Hoi An: Bay Mau Vegan Cooking Class, Market & Basket Boat Trip

Hoi An’s Bay Mau Vegan Cooking Class, Market & Basket Boat Trip offers a unique opportunity to take in the local culinary and cultural practices. Participants embark on a guided exploration of the vibrant market, learn to prepare four traditional vegan dishes, and enjoy a serene basket boat ride through the coconut forest. This comprehensive experience provides an authentic glimpse into the community’s way of life, including hands-on activities like pounding and grinding rice. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply curious about Vietnamese cuisine, this tour promises to…

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Vegan And Vegetarian Tours In Hoi An.

Key Points

• Immersive vegan cooking class, local market exploration, and basket boat tour through the Bay Mau coconut forest in Hoi An, Vietnam.
• Opportunity to learn how to cook four traditional Vietnamese vegan dishes under the guidance of a local chef.
• Guided market tour to select fresh ingredients, followed by cultural activities like pounding, separating, and grinding rice.
• Basket boat tour of the Bay Mau coconut forest and engagement with the local community to learn about their way of life.
• Includes hotel pickup, traditional lunch or dinner, souvenirs, and drinks.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Experience

This Hoi An experience offers visitors an immersive vegan cooking class, local market exploration, and a serene basket boat tour through the Bay Mau coconut forest, providing an authentic glimpse into traditional Vietnamese culinary and cultural practices.

Priced from just 764 VND per person, the experience includes hotel pickup, a guided trip to the local market to shop for ingredients, and the opportunity to learn how to cook 4 traditional Vietnamese vegan dishes under the instruction of a local chef.

Participants will also enjoy rowing a traditional basket boat and engaging in cultural activities like pounding and separating rice.

With included transportation, lunch or dinner, and souvenirs, this immersive experience offers tremendous value.

Itinerary and Key Highlights

The experience begins with a hotel pickup, followed by a guided exploration of the local market where participants select fresh ingredients for the cooking class.

From there, the group transfers to the Cam Thanh coconut village, where they will:

1. Explore the Bay Mau coconut forest on traditional bamboo basket boats.
2. Participate in cultural activities like pounding and separating rice, grinding rice, and making rice paper.
3. Learn to cook four authentic Vietnamese vegan dishes under the guidance of a local chef.

After the cooking class, participants enjoy a traditional lunch or dinner made with the dishes they prepared. The experience also includes hotel drop-off, souvenirs, and unlimited mineral water and juices.

Visiting the Local Market

After exploring the Bay Mau coconut forest, the group heads to the local market, where they’ll select fresh ingredients for the upcoming cooking class. At the vibrant market, the local chef guides them through the stalls, pointing out unique Vietnamese produce and explaining their culinary uses. The group excitedly picks out aromatic herbs, crisp vegetables, and fragrant spices, carefully selecting the best items for their vegan dishes. With their shopping bags in hand, they’re now fully prepared to learn the art of Vietnamese plant-based cooking.

Produce	Culinary Use	Price
Lemongrass	Flavoring soups and curries	3,000 VND/kg
Daikon Radish	Pickling and stir-fries	15,000 VND/kg
Rau Muống	Stir-fried greens	10,000 VND/kg
Fresh Turmeric	Coloring and flavoring dishes	25,000 VND/kg
Shallots	Aromatic base for many dishes	20,000 VND/kg

Exploring Cam Thanh Coconut Village

Leaving the bustling local market behind, the group heads to the serene Cam Thanh coconut village, where they’ll enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of this picturesque rural setting.

Upon arrival, they’ll have the chance to:

1. Explore the Bay Mau coconut forest on traditional basket boats, gliding peacefully through the lush greenery and calm waters.

2. Participate in time-honored cultural activities like pounding and separating rice, grinding rice, and making rice paper – gaining a deeper appreciation for the region’s culinary traditions.

3. Engage with the local community, learning about their way of life and witnessing the important role that coconut palms play in their daily routines.

