From Hoi An: Cooking Class and Basket Boat Experience

Travelers to Hoi An, Vietnam can enjoy the rich culinary heritage of the region through a captivating 6-hour experience. From visiting the vibrant local market to crafting authentic Vietnamese dishes alongside expert chefs, this hands-on cooking class and basket boat tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into the country’s vibrant food culture. With the chance to catch unique purple river crabs, participants are sure to savor the flavors of Hoi An in a truly memorable way.

Good To Know

• Immersive 6-hour experience that combines a visit to Hoi An Market, a basket boat ride through coconut forests, and a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class.
• Opportunity to catch vibrant purple river crabs and learn about the local ecosystem during the tranquil basket boat ride.
• Cooking class led by local chefs at Gragon restaurant, where participants prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes using fresh ingredients from Hoi An Market.
• Activity priced from $38.63 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
• Available as morning or afternoon tours, with both options including the market visit, basket boat ride, and cooking class.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Experience

The cooking class and basket boat experience offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the local culture and cuisine of Hoi An.

The 6-hour activity, priced from $38.63 per person, includes a hotel pickup, a trip to the Hoi An Market, a basket boat ride through coconut forests, and a hands-on cooking class with a local chef.

Participants can expect to catch vibrant purple river crabs and learn to cook authentic Vietnamese dishes.

Bookings can be made with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and the option to reserve now and pay later is available.

Itinerary Details

The cooking class and basket boat experience offers a full-day itinerary, with both morning and afternoon tour options. The morning tour runs from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, while the afternoon tour is from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Guests are picked up from their hotels by local tour guides and taken to the Hoi An Market for about 30 minutes of ingredient shopping. They then travel to the Gragon restaurant at Cam Thanh coconut village by mini-van, where they’ll participate in a 1.5-hour cooking class with local chefs and a basket boat ride through the coconut forests to catch purple crabs.

| Tour Time | Morning | Afternoon |

| — | — | — |

| Start | 8:00 am | 1:00 pm |

| End | 1:00 pm | 6:00 pm |

| Duration | 5 hours | 5 hours |

Basket Boat Ride Through Coconut Forests

What better way to explore the lush coconut forests of Cam Thanh than by taking a tranquil basket boat ride?

After browsing Hoi An Market, the tour heads to Cam Thanh village, where guests step into traditional round basket boats.

Gliding silently through the winding canals, they spot vibrant purple river crabs lurking in the shallows.

The peaceful journey offers a glimpse into local life, with villagers fishing and tending to their coconut groves.

This unique experience connects visitors to Vietnam’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, setting the stage for the upcoming cooking class.

Catching Purple River Crabs

As guests glide silently through the winding canals in their basket boats, they spot vibrant purple river crabs lurking in the shallows.

These unique crustaceans get their distinct color from their diet of purple mangrove leaves. Guests are encouraged to gently reach into the water and try to catch the crabs using their bare hands.

With quick reflexes and a bit of patience, they can proudly display their catch before carefully releasing the crabs back into the water.

This interactive experience allows visitors to better understand the local ecosystem and appreciate the natural wonders of the coconut forests.

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Cooking Class With Local Chefs

After the relaxing basket boat ride, guests are ushered into the Gragon restaurant’s kitchen to begin their hands-on cooking class with local chefs.

Under their guidance, participants learn to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes using fresh ingredients from the Hoi An Market. The chefs demonstrate various cooking techniques and share insights into Vietnamese culinary traditions.

Guests actively participate, chopping, seasoning, and cooking the dishes. This interactive experience allows them to enjoy the local cuisine and culture, culminating in a satisfying meal they’ve created themselves.

Exploring Vietnamese Cuisine and Culture

Guests enjoy Vietnamese cuisine and culture during the interactive cooking class at the Gragon restaurant. At the local market, they browse vibrant stalls, learning about indigenous ingredients from friendly vendors. In the kitchen, a chef guides them through preparing authentic dishes, sharing techniques and stories. The class culminates in a satisfying meal, where guests savor the flavors they’ve created. Meanwhile, a tranquil boat ride through coconut groves offers a glimpse into the lush natural landscape that inspires Vietnamese cooking.

| Ingredient | Technique | Dish |

| — | — | — |

| Fresh herbs | Chopping | Spring rolls |

| Coconut water | Mixing | Pho |

| Purple crabs | Sautéing | Crab fried rice |

| Rice noodles | Rolling | Bún chả |

| Lemongrass | Pounding | Curry |

Shopping at Hoi An Market

The Hoi An Market buzzes with activity as guests embark on their culinary journey. Under the guidance of local tour guides, they explore the vibrant stalls, haggling with vendors and selecting the freshest produce, aromatic herbs, and unique ingredients.

From glistening seafood to colorful fruits and vegetables, the market offers a sensory feast. Guests learn about traditional Vietnamese cuisine and the importance of quality, locally-sourced ingredients.

This hands-on experience at the market sets the stage for the cooking class, where they’ll apply their newfound knowledge to create authentic dishes bursting with flavor.

Inclusions, Exclusions, and Accessibility

The experience includes transportation, a bottle of water, tour insurance, and either lunch or dinner, ensuring a seamless and well-supported adventure.

The tour excludes personal expenses and gratuities, keeping the focus on the immersive cultural experience.

Additionally:

1. The activity isn’t suitable for people over 95 years, ensuring safety and comfort for all participants.

2. A live tour guide is available in both English and Vietnamese, enabling direct interaction with local sellers at the market.

3. The "reserve now & pay later" option allows guests to book their spot without immediate payment.

4. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Experience for My Child Under 12?

Yes, children under 12 can participate in the cooking class and basket boat experience. The activity is suitable for all ages, and children’s pricing is available. Parental supervision is required for children during the tour.

Is the Cooking Class Suitable for Vegetarians or Vegans?

The cooking class can accommodate vegetarians and vegans. The chefs will work with participants to prepare plant-based Vietnamese dishes using fresh local ingredients. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, you can request a private tour instead of a group tour. The provider offers private options, which allow for a more personalized experience and flexibility in the itinerary. Additional fees may apply for the private tour.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Basket Boat Ride?

No special equipment is needed for the basket boat ride. The tour provides the boat, life jackets, and all necessary gear. Just bring comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting wet and wear sturdy shoes to navigate the boat.

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

There’s no option to extend the duration of the cooking class and basket boat experience. The tour is a fixed 6-hour program, with morning and afternoon schedules available. Extending the length would require booking a separate tour.

The Sum Up

This immersive cultural experience in Hoi An offers a unique opportunity to explore Vietnam’s culinary heritage. Participants can explore the vibrant local market, learn hands-on cooking techniques from expert chefs, and even catch the elusive purple river crabs. With a tranquil basket boat ride through scenic coconut forests, this activity promises an unforgettable day of discovering Vietnamese cuisine and culture.

You can check availability for your dates here: