The bustling waterways of Can Tho offer serious cooks and curious travelers a chance to master authentic Mekong Delta cuisine.
From dawn excursions to the Cai Rang Floating Market paired with noodle-making workshops, to countryside bike rides leading to family kitchens, each class delivers practical cooking skills alongside cultural connections.
I’m especially fond of the motorbike cooking tours – they combine the thrill of rural exploration with intimate, home-based instruction.
The bicycle and cooking combinations work particularly well too, letting you work up an appetite while discovering local ingredients.
Check out these hand-picked cooking experiences that showcase the best of Can Tho’s culinary traditions.
Key Points
- The Cai Rang Floating Market & Cooking Class Tour offers an immersive cultural experience, including noodle-making workshops and a boat trip.
- The Full-Day Mekong Cycling and Cooking Experience combines scenic cycling and a private home visit for hands-on Vietnamese cooking lessons.
- The Can Tho Cooking Class – Motorbike Trip provides a guided motorbike ride through the countryside and an authentic home cooking experience.
- The Biking and Cooking Class in the Rural Tour offers a well-rated 4-hour tour with outdoor biking and a hands-on cooking class.
- These cooking classes in Can Tho provide diverse cultural and culinary experiences, catering to different interests and preferences.
Saigon: Cai Rang Floating Market & Cooking Class 1 Day Tour
This one-day tour offers visitors a comprehensive experience in the Mekong Delta region. Titled “Saigon: Cai Rang Floating Market & Cooking Class 1 Day Tour,” it’s a 12-hour excursion priced at $184.62 per person.
The tour includes an early morning pickup, a light breakfast during the private car transfer, and a visit to the Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest in the Mekong Delta.
Participants will experience traditional workshops, such as making “Hu Tieu” noodles, and enjoy a cooking class in Cai Be focusing on Southern Vietnamese cuisine.
The cultural experiences include learning about regional culinary differences and relaxing in hammocks under tropical fruit trees after the cooking class.
The tour also features a bike ride through car-free village roads, a rowing boat trip through mangrove palm canals, and local folk music.
Read our full review: Saigon: Cai Rang Floating Market & Cooking Class 1 Day Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Full-Day Experience in Mekong Cycling and Authentic Home Cooking
Visitors to Can Tho can embark on a full-day adventure that combines cycling through the Mekong Delta and an authentic home cooking experience. This highly-recommended tour starts with hotel pickup and takes travelers to the picturesque town of Can Tho, known for its floating markets and vibrant local culture.
Guests will explore the Mekong River by bicycle, taking in the serene surroundings and gaining insights from a knowledgeable local guide. After the cycling portion, they’ll visit a private home to learn traditional Vietnamese cooking techniques and prepare a delicious meal featuring local dishes. The menu includes main courses of Vietnamese local specialties, with suggestions provided for those unfamiliar with the cuisine.
The all-inclusive experience covers transportation, equipment, ingredients, and tour fees. Drinks and gratuities aren’t included, but the tour’s 5.0 rating from 51 reviews suggests it delivers excellent value.
Travelers should note the tour’s limitations, as it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or certain medical conditions.
Read our full review: Full-Day Experience in Mekong Cycling and Authentic Home Cooking Review
Book now: Check availability
Can Tho Cooking Class – Motorbike Trip in the Countryside
Embarking on a captivating Can Tho adventure, travelers will first hop aboard motorbikes for an exhilarating ride through the countryside.
This Can Tho Cooking Class – Motorbike Trip in the Countryside offers a unique opportunity to take in the local culture and cuisine. The tour begins at Bến phà Xóm Chài, where you will meet their guides and receive safety briefings before setting off.
During the tour, guests will be treated to snacks, food tastings, coffee or tea, and bottled water and beverages, including alcoholic options. The private transportation and use of helmets ensure a comfortable and secure journey.
After the countryside exploration, the class continues with an authentic home cooking experience, where participants can learn to prepare delectable Vietnamese dishes.
With a maximum of 10 travelers, this private tour offers a personalized experience. Vegetarian options are available upon request.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, excluding those with back problems, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions.
Read our full review: Can Tho Cooking Class – Motorbike Trip in the Countryside Review
Book now: Check availability
Biking and Cooking Class in the Rural Tour at Can Tho
For travelers seeking an immersive rural experience in Can Tho, the Biking and Cooking Class in the Rural Tour provides a captivating blend of outdoor adventure and culinary exploration.
This 4-hour tour takes participants on a journey through the countryside, beginning with a hotel pickup and a visit to a local fruit garden. Guests then embark on a guided biking excursion, exploring the tranquil rural landscapes before participating in a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class.
Under the guidance of an English-speaking instructor, they’ll learn to prepare classic dishes like spring rolls and Vietnamese pancakes, culminating in a delightful lunch featuring the fruits of their labor. Throughout the experience, guests can enjoy refreshing snacks, fruits, and lotus tea.
With its 5/5 rating based on 7 reviews, this tour is highly recommended for its engaging and informative nature, as well as the expertise and cheerfulness of the guide.
Read our full review: Biking and Cooking Class in the Rural Tour at Can Tho Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Minimum and Maximum Class Sizes?
Class sizes can vary, typically ranging from a minimum of 4 participants to a maximum of 10-12 students. This allows for personalized attention and hands-on learning experience in a small group setting.
Do the Classes Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
Cooking classes often accommodate dietary restrictions, catering to vegetarians, vegans, and those with food allergies. Many schools provide customized menus and hands-on instruction to ensure all participants can fully enjoy the culinary experience.
Are the Cooking Classes Suitable for Children?
The cooking classes are generally suitable for children, with many offering hands-on activities and kid-friendly recipes. Some classes may have age restrictions or specialized programs, so it’s best to check with the providers before signing up.
How Much Time Is Spent on the Cooking Portion?
The cooking portion typically takes up the majority of the class duration, with participants spending around 2-3 hours actively preparing and cooking the dishes under the guidance of the instructor. This hands-on experience allows for thorough learning and skill-building.
Can Participants Take Home the Dishes They Prepare?
Participants can usually take home the dishes they prepare during cooking classes. This allows them to enjoy the fruits of their labor and share the homemade meals with friends and family.
The Sum Up
Can Tho offers a range of engaging cooking classes that allow visitors to enjoy the local culinary traditions. From exploring the Cai Rang Floating Market to cycling through the countryside and learning authentic home cooking, these experiences provide a unique opportunity to discover the flavors of the Mekong Delta. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious traveler, Can Tho’s cooking classes cater to all tastes and interests.