This immersive experience provides a glimpse into the authentic rural charm of Vietnam’s Cam Thanh region.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Cooking Class Experience

Aspiring chefs then embark on the cooking class, where they learn to prepare an authentic selection of Vietnamese vegan dishes under the guidance of a local expert. The class starts with a visit to the local market, where participants can select the freshest ingredients for their creations. Once back in the kitchen, the chef takes them through the step-by-step process of making four delectable Vietnamese vegan dishes. Participants actively engage in the hands-on experience, pounding, separating, and grinding rice, as well as learning to make traditional rice paper.

Dish	Key Ingredients
Fresh Spring Rolls	Rice paper, vegetables, herbs
Tofu Pho	Rice noodles, tofu, herbs
Vegetable Curry	Coconut milk, seasonal veggies
Banana Flower Salad	Banana flower, herbs, dressing

Inclusions and What to Expect

This cooking class includes a range of essential services and experiences to immerse participants in the local culture. A knowledgeable English-speaking guide accompanies guests throughout the day, providing hotel pick-up and drop-off to ensure a seamless experience.

Upon arrival at the local market, participants receive a shopping bag and conical hats, setting the stage for an authentic Vietnamese adventure.

The class also includes:

1. A basket boat trip through the Bay Mau coconut forest, where guests can explore the traditional way of life.
2. Hands-on participation in cultural activities like pounding and separating rice, grinding rice, and making rice paper.
3. A delicious traditional lunch or dinner, featuring the dishes that were prepared during the cooking class.

Exclusions and Restrictions

While the cooking class includes a comprehensive set of experiences, there are a few exclusions and restrictions to be aware of.

Drinks and personal expenses aren’t covered in the package. Plus, the activity may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. The tour is designed for participants who can comfortably navigate the coconut forest and participate in the cultural activities.

It’s essential to consider any physical limitations before booking the experience. The organizers aim to provide an authentic and enjoyable journey, but they also prioritize the safety and comfort of all participants.

Why Choose This Tour

Travelers seeking an immersive cultural experience in Hoi An will find this vegan cooking class and boat trip an appealing option.

The tour provides a unique opportunity to learn traditional Vietnamese cooking techniques, explore the picturesque Bay Mau coconut forest, and engage in authentic local activities, all under the guidance of a knowledgeable English-speaking guide.

Authentic Vietnamese cuisine: Participants will learn to cook four traditional vegan dishes from a local chef, seeing the flavors and techniques of Vietnamese plant-based cooking.

Hands-on cultural activities: The tour includes opportunities to experience traditional practices like pounding and separating rice, grinding rice, and making rice paper.

Scenic boat trip: Exploring the Bay Mau coconut forest by traditional basket boat offers a serene and picturesque way to connect with the local environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Ingredients to the Cooking Class?

The cooking class typically provides all the necessary ingredients for the dishes. Participants generally cannot bring their own ingredients, as the class is designed to teach traditional techniques and recipes. However, any dietary restrictions can usually be accommodated.

Is There an Option for a Private Cooking Class?

Yes, the cooking class provider often offers private sessions for individuals or small groups. These private classes allow for customized menus and more personalized instruction from the chef.

Do I Need to Know Vietnamese Cuisine Beforehand?

No, you don’t need to know Vietnamese cuisine beforehand. The cooking class is designed for beginners, where the local chef will teach you how to prepare authentic Vietnamese vegan dishes from scratch, even if you’re new to the cuisine.

Can the Tour Be Customized to My Dietary Restrictions?

The tour can be customized to accommodate dietary restrictions. The local chef is flexible and can adjust the dishes to suit your needs, whether it’s vegan, gluten-free, or any other dietary preference.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour can accommodate groups of varying sizes, though a minimum of 2 participants is typically required. There’s no strict maximum, allowing flexibility for larger parties. The group size may affect the experience, but the tour remains customizable to individual needs.

Recap

The Bay Mau Vegan Cooking Class, Market & Basket Boat Trip in Hoi An offers an immersive cultural experience.

Participants explore the local market, learn to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes, and enjoy a serene boat ride through the coconut forest.

This tour provides an authentic glimpse into the community’s way of life and culinary traditions, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an enriching and memorable experience in Hoi An.

You can check if your dates are available here: