Hoi An, a captivating Vietnamese town, offers a unique culture through its "Market Tour – Bay Mau Cooking Class – Basket Boat" adventure. This eco-friendly tour promises an unforgettable experience, allowing travelers to explore the vibrant local market, navigate the scenic coconut palm forest, and master the art of Vietnamese cuisine under the guidance of an expert. With a blend of hands-on activities and scenic explorations, this tour invites visitors to fully enjoy Hoi An’s rich heritage and culinary traditions.

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Good To Know

Eco-friendly 5-hour tour from Hoi An that includes a local market exploration, bamboo boat ride, and hands-on Vietnamese cooking class.
Priced from $32.07 per person, with round-trip van transport and an English-speaking guide.
Cooking class focuses on preparing classic Vietnamese dishes like rice pancakes, beef noodle soup, and spring rolls.
Pickup available from Hoi An city center, with additional fees for guests from Da Nang or outside Hoi An.
Tour includes van transport, bamboo boat ride, cooking class, and meal, but excludes extra drinks and tips.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This 5-hour eco-friendly tour from Hoi An immerses visitors in the local market atmosphere and rural Vietnamese life.

Priced from $32.07 per person, it includes round-trip van transportation, an English-speaking guide, a 40-minute bamboo boat ride, a hands-on cooking class, and lunch or dinner.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a "reserve now, pay later" option is available.

Additional fees apply for pickups outside Hoi An.

The small-group tour isn’t suitable for individuals over 95 and has various packing recommendations.

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Itinerary Highlights

Visitors enjoy the local market atmosphere in Hoi An, where they can explore the vibrant sights, sounds, and aromas of this bustling Vietnamese marketplace.

Next, they’ll venture into the coconut palm forest and glide along the waterways in a traditional bamboo basket boat.

The highlight of the tour is the hands-on cooking class where participants learn to prepare classic Vietnamese dishes like rice pancakes, beef noodle soup, fresh spring rolls, and herb salad with sautéed beef.

Under the guidance of a local expert, guests gain an authentic culinary experience.

Transportation and Pickup

Pickup is included from Hoi An city center.

There’s an additional charge of 300,000 VND ($12.50) one way for 2-3 guests picked up from Da Nang or outside Hoi An.

Guests should wait 10 minutes in the lobby for pickup.

Be prepared to wait 10 minutes in the lobby for your pickup to arrive.

The tour includes van transportation for pickup and drop-off in Hoi An.

An English-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout the experience.

Transportation is a seamless part of this immersive culinary adventure, allowing participants to focus on the engaging market visit, hands-on cooking class, and serene boat ride through the coconut palm forest.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a van pickup and drop-off in Hoi An, as well as an English-speaking guide who accompanies the group throughout the experience.

Guests will enjoy a 40-minute bamboo boat ride and a hands-on cooking class where they’ll learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes like rice pancake, beef rice noodle soup, and fresh spring rolls.

Lunch or dinner is also provided. However, the tour excludes extra drinks and tips.

Participants are recommended to bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and cash, as oversize luggage and large bags aren’t allowed.

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Participant Information and Recommendations

The tour is limited to a small group size of up to 12 participants. This allows for a more personalized experience and ensures the cooking class runs smoothly.

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals over 95 years old due to the physical nature of activities. Guests should wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and bring a camera to capture memories. Oversized luggage and large bags aren’t allowed.

The tour includes a 40-minute bamboo boat ride, so guests should come prepared. The tour offers an immersive and authentic experience of rural Vietnamese life in a sustainable manner.

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Taking in the Local Market Atmosphere

Visitors start their immersive journey at the local market in Hoi An, where the sights, sounds, and smells of Vietnamese culture come alive.

They’ll browse stalls brimming with vibrant produce, fragrant herbs, and freshly caught seafood. The bustling atmosphere lets travelers experience the daily life of the community. Guides provide insights into local shopping habits and point out unique ingredients used in traditional Vietnamese dishes.

This market exploration sets the stage for the hands-on cooking class, where guests will learn to prepare beloved national specialties like rice pancakes and beef noodle soup.

Exploring the Coconut Palm Forest

After exploring the vibrant market, participants board bamboo basket boats to venture into the serene coconut palm forest.

Gliding silently through the network of canals, they marvel at the lush green palms towering above. The guide points out the various ways locals utilize the versatile coconut, from thatched roofs to sweets.

Participants try their hand at paddling the traditional vessels, experiencing the tranquility of this natural oasis. The gentle ride offers a glimpse into the daily life and culture of the region, setting the stage for the upcoming cooking class.

Hands-on Cooking Class

Once back at the cooking school, participants eagerly don aprons and gather around the open-air kitchen.

Under the guidance of a skilled Vietnamese chef, they learn to prepare several classic Vietnamese dishes.

First, they make fresh spring rolls, meticulously wrapping a variety of herbs and vegetables in rice paper.

Next, they sauté tender beef and mix it with vermicelli noodles, herbs, and a tangy dressing to create the beloved bún bò Nam Bộ.

Finally, they master the art of making crispy, golden-brown bánh xèo.

Throughout, the chef shares cooking techniques and cultural insights, making this hands-on experience truly enriching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour to Suit My Dietary Requirements?

Yes, the tour can be customized to accommodate dietary requirements. Guests should notify the tour operator in advance so they can adjust the menu and cooking class to suit individual needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or food allergies.

Do I Need to Have Prior Cooking Experience for the Cooking Class?

No prior cooking experience is necessary for the cooking class. Beginners are welcome, as the class teaches traditional Vietnamese dishes through hands-on instruction by a local chef.

Are There Any Vegetarian or Vegan Menu Options Available?

Yes, the tour offers vegetarian and vegan menu options. Guests can notify the guide in advance, and the cooking class will accommodate their dietary preferences by preparing plant-based versions of the traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Can I Purchase Any of the Ingredients or Dishes From the Tour?

Yes, participants can purchase ingredients or replicate the dishes learned during the cooking class. The tour includes a visit to the local market where these ingredients can be bought. Take-home recipes are also provided.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration or Add Additional Activities?

Yes, the tour offers an option to extend the duration or add additional activities. Guests can inquire with the tour provider about customizing the itinerary to include more experiences or spend more time on certain activities.

The Sum Up

This Hoi An tour offers a comprehensive cultural experience, immersing visitors in the vibrant local market, stunning natural scenery, and traditional Vietnamese cuisine. With a hands-on cooking class led by an expert guide, guests can savor the flavors of the region and gain valuable insights into the local culinary traditions. It’s an eco-friendly, memorable adventure that showcases the best of Hoi An’s vibrant culture.