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

Hoi An, a charming Vietnamese town, offers a unique cultural experience with the "Making Lantern & Cooking Class With Basket Boat Ride" tour. Guests can enjoy the vibrant local life, from browsing a bustling market to crafting traditional lanterns. But the true highlight? A serene boat ride through lush coconut groves, where they’ll witness captivating performances before diving into a hands-on cooking class. This tour promises to leave visitors with a deeper appreciation for Hoi An’s captivating blend of history and modernity.

Good To Know

• This 4.5-hour tour in Hoi An includes a visit to a local market, a 45-minute basket boat ride, a lantern-making class, and a hands-on cooking class.
• The tour features an exploration of Cam Thanh village, where participants can observe traditional fishing practices and the local community’s connection to their environment.
• Participants will learn to prepare iconic Vietnamese dishes, such as fried spring rolls, Vietnamese rice pancakes, and papaya salad with chicken.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hoi An, with morning and afternoon options available, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Participants will have the opportunity to engage with local vendors, practice bargaining skills, and enjoy the vibrant culinary culture of Hoi An.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a unique combination of culture and hands-on experiences in Hoi An.

A unique blend of cultural exploration and hands-on activities in the charming town of Hoi An.

It lasts 4.5 hours and costs $35.17 per person. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hoi An are included.

The tour has morning and afternoon options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights include visiting a local market, learning to make lanterns, and cooking Vietnamese specialties like Hoi An fried spring rolls and Cao Lau noodles.

The tour also features a 45-minute basket boat ride through a coconut palm forest with local performances.

Itinerary Highlights

Exploring the local colorful market gives visitors the chance to learn how to bargain and purchase ingredients for the cooking class.

Next, they’ll explore Cam Thanh village, renowned for its coconut palms and local fishermen’s lifestyle. A 45-minute basket boat ride through the coconut palm forest includes local performances.

In the lantern-making class, participants learn about the history, shapes, and colors of Hoi An’s iconic lanterns, then create their own souvenir.

The hands-on cooking class features local specialties like Hoi An fried spring rolls, Vietnamese rice pancake, papaya salad with chicken, and Cao Lau noodles.

Visit to the Local Market

What better way to take in the local culture than a visit to the vibrant, colorful market? The group meanders through the bustling stalls, the air heavy with the aromas of fresh produce and sizzling street food.

They stop to admire the artful displays:

• Vibrant pyramids of tropical fruits

• Baskets brimming with live seafood

• Colorful piles of fragrant spices

The guide encourages everyone to practice their bargaining skills, a time-honored tradition in these markets.

With newfound confidence, the group selects the ingredients for their upcoming cooking class, eager to incorporate the fresh, local flavors into their culinary creations.

Exploration of Cam Thanh Village

Next, the group heads to Cam Thanh village, known for its lush coconut palm groves and glimpses into the traditional fishing lifestyle of the locals.

They explore the serene waterways, paddling in traditional basket boats called "coracles". Along the way, they witness local fishermen casting their nets and pulling in the day’s catch.

The guide shares insights into the village’s history and way of life, fostering a deeper appreciation for the community’s connection to the land and water.

This immersive experience offers a glimpse into the authentic charm of rural Vietnamese culture.

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Basket Boat Ride Experience

After exploring the vibrant local market, the group boards traditional basket boats, known as "coracles", to navigate the serene waterways of Cam Thanh village.

The woven boats gently glide through the lush coconut palm forest, offering a peaceful respite from the bustling town.

Passengers are treated to:

• Mesmerizing glimpses of local fishermen going about their daily routines

• Enchanting traditional musical performances by skilled artisans

• Spectacular views of the verdant mangrove landscape

This immersive boat ride allows visitors to witness the authentic lifestyle of this riverside community.

Lantern-Making Class

After the tranquil boat ride, participants head to the lantern-making class, eager to learn about the history and significance of these iconic Vietnamese decorations.

The guide provides an overview, explaining how lanterns symbolize prosperity, luck, and the release of troubles. Participants then choose their lantern shape, colors, and decorative elements.

With step-by-step instructions, they skillfully fold, assemble, and light their creations. The class culminates in a lantern-lighting ceremony, where participants release their lanterns into the river, watching them float away as a symbolic act of letting go.

This hands-on experience allows travelers to bring home a unique souvenir.

Hands-on Cooking Class

Participants then transition to the hands-on cooking class, where they’ll learn to prepare several iconic Vietnamese dishes.

Under the guidance of an expert chef, they’ll craft:

• Hoi An’s famous fried spring rolls, a savory and crispy delight

• Vietnamese rice pancakes, a delicate and fragrant specialty

• Papaya salad with chicken, a refreshing and flavorful dish

As they work, the chef shares the history and techniques behind each recipe, allowing participants to appreciate the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam.

This interactive session culminates in a shared meal, a satisfying conclusion to the day’s culinary adventure.

Inclusions and Customization Options

The tour includes a range of convenient inclusions to enhance the experience.

Pickup and drop-off at hotels in Hoi An city are provided for hassle-free transportation. Entrance fees, a coracle boat ride, lunch/dinner, and mineral water are all covered. An English-speaking guide will accompany the group, sharing insights throughout the day.

Travel insurance is also included for peace of mind. Customization options are available to accommodate dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free preferences.

Whether you’re seeking an authentic cultural experience or want to indulge in local cuisine, this tour offers a well-rounded and flexible program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Weather Typically Like During the Tour?

The weather during this tour is typically warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F). The dry season runs from February to August, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating in the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions, and children are welcome to participate. Though the cooking class may be challenging for very young kids, the lantern-making and boat ride activities are suitable for all ages. Families can enjoy the experience together.

Can the Tour Be Booked for a Private Group?

The tour can be booked for a private group. According to the tour overview, there are no age restrictions mentioned, so the tour should accommodate all ages. Customization options are available to adapt the experience for specific dietary needs.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is not specified. However, it is typically offered as a shared group experience. Travelers can inquire about private tour options if they prefer a more personalized experience.

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

The tour duration is 4.5 hours, but there’s no mention of an option to extend it. Customers should contact the tour provider directly to inquire about potential customization or extension options for the tour.

The Sum Up

The "Making Lantern & Cooking Class With Basket Boat Ride" tour offers an immersive and engaging cultural experience in Hoi An. Visitors can explore the local market, enjoy a peaceful boat ride, create their own lanterns, and learn to cook iconic Vietnamese dishes. This tour provides a well-rounded and authentic glimpse into the vibrant traditions and cuisine of this historic town.

You can check availability for your dates here: