Hoi An: Lantern Making, Basket Boat, and Cooking Class

Hoi An, the enchanting Vietnamese town, beckons travelers with its unique cultural experiences. This tour promises to immerse visitors in the local traditions through a captivating blend of activities. From mastering the art of lantern-making to navigating the serene Water Coconut Forest by basket boat, the journey culminates in a hands-on cooking class where guests learn to prepare iconic Vietnamese dishes. With a focus on authenticity and engagement, this tour offers a chance to uncover the essence of Hoi An and leave with unforgettable memories.

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Good To Know

A 5.5-hour guided tour in Hoi An, Vietnam, offering a basket boat ride, cooking class, and lantern-making workshop for up to 10 participants.
Includes hotel pickup, transportation, meals, and an English-speaking guide, with a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
Participants visit a local market, learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho and banh xeo, and create handmade lanterns as souvenirs.
The tour explores the Nipa Forest along the Thu Bon River, providing insights into Vietnam’s agricultural past and the daily lives of local fishermen and farmers.
The peaceful basket boat ride through the Water Coconut Forest offers a calming experience and an opportunity to witness local fishing and farming practices.

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Tour Overview

This 5.5-hour guided tour provides an opportunity to experience everyday life in Hoi An.

A small group of up to 10 you will explore the Nipa Forest historical area and enjoy a basket boat ride in the Water Coconut Forest.

The highlight is a hands-on cooking class featuring traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho bo, banh xeo, banh cuon, and che. Participants will also create a handmade lantern during a lantern-making class.

The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, meals, and an English-speaking guide.

Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance allows a full refund.

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What to Expect

Guests begin their Hoi An experience with a visit to the local market, where they’ll have the chance to purchase raw materials for the upcoming cooking class.

Next, they’ll board a bamboo basket boat and float through the tranquil Water Coconut Forest.

A tranquil cruise through the Water Coconut Forest aboard a bamboo basket boat.

The main event is the hands-on cooking class, featuring beloved Vietnamese dishes like pho, banh xeo, and banh cuon.

After enjoying the fruits of their labor, participants create their own handmade lanterns in a guided workshop.

Throughout the day, an English-speaking guide provides insights and ensures a seamless, engaging experience.

Nipa Forest Historical Area

As guests embark on their Hoi An adventure, they’ll first visit the Nipa Forest historical area.

This lush, verdant region along the Thu Bon River offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s agricultural past. Travelers will explore the unique Nipa palm habitat, learning about its significance in local culture and traditional utilization.

The serene boat ride allows them to witness the daily lives of fishermen and farmers, fostering a deeper appreciation for the region’s enduring connections to the land and water.

This immersive experience sets the stage for the cooking and lantern-making activities to follow.

Basket Boat Ride in the Water Coconut Forest

After exploring the Nipa Forest, guests embark on a peaceful basket boat ride through the serene Water Coconut Forest.

Navigated by a local guide, the narrow waterways are lined with lush coconut palms and mangroves. Gliding through this tranquil ecosystem, guests experience the daily life of the local fishermen and farmers.

The gentle rocking of the boat and the sounds of nature create a calming, immersive experience. This unique activity offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the Hoi An countryside, providing a welcome respite from the bustling town.

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Cooking Class

Following the conclusion of the peaceful basket boat ride, participants then embark on an immersive cooking class led by a local expert.

They begin by visiting a nearby local market to gather fresh ingredients. In the kitchen, the instructor demonstrates the preparation of beloved Vietnamese dishes like pho bo, banh xeo, banh cuon, and che. Guests actively participate, honing their culinary skills.

The cooking class culminates in a delightful meal, allowing participants to savor the fruits of their labor. With full stomachs and a newfound appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine, the group then transitions to the lantern-making portion of the tour.

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Lantern-Making Class

Participants then transfer to a local workshop to commence the lantern-making class.

They’ll learn to craft traditional Vietnamese lanterns by hand, using bamboo frames and colorful tissue paper. The instructor guides them through the intricate process, demonstrating techniques for shaping the bamboo and carefully applying the delicate paper.

Guests delight in the creativity of the activity, designing their own unique lanterns to take home as souvenirs.

Guests delight in crafting their own unique lanterns, cherishing them as mementos of their immersive cultural experience.

The lantern-making class offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse in the rich cultural heritage of Hoi An and gain a deeper appreciation for this iconic local craft.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour kicks off with a pick-up at the meeting point on Hoang Dieu Street in Hoi An at 8:25 AM.

After a quick visit to the local market, participants take a bamboo basket boat ride at 9:00 AM.

The cooking class begins at 10:00 AM, where guests learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho bo, banh xeo, banh cuon, and che.

At 1:00 PM, the group transfers to the lantern-making class to create their own handmade lanterns.

The tour ends around 2:00 PM, or participants can opt for an afternoon session starting at 1:25 PM.

Inclusions and Customer Feedback

The tour includes a bottle of water, transportation, tour insurance, meals, the cooking class, an English-speaking guide, the lantern workshop, hotel pickup and drop-off, but excludes extra drinks and gratuities.

Based on 112 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.9/5. Customers highly praise the guide, transportation, and value, while some expressed disappointment in the lantern-making activity.

Recommendations include wearing comfortable shoes, bringing sunglasses, and packing a raincoat for specific seasons.

The tour can accommodate various dietary preferences, such as vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Participants Take the Lantern Home After the Class?

Yes, participants can take their handmade lantern home after the lantern-making class. The tour includes a lantern-making workshop where visitors create their own customized lantern as a souvenir to bring back from the experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour duration. The tour can begin at 1:25 PM for an afternoon session, allowing participants to enjoy the activities at a more leisurely pace.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

There are no age restrictions for the tour participants. The tour is suitable for all ages, with no minimum or maximum age requirements. Families with children are welcome to join the small group experience.

Can Vegetarian or Vegan Options Be Substituted in the Cooking Class?

Yes, the cooking class offers vegetarian and vegan substitutions. According to the tour details, "Food ingredients can be adjusted for dietary preferences (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, allergies)."

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size Requirement?

The tour has a small group size limited to 10 participants. There is no minimum group size requirement, allowing the tour to run even with just a single traveler. The maximum group size is capped at 10 for an intimate experience.

The Sum Up

This immersive Hoi An tour offers a delightful blend of cultural experiences. Visitors can unleash their creativity in a lantern-making workshop, glide through the serene Water Coconut Forest in a basket boat, and savor the flavors of traditional Vietnamese cuisine during a hands-on cooking class. It’s an engaging way to discover the charming local heritage and take in the vibrant tapestry of Hoi An.