Hoi An : Lantern Making & Cooking Class With Local Family

Experiencing Hoi An’s charm can often mean wandering through lantern-lit streets or sampling delicious local dishes. But how about doing both in one engaging session? This tour offers a wonderfully balanced blend of craftsmanship and culinary skills, led by friendly local guides who make the experience both informative and fun.

What we love about this experience is how it combines hands-on activities with cultural insights, offering more than just a typical sightseeing tour. You’ll get to create your own silk lantern, learn authentic Vietnamese recipes, and share a meal with new friends—all for just $28. The only potential downside? As it’s a group activity, it might not feel as intimate for those seeking complete privacy. Still, it’s ideal for travelers eager to connect and learn quickly.

This tour will appeal most to curious travelers who want to take home a personal souvenir and deepen their understanding of local traditions. If you enjoy interactive, culturally rich experiences that are both fun and practical, this one’s a winner.

Key Points

• Authentic Crafts: Make your own silk lantern, a symbol of good luck, with expert guidance.
• Culinary Skills: Learn to cook popular Vietnamese dishes, including Cao Lau noodles and spring rolls.
• Local Connection: Experience rural Vietnamese life through hands-on activities and local hosts.
• Value for Money: At $28, you get a unique craft, a cooking lesson, a shared meal, and a souvenir.
• Group Atmosphere: Join a social, group-based experience that encourages meeting fellow travelers.
• Flexible Options: Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request; booking is flexible with free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Experience: Lantern Making & Cooking in Hoi An

This tour is an inviting introduction to Hoi An’s enchanting atmosphere, blending traditional craftsmanship with culinary delight. Starting with a pickup at a designated meeting point, the activity is structured to give you a genuine taste of Vietnamese culture while allowing for relaxed interaction.

Lantern Making: Creating a Symbol of Good Fortune

The journey begins with a hands-on lantern-making session. Guided by a knowledgeable instructor, you’ll work with silk, bamboo, and traditional techniques to craft your own foldable lantern. Reviewers mention that the process is engaging and fun, with helpful guides like “Sab” noting the team was “very helpful and friendly.”

What makes this particularly special is that you get to keep your handmade lantern as a souvenir—a tangible memory of your trip, and a charming decoration at home. Lanterns are symbols of happiness and wealth in Vietnam, so making one yourself adds a personal touch to this cultural icon.

Learning about Lantern Crafts

The guides don’t just show you how; they also share stories about the significance of lanterns and the craft behind them. Knowing the symbolic importance of these colorful lights and the effort involved in their creation makes the activity richer. You’ll find yourself appreciating the craftsmanship that goes into crafting these delicate objects, often made from silk and bamboo, which are traditional materials.

Vietnamese Cooking: A Culinary Journey

After the lantern workshop, it’s time to roll up your sleeves for a Vietnamese cooking class. Led by a friendly, English-speaking local chef, this part of the tour is about more than just recipes; it’s about understanding the flavors and techniques that define Vietnamese cuisine.

The menu features popular local dishes like fried spring rolls, rice pancakes, and Cao Lau noodles—specialty of Hoi An. Based on reviews, the ingredients are high quality, and the step-by-step instructions make it accessible even for novice cooks. One reviewer, Péter, mentioned how the class was “informative,” and that making the lantern was “fun,” highlighting how well the two activities complement each other.

More Great Tours Nearby

Sharing a Meal & Making New Connections

Once you’ve finished cooking, everyone gathers to enjoy the dishes they’ve prepared. Sharing a meal with fellow participants is a lively and authentic way to wrap up the experience. It’s an opportunity to discuss techniques, ask questions, and appreciate the flavors, which are often praised by travelers as “delicious” and authentic.

The communal aspect is also a highlight, with reviewers noting that it’s a great chance to meet new people and exchange travel stories. The guides encourage conversation and make everyone feel comfortable, fostering a friendly group atmosphere.

Practical Details: What to Expect and How to Prepare

This tour operates as a group experience, meaning you’ll be joining other like-minded travelers. The duration is flexible but typically includes the lantern-making session, cooking class, and meal, all within a few hours. It’s priced at $28, which is reasonable considering you’re getting a handmade souvenir, a cooking lesson, and a communal meal.

Included in the price are:

• An English-speaking instructor
• A welcome drink to start
• One lantern per person
• All ingredients for the cooking class
• The meal you prepare (lunch or dinner)

Not included are hotel transfers, so plan to meet at the designated spot. If you require hotel pickup or drop-off, this would need to be arranged separately, or you could consider nearby accommodations within walking distance.

Special Considerations

• Public holidays in Vietnam attract a surcharge of 200,000 VND per person, payable in cash.
• Children under 4 can participate free of charge but won’t be involved in the cooking.
• Vegetarian or vegan options are available if requested during booking, ensuring dietary needs are accommodated.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic Cultural Engagement: Making your own lantern connects you directly to Vietnamese traditions, with stories behind the craft enriching the experience.

Practical Skills: Learning Vietnamese dishes like Cao Lau gives you recipes to practice at home, extending your travel experience beyond Hoi An.

Friendly Guides and Atmosphere: Reviewers repeatedly praise the guides for their helpfulness and the welcoming environment, making you feel comfortable even if you’re unfamiliar with cooking or craftwork.

Value for Money: At just $28, this experience offers a lot—personalized souvenirs, new skills, and shared meals—making it a very worthwhile investment.

Flexibility and Comfort: The booking process allows for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, and special dietary requests are accommodated.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This activity suits travelers who enjoy hands-on experiences and want an authentic cultural connection. It’s perfect if you’re interested in craftsmanship, local cuisine, or simply looking for a fun, social activity. Families with children under 4 will appreciate the chance to participate without obligation, and vegetarians or vegans can enjoy the dishes with prior request.

It’s an excellent choice for first-time visitors craving a meaningful souvenir—both a handmade lantern and new cooking skills—that they can cherish long after leaving Hoi An.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll need to meet at the designated meeting point.

Can I join if I don’t know how to cook?
Absolutely. The cooking class uses step-by-step instructions suitable for all levels, including complete beginners.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes, these options are available upon request when booking, ensuring dietary needs are met.

How long does the tour last?
While the exact timing can vary, the activity generally takes a few hours, including the lantern-making, cooking, and eating.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for hands-on activities. An apron may be provided or recommended.

Can children participate in the cooking?
Children under 4 can join for free but will not participate in cooking activities.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts

This lantern making and Vietnamese cooking class in Hoi An offers an enriching, affordable way to connect with local culture. It’s perfect for travelers eager to learn new skills, create meaningful souvenirs, and share a meal in a warm, communal setting. The combination of craft and cuisine makes it a well-rounded introduction to the region’s traditions, especially for those who enjoy interactive, hands-on experiences.

While group activities might not suit everyone, the friendly guides and authentic elements ensure that you leave with more than just memories—you’ll have a handmade lantern, new recipes, and stories to tell. If you’re after a practical, fun, and culturally immersive activity that offers excellent value, this tour should definitely be on your Hoi An list.

In summary, whether you’re a craft lover, a foodie, or simply seeking a meaningful way to spend a few hours, this experience balances fun and learning beautifully. It’s a genuine peek into local life that leaves you with a keepsake and new skills—perfect for making your Hoi An visit truly memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here: