Hoi An: Cooking Class & Lantern Making Workshop

Planning a trip to Hoi An? This cooking class combined with a lantern-making workshop offers a fantastic way to get a taste of local life, cuisine, and craftsmanship in just a few hours. It’s a well-loved experience that often earns high marks for its friendly guides, delicious food, and authentic hands-on activities.

What we love about this tour is how it balances interactive cooking, cultural learning, and creative craft-making, all in the heart of Vietnam’s most picturesque town. Plus, the opportunity to savor dishes you’ve prepared yourself makes a lasting impression. However, it’s worth noting that the experience isn’t suitable for mobility-impaired travelers or those with certain health issues.

This tour is perfect for foodies eager to learn about Vietnamese cuisine, craft lovers who want a memorable souvenir, and travelers looking for a cultural deep-dive that’s both fun and educational. If you enjoy engaging activities that go beyond typical sightseeing, this one’s for you.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Hands-on cooking with a local chef and personalized lantern crafting
• Culinary Delights: Learn to make iconic Vietnamese dishes like Ph Bò and Banh Xeo
• Cultural Immersion: Explore Hoi An’s old town, markets, and craft traditions
• Small Group: Typically intimate, allowing for personalized attention and interaction
• Flexible Options: Choose between cooking with or without lantern-making
• Value for Money: Combines multiple activities into one engaging experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: Why This Tour Stands Out in Hoi An

If you’re looking for an activity that combines food, culture, and creativity, this Hoi An Cooking Class & Lantern Making Workshop ticks all those boxes. It’s an experience that allows you to go beyond just sightseeing by actively participating in local traditions, which is often what makes travel memorable.

The tour’s core charm is its interactive approach—you won’t be just watching from the sidelines but rolling up your sleeves and getting involved. Whether it’s chopping vegetables for a bowl of Ph Bò or carefully constructing your own lantern, these hands-on moments create lasting memories. Plus, it’s led by friendly guides like Anna, who makes the entire experience welcoming and informative.

One thing to keep in mind is that this experience is not suitable for travelers with mobility issues or those with heart problems, due to the physical nature of some activities. However, if you’re reasonably mobile and eager to learn, this tour offers excellent value, especially considering the variety of activities included.

Meeting and Welcome at Dragon Restaurant

Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at the Dragon Restaurant located near the Water Coconut Forest. Here, you’re greeted with a refreshing drink, setting a relaxed tone. The spot is scenic, and the water coconut forest adds a touch of nature’s calm before the activity kicks off.

The Cooking Class Experience

The core of this tour is a 2-hour cooking session with a local Vietnamese chef, who guides you through preparing three traditional dishes and a dessert. The dishes typically include Ph Bò (beef noodle soup), Banh Xeo (Vietnamese fried rice pancake), Banh Cuon (steamed rice paper rolls), and Che (sweet beans soup).

The class isn’t just about following recipes; it’s about understanding the ingredients, cooking techniques, and cultural significance behind each dish. Multiple reviews mention how knowledgeable and engaging the guides are. For example, one reviewer praised the guide Anna for her friendliness and her ability to open up her city’s culinary secrets, making the experience feel personal and genuine.

You’ll get to prepare each dish step-by-step—from chopping herbs to simmering broths—and then sit down to enjoy your creations. Many guests comment that the food tastes even better because they made it themselves, with one guest from the UK remarking, “it tasted great because we made it ourselves.”

Lantern Making Workshop in Old Town

After your cooking session, the tour transitions into a crafting experience at a lantern workshop in Hoi An’s famous Old Town. Here, you’ll learn the traditional art of making a handmade lantern, a quintessential symbol of the town.

The process involves selecting fabrics, assembling the frame, and decorating your lantern—an activity that’s both fun and relaxing. Reviewers are particularly enthusiastic about this part; one mentioned, “making my own pretty lantern was a highlight,” and another appreciated the hands-on approach that allowed her to craft a personal souvenir.

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Optional Additional Stops

Depending on your selected package, the tour may include additional stops such as a basket boat ride or visits to local markets. These add more layers of cultural insight and fun. The tour conveniently ends with drop-offs at selected locations like Hoian, the water coconut forest, or the market, making it easy to continue exploring afterward.

The Experience in Detail: Why It’s Worth Your Time

Scenic and Practical Meeting Point

Your adventure kicks off inside the Hoi An Cooking School, located in a charming spot near a bridge that looks like a golden dragon—a fun and memorable landmark. The proximity to the water coconut forest is ideal—it sets a peaceful, natural scene that fits the town’s aesthetic.

The Cooking Class: Deep Dive into Vietnamese Cuisine

The classroom environment is relaxed yet informative. The chef shares insights into each dish’s history and ingredients, which adds educational value beyond just cooking. Guests report that the dishes are “delicious and authentic,” with the process being very hands-on.

The dishes are representative of Vietnamese street food and family recipes, giving you a taste of daily life in Hoi An. What’s special is that you won’t just watch demonstrations—you’ll actively participate, which makes the meal taste even more satisfying.

Lantern Making: A Cultural Keepsake

After indulging in food, you’ll transfer to the lantern workshop. This part of the experience is often described as therapeutic and creative. Making your own lantern offers a tangible connection to Hoi An’s famous lantern-lit nights.

As one reviewer noted, “You get to release your lantern later at night, which feels magical,” adding an extra layer of culture and photo-worthy moments.

Group Size, Duration, and Flexibility

Most groups are intimate, allowing for personalized attention. The tour lasts between 2 to 3.5 hours, with options to include or skip certain activities based on your preference. The flexibility to reserve now and pay later makes planning easier, especially if your schedule might shift.

Transportation and Logistics

Pickup is optional but convenient, with pickups available from hotels in Hoi An’s city center or nearby beaches like An Bang and Cua Dai. The meeting point is easy to find, inside the Hoi An Cooking School, making it straightforward to start your day.

Value and Practical Considerations

Cost and What You Get

While the price includes both the cooking class and lantern workshop, reviewers emphasize the value for money given the comprehensive nature of the experience. You’re not just learning recipes; you’re gaining cultural knowledge, creating souvenirs, and enjoying multiple activities in one session.

Language and Guides

The tour is offered in English and Vietnamese, with guides like Anna praised for their engaging and friendly manner. The live guide ensures you get plenty of tips and insights, making the experience more enriching.

Accessibility and Limitations

This activity isn’t suited for those with mobility issues or heart problems, mainly because of the physical aspects like standing for extended periods or crafting. Pets are not allowed, and travelers should bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat—especially if the tour is in the warmer months.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after an interactive, educational, and memorable experience in Hoi An, this tour offers excellent value. It’s fantastic for food lovers who want to learn local recipes, craft enthusiasts eager to create a unique souvenir, and travelers who enjoy hands-on cultural activities. The guides’ friendly approach and the variety of activities make it suitable for most casual travelers, provided you’re comfortable with moderate physical activity.

While it might not suit those with mobility restrictions, the overall experience provides a genuine glimpse into everyday Vietnamese life. The combination of culinary skills, cultural insights, and craft-making ensures this is one of those activities that turns a simple trip into a story worth telling.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children can enjoy the hands-on activities, especially lantern making, but age limits or restrictions aren’t specified. It’s best for kids who can stand comfortably and follow instructions.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat are recommended, especially if touring during sunny weather. All cooking ingredients and craft supplies are provided.

Can I choose to do only part of the tour?
Yes, there are options to join just the cooking class or both the cooking class and lantern workshop, depending on your preferences.

How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts between 2 and 3.5 hours, depending on the selected options and group pace.

Is transportation included?
Pickup from hotels in Hoi An city center or nearby beaches is optional and available, making logistics easier.

What dishes will I learn to cook?
Typical dishes include Ph Bò, Banh Xeo, Banh Cuon, and Che, with some variation depending on the class.

Are the guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both English and Vietnamese, ensuring clear explanations and friendly interaction.

Is this experience good value for money?
Given the variety of activities, the engaging guides, and the cultural insights, many find it excellent value.

What is the best time to do this tour?
Check availability for your travel dates; the tour operates during daylight hours, suitable for sunny or cloudy days.

What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

This hands-on tour in Hoi An combines fun, flavor, and culture in a way that leaves you with skills, souvenirs, and stories to take home. It’s a genuine way to connect with Vietnam’s culinary and craft traditions—highly recommended for curious travelers eager to get more from their visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: