Hoi An/Da Nang: Vegetarian Cooking Class & Basket Boat Ride

Discover the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine in the charming village of Cam Thanh. This immersive experience blends a hands-on cooking class with a tranquil basket boat ride, offering a well-rounded exploration of the region’s rich cultural heritage. Under the guidance of a local chef, you’ll learn to prepare authentic dishes like pho noodle soup, rice paper rolls, and Vietnamese pancakes. Complementing the culinary adventure, a serene boat tour through the coconut palm groves provides a glimpse into the daily life of the friendly villagers. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, this activity promises to leave a lasting impression on your senses.

Key Points

• A 3-4.5 hour vegetarian cooking class and basket boat ride experience in Cam Thanh village, offering an immersive introduction to authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
• Hands-on instruction from a local chef, covering the preparation of four traditional Vietnamese vegetarian dishes: pho noodle soup, rice paper rolls, spring rolls, and Vietnamese pancakes.
• Exploration of a tranquil riverside community, with skilled basket boat rowers ferrying guests through the serene coconut palm groves of Cam Thanh village.
• Inclusive of hotel pickup and drop-off in Hoi An or Da Nang, entry to Cam Thanh Coconut Village, and tips for the rower.
• Potential to share the table with meat-eaters during the cooking class, offering a diverse dining experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

This vegetarian cooking class and basket boat ride in Cam Thanh village provides guests with the opportunity to learn authentic Vietnamese cuisine, explore the local area, and experience traditional transportation.

Over the course of 3-4.5 hours, you will learn to cook four classic Vietnamese dishes: pho noodle soup, rice paper rolls, spring rolls, and Vietnamese pancakes.

The class includes a hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as entry to Cam Thanh Coconut Village, a basket boat ride, and tips for the rower.

While the cooking class is vegetarian, participants may share the table with meat-eaters.

This immersive experience offers a unique way to discover the flavors and culture of Vietnam.

Cooking Class Experience

The cooking class begins with a market tour, where participants can explore the fresh produce, spices, and other ingredients used in traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

Under the guidance of a local chef, they’ll learn to prepare four authentic vegetarian dishes:

• Pho noodle soup, a fragrant broth with rice noodles and an array of fresh herbs
• Rice paper rolls, filled with crisp vegetables and served with a savory dipping sauce
• Spring rolls, made with delicate rice paper wrappers and a flavorful vegetable filling
• Vietnamese pancakes, a light and crispy dish topped with fresh herbs and vegetables

With hands-on instruction, the class provides an immersive experience into the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese vegetarian cooking.

Pho Noodle Soup

Pho noodle soup is a fragrant and flavorful Vietnamese dish featuring a savory broth, tender rice noodles, and a variety of fresh herbs and vegetables.

During the cooking class, you will learn to prepare this beloved national dish. They’ll start by simmering the broth, then add rice noodles, thinly sliced meat or tofu, and aromatic ingredients like star anise, cinnamon, and ginger.

The finishing touches include fresh bean sprouts, cilantro, mint, and a squeeze of lime. Pho is a balanced, nutritious meal that’s easy to customize to individual tastes.

Whether you prefer a simple vegetarian version or a more complex beef pho, this beloved Vietnamese staple is sure to delight your palate.

Rice Paper Rolls

Commonly, rice paper rolls, or ‘nem lui’, showcase the versatility of Vietnamese cuisine, as they can be filled with a variety of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and optional protein.

During the cooking class, you will learn to expertly wrap these delicate rolls, creating a harmonious balance of textures and flavors. The process involves:

• Softening the translucent rice paper sheets in water
• Arranging a colorful array of fillings, such as shredded carrots, bean sprouts, and fresh mint
• Carefully rolling the ingredients tightly within the pliable wrapper
• Dipping the finished rolls in a savory dipping sauce, often featuring fish sauce, lime juice, and chili peppers

These fresh and flavorful rice paper rolls make for a nutritious and satisfying Vietnamese dish.

