Biking Countryside - Market Tour - Farming & Cooking Class

Exploring the countryside by bike is an engaging way to take in the local culture of Hoi An. This tour combines a visit to the vibrant market, hands-on farming activities, and a cooking class led by a skilled chef. Visitors will interact with friendly vendors, cultivate fresh produce, and savor the flavors of traditional Vietnamese cuisine. The experience promises to be both educational and delightful, offering a well-rounded glimpse into the heart of this picturesque region.

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Good To Know

Immersive cultural experience blending market visits, farming activities, and a hands-on cooking class in the charming town of Hoi An, Vietnam.
Guided exploration of Hoi An’s local market, with opportunities to interact with friendly vendors and learn bargaining tips.
Hands-on farming experience at Tra Que Vegetable Village, where participants engage in traditional cultivation techniques like hoeing soil and transplanting seedlings.
Soothing foot massage with traditional herbs, promoting muscle relaxation and blood circulation after the farming activities.
Cooking class led by a local chef, featuring the preparation of authentic Vietnamese dishes using ingredients sourced from the Tra Que Vegetable Village.

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Overview of the Activity

This activity offers a comprehensive exploration of Hoi An’s local culture, blending market visits, farming experiences, and a hands-on cooking class.

Participants will enjoy the local market, interacting with vendors and learning bargaining tips.

Immerse in the local market, interact with vendors, and learn bargaining tips to experience Hoi An’s vibrant culture.

They’ll then travel to the Tra Que Vegetable Village, where they’ll engage in farming activities like hoeing soil and transplanting produce.

Following the farming experience, guests will enjoy a relaxing foot massage before preparing and savoring traditional Vietnamese dishes with a local chef.

This full-day tour provides a well-rounded experience of Hoi An’s vibrant culinary and agricultural heritage.

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Exploring the Local Market

Where does the market visit begin? The tour starts with exploring the local Hoi An market.

Participants interact with the friendly market sellers and learn bargaining tips. They browse the vibrant stalls filled with fresh produce, seafood, and local handicrafts.

The guide explains the significance of various ingredients and shares insights into Vietnamese cuisine. Participants engage with the lively atmosphere, taking in the sights, sounds, and aromas of the bustling market.

This immersive experience provides a glimpse into the daily life and food culture of Hoi An, setting the stage for the hands-on farming and cooking activities to follow.

Farming Experience in Tra Que Vegetable Village

After exploring the lively local market, participants travel to the Tra Que Vegetable Village.

They enjoy the tranquil farming environment, learning hands-on from local farmers. Participants hoe the soil, collect seaweed, and transplant vegetable seedlings, gaining insight into traditional cultivation techniques.

The experience provides a deeper appreciation for the effort behind the produce they saw at the market.

Following the farming activities, participants enjoy a soothing foot massage using traditional herbs, a refreshing prelude to the upcoming cooking class where they’ll prepare local dishes using the just-harvested ingredients.

Foot Massage With Traditional Herbs

After the hands-on farming experience, participants enjoy a soothing foot massage using traditional herbs.

This relaxing treatment incorporates locally-sourced ingredients like lemongrass, ginger, and camphor. The massage helps soothe tired muscles and improve blood circulation. Skilled therapists gently knead the feet, using long, soothing strokes.

This traditional practice is believed to promote overall well-being. The tranquil setting, with views of the picturesque vegetable gardens, enhances the calming experience.

Participants can unwind and recharge before transitioning to the cooking class, where they’ll learn to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes.

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Cooking Class With a Local Chef

Following the farming experience and foot massage, participants then transition to the cooking class portion of the tour. Under the guidance of a local chef, guests learn to prepare several traditional Vietnamese dishes, including fresh spring rolls, Banh Xeo, banana flower salad, and fish in clay pot. The ingredients for the meal are sourced from the Tra Que Vegetable Village, ensuring the utmost freshness. Throughout the cooking class, the chef provides step-by-step instructions and shares cultural insights, allowing participants to enjoy the local culinary traditions.

| Dish | Main Ingredients | Cooking Method |

| — | — | — |

| Fresh Spring Rolls | Rice paper, vegetables, herbs | Rolling |

| Banh Xeo | Rice flour, pork, shrimp, bean sprouts | Pan-frying |

| Banana Flower Salad | Banana flower, chicken, herbs | Mixing |

| Fish in Clay Pot | White fish, soy sauce, vegetables | Slow-cooking |

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Enjoying the Prepared Dishes

Once the cooking class concludes, guests can savor the fruits of their labor.

They’ll sit down to enjoy a variety of local Vietnamese dishes, including fresh spring rolls, the savory Banh Xeo crepe, and a refreshing banana flower salad.

The centerpiece is a clay pot fish, infused with the fragrant herbs and vegetables grown on the nearby farm.

Guests can wash it all down with bottled mineral water provided.

It’s a chance to appreciate the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine in a relaxed, convivial atmosphere after an immersive day exploring the local market and learning traditional farming techniques.

Inclusions in the Activity

The activity package includes a range of beneficial services and amenities. Participants enjoy complimentary pickup and drop-off from their Hoi An area hotels.

An English-speaking guide and local chef lead the experience, providing expertise throughout. Farming activities at Tra Que Vegetable Village allow hands-on engagement with local agriculture.

Afterwards, a traditional foot massage helps visitors relax. The tour includes a bottled water and a full lunch or dinner featuring Vietnamese specialties. Extra drinks not specified in the inclusions are available for purchase.

Important Information and Recommendations

Travelers should be aware of the activity’s cancellation policy, which allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The activity’s cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Plus, the tour can accommodate various dietary restrictions, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free, as long as they’re informed in advance.

Pickup from locations outside the Hoi An area will incur an additional fee of 300,000 VND ($12.50) per one-way transfer for 2-3 participants.

It’s recommended to bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and cash.

However, individuals with heart problems, altitude sickness, or over 95 years old may not be suitable for this activity.

Luggage and large bags aren’t allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Does the Activity Typically Start?

The activity typically starts with hotel pickup around 8:00 AM, allowing guests to explore the local market, participate in farming activities, and enjoy a cooking class before the day concludes in the early afternoon.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Age Requirement?

The activity is not suitable for individuals over 95 years old, but there is no specified minimum age requirement. Participants should be able to engage in light farming activities and follow the cooking class.

Can Customers Bring Their Own Bicycles?

Customers cannot bring their own bicycles. The tour includes bicycle pickup and return from the hotel, as specified in the itinerary. Guests must rely on the provided bicycles for the duration of the countryside biking experience.

What Happens in Case of Bad Weather?

In case of bad weather, the tour provider will work with customers to reschedule the activity or offer a suitable alternative. They prioritize guest safety and aim to provide a fulfilling experience despite weather challenges.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Activity?

The activity does not appear to offer an option to extend the duration. The standard program lasts 4.5 to 7 hours, and any changes to the scheduled timeframe would need to be coordinated directly with the tour provider.

The Sum Up

This immersive tour offers a unique blend of cultural experiences. Cycling through the countryside, visitors explore a lively local market, engage in hands-on farming, and learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes. The combination of market exploration, farming, and cooking class provides an authentic, well-rounded introduction to Hoi An’s vibrant culinary heritage. This activity is a must-do for those seeking an immersive cultural journey beyond the typical tourist trail.