Hoi An: Cam Thanh Cooking Class & My Son Sanctuary Day Tour

If you’re looking to turn your visit to Central Vietnam into a richly textured experience, this Hoi An day tour offers a compelling mix of culinary, cultural, and scenic adventures. While it’s not a one-size-fits-all, those who enjoy authentic local interactions and a bit of history will find this tour especially rewarding.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the interactive market visit with a knowledgeable guide helps you understand Vietnamese ingredients firsthand. Second, the rural cooking class in Cam Thanh village is both fun and educational — you’ll actually prepare traditional dishes. Third, the trip to My Son Sanctuary provides a glimpse into the Cham civilization, complemented by traditional performances.

That said, it’s a long day with a lot packed in — so if you prefer leisurely sightseeing or have mobility concerns, this might feel a bit hectic. Overall, it’s ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of food, history, and scenic moments, especially those eager to see beyond the typical tourist trail.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Experience: Visit a bustling market and cook with a local chef in a scenic village setting.
• Cultural Insight: Explore My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy traditional Cham dance performances.
• Scenic Views: River cruise on Thu Bon River offers stunning sunset vistas and a chance to see local life along the water.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Combines food, history, and nature in one day for great value.
• Guided Tour: Led by friendly, English-speaking guides who share useful insights and stories.
• Flexible Options: Vegetarian choices available, and booking is flexible with free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Complete Breakdown of the Experience

Morning Pickup and Market Visit

The day kicks off early at 7:30 am with a private car transfer from your hotel in Hoi An or Da Nang. The early start means you’ll beat the crowds, and the comfort of private transport ensures a smooth beginning. Once you meet your guide, you’ll head to the lively local market around 8:30 am.

Here, it’s not just about seeing stalls but touching and smelling the ingredients—this is where Vietnamese cuisine begins. The guide, often someone like Hiep from Hiep Hoi An Travel, will introduce you to a variety of herbs, vegetables, and spices, explaining their uses. This part of the tour gets praised in reviews, with visitors like Ruth noting, “the market visit and cooking class gave us a great experience of local food, culture, and history.”

Exploring Cam Thanh Village

Next, the group moves to Cam Thanh village, either by car or boat, around 9:15 am. The journey itself is a highlight, offering views of lush countryside, water coconut palms, and rice fields. Traveling on boats among the water coconut trees gives you a relaxed, picturesque introduction to rural Vietnam.

This rural setting is essential for the hands-on cooking class, as the rustic atmosphere adds authenticity. The program includes a welcome drink and a rest at the restaurant before you start preparing your meal. The chef—who is often experienced and engaging—guides you through local recipes.

Cooking Class and Lunch

The highlight for many is the cooking experience, which lasts around 1.5 hours. You’ll learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes, with the instructor demonstrating techniques and explaining the significance of each ingredient. Guests have appreciated the quality of instruction, with Chad and Mary praising the “great instructor who really knew how to cook.”

Afterward, you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor—fresh, flavorful dishes paired with local Banh My and other specialties. The meal is genuinely satisfying, and the fresh ingredients and rustic setting make it a far cry from touristy restaurants.

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Transition to My Son Sanctuary

Post-lunch, the tour continues to the historic site of My Son, approximately a two-hour drive. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its Cham architecture and carvings. Arriving around 2:30 pm, you’ll spend roughly two hours exploring the ruins with a local guide. As Ruth noted, the site is not just visually impressive but also offers a chance to learn about the Cham civilization.

Throughout your walk, traditional Cham performances add an extra layer of cultural richness. The guides typically share insightful narratives about the history and significance of My Son, making the ruins come alive with stories.

River Cruise and Sunset Views

Around 4:30 pm, you’ll return to the minivan and head to the river wharf for the highlight of many: the boat trip on Thu Bon River. Cruising back towards Hoi An, you’ll enjoy a gentle breeze and spectacular sunset views. The river scenery is dotted with local boats, fishing activities, and riverside life—perfect for photography and soaking in the atmosphere.

Guests like Chad and Mary mention that the river cruise provides “beautiful sunset views and a chance to see local life along the water,” making this part of the tour especially memorable.

Final Drop-off in Hoi An

By 6:00 pm, the tour concludes with a return to your hotel in Hoi An, or Da Nang if arranged. The whole day wraps up around 7 pm, giving you a full, fulfilling experience in Central Vietnam.

What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

The tour price at $63 per person covers quite a lot: hotel transfers, market visit, coconut jungle entrance fees, basket boat rowing, cooking class, lunch, local Banh My, an English-speaking guide, and mineral waters. That’s a very good deal considering the variety packed into a single day.

However, there are some extra costs to be aware of, notably the My Son entrance fee of 150,000 VND if you choose to enter independently. Additional pickup fees apply if you’re staying in certain resorts, so check in advance if you’re located outside the standard pickup zones.

Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and outdoor activities.
• Bring cash for optional purchases or tips.
• Pack a camera, sunscreen, and a hat to stay comfortable in the sun.
• Vegetarian options are available, but notify the tour provider in advance.

Accessibility & Considerations

While the tour is well-organized, it involves a fair amount of walking—especially at My Son—and moving between different locations, so it might not be ideal for travelers with mobility issues. The tour isn’t suitable for those over 95 years, but for most other travelers, it’s manageable and highly enjoyable.

Authentic Reviews and Insights

Chad and Mary highlight the quality of the cooking instructor, mentioning, “Great instructor who really knew how to cook,” which speaks to the professionalism and authenticity of the class. Ruth’s review echoes the sentiment that this tour offers “a great experience of local food, culture, and history,” emphasizing the value of combining these elements in one day.

Travelers also praise the scenery and cultural performances at My Son, noting that the site’s landscape and traditional dances add a memorable dimension. The river cruise consistently earns compliments for its peaceful ambiance and sunset views—”amazing moments” captured by many guests.

Why This Tour is a Solid Choice

For food lovers, this tour delivers hands-on cooking in a scenic setting, along with a chance to taste fresh, local dishes. History buffs will appreciate the 2-hour exploration of My Son, learning about the Cham civilization and enjoying traditional performances. Scenic travelers will love the boat cruise on Thu Bon River, especially at sunset.

The inclusion of private transfers and guided commentary makes this experience both convenient and informative, while the reasonable price ensures good value. It’s a well-rounded option for those eager to see authentic rural life, taste local cuisine, and discover Vietnam’s cultural treasures—all in one memorable day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian options are available. Just notify the tour provider in advance so they can accommodate your dietary preferences.

What is the tour start time?
The tour begins with hotel pickup at 7:30 am, ensuring you beat the crowds and enjoy a full day of activities.

Are hotel transfers included?
Yes, the cost covers round-trip private transfers to and from your hotel in Hoi An or Da Nang.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, cash, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended to stay comfortable and capture the scenic views.

How long is the time at My Son Sanctuary?
You’ll have around two hours to explore the site, walk around the landscape, and enjoy traditional performances.

Are there any extra costs?
The main additional fee is the entrance ticket to My Son, which costs 150,000 VND per person. Extra pickup fees may apply if staying outside designated areas.

Is the tour flexible or can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it easy to adapt plans if needed.

This Hoi An: Cam Thanh Cooking Class & My Son Sanctuary Day Tour offers a balanced mix of culture, cuisine, and scenery, all packed into a manageable day. The tour’s highlights—especially the interactive market visit, authentic cooking experience, and impressive historical site—are perfect for travelers wanting to enjoy Vietnam’s local life. The scenic river cruise adds a peaceful, picturesque finish to the day, leaving guests with plenty of photo-worthy moments.

If you’re after a well-organized, value-packed experience that combines history, food, and nature, this tour hits the mark. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate guided insights and authentic local encounters, making your visit to Central Vietnam truly memorable.

Whether you’re a foodie eager to learn new recipes, a history lover keen to explore ancient ruins, or simply someone wanting a scenic break from busy streets, this tour is a well-rounded choice. Just prepare for a busy, engaging day that promises plenty of stories and delicious bites to take home.

You can check availability for your dates here: