Hoi An: Making Lantern &Cooking Class With Basket Boat Ride

Hoi An, a picturesque town in central Vietnam, offers a unique cultural experience with its blend of historic charm and modern attractions. Visitors can enjoy the local way of life by embarking on a tour that combines a tranquil basket boat ride, the art of lantern-making, and a hands-on cooking class. This multifaceted adventure promises to unveil the true essence of Hoi An’s vibrant heritage and culinary delights. Intrigued? Let’s dive deeper into the details of this captivating tour.

Good To Know

• This 4.5-hour tour in Hoi An offers a comprehensive cultural experience, including a local market visit, bamboo basket boat ride, lantern-making class, and hands-on cooking class.
• The market visit focuses on bargaining with vendors and selecting fresh ingredients for the cooking class, providing an immersive introduction to local culinary culture.
• The serene 45-minute bamboo basket boat ride explores the picturesque Cam Thanh village, offering insights into the local fishing community and traditional village lifestyle.
• The lantern-making class allows participants to create their own vibrant and unique lanterns under the guidance of an experienced artisan, fostering appreciation for local artistry.
• The cooking class, led by Chef Tram, covers the preparation of traditional Hoi An dishes, including fried spring rolls, Vietnamese rice pancake, papaya salad, and Cao Lau noodles.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 4.5-hour activity combines a visit to a local market, a basket boat ride, lantern-making, and a hands-on cooking class.

The tour starts with exploring a colorful market, learning to bargain, and buying ingredients for the cooking class.

Explore a vibrant local market, learn to bargain, and gather ingredients for a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class.

Next, there’s a 45-minute ride on a bamboo basket boat through the scenic Thu Bon river channels.

Then, participants get to create their own personal lantern in a lantern-making class.

Finally, they’ll join a cooking class to prepare and savor traditional Vietnamese dishes like Hoi An fried spring rolls and the local specialty, Cao Lau noodles.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a visit to a local colorful market, where participants learn the art of bargaining and select ingredients for the cooking class.

Next, they explore Cam Thanh village, known for its coconut palms and local fishing community. Guests then enjoy a 45-minute ride on a bamboo basket boat through the Thu Bon river channels.

The experience culminates with a lantern-making class, where participants create a personal lantern to take home.

Finally, the group participates in a hands-on cooking class, preparing and savoring traditional Vietnamese dishes, including Hoi An fried spring rolls, Vietnamese rice pancake, papaya salad with chicken, and Cao Lau noodles.

Market Visit and Ingredient Shopping

Participants begin the tour with a visit to a vibrant local market in Hoi An. Here, they’ll learn how to bargain with vendors and select fresh ingredients for the cooking class.

The guide shares tips on choosing the best produce, meats, and seafood. Visitors explore the colorful stalls, taking in the sights, sounds, and aromas of the market.

They’ll purchase the necessary items, like herbs, vegetables, and proteins, to prepare the authentic Vietnamese dishes later in the class. This hands-on market experience provides an immersive introduction to local cuisine and culinary culture.

Cam Thanh Village and Basket Boat Ride

After the market visit, participants head to the picturesque Cam Thanh village, known for its lush coconut palms and vibrant fishing community.

Participants head to the picturesque Cam Thanh village, known for its lush coconut palms and vibrant fishing community.

They’ll:

1. Explore the charming riverside hamlet, witnessing the locals’ daily routines.

2. Gain insight into the village’s history and traditional way of life.

3. Board a sturdy bamboo basket boat for a serene 45-minute ride along the Thu Bon river channels.

4. Drift past tranquil waterways, mangroves, and fishing boats, soaking in the serene atmosphere.

This immersive experience offers a glimpse into the local culture and the rhythms of life along the river.

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Lantern-Making Class

Next, the group heads to a traditional lantern-making workshop to craft their own unique lanterns.

An experienced artisan demonstrates the intricate process, guiding them through folding the delicate rice paper and assembling the lantern frame.

Participants choose from a variety of vibrant colors and patterns, meticulously decorating their lanterns.

The hands-on activity allows them to gain appreciation for the artistry and cultural significance of this beloved Hoi An craft.

As they marvel at their creations, the group can’t wait to release the lanterns later, watching them gently float away on the Thu Bon River.

Cooking Class and Meal Preparation

With their lanterns complete, the group moves to the kitchen, where they’re greeted by Chef Tram, who’ll lead the hands-on cooking class.

The menu includes:

1. Hoi An fried spring rolls

2. Vietnamese rice pancake

3. Papaya salad with chicken

4. Cao Lau noodles, a local specialty

Under Chef Tram’s guidance, participants chop, sauté, and assemble the dishes.

The aroma of sizzling ingredients fills the air as they learn traditional techniques.

Finally, the group sits down to savor the fruits of their labor, a delectable Vietnamese feast.

Tasting Traditional Vietnamese Dishes

Having prepared the traditional Vietnamese dishes under Chef Tram’s guidance, the group now gathers around the table to savor the fruits of their labor. Taking their seats, they eagerly examine the colorful array of flavors before them.

| Dish | Description |

| — | — |

| Hoi An Fried Spring Rolls | Crispy, golden-brown rolls filled with a savory pork and vegetable mixture. |

| Vietnamese Rice Pancake | A thin, crepe-like pancake topped with shrimp, pork, and fresh herbs. |

| Papaya Salad with Chicken | A refreshing salad of shredded green papaya, carrots, chicken, and a tangy Vietnamese dressing. |

| Cao Lau Noodles | The signature dish of Hoi An, featuring thick, chewy noodles in a flavorful broth with pork and greens. |

With each bite, the group relishes the authentic tastes of Hoi An, a culinary journey that has brought them closer to the heart of Vietnamese cuisine.

Inclusions and Important Information

The tour includes an English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and drop-off (in Hoi An), entrance fees, a coracle boat experience, lunch or dinner, and mineral water.

Personal expenses, travel insurance, and other unspecified services aren’t included.

The tour is adaptable for various dietary preferences:

1. Vegan

2. Vegetarian

3. Gluten-free

4. Allergies

The tour is available in both morning and afternoon options but isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Ingredients to the Cooking Class?

No, participants cannot bring their own ingredients to the cooking class. The class provides all necessary ingredients, which can be adapted for dietary preferences or allergies. The focus is on learning traditional Vietnamese cooking techniques from the expert chef.

Is There an Option to Take the Tour in a Different Language?

Yes, the tour offers language options beyond English. Customers can request guides in other languages, such as French, Chinese, or Japanese, upon booking. This allows travelers to fully engage with the experience in their preferred language.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Cooking Equipment?

No, you don’t need to bring your own cooking equipment. The tour provides all the necessary tools and ingredients for the cooking class. The you will learn traditional Vietnamese dishes under the guidance of the chef.

Can the Tour Accommodate Large Group Sizes?

The tour can accommodate larger group sizes, typically up to 10-15 people. Group size may affect availability, so it’s best to check with the tour operator when booking. They’ll ensure the experience is tailored to the group’s needs.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour?

The tour has no minimum number of participants required. It’s suitable for solo travelers, couples, or small groups. The tour operates daily, so you can join even if you’re the only one booked for that particular date.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the captivating culture of Hoi An with this comprehensive tour. Explore the vibrant local market, glide through scenic waterways in a bamboo basket boat, master the art of lantern-making, and learn to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes under the guidance of an expert chef. This immersive experience offers a delightful opportunity to discover the enchanting charm of this historic city.

You can check availability for your dates here: