Hoi An/Da Nang: Vegetarian Cooking Class & Basket Boat Ride

Experience Review: Hoi An/Da Nang Vegetarian Cooking Class & Basket Boat Ride

Trying to get a true taste of Vietnam without the hustle and bustle of crowded markets or generic tours? This vegetarian cooking class combined with a basket boat ride in Hoi An offers a relaxed, hands-on approach to experiencing local flavors and traditions. It’s ideal for food lovers, those curious about Vietnamese culture, and travelers seeking an authentic, small-group experience for around $29.

What immediately stands out are the pacing and variety of the tour: you’ll start your morning with a gentle boat ride, catch crabs like a local, and then get your hands dirty in a cooking class making three delicious vegetarian dishes. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off makes logistics smooth, especially if you’re staying in Da Nang or Hoi An. Plus, the chance to cook with fresh ingredients from a garden adds a fresh, farm-to-table vibe. The only consideration? There’s no market tour included, so if market adventures are your thing, you might wish for more diversity in stops.

This tour appeals most to travelers who love immersive, hands-on activities and appreciate the culinary side of Vietnam, particularly if you’re a vegetarian or simply curious about plant-based Vietnamese cuisine.

Key Points

• Authentic Vietnamese food experience with hands-on cooking of vegetarian dishes
• Unique activities like basket boat riding and crab fishing, offering insight into local life
• Convenient logistics with included hotel pickup and transfer
• Affordable pricing providing excellent value for a cultural and culinary day trip
• Limited market exposure but rich in farm-to-table flavors
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere

A Deep Dive into the Experience

This tour is best described as a well-balanced mix of traditional Vietnamese activities with a focus on local food culture. It begins with a pickup from your hotel—either in Da Nang or Hoi An—around 8:45 am or 2:45 pm, depending on your chosen timing. The journey to Cam Thanh Village is comfortable, and once there, the adventure really kicks off.

Basket Boat Ride and Crab Fishing

The highlight for many is the 45-minute basket boat ride, which takes you through charming, narrow channels flanked by lush greenery. This activity is surprisingly tranquil and provides great photo opportunities, especially if you enjoy seeing local life in action. The reviewers appreciated the “stunning views” and the chance to observe how local fishermen catch crabs with rods and nets—something you can try yourself.

One traveler notes, “you learn and fish like the locals,” which adds a layer of authenticity to this experience. It’s not just a scenic ride; it’s a glimpse into daily life in Vietnam’s rural waterways. The casual and friendly guides, such as Long Phu, make the experience feel genuine rather than touristy.

The Cooking Class

After the boat ride, you’ll head to a dedicated cooking space, where you’ll prepare four dishes—three of which are vegetarian. The menu includes Pho “chay” (vegetarian noodle soup), fried spring rolls, Vietnamese pancakes, and green papaya salad. These foods are staples in Vietnamese cuisine, and the class emphasizes fresh ingredients straight from the garden.

The feedback from previous participants underscores how well-organized and engaging the cooking session is. One review mentions, “you enjoy what you cooked,” highlighting that the dishes are not only fun to make but also delicious to eat. The focus on vegetarian options makes this a rare find, as most local cooking classes tend to focus on meat dishes.

While the tour doesn’t include a market visit, the farm-to-table concept keeps the experience grounded in fresh, seasonal ingredients. The cooking process is straightforward enough for beginners, but still satisfying for seasoned cooks.

Lunch and Return

Following the cooking, you’ll sit down to enjoy your creations—an authentic, freshly prepared Vietnamese meal. This moment allows you to relax and savor the flavors before heading back to your hotel, typically around 12:30 or 6:30 pm, depending on your schedule.

The overall duration is approximately 3.5 hours, a perfect half-day activity that won’t exhaust you or eat into your sightseeing plans. The group is limited to 15 travelers, ensuring plenty of attention from guides and a friendly atmosphere.

Practical Details and Value

At just $29 per person, this experience offers remarkable value considering the inclusion of both water activities and a comprehensive cooking class. The hotel pickup and drop-off eliminate the hassle of figuring out transportation, especially for those unfamiliar with local transport options.

The tour does not include tips or extra charges unless you’re visiting during the Lunar New Year (26 Jan – 3 Feb), when there’s a small surcharge of 150,000 VND per person. Water and ingredients are provided, but additional beverages or souvenirs are on you.

For travelers who appreciate small-group settings, the maximum of 15 participants fosters a more intimate, engaging environment. Since there’s no market tour, those hoping to explore local markets might find this experience slightly limiting, but the farm-fresh ingredients compensate by offering a taste of rural Vietnamese life.

Insights from Reviews

One enthusiastic reviewer highlighted, “Fantástica y entretenida mañana con Long Phu Eco Tour & Restaurant,” emphasizing the value of combining boat rides and cooking lessons. They appreciated the quieter morning hours, which meant less crowding and a more authentic feel. Another review praised the “less people” in the morning, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a calmer, more personal experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for vegetarians seeking authentic Vietnamese cuisine, food lovers eager to learn new recipes, and waterway enthusiasts interested in local fishing practices. It’s also suitable for small groups and couples wanting a relaxed, educational outing with friendly guides.

If you’re after a culturally immersive experience without the crowds, and enjoy hands-on activities, this tour delivers. It’s less about sightseeing and more about participation, making it ideal for travelers who want to do rather than just observe.

Final Thoughts

This Hoi An/Da Nang tour balances authentic culinary education with traditional water activities in a way that feels genuine and accessible. The farm-fresh ingredients, hands-on cooking, and scenic boat ride create a memorable snapshot of Vietnamese rural life and cuisine—all at a very reasonable price.

While it might lack a market visit or extensive sightseeing, it compensates with delicious food, beautiful scenery, and authentic activities. It’s a wonderful choice for those who want to connect with local culture in a relaxed, approachable way.

If you’re looking for a small-group, budget-friendly, and culinary-focused experience that emphasizes local ingredients and traditions, this tour will suit you well.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup is provided from hotels in Da Nang or Hoi An, making the experience hassle-free.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including transportation, activities, and lunch.

Are vegetarian options available?
Absolutely, the menu is specifically designed for vegetarians, featuring dishes like Pho chay, Vietnamese pancakes, and green papaya salad.

What activities are included in the tour?
You will enjoy a basket boat ride, crab fishing, and a cooking class where you’ll prepare and eat four dishes.

Is there a market tour included?
No, this tour does not include a market visit; focus is on farm-to-table ingredients and local waterway activities.

What should I wear or bring?
Wear comfortable clothes suitable for cooking and water activities. An apron might be provided, and it’s good to bring sunscreen and a hat for the boat ride.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, small-group, hands-on activities generally appeal to older children and teenagers, especially those interested in cooking or water sports.

Can I book this last minute?
Yes, on average it’s booked 6 days in advance, but availability is usually flexible depending on the season.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people typically join the tour?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

This tour offers a genuine taste of Vietnamese life with an emphasis on local ingredients, waterway traditions, and hands-on cooking. Perfect for curious travelers and food lovers alike, it promises a memorable, authentic day in Hoi An.