Hoi An: Vegetarian Cooking Class and Basket Boat Ride

Hoi An, a picturesque town in central Vietnam, offers a unique culinary experience for visitors. This small-group tour combines a vegetarian cooking class with a scenic basket boat ride, allowing participants to enjoy the vibrant local culture. From exploring a bustling market to learning traditional cooking techniques, the experience promises an unforgettable adventure. But what truly sets this tour apart is the opportunity to witness the stunning natural beauty of the Cam Thanh Coconut village and the Bay Mau coconut forest.

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Good To Know

A 4.5-hour vegetarian cooking class experience in Hoi An, including a basket boat ride, priced from $30.85 per person.
Small-group tour limited to 10 participants, with an English-speaking live guide and flexible booking with full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours before.
Morning and afternoon sessions available, with pickup from hotels included and a visit to the local market to select fresh ingredients.
Hands-on cooking class in a rural setting, focusing on traditional Vietnamese recipes using local herbs and spices, and the use of traditional cooking tools.
Basket boat exploration of the Bay Mau coconut forest, with demonstrations by expert operators, fishing for crabs, and the opportunity to cast a traditional fishing net.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

This vegetarian cooking class in Hoi An offers a 4.5-hour experience that includes a basket boat ride.

Priced from $30.85 per person, the small-group tour limits participants to 10. An English-speaking live guide leads the adventure.

Guests can conveniently cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund. Booking and payment are flexible, with an option to reserve now and pay later.

The class includes visiting a local market, transferring to a coconut village, exploring a bamboo forest by basket boat, and hands-on cooking instruction to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes.

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

Itinerary

The vegetarian cooking class in Hoi An takes place during the morning from 8:20 AM to 1:00 PM, and again in the afternoon from 1:30 PM to 6:00 PM.

Participants are picked up from their hotels and taken to a local market to select fresh ingredients.

They then transfer to the Cam Thanh Coconut village, where they:

Explore the Bay Mau coconut forest via a bamboo basket boat.
Participate in a hands-on cooking class, learning traditional Vietnamese recipes and using authentic tools.
Enjoy the meals they’ve prepared.

Cooking Class Details

The hands-on cooking class takes place in a rural setting, where participants learn traditional Vietnamese recipes.

Guests gain insight into Vietnamese herbs and spices, and experience using traditional tools like a stone mortar, grinder, and wooden pestle.

Each participant takes an active role in preparing the dishes, which they’ll then get to enjoy.

The cooking class offers a unique opportunity to take in Vietnamese culinary traditions and learn how to make authentic, flavorful vegetarian meals using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients from the nearby market.

Basket Boat Experience

After exploring the local market and cooking class, the activity culminates in a unique bamboo basket boat ride through the Bay Mau coconut forest.

The basket boat experience offers several highlights:

Fishing for crabs while gliding through the tranquil waterways.
Witnessing expert basket boat operators demonstrate their impressive skills.
Trying one’s hand at casting a traditional fishing net.

This peaceful excursion provides a serene and authentic glimpse into the local way of life in the Cam Thanh Coconut Village.

The basket boat ride completes a well-rounded culture in Hoi An.

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Inclusions and Exclusions

The activity includes a basket boat trip, an English-speaking chef-guide, pickup and drop-off service, Cam Thanh Coconut entrance fee, lunch/dinner, and bottled water.

It’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

The cooking class provides a hands-on experience where participants learn traditional Vietnamese recipes and gain insight into local herbs and spices.

They’ll use traditional tools like a stone mortar, grinder, and wooden pestle to prepare the dishes.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Hoi An

Pickup and Drop-off Service

As part of the inclusive package, the tour operator provides pickup and drop-off service from hotels in Hoi An.

This convenient service ensures a seamless start and end to your culinary adventure.

The key benefits include:

Time-saving, personalized service, and worry-free logistics – the key benefits of the pickup and drop-off service for the Hoi An vegetarian cooking class.

Time-saving: No need to arrange your own transportation to the class location.
Personalized service: Get picked up directly from your hotel for a hassle-free experience.
Worry-free logistics: The tour operator handles the transportation, allowing you to focus on the cooking class.

This pickup and drop-off service adds to the overall convenience and value of the Hoi An vegetarian cooking class experience.

Cam Thanh Coconut Entrance Fee

The Cam Thanh Coconut entrance fee is included in the overall cost of the Hoi An vegetarian cooking class.

This fee provides access to the local coconut village, where you will explore the Bay Mau coconut forest via a traditional bamboo basket boat.

The entrance fee covers the cost of maintaining the natural environment and supporting the local community.

It ensures visitors can fully enjoy the tranquil setting and experience the traditional way of life in this picturesque Vietnamese region.

The entrance fee is a seamless part of the comprehensive cooking class experience.

Suitability for Wheelchair Users

Unfortunately, the Hoi An vegetarian cooking class isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

The experience involves several activities that may pose challenges for those with mobility limitations:

Navigating the local market and narrow streets to reach the cooking class location.
Participating in the hands-on cooking class, which may require maneuvering in a rural, compact setting.
Accessing the bamboo basket boats for the coconut forest exploration, as the boats aren’t designed to accommodate wheelchairs.

While the tour offers an authentic cultural experience, it may not be the best choice for travelers with mobility restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Change the Menu During the Cooking Class?

The menu for the cooking class is predetermined, but participants can typically request minor adjustments or substitutions based on dietary restrictions or preferences. However, substantial changes to the menu may not be possible.

Is Vegetarian Cooking Class Suitable for Vegan Participants?

Yes, the vegetarian cooking class is suitable for vegan participants. The class focuses on traditional Vietnamese vegetarian recipes, and the chef-guide can accommodate vegan dietary requirements and provide plant-based ingredients upon request.

Can I Purchase Additional Ingredients From the Local Market?

Participants can purchase additional ingredients from the local market during the tour. The cooking class focuses on traditional Vietnamese vegetarian recipes, but accommodations can be made for special dietary requirements with advance notice.

Is There Any Age Restriction for the Basket Boat Ride?

The basket boat ride doesn’t have any age restrictions. It’s suitable for participants of all ages, as the boats are designed to accommodate riders comfortably and safely. Families with children can enjoy this unique activity together.

Can I Bring My Own Camera/Gopro on the Basket Boat?

Yes, participants can bring their own camera or GoPro on the basket boat ride. However, it’s recommended to use waterproof or splash-proof equipment as the boats may get wet during the activity.

The Sum Up

This vegetarian cooking class and basket boat tour in Hoi An offers a unique opportunity to take in the vibrant culture of the region. Participants can explore a local market, prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes, and enjoy a scenic boat ride through the Bay Mau coconut forest, providing an unforgettable and sustainable experience.