooter or taking a taxi, the beaches in Da Nang are also within reach.

5. Experience the night life

At the forefront of Hoi An's nightlife scene is Mango Mango, a unique venue offering vibrant cocktails, delectable dishes, and nightly live music. For a laid-back atmosphere with delicious bar bites and drinks, head to The Happy Buffalo on Cua Dai Street.

On An Bang Beach, enjoy live bands and DJ sets at Soul Kitchen or its sister venue, Soul Beach.

Excursions from Hoi An

Hoi An offers not only a wealth of attractions within the city but also beyond its borders. You can explore these destinations either through guided day tours or by riding a motorbike yourself. Here are some of the most popular day trips from Hoi An:

1.My Son

Explore ancient Hindu temples built by the Champa people, now in ruins. This half-day trip is Hoi An's most popular excursion.

2. Cham Island

Discover pristine beaches with palm trees and crystal-clear waters. A day trip to Cham Island includes lunch and snorkeling adventures.

3. Marble Mountains

Located between Hoi An and Da Nang, these limestone formations feature caves and religious sites. Visitors can explore them on foot and even try climbing and abseiling.

4. Son Tra Peninsula

Situated near Da Nang, Son Tra Peninsula offers panoramic viewpoints, secluded beaches, rugged mountains, and a chance to see rare monkey species.

5. Explore Craft Villages

Don't miss visiting the craft villages around Hoi An. Kim Bong Carpentry Village is renowned for crafting furniture and intricate items for notable structures. Tra Que Herb Village offers insights into local agricultural practices, from soil preparation to harvesting vegetables.

You can also explore Thanh Ha Pottery Village and Phuoc Kieu Bronze Casting Village for unique artisanal experiences.

Top Eats: Must-Try Foods in Hoi An Old Town

1. Banh Mi – Vietnam's Iconic Street Food

Despite its humble origins, Hoi An's Banh Mi boasts a distinct flavor, earning it the title of “the best bread in the world.” Banh Mi Phuong stands out as the most renowned spot.

Their menu features over 20 fillings, from burgers to spring rolls, pâté, chicken with avocado, and salad. What sets these petite loaves apart is their signature homemade sauce.

Another address: Banh Mi Madame Khanh, Banh Mi Co Lanh, Banh Mi Bich,…

2. Cao Lau – a Delicious Specialty of Hoi An's Ancient Town

Cao Lau boasts a distinct Chinese-inspired flavor, featuring golden noodles topped with char siu, crispy pork skin, bean sprouts, and a savory gravy drizzle. Enjoying a bowl of Cao Lau on a balcony overlooking the bustling streets of Hoi An is a culinary experience not to be missed.

Although slightly pricier than other dishes, a serving of Cao Lau typically costs between 30,000 and 60,000 VND.

3. Quang Noodles – A Culinary Gem of Hoi An

Quang noodles are considered a signature dish in Hoi An cuisine, celebrated for their perfect blend of soft rice flour noodles, flavorful chicken, and rich broth that makes it truly irresistible.

4. Chicken Rice – Delicious Vietnamese Cuisine, Hoi An Style

Hoi An-style chicken rice stands out for its unique sauce that enhances its flavor. Featuring light yellow sticky rice grains, savory chicken, and sweet-sour pickled salads, this dish never fails to delight diners.

You can enjoy a delightful plate of Hoi An shredded chicken rice at Com Ga Ba Buoi (22 Phan Chu Trinh), Com Ga Ba Thuan (14/7 Hai Ba Trung), Com Ga Ba Van (21B Phan Chu Trinh),…

5. Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Pancake)

Tourists are drawn to the crispy, golden pancake filled with savory fresh shrimp and meat. The sauce, a blend of rich soy sauce and fragrant peanuts, delights even the most discerning palates.

Shopping Must-Haves: Traditional Souvenirs from Hoi An Ancient Town

1. Silk Lanterns

Lanterns make for a charming souvenir choice, symbolizing the iconic essence of Hoi An. Crafted with bamboo frames and vibrant silk fabrics, artisans skillfully create lanterns in various shapes and sizes.

2. Tailor-Made Ao Dai

For fashion enthusiasts, the Ao Dai is a must-have item. Ao Dai from Hoi An blends traditional elegance with modern beauty, offering a modest yet sophisticated attire. Tailoring services ensure a perfectly fitted garment.

3. Calligraphy

Visitors often seek out scholars to commission calligraphy, believed to bring good fortune to themselves and their loved ones. Each fluid ink stroke conveys wishes for a happy and peaceful year, skillfully embedded by the calligraphers.

Hoi An Ancient Town, with its natural landscapes, rivers, beaches, islands, and traditional delicacies, is a magnet for both domestic and international tourists. Its rich cultural blend earned Hoi An UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999.

A visit to Hoi An promises to enchant visitors with its timeless rustic beauty. Ready to embark on this unforgettable journey? Let's begin!