Hoi An, the charming coastal town in central Vietnam, offers a unique cultural experience with the "Making Lantern & Cooking Class With Basket Boat Ride" tour. Over 4.5 hours, visitors can enjoy the local way of life, from exploring a vibrant market to crafting traditional Vietnamese lanterns. But the real highlight might just be the tranquil boat ride through the coconut palm forest, a serene escape that sets the stage for an unforgettable culinary adventure.

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Good To Know

This 4.5-hour tour in Hoi An includes a local market exploration, Cam Thanh village visit, 45-minute basket boat ride, lantern-making, and traditional Vietnamese cooking class.
Participants can bargain and practice haggling skills at the local market, applying tips like starting low and avoiding losing temper.
The tour features a visit to Cam Thanh village, known for its coconut palm forest, and a tranquil basket boat ride through the waterways.
Guests can create a unique lantern souvenir from a variety of materials and learn to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes during the cooking class.
The tour offers flexibility in accommodating dietary restrictions and timing, ensuring a personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour lasts for 4.5 hours and is priced from $32.47 per person.

It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Participants can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

Pickup from Da Nang to the meeting point in Hoi An is included.

The tour explores a local market, visits Cam Thanh village, and includes a 45-minute basket boat ride through the coconut palm forest.

Guests will also learn to make lanterns and cook traditional Vietnamese dishes, which they’ll enjoy during the tour.

Feeling inspired to cook? Check out these other hands-on experiences in Hoi An

Market Exploration and Bargaining

Exploring the local colorful market offers guests a chance to enjoy the vibrant culture of Hoi An. Here, they can learn to sell and bargain like a local. The market is a hub of activity, with vendors hawking their wares and negotiating prices. To make the most of this experience, here are some tips:

| Do | Don’t |

| — | — |

| Smile and be friendly | Act disinterested or rude |

| Start low and negotiate | Accept the first price quoted |

| Compare prices across stalls | Overspend on souvenirs |

| Carry small bills and coins | Lose your temper |

This lively market visit provides a unique cultural insight and a chance to hone haggling skills.

Cam Thanh Village and Coconut Palm Forest

After exploring the local market, guests visit Cam Thanh village, known as the "kingdom of coconut palms".

Here, they’ll stroll through the lush, green coconut palm forest and embark on a 45-minute basket boat ride. The gentle currents of the waterways wind through the swaying palms, offering a peaceful and serene experience.

Guests can observe the local way of life and learn about the importance of coconut in the community. This tranquil interlude provides a welcome respite before the upcoming lantern-making and cooking class activities.

Basket Boat Ride Experience

A 45-minute basket boat ride takes guests through the serene coconut palm forest of Cam Thanh village. Visitors glide effortlessly along the gentle waterways, immersed in the lush, green landscape.

The traditional basket boats, known as "coracles", are skillfully steered by local boatmen who share insights about the area’s history and culture.
Guests can admire the towering coconut palms, spot unique birds, and observe the daily life of the villagers.
The tranquil experience offers a peaceful respite from the bustle of city life, allowing travelers to connect with the natural beauty of Hoi An.

This activity is a highlight of the tour, providing a unique and memorable way to explore the renowned coconut palm forest.

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Lantern-Making Class

The lantern-making class allows visitors to create their own unique souvenir. Participants learn the traditional craft of lantern-making, a skill that has been passed down for generations in Hoi An. During the class, they select from a variety of colorful fabrics and materials to customize their lanterns. A step-by-step guide ensures even beginners can produce a beautifully crafted lantern to take home. This hands-on experience not only provides a memorable souvenir but also offers insights into the cultural heritage of Hoi An.

| Fabric Options | Frame Materials | Lantern Sizes |

| — | — | — |

| Silk | Bamboo | Small |

| Cotton | Wire | Medium |

| Patterned | Rattan | Large |

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Cooking Class and Traditional Vietnamese Dishes

Participants in the cooking class have the opportunity to learn how to prepare several traditional Vietnamese dishes.

The class features:

Hoi An fried spring rolls: Delicate rice paper shells filled with pork, shrimp, and fresh vegetables
Vietnamese rice pancake: A savory crepe made from rice flour, stuffed with pork, shrimp, and sprouts
Papaya salad with chicken: A refreshing salad of shredded green papaya, carrots, chicken, and a tangy dressing
Cao Lau noodles: A signature Hoi An dish featuring thick, chewy noodles in a savory broth with pork and greens

After the hands-on cooking session, participants enjoy the delicious meal they’ve prepared.

Meal Prepared During the Cooking Class

After the hands-on cooking session, participants relish the delectable meal they’ve prepared.

The freshly made Hoi An fried spring rolls, with their crispy exteriors and flavorful fillings, delight the senses.

The Vietnamese rice pancakes, with their soft and supple texture, are a crowd-pleaser.

The papaya salad with chicken provides a refreshing contrast of sweet, sour, and savory flavors.

And the signature Cao Lau noodles, with their unique texture and taste, offer a true taste of Hoi An.

The participants savor each dish, proud of their newfound culinary skills and the authentic Vietnamese flavors they’ve created.

Inclusions, Exclusions, and Important Information

As the tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off within Hoi An city, as well as entrance fees, a coracle boat ride, lunch or dinner, and mineral water, participants can expect a hassle-free experience.

However, it’s important to note that:

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
The food ingredients can be adapted for various dietary restrictions, such as vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free.
The tour is available in both morning and afternoon options, allowing for flexibility.
Personal expenses and travel insurance aren’t included in the tour price.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour’s maximum group size is not specified in the provided information. The details given focus on the tour’s activities, inclusions, and other practical details, but do not mention the group size.

Can I Bring My Own Non-Alcoholic Beverages on the Tour?

You can bring your own non-alcoholic beverages on the tour. The tour includes mineral water, but you’re welcome to bring additional drinks if you prefer. The tour operator encourages guests to stay hydrated throughout the experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating in the Activities?

There are no age restrictions for the activities. Children and adults of all ages can participate in the market exploration, basket boat ride, lantern-making class, and cooking class, making it suitable for families.

Can I Customize the Menu for the Cooking Class?

Yes, the cooking class menu can be customized to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences. The tour provider is flexible and will adapt the dishes to suit vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or allergy needs upon request.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Travelers can inquire about adding more time to explore the market, have a longer boat ride, or extend the cooking class. Additional fees may apply for customizing the tour length.

The Sum Up

This immersive Hoi An tour offers a unique cultural experience. Visitors will explore a local market, glide through a coconut palm forest in a basket boat, create their own lantern, and cook traditional Vietnamese dishes. It’s a well-rounded activity that provides an engaging introduction to Hoi An’s vibrant heritage and cuisine. The hands-on elements make for an unforgettable day spent embracing the charms of this historic Vietnamese town.