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

Travelers planning a trip to Central Vietnam often rave about Hoi An’s vibrant culture and picturesque streets. This particular tour, offered by Hoian Eco Coconut Tour, promises a hands-on experience that captures the city’s essence — from bustling markets to tranquil waterways, and delicious home-cooked dishes to the iconic lanterns that light up the night.

What makes this tour stand out? For just $15 per person, you get a well-rounded immersion into local life. Highlights include a lively market visit, a fun basket boat adventure, an engaging Vietnamese cooking class, and a charming lantern-making session. The consistent high ratings, averaging 4.9/5 from 233 reviews, suggest it’s a must-do for those wanting genuine, value-packed experiences.

A slight consideration: the tour operates in a group setting with a set timetable, which might feel rushed for some. However, if you’re someone who loves a blend of culture, cuisine, and fun activities, this tour is a fantastic choice. Perfect for first-time visitors or anyone wanting an authentic taste of Hoi An in a half-day adventure, especially if you enjoy interactive experiences and local flavors.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Experience: Combines market shopping, boat rides, cooking, and lantern making.
• Great Value: All of this for just $15 per person, with many reviews highlighting the quality and variety.
• Guided by Knowledgeable Hosts: Guides like Lin, Anna, and Thao are praised for their warmth and expertise.
• Delicious, Homemade Food: Cook multiple classic dishes such as Pho Bo, Banh Xeo, and more.
• Family-Friendly & Photo-Worthy: Lantern making and boat rides offer charming photo opportunities and keepsakes.
• Flexible Timing Options: Tours can be scheduled in either morning or afternoon.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Your Day with Market Shopping

The tour kicks off at around 8:25 am with a pick-up, or you can opt for an afternoon start at 1:25 pm. The first stop is a lively local market, where your guide will help you select fresh ingredients for the cooking class. This part is not just about shopping but understanding local produce and flavors. Many reviews, such as Alice’s, highlight how guides like Lin were so knowledgeable, explaining everything about the ingredients and their significance in Vietnamese cuisine.

Water Coconut Forest & Basket Boat Ride

Next, you’ll head to the Water Coconut Forest for a fun basket boat adventure. The ride is typically around an hour, and while some reviewers mention that the boats feel touristy, they also note the boat driver’s singing and playful attitude make it a memorable and amusing experience. Glen describes the guide as “amazing and funny,” which really captures the lively spirit of this activity.

The basket boat, a round bamboo vessel, is a classic Hoi An icon. You’ll get the chance to spin around, enjoy the scenery, and perhaps even participate in local fishing techniques. This experience not only offers a unique perspective but also provides some great photo opportunities.

Vietnamese Cooking Class

After the boat ride, it’s time for hands-on culinary fun. The cooking class is hosted in a well-organized setting, where Lin, Thao, or Anna will guide you through preparing traditional dishes like Pho Bo (beef noodle soup), Banh Xeo (Vietnamese fried pancake), Banh Cuon (steamed rice paper roll), and Che (mung beans soup). Reviewers like Ryan and Jessica emphasize how engaging and thorough the instruction is, with guides patiently supporting even those with less chopping skills.

The class isn’t just about following recipes but learning the techniques and stories behind these dishes. Many guests leave with new confidence to cook these at home, making it more than just a fun activity — it becomes a useful skill.

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Completing the Day with Lantern Making

The final activity is a charming lantern-making class, Hoi An’s signature craft. You’ll get to create your own beautiful lanterns, which you can take home as souvenirs. According to reviewers like Alice and Jessica, the lanterns are cute keepsakes, and the activity is straightforward, involving gluing fabric onto the lantern frame. Some reviews mention they wished for more painting or decorating, but overall, the experience is delightful and wholesome.

The whole tour wraps up around 2 pm, leaving you with plenty of time to explore Hoi An’s old town or relax afterward. The afternoon option extends the experience slightly, finishing around 6:30 pm, which might suit travelers with a later schedule.

What Sets This Tour Apart

Value for Money

At just $15, this package offers a surprising amount of activity, food, and cultural insights. Guests consistently mention the excellent value, especially given the quality of the guides and the variety of experiences packed into half a day.

Authentic Connections

The guides, such as Lin, Anna, and Thao, are praised for their friendliness, patience, and deep knowledge. They don’t just lead activities; they share stories and explain the significance behind them, enriching the experience.

Delicious Food

The dishes you cook, like Pho and Banh Xeo, are not just for the tour but are authentic recipes you can replicate back home. With many reviewers mentioning how delicious and exciting the food was, it’s clear this is a highlight.

Memorable Keepsakes

The lanterns you craft become physical mementos of your trip, and the basket boat experience offers great photo opportunities and fun moments. Guests often mention these as their favorite parts.

Suitable for All

While not ideal for wheelchair users, families, solo travelers, or couples will find plenty to enjoy. The variety makes it perfect for those wanting a condensed, authentic Hoi An experience.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable shoes and a sunhat, especially during the hot season (April to September).
• Bring sunglasses and a raincoat if visiting during the rainy season (October to January).
• If you have dietary restrictions, inform the organizer beforehand, as ingredients can be modified.
• The tour generally includes meals, transportation, and a knowledgeable guide, making it a straightforward, inclusive experience.
• The tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan accordingly, especially if staying outside the meeting point.

Why We Think This Tour Is a Winner

This experience captures what makes Hoi An special — its lively markets, traditional watercraft, flavorful cuisine, and artistic lanterns. Many reviewers, like Teghan and Alice, highlight how much they enjoyed the hands-on cooking and beautiful lanterns. The guides are consistently praised, making everyone feel comfortable and engaged throughout.

The value for money is another strong point. For just $15, you gain a multi-layered view of local life, enjoy delicious food, and leave with memorable souvenirs. Guests often mention how this tour was a highlight of their trip, thanks to the friendly guides, authentic activities, and tasty dishes.

The activities are carefully structured to avoid rushing, giving enough time to enjoy each experience while fitting into a half-day schedule. Whether you’re a foodie, culture seeker, or just looking for a fun and authentic activity, this tour checks many boxes.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors wanting an introduction to Hoi An’s highlights. It’s also well-suited for travelers on a budget, families, or couples who want an engaging cultural experience without spending a full day. If you love interactive activities, cooking, or crafts, the lantern-making session will be a lovely closing touch.

However, if you prefer more free time or customization, you might find the structured schedule a little restrictive. Also, those with mobility issues might want to consider accessibility, as the tour involves some walking, boat rides, and crafting.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included? No, the tour starts at a designated meeting point, so travelers need to arrange their own transportation to and from there.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and possibly a raincoat during the rainy season. Check if you have any allergies, as ingredients may be custom-moderated.

How long does the tour last? The standard morning tour runs from about 8:25 am to 2 pm, while the afternoon tour begins at 1:25 pm and ends around 6:30 pm.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated? Ingredients can be changed for vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free needs—just inform the organizers in advance.

Is it suitable for children? Yes, especially families who enjoy interactive crafts and food but note that the activities may be more suited to older kids who can participate actively.

What makes the lantern-making special? It’s a simple, charming craft that produces a beautiful keepsake. Guests often take their lanterns home, which serve as lovely mementos.

Can I learn to cook Vietnamese dishes I’ve never tried before? Absolutely. Many reviews mention how the dishes are authentic and easy to replicate at home, with helpful guidance from the guides.

Final Thoughts

For a modest price, this tour offers an authentic taste of Hoi An’s culture, cuisine, and crafts. The guides, like Lin, Anna, and Thao, elevate the experience with their warmth and knowledge, making each activity feel special. From market shopping and boat rides to cooking and lantern making, every moment is designed to be enjoyable, informative, and memorable.

If you’re after a well-rounded, fun-filled introduction to Hoi An that doesn’t break the bank, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for travelers eager to connect with local traditions, enjoy delicious food, and bring home tangible souvenirs of their Vietnamese adventure.

Whether you’re a foodie looking to master Vietnamese dishes or a craft lover excited to create your own lanterns, this experience promises a delightful day out in Hoi An.

You can check availability for your dates here: