Hoi An: Lantern Making, Basket Boat, and Cooking Class

Hoi An’s vibrant culture comes alive through an immersive tour that blends lantern making, a serene bamboo boat ride, and a hands-on cooking class. Travelers can explore a local market, gather fresh ingredients, and learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes. The real highlight, though, is crafting a unique lantern – a cherished souvenir that captures the essence of this captivating destination. This experience promises to be both enlightening and unforgettable.

Key Points

• This guided tour in Hoi An offers a unique experience of everyday local life, including a market visit, bamboo boat ride, cooking class, and lantern-making workshop.
• The 5.5-hour tour includes transportation, meals, activities, and insurance, catering to a small group of up to 10 participants with an English-speaking guide.
• Participants visit a local market to purchase ingredients for a hands-on cooking class, learning to prepare four traditional Vietnamese dishes.
• A scenic bamboo basket boat ride through the Water Coconut Forest provides a tranquil glimpse into the riverside community’s daily life.
• The lantern-making workshop allows participants to create a personalized handmade lantern, showcasing their creativity with various design elements and colors.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

This guided tour allows visitors to experience everyday life in Hoi An.

The 5.5-hour experience costs $29.99 per person and is limited to small groups of 10. A live English-speaking guide leads the tour. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve and pay later.

The tour includes pickup, transportation, meals, activities, and insurance. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users. Participants should wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Pets aren’t allowed.

The tour has an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 115 reviews, with highlights including the cooking class and basket boat ride.

Itinerary

The tour begins with a pickup at 8:25 AM from the meeting point located at 11 Hoang Dieu Street in Hoi An.

Travelers then visit a local market to purchase raw materials.

At 9:00 AM, they’ll take a bamboo basket boat ride through the Water Coconut Forest.

The cooking class starts at 10:00 AM, where participants learn to make classic Vietnamese dishes like pho bo, banh xeo, banh cuon, and che.

After the cooking, a lantern-making class runs from 1:00 PM until the tour concludes around 2:00 PM.

Market Trip and Ingredients

After the group is picked up at the meeting point, they head to a local market to purchase the raw materials needed for the cooking class.

At the bustling market, the guide leads them through the stalls, pointing out the fresh produce, herbs, and other ingredients.

Participants have a chance to interact with the vendors, haggle for the best prices, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

With the guidance of the knowledgeable guide, they gather the necessary ingredients for the upcoming cooking demonstration, preparing for an authentic Vietnamese culinary experience.

Bamboo Basket Boat Ride

Next, the group boards a traditional bamboo basket boat for a serene ride through the Water Coconut Forest.

The peaceful journey offers a chance to:

1. Admire the lush, verdant surroundings.

2. Spot local wildlife, like birds and water buffaloes.

3. Gain insight into the daily lives of the riverside community.

4. Capture picturesque moments to share with friends and family.

This unique mode of transportation provides a tranquil respite from the bustling streets of Hoi An, allowing participants to enjoy the region’s natural beauty and traditional way of life.

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Hands-on Cooking Class

Having purchased the necessary ingredients at the local market, participants then embark on a hands-on cooking class.

They learn to prepare four traditional Vietnamese dishes: pho bo (beef noodle soup), banh xeo (Vietnamese fried pancake), banh cuon (steamed rice paper roll), and che (mung beans soup).

Under the guidance of a knowledgeable instructor, guests actively participate in the cooking process, gaining valuable insights into Vietnamese culinary techniques.

The cooking class provides a unique opportunity to explore the rich flavors and traditions of Vietnamese cuisine, leaving participants with a newfound appreciation for this vibrant food culture.

Traditional Vietnamese Dishes

The four traditional Vietnamese dishes featured in the cooking class – pho bo (beef noodle soup), banh xeo (Vietnamese fried pancake), banh cuon (steamed rice paper roll), and che (mung beans soup) – offer a delightful introduction to the country’s vibrant culinary heritage.

These dishes showcase:

1. Rich, aromatic flavors

2. Balanced textures

3. Use of fresh, local ingredients

4. Regional cooking techniques

Participants can expect to learn the intricacies of preparing these beloved Vietnamese classics, gaining a deeper appreciation for the country’s diverse and delectable cuisine.

Lantern-making Workshop

Along With the hands-on cooking class, the Hoi An tour offers participants a chance to create their own handmade lantern during a dedicated lantern-making workshop.

Under the guidance of a local expert, guests will learn the traditional techniques and materials used to construct these iconic Vietnamese lanterns.

The workshop provides all necessary supplies, allowing participants to personalize their lantern with design elements and colors.

Crafting this traditional souvenir is a memorable experience, allowing visitors to take home a unique piece of Hoi An’s vibrant culture.

Feedback and Ratings

Based on over 115 customer reviews, the Hoi An tour has earned an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Reviewers praised the:

1. Friendly and knowledgeable guides.

2. Delicious and authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

3. Engaging basket boat ride and lantern-making workshop.

4. Overall excellent value for the price.

Common feedback themes highlighted the tour’s ability to immerse participants in the local culture through hands-on activities and provide a well-rounded experience.

With high marks across the board, this Hoi An tour appears to be a must-do for those seeking an authentic cultural adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Ingredients to the Cooking Class?

No, participants cannot bring their own ingredients to the cooking class. The tour includes purchasing fresh ingredients from the local market as part of the experience. Guests are expected to use the provided ingredients during the hands-on cooking lesson.

How Long Does the Lantern-Making Workshop Last?

The lantern-making workshop lasts approximately 1 hour. It’s one of the highlights of the tour, allowing participants to create their own handmade lantern as a memorable souvenir from the experience.

Is Transportation Provided to and From the Tour Site?

The tour includes transportation, with hotel pickup and drop-off provided. Guests are picked up from the meeting point at 8:25 AM and the tour concludes around 2:00 PM.

Are Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Options Available for the Meals?

The tour provides vegetarian and gluten-free options for the cooking class. Guests can request dietary accommodations when booking the tour, and the guide will work to ensure their needs are met during the meal preparations.

Can I Purchase Any of the Cooking Ingredients or Handmade Lanterns After the Tour?

Yes, participants can purchase ingredients used during the cooking class and handmade lanterns from the lantern-making workshop. These items are available for purchase at the end of the tour as souvenirs.

Recap

This immersive tour offers a unique opportunity to experience Hoi An’s vibrant culture. Participants will craft a handmade lantern, glide through the tranquil Water Coconut Forest, and learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes. With a hands-on approach, this tour provides a well-rounded and memorable experience, allowing visitors to truly enjoy the rich traditions of Hoi An.

You can check if your dates are available here: