If you’re a coffee lover planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, this Vietnamese Coffee Workshop might just be your new favorite activity. It promises a relaxed, interactive experience that takes you behind the scenes of Vietnam’s coffee culture — and, of course, leaves you with some delicious drinks to sip on afterward.
What we really love about this tour is how knowledgeable guides make the learning accessible for everyone, whether you’re a coffee newbie or a seasoned connoisseur. You’ll also enjoy the chance to create three different coffee drinks, each with a story and unique flavor profile — plus, a good dose of fun along the way. The inclusion of snacks and all necessary ingredients makes for a truly satisfying experience.
However, it’s worth noting that the tour is not designed for vegans or those with lactose intolerance, as it involves dairy-based drinks and ingredients. It’s also a group activity capped at 18 travelers, which keeps things intimate but might limit spontaneous solo travelers. This workshop is a fantastic pick for anyone eager to get hands-on with Vietnam’s iconic coffee scene — and for those curious about how these rich brews are crafted.
Key Points
- Authentic experience: Learn traditional Vietnamese brewing methods from expert guides.
- Creative drinks: Make and taste three different coffees, including classic and innovative recipes.
- All-inclusive: Coffee, tea, snacks, and equipment are provided, offering great value for the price.
- Flexible scheduling: Choose either morning or afternoon sessions based on your plans.
- Small group setting: Max 18 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and interaction.
- Memorable takeaway: Receive recipes and a certificate of participation to show off your new skills.
What makes this workshop stand out?
This isn’t your typical coffee tasting. It’s a hands-on journey into Vietnam’s beloved coffee traditions. For just about $20, you get roughly an hour and a half of engaging instruction, where you’ll learn the art of brewing three iconic drinks. From the very first sip, you might find yourself understanding what makes Vietnamese coffee so distinctive — the intense flavor, the smooth texture, and the cultural stories that are woven into every cup.
Several reviewers emphasized the quality of the guides, noting how knowledgeable and friendly they were. For example, one reviewer praised Noah for her warmth and deep understanding of coffee, making the session not only educational but genuinely enjoyable. Others appreciated how guides like Vi, Siu, and Sierra brought a sense of humor and enthusiasm, making the experience feel more like a friendly chat than a class.
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The itinerary: what to expect?
Meeting at Lacàph Coffee Experiences Space
The workshop begins upstairs at Lacàph Coffee Experiences, located conveniently in District 1 near public transportation. The space itself is modern and welcoming, setting the right tone for a fun learning environment.
Learning the traditional brewing methods
You’ll start by discovering what makes Vietnamese coffee special. This includes understanding the Phin filter — the essential device used in nearly every Vietnamese household. Guides will demonstrate how to prepare a strong, aromatic brew, which you’ll then get to replicate. Reviewers mentioned that the process is quite technical, especially when it comes to mastering the right grind size and coffee-to-water ratio, but guides are patient and helpful.
Making three unique drinks
The core of the workshop involves creating three different coffee styles:
- Traditional white coffee, a smooth, sweet brew with a splash of condensed milk.
- Salt coffee, a surprisingly savory twist that’s quite popular locally.
- The innovative Phin Con Panna, a fusion drink featuring yogurt and Lacàph Raw Coffee Blossom Honey — a recent creation that reflects Vietnam’s evolving coffee scene.
The guides walk you through each step, explaining the history and techniques behind them. One reviewer mentioned how they learned not only about the brewing process but also about the significance of each drink in Vietnamese culture.
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Tasting and relaxing
Once your drinks are ready, you’ll sit down to taste them alongside snacks included in the tour. Several guests highlighted how delicious and visually appealing these coffees are, especially the yogurt-infused Phin Con Panna, which is a modern twist that shows how Vietnamese coffee is expanding beyond tradition.
End with recipes and certificates
The tour wraps up with a review of what you’ve learned, handing out simple recipe cards and a certificate of participation. This makes it easy to replicate your favorites back home and keeps the memory alive long after your trip.
Why travelers love this experience
Many reviewers praised the friendly, approachable guides—notably Sierra, who’s described as sassy and engaging, making learning about coffee feel like hanging out with a knowledgeable friend. Others loved that the small group size allowed for personalized tips and lots of interaction. One guest mentioned that even their husband, a tea drinker, had fun trying to make and taste the coffees.
The variety of drinks was also a major plus. By the end of the session, you’ve not only learned how to brew traditional Vietnamese coffee but also experimented with modern, innovative recipes that broaden your understanding of the local coffee scene.
Practical details: what you need to know
Duration and scheduling
The workshop lasts about 90 minutes, making it a perfect short activity in between sightseeing or as a relaxing break. You can choose morning or afternoon slots, providing flexibility for your day’s plans.
Price and value
At around $20.54 per person, this workshop offers excellent value. All equipment, ingredients, and snacks are included, ensuring a seamless experience without any hidden costs. Reviewers agreed that this was a worthwhile investment for the quality of instruction and the memorable experience.
Accessibility and group size
With a maximum of 18 travelers, the group remains small enough for individual attention. The meeting point is near public transportation, and the venue is accessible, though it’s wise to confirm if you have specific mobility needs.
Considerations
This experience isn’t suitable for vegans or individuals with lactose intolerance because of the dairy ingredients used. Also, travelers should be comfortable with a slightly technical process, as some reviews mentioned that mastering the brewing techniques requires patience and attention.
Authentic insights from reviewers
Many guests remarked how informative and fun the workshop was, with some saying it exceeded their expectations. One noted, “The class was so informative and the coffee was amazing!” while another shared, “We learned how to make coffee very technical, but it was worth it.”
Reviewers also appreciated how guides like Julia, Joey, and Kieu made the session engaging, answering questions and sharing stories about Vietnam’s coffee roots. The inclusion of tasting three different drinks deepened their appreciation and understanding of local customs and flavors.
This Vietnamese Coffee Workshop in Ho Chi Minh City offers an enjoyable, enriching way to dive into the country’s beloved coffee culture. For just over $20, you get a hands-on lesson with expert guides, tasting memorable drinks, and taking home recipes to impress friends back home. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or simply curious about Vietnam’s unique brewing traditions, this experience provides both education and fun.
It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who want to connect with local culture in an interactive way, appreciate good hospitality, and savor delicious coffee. The small-group format and inclusive setup ensure you won’t feel lost in a crowd, making it ideal for solo adventurers, couples, or small groups.
If you’re looking for a relaxed, authentic activity that combines learning, tasting, and a bit of creativity, this workshop is a perfect choice. You’ll leave not only with a new skill but also with a deeper appreciation for how coffee plays a key role in Vietnam’s social fabric.
Is this workshop suitable for beginners?
Yes, the workshop is designed for beginners and those with some experience. Guides provide step-by-step instructions, and the focus is on learning and having fun.
How long does the workshop last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving enough time to learn, practice, and taste.
Can I choose between morning and afternoon sessions?
Yes, there are options for both morning and afternoon tours, allowing you to fit it into your schedule.
Is all equipment and ingredients included?
Absolutely. All coffee, tea, snacks, and brewing equipment are provided, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Will I get take-home recipes?
Yes, guests receive recipes at the end, so you can try making these Vietnamese coffees at home.
Is the meeting point easy to find?
Yes, it’s located upstairs at Lacàph Coffee Experiences Space, near public transportation in District 1.
Are children or teenagers allowed?
The experience is suitable for adults, but specific age restrictions aren’t detailed. It’s best to inquire if traveling with minors.
What about accessibility?
The venue is near public transportation, but travelers with specific accessibility needs should confirm in advance.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. No refunds are available for late cancellations.
Is this experience suitable for travel buddies with different tastes?
Yes, it’s a fun activity where everyone can learn, make, and taste different types of coffee, making it great for groups with diverse interests.
This tour offers a perfect blend of education, cultural insight, and delicious fun, making it a memorable addition to your Ho Chi Minh City adventure.
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