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Spring Rolls

Along With rice paper rolls, spring rolls, or ‘cha gio’, are another signature Vietnamese dish that you will learn to prepare during the cooking class. These crispy, golden-brown rolls are typically filled with a savory blend of finely chopped vegetables, sometimes accompanied by minced meat or shrimp, all wrapped in a delicate, crisp wrapper.

Ingredient	Quantity
Vermicelli Noodles	50g
Carrots, julienned	1/2 cup
Cabbage, shredded	1/2 cup
Mushrooms, finely chopped	1/4 cup
Tofu, diced	1/2 cup

The spring roll-making process involves carefully assembling the filling, rolling it tightly in the rice paper wrapper, and then deep-frying it to perfection. Participants will get hands-on experience in mastering this classic Vietnamese appetizer.

Vietnamese Pancakes

Alongside the classic spring rolls, participants in the vegetarian cooking class will also learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese pancakes, known as banh xeo.

These savory crepes are made with a rice flour batter, turmeric, and coconut milk, then filled with an assortment of fresh vegetables, herbs, and (for non-vegetarian options) proteins.

Learners will:

• Measure and mix the fragrant batter to achieve the perfect consistency
• Expertly swirl and flip the thin pancakes in the hot pan
• Stuff the crepes with vibrant ingredients like bean sprouts, mushrooms, and fresh herbs
• Fold the banh xeo neatly and artfully before serving with dipping sauces.

This hands-on experience allows participants to master the techniques behind this beloved Vietnamese delicacy.

Cam Thanh Village Tour

The Cam Thanh village tour offers visitors an immersive glimpse into the tranquil life of a traditional Vietnamese riverside community.

Nestled along the Thu Bon River, this quaint village is home to skilled basket boat rowers who’ll ferry guests along the waterways.

As you glide through the serene coconut palm groves, you’ll witness the daily routines of the villagers, from tending to their crops to mending their fishing nets.

The tour provides a rare opportunity to explore the village’s charming streets, interact with the friendly locals, and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s rich cultural heritage.

It’s a captivating experience that immerses you in the peaceful rhythm of Cam Thanh’s riverside living.

Pickup and Dropoff Details

The activity includes hotel pickup and drop-off, with participants being collected from their accommodations in Hoi An or Da Nang.

Guests are returned to their Hoi An hotels around 12:30 pm – 12:45 pm or 6:30 pm – 6:45 pm, while those staying in Da Nang are dropped off around 1:15 pm – 1:30 pm or 7:15 pm – 7:30 pm.

There’s an extra charge for pickup/drop-off at certain hotels in the Cam Kim Island area, An Bang Beach area, and some resorts. Plus, there’s a surcharge of VND 150,000 per person per one-way trip for select hotels in Da Nang.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Book the Activity for a Private Group?

Yes, there is typically an option to book the activity as a private group. This allows participants to have a more personalized experience and avoid sharing the class with other groups. Private bookings may incur an additional fee.

Can I Request a Vegetarian-Only Cooking Class?

Yes, guests can request a vegetarian-only cooking class. The tour operator can accommodate private vegetarian-only groups upon request, providing a dedicated vegetarian cooking experience separate from any meat-eating participants.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement for the Activity?

The activity doesn’t have a minimum group size requirement. Participants can book the vegetarian cooking class and basket boat ride individually or as part of a group. The class is designed to accommodate both solo travelers and small groups.

Can I Bring My Own Cooking Equipment to the Class?

No, participants can’t bring their own cooking equipment to the class. All necessary cooking utensils and ingredients are provided by the organizers. Participants will use the equipment supplied during the hands-on cooking session.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Allergies That Cannot Be Accommodated?

The cooking class can accommodate various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. However, participants should inform the provider of any specific dietary restrictions or allergies in advance to ensure appropriate accommodations can be made.

Recap

This immersive vegetarian cooking class and basket boat tour in Cam Thanh village offers a well-rounded exploration of Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage.

Guests will learn to prepare iconic dishes like pho, spring rolls, and Vietnamese pancakes under a local chef’s guidance.

The tranquil boat ride through coconut groves complements the cooking experience, providing a glimpse into the daily life of the friendly villagers.

It’s a fantastic way to discover the vibrant flavors and culture of this captivating region.

You can check if your dates are available here: