Hoi An: Cooking Class and Basket Boat Adventure

Hoi An, known for its vibrant culture and culinary delights, offers an immersive experience through the "Cooking Class and Basket Boat Adventure." Visitors can explore the local market, select fresh ingredients, and learn to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes. But the true highlight lies in the basket boat ride through the enchanting coconut forest, where guests partake in traditional crab fishing. This unique blend of cultural exploration and hands-on cooking promises to transport travelers deeper into the heart of Hoi An’s traditions.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience including a guided tour of a local market, basket boat adventure, and hands-on cooking class in Hoi An.
• Opportunity to select fresh ingredients at the local market and learn to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes under the guidance of a skilled chef.
• Immersive cultural experience with a basket boat ride through the picturesque Bay Mau coconut forest and participation in traditional crab fishing.
• Convenient transportation provided between the market, cooking class, and return, with optional pickup and drop-off services available.
• Suitable for individuals and families, with recommendations for appropriate attire and considerations for children under 3 and wheelchair users.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring Hoi An’s Traditional Market

After a brief 15-minute van transfer from Hoi An, the tour begins with a visit to the local market.

Here, guests explore the vibrant stalls, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of fresh produce, seafood, and spices. The guide provides a guided tour, sharing insights into the market’s history and the role it plays in the local community.

Guests have the opportunity to photograph the colorful displays and interact with the friendly vendors. This market visit sets the stage for the upcoming cooking class, allowing participants to select the ingredients they’ll use to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Basket Boat Adventure Through the Coconut Forest

Next, the tour heads to the nearby Cẩm Thanh village, a 15-minute van transfer away.

Here, you will:

1. Take a basket boat ride through the picturesque Bay Mau coconut forest.

2. Engage in crab fishing and witness a basket boat performance.

3. Participate in a cooking class, learning to prepare 4 local dishes: pancake, spring rolls, papaya salad, and chicken with lemongrass.

After the hands-on cooking experience, you will enjoy a welcome drink and a delicious meal consisting of the prepared dishes.

The tour then returns to Hoi An, completing the immersive cultural and culinary adventure.

Crab Fishing and Basket Boat Performance

Upon arrival at the Cẩm Thanh village, participants get to engage in crab fishing and witness a lively basket boat performance.

The guide will lead them through the process of catching crabs using traditional methods. Participants can try their hand at scooping the crabs from the waters, learning traditional fishing techniques.

Following the crab fishing, there’s a demonstration of the local basket boat, showcasing the skill and agility of the boatmen. Participants can observe the boat’s intricate maneuvers and unique design, gaining insight into the daily lives of the local fishermen.

Cooking Class: Mastering Local Dishes

After the crab fishing and basket boat performance, participants are escorted to a local home in Cẩm Thanh village to begin the cooking class.

Here, they learn to prepare four authentic Vietnamese dishes:

Traditional Vietnamese pancake, fresh spring rolls, and papaya salad – the iconic dishes participants master during the cooking class.

1. Traditional Vietnamese pancake (banh xeo)

2. Fresh spring rolls (goi cuon)

3. Papaya salad (goi du du)

Under the guidance of a skilled local chef, you will master the techniques and flavors of these iconic dishes.

The cooking class lasts 2.5 hours, allowing ample time to prepare, cook, and savor the home-cooked meal.

Upon completion, you will receive a certificate commemorating their culinary achievement.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Savoring the Cooked Dishes

After the cooking class, participants sit down to savor the dishes they’ve prepared.

They get to enjoy the fruits of their labor – a flavorful pancake, crisp spring rolls, refreshing papaya salad, and tender chicken with lemongrass.

The guided cooking experience allows them to fully appreciate the nuances of these local specialties.

As they savor each bite, they gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the culinary traditions of Hoi An.

The interactive class not only teaches practical cooking skills but also immerses participants in the vibrant food culture of this historic Vietnamese town.

Convenient Transportation and Pickup

The tour offers convenient transportation and pickup for participants. Guests are picked up from their hotels in Hoi An, saving them the hassle of finding their own way to the starting point.

The transportation is provided via van, which takes guests to the market, cooking class, and back to Hoi An afterwards. For those staying in Da Nang City or the surrounding area, additional pickup and drop-off charges apply, ranging from 250,000 VND to 400,000 VND depending on group size.

This ensures a seamless experience from start to finish.

• Van transfer to market, cooking class, and back to Hoi An

• Option for pickup and drop-off in Da Nang City and surrounding areas

• Convenient and hassle-free transportation throughout the tour

Recommendations for the Activity

Participants are recommended to wear comfortable clothes suitable for cooking and boat activities.

Participants are recommended to wear comfortable clothes suitable for cooking and boat activities.

Bringing a sun hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent is advised to protect against the elements. Plus, a camera is encouraged to capture the memorable moments of the experience.

It’s important to note that the activity isn’t suitable for children under 3 years old or wheelchair users.

With these practical tips in mind, participants can fully enjoy the cooking class and basket boat adventure in Hoi An, seeing the local culture and activities.

Additional Charges for Pickup and Drop-off

There are additional pickup and drop-off charges for participants from Da Nang City and surrounding areas.

The fees are as follows:

1. Group of 1-2 people: 250,000 VND per one-way transfer

2. Group of 3-4 people: 300,000 VND per one-way transfer

3. Group of 5-12 people: 400,000 VND per one-way transfer

These extra charges are to be paid directly to the guide.

Participants should factor in these costs when booking the activity if they require transportation from outside of Hoi An.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Ingredients to the Cooking Class?

The cooking class typically provides all the necessary ingredients for participants. Bringing one’s own ingredients is generally not allowed, as the class is designed to teach traditional local cooking techniques using the provided ingredients.

Is the Basket Boat Ride Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The basket boat ride may not be suitable for people with mobility issues. According to the information provided, the activity is not recommended for wheelchair users. Participants should be able to get in and out of the boat comfortably.

Are Vegetarian or Vegan Menu Options Available for the Cooking Class?

The activity doesn’t specify if vegetarian or vegan menu options are available for the cooking class. Participants with dietary restrictions should inquire with the tour operator about menu customization prior to booking.

Can I Choose Which Dishes I Want to Learn to Cook?

Guests can’t choose specific dishes to learn during the cooking class. The class features a set menu of 4 local dishes, including pancake, spring rolls, papaya salad, and chicken with lemongrass. Dietary preferences can’t be accommodated.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating in This Activity?

There’s an age restriction for this activity – it’s not suitable for children under 3 years old. Participants must be able to participate in the cooking and boat activities safely.

Recap

The "Cooking Class and Basket Boat Adventure" in Hoi An offers a unique culture. Visitors can explore a local market, try traditional crab fishing, and learn to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes under the guidance of a skilled chef. The activity provides a well-rounded experience that immerses participants in Hoi An’s vibrant culinary traditions. Additional charges may apply for pickup and drop-off services.

You can check if your dates are available here: