From Ho Chi Minh: Cai Rang Floating Market & Cooking Class

Set out on a captivating journey from Ho Chi Minh City to the renowned Cai Rang Floating Market in the Mekong Delta. This 12-hour excursion offers a chance to experience the vibrant river commerce, savor local fruits, and immerse in the area’s rich culture. The adventure culminates with a hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn to craft the beloved Hu Tieu noodles under the guidance of a skilled chef. Discover the culinary traditions that make this region so enchanting.

Key Points

• Departs from Ho Chi Minh City for a 12-hour excursion to explore the Cai Rang Floating Market and participate in a cooking class.
• Includes a 3-hour boat cruise, visits to two pagodas, and a 2-hour cooking class focused on preparing Hu Tieu noodles.
• Offers opportunities to photograph and sample local fruits at the vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market.
• Cooking class provides hands-on guidance from a renowned chef on kneading, rolling, cutting, and making the broth for Hu Tieu noodles.
• Visits to Ong Pagoda and Munir Ansay Pagoda showcase the cultural significance and architectural heritage of the Mekong Delta region.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour departs from Ho Chi Minh City and takes visitors on a 12-hour excursion to explore the iconic Cai Rang Floating Market and participate in a hands-on cooking class.

A 12-hour excursion from Ho Chi Minh City to explore the iconic Cai Rang Floating Market and partake in a hands-on cooking class.

Priced from $182 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and various culinary experiences.

Highlights include a 3-hour boat cruise through the floating market, visits to two pagodas, and a cooking class where participants learn to make the renowned Hu Tieu noodles.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with some exceptions, and can be booked with flexible cancellation policies.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with pickup at the designated location, QPG3+2G, before embarking on a 3-hour boat cruise through the iconic Cai Rang Floating Market. Visitors can snap photos and explore the colorful market, filled with boats loaded with tropical fruits like mango, rambutan, longan, and durian. The itinerary also includes visits to two significant pagodas:

| Pagoda | Duration | Highlights |

| — | — | — |

| Ong Pagoda | 1 hour | Built by the Chinese community in the late 19th century, dedicated to Guan Yu |

| Munir Ansay Pagoda | 1 hour | Cultural hub for the Khmer community, significant for Buddhist festivals |

The tour concludes with a 2-hour cooking class in Cai Be, where guests learn to make the renowned Hu Tieu noodles.

Exploring Cai Rang Floating Market

What makes the Cai Rang Floating Market so captivating? The bustling 3-hour boat cruise allows visitors to witness a vibrant river commerce that’s been thriving for centuries.

Countless boats laden with tropical fruits, vegetables, and other wares line the waterways, creating a kaleidoscope of colors and activity. Guided by a local expert, guests can wander the market, snap photos, and sample delicious local delicacies.

It’s a chance to take in the rhythms of Mekong Delta life, where the waterways are the lifeblood of the community. The Cai Rang Floating Market is a must-see cultural highlight of any trip to Southern Vietnam.

Learning Hu Tieu Noodle Making

After exploring the vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market, visitors embark on a hands-on cooking class to learn the art of making Hu Tieu noodles.

Under the guidance of a renowned chef, they discover the intricate process of preparing these regional delicacies. Guests learn to knead and roll the dough, expertly cut the noodles, and create the flavorful broth that sets Hu Tieu apart.

The class culminates in a satisfying lunch, allowing participants to savor the fruits of their labor and appreciate the culinary traditions of the Mekong Delta region.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Visiting Ong Pagoda

After exploring the lively Cai Rang Floating Market, visitors make their way to the Ong Pagoda, a captivating cultural landmark in the region.

Built by the Chinese community in the late 19th century, the pagoda is dedicated to Guan Yu, a revered military general.

Visitors can admire the ornate Chinese architecture, intricate carvings, and vibrant colors that adorn the temple.

They’ll learn about the pagoda’s historical significance and its role in the local community.

The serene atmosphere provides a peaceful contrast to the bustling floating market, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.

Visiting Munir Ansay Pagoda

From the tranquility of Ong Pagoda, the tour then takes visitors to the Munir Ansay Pagoda, a cultural hub for the Khmer community in the region.

This riverside pagoda is significant for Buddhist festivals and ceremonies. Visitors can explore the ornate architecture, statues, and altars that reflect the unique Khmer cultural heritage.

The riverside pagoda hosts important Buddhist festivals and ceremonies, featuring ornate architecture, statues, and altars reflecting Khmer cultural heritage.

The pagoda serves as a gathering place for the local Khmer population, offering a glimpse into their traditions and spiritual practices.

Exploring Munir Ansay Pagoda provides a meaningful cultural experience, complementing the other highlights of the day’s tour.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes a range of amenities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

It covers pickup and drop-off in Ho Chi Minh City, air-conditioned transport, an English-speaking guide, and all entrance fees.

The experience includes a 3-hour boat cruise at Cai Rang Floating Market, a visit to Ong Pagoda and Munir Ansay Pagoda, a cooking class in Cai Be, and complimentary bottled water, a cold beer/soda, a snack, and lunch.

However, additional drinks, snacks, tips, and gratuities aren’t included.

Pickup outside Ho Chi Minh City incurs an extra charge.

The tour isn’t suitable for certain groups.

Important Information

While the tour isn’t suitable for children under 3, people with back problems, wheelchair users, or non-swimmers, visitors are encouraged to bring comfortable shoes, a sun hat, a camera, sunscreen, water, and insect repellent.

Smoking isn’t allowed during the tour.

Pick-up instructions state to wait at the main entrance of Bong Sen Saigon Hotel, but the hotline can provide alternate locations.

Specific holidays, such as Tet, International Workers Day, and Christmas, come with a 30% surcharge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Group Size for the Private Tour Option?

The tour offers a private group option, but the minimum group size is not specified in the information provided. The details on the private group option and minimum group size are not included.

Are Special Dietary Requirements Catered for During the Cooking Class?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention accommodating special dietary requirements during the cooking class. However, it’s best to contact the tour provider ahead of time to inquire about their ability to cater to any specific dietary needs.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Halal Menu for the Included Meals?

Yes, the tour can accommodate vegetarian or halal dietary preferences. Guests can request these options when booking, and the chef will prepare the included meals accordingly. The tour provider is happy to cater to different dietary needs.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration or Add Additional Activities?

Yes, the tour allows for customization. Travelers can extend the duration or add extra activities, such as visiting additional cultural sites or experiencing more hands-on cooking classes, for an additional cost. These options can be discussed with the tour operator.

How Are Safety Measures Implemented During the Boat Cruise and Activities?

The tour operator provides life jackets for the boat cruise and ensures participants follow safety protocols. Experienced guides lead all activities and monitor participants closely. Proper safety measures are in place to address potential risks during the tour.

The Sum Up

This captivating 12-hour excursion from Ho Chi Minh City to the renowned Cai Rang Floating Market allows you to experience the vibrant river commerce of the Mekong Delta. You’ll enjoy a scenic boat cruise, savor local fruits, and learn about the area’s rich culture. The adventure culminates with a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn to craft the traditional Hu Tieu noodles, gaining an appreciation for the culinary traditions of this enchanting region.

You can check if your dates are available here: