From Hoi An: Market Tour, Basket Boat Ride and Cooking Class

Travelers heading to Hoi An often look for immersive experiences that go beyond just sightseeing — and this tour ticks those boxes beautifully. It’s a thoughtfully curated blend of local market exploration, a traditional bamboo basket boat adventure, and a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class, all for just $17 per person.

What makes this experience shine? First, the opportunity to really interact with local vendors during the market visit, which isn’t just about looking — it’s about bargaining, learning, and understanding what makes Vietnamese cuisine so vibrant. Second, the bamboo basket boat ride offers a fun, scenic float through coconut palms, with folk music and the chance to try fishing. Lastly, the cooking class provides not only delicious dishes but also practical skills and recipes to recreate at home.

A potential consideration? The tour is quite packed, so it’s best to come hungry and prepared for a busy half-day. It’s also not suited for wheelchair users and involves some walking and boat handling.

This experience is perfect for food lovers, cultural enthusiasts, or anyone eager to see the countryside and learn traditional Vietnamese cooking. If you enjoy engaging in local life and having fun along the way, this tour is a fantastic choice.

Key Points

Authentic Market Experience: Interact directly with vendors, learn bargaining tips, and get a sense of local produce and ingredients.
Scenic Bamboo Basket Ride: Enjoy a peaceful, scenic float through coconut palms, with opportunities for fishing and listening to folk tunes.
Hands-On Cooking: Make traditional dishes with fresh ingredients, guided by friendly, knowledgeable chefs, and take away recipes.
Value for Money: At only $17, the combination of market tour, boat ride, and cooking class offers excellent value, especially considering the quality and authenticity.
Expert Guides: From Thao to Anna, guides are praised for their friendliness, patience, and local knowledge, making the experience engaging and educational.
Tasty, Filling Food: Expect to make and taste multiple dishes, often enough to replace a meal, with reviews highlighting generous portions and delicious flavors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Timing

The tour begins at the Ivegan shop, with flexible options for morning or afternoon departures. The meeting point may vary depending on your reservation, so it’s good to confirm ahead. Expect to spend around 3-4 hours in total. This timing makes it manageable even if you’re on a packed itinerary.

Market Tour: Seeing and Shopping for Local Ingredients

The first part of the experience is a guided stroll through a lively local market in Hoi An. We loved the way guides like Linh and Victor described the seasonal fruits, fresh herbs, noodles, meats, and seafood on display. They offer insights into what’s in season, what’s used in traditional dishes, and how locals buy their daily supplies.

One reviewer mentioned, “The market visit was fun and the explanation about the different vegetables and fruits was comprehensive,” which is exactly the kind of info you want when trying to understand Vietnamese cuisine. Vendors are friendly, and you’re encouraged to bargain and buy ingredients — a real taste of local life.

Basket Boat Adventure: Floating Through Coconut Palms

Next, you’ll hop onto a bamboo basket boat for a 40-minute ride. This is where the experience becomes both scenic and lively. The boatmen often sing folk songs, and you’ll be spun around in a playful, spinning motion — some even doing a dance or two.

Reviews repeatedly mention the fun and laughter, with many describing it as “half serene float, half crazy spinning experience,” especially when music like Gangnam Style kicks in. The boat captain or row lady might take photos of you alone in the boat, capturing the fun moments.

You might also try fishing with a net, adding a hands-on element. Plus, there are souvenirs made from coconut leaves to take home, giving this part of the trip a thoughtful touch.

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The Cooking Class: Making and Eating Vietnamese Dishes

The highlight for many: learning how to cook several traditional Vietnamese dishes in a beautiful setting, often by the water. Chefs like Anna and Thao are praised for their patience, friendliness, and clear instruction.

You’ll be involved in preparing dishes such as Bánh Xèo (rice pancakes), Phở (beef noodle soup), Bánh Cun (steamed rice rolls), and Chè (sweet bean soup). The recipes are adaptable for dietary preferences like vegan or gluten-free. Many reviews mention the generous portions and the fact that you end up with enough food to replace dinner.

One guest said, “We cooked four dishes, and all of them were delicious,” emphasizing the value of the experience. You’ll learn cooking techniques, ingredients, and presentation tips that you can reproduce at home, with recipes emailed afterward.

What’s Included and What to Expect

The tour includes a guide, cooking class, bottle of water, insurance, and a lunch or dinner depending on the schedule. No hidden fees here. Extra drinks are not included, so you might want to bring some if you prefer beverages other than water.

It’s a well-organized experience, with small groups often around six people, making it easy to ask questions, get involved, and not feel rushed.

Practical Details and Tips

• Comfortable shoes are a must, as you’ll be walking through markets and on boats.
• Don’t forget sunglasses and a sun hat to stay protected in the warm weather.
• The tour is in English and Vietnamese, so guides are bilingual and eager to teach.
• It’s not suitable for wheelchair users, due to the nature of the boat ride and walking involved.
• You can reserve and pay later, offering flexibility, and cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours in advance.
• Since the experience involves a lot of food, it’s best to arrive hungry and avoid a large breakfast beforehand.

Authentic Insights from Past Travelers

Long-time fans of this tour rave about the friendly guides, especially mentioning guides like Thao and Anna, who go above and beyond to make the experience fun and informative. Reviewers love the delicious food they’ve cooked, often saying it’s so good they plan to try making it at home.

One traveler noted, “The setting of the kitchen is beautiful — on the water with coconut leaves everywhere,” which adds to the charm of the cooking component. The basket boat ride also gets high marks for being humorous and scenic, especially when folk songs and spinning are involved.

Some reviews point out that the market visit can be a little short and noisy, but overall, the comprehensive nature of the experience compensates. Many mention the generous portions and how the dishes cooked during the class are well worth the effort.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for foodies eager to learn traditional recipes, culture enthusiasts wanting a taste of local life, or families looking for a fun, educational activity. If you enjoy interactive, hands-on experiences, you’ll find this tour particularly rewarding.

It’s also a good choice if you want an affordable way to explore Vietnam’s culinary traditions without sacrificing quality or authenticity. Be prepared for a busy, joyful day filled with laughter, learning, and lots of tasty food.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, the ingredients can be adapted for various dietary preferences, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or allergies. Just inform the guides beforehand.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat. A water bottle is provided, but you might want extra drinks if needed.

How long does the tour last?
It typically lasts around 3-4 hours, starting at either morning or afternoon, depending on your choice.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the meeting point is usually at the Ivegan shop, so plan to meet there or arrange your own transport.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is it suitable for children?
Most children enjoy the boat ride and cooking, but the tour involves some walking and may not be accessible for wheelchair users.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after an authentic, fun-filled day that combines local market sights, scenic water rides, and cooking skills, this tour from Hoi An hits the spot. It offers excellent value, memorable moments, and a chance to truly connect with Vietnamese culture.

The guides are praised for their friendliness and expertise, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. The tasty dishes, lively boat ride, and vibrant market atmosphere make this a well-rounded option for a half-day adventure.

While it’s a busy schedule, the variety and authenticity make it worthwhile — especially if you’re hungry for more than just sightseeing. Perfect for food lovers, families, or curious travelers ready to get their hands dirty and their taste buds satisfied.

You can check availability for your dates here: