Hoi An: Marble Mountains, Monkey Mountain and Cooking Class

Hoi An, a picturesque town in central Vietnam, offers a tantalizing blend of cultural and natural wonders. This tour promises to whisk travelers away on an unforgettable journey, starting with a vibrant local market and culminating in a hands-on cooking class, all while exploring the mystic Marble Mountains and the serene Monkey Mountain. With stunning vistas and immersive experiences, this day-long adventure invites visitors to uncover the captivating essence of Hoi An’s rich heritage and culinary delights.

Contents hide

1 Tour Overview and Pricing

2 Pickup and Market Visit

3 Cam Thanh Village and Cooking Class

4 Marble Mountains Exploration

5 Monkey Mountain Visit

6 Return to Hoi An

7 Inclusions

8 Important Information

9 Since You Asked

10 Final Words

Key Points

This 9-hour tour in Hoi An offers a comprehensive experience, including a local market visit, cooking class, and exploration of the Marble Mountains and Monkey Mountain.
The tour starts with a pickup from Hoi An and a visit to a vibrant local market, setting the stage for the cooking class with fresh local produce.
The cooking class in Cam Thanh Village includes a basket boat rowing experience through a coconut jungle, a welcome drink, and a 2-hour class under the guidance of a Vietnamese chef.
The Marble Mountains visit provides cultural and historical insights, with the opportunity to explore the intricate Am Phu cave system and climb to a viewpoint with panoramic vistas.
The tour concludes with a visit to Monkey Mountain, where visitors can view the towering 67-meter Lady Buddha statue and enjoy scenic trails and sunset views.

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Tour Overview and Pricing

The Hoi An tour offers visitors a comprehensive experience, featuring a visit to the Marble Mountains, Monkey Mountain, and a cooking class.

Visitors can enjoy a comprehensive Hoi An experience with visits to the Marble Mountains, Monkey Mountain, and a cooking class.

Priced from €59.89 per person, the tour lasts 9 hours and is limited to a group size of 12. It’s conducted in English and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights include a visit to a local market, a basket boat ride through a coconut jungle, and a hands-on cooking class.

Entrance fees, transfers, and a guide are included. The tour operates rain or shine, though not suitable for wheelchair users due to the stairs at the Marble Mountains.

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Pickup and Market Visit

The tour begins with pickup from your location in Hội An.

You’ll be driven to a vibrant local market, where you’ll have 30 minutes to engage with the friendly sellers and learn about the ingredients used in Vietnamese cooking.

Wander through the stalls, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the bustling marketplace.

This visit sets the stage for the cooking class, as you’ll have the opportunity to see firsthand the fresh, local produce that will be used in your upcoming culinary experience.

Cam Thanh Village and Cooking Class

After the market visit, a scenic transfer takes the group to Cam Thanh (1.5 hours), where they’ll have the chance to enjoy a basket boat rowing experience through the coconut jungle forest. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a refreshing drink and given time to rest at the restaurant before the cooking class begins. Under the guidance of a Vietnamese chef, participants learn to prepare a variety of authentic dishes during the 2-hour session. The class culminates in a delightful lunch where guests savor the fruits of their culinary labor.

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Marble Mountains Exploration

Next, the tour visits the Marble Mountains, which offer a fascinating glimpse into local spirituality and history.

Situated just south of Hoi An, the five limestone hills are home to numerous Buddhist and Hindu sanctuaries. Visitors can explore the intricate Am Phu cave system, with its unique rock formations and ancient carvings.

The five limestone hills near Hoi An house numerous Buddhist and Hindu sanctuaries, with the intricate Am Phu cave system to explore.

Climbing the 146 steps to the first viewpoint rewards travelers with panoramic vistas over the surrounding countryside. Those who prefer can take the elevator, available at an additional cost.

The Marble Mountains provide a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s rich cultural and religious heritage.

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Monkey Mountain Visit

After exploring the Marble Mountains, the tour then transfers to Monkey Mountain (1.5 hours).

Visitors can admire the towering 67-meter Lady Buddha statue, which commands impressive views over the surrounding mountains. The group has time to wander the scenic trails and take in the sunset vistas from this lofty vantage point.

Although the climb up to the statue involves some stairs, the breathtaking panoramas are well worth the effort.

With its serene atmosphere and spiritual significance, Monkey Mountain provides a tranquil counterpoint to the vibrant bustle of nearby Hoi An.

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Return to Hoi An

With the tour’s key highlights now experienced, the group begins the transfer back to their hotel in Hoi An, a journey of approximately one hour.

Along the way, the guide points out notable landmarks and offers insights into the local culture and history. Passengers enjoy the scenic countryside and catch glimpses of daily life in the rural areas surrounding Hoi An.

Upon arrival, the group is free to explore the charming ancient town at their own pace, teeming with historic architecture, quaint shops, and lively restaurants.

This concludes the day’s immersive Hoi An experience.

Inclusions

The tour includes a range of amenities to enhance the experience.

It provides two-way hotel transfers, ensuring convenient transportation to and from the tour sites. Entrance fees are covered, allowing seamless access to the Marble Mountains and other attractions.

The basket boat rowing experience in the coconut jungle forest adds a unique and memorable element. The cooking class and lunch showcase the vibrant local cuisine, with a Vietnamese chef guiding participants.

An English-speaking guide is also included to provide insightful commentary throughout the tour. Mineral water is supplied to keep guests hydrated during the day.

Important Information

Although the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, it is accessible to most visitors. Recommended items for the tour include comfortable shoes, a hat, a camera, and sunscreen. Visitors should be prepared to climb 146 steps to reach the first stop at the Marble Mountains, though an elevator is available at an additional cost. The tour operates rain or shine, so guests should dress accordingly.

| Important Information | | |

| — | — | — |

| Not suitable for wheelchair users | Recommended items: Comfortable shoes, hat, camera, sunscreen | 146 steps to first stop at Marble Mountain; elevator available at own expense |

| Tour operates rain or shine | | |

Since You Asked

Can I Customize the Tour to Fit My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to fit your preferences. The tour operator offers flexibility, and you can discuss any special requests or changes you’d like to make to the itinerary with them.

What Should I Bring for the Cooking Class?

For the cooking class, it’s recommended to bring comfortable shoes, an apron, and any personal cooking utensils you prefer. The organizers will provide all the necessary ingredients and equipment for the hands-on cooking experience.

Are Vegetarian/Dietary Options Available for the Meals?

Yes, the tour offers vegetarian and other dietary options for the meals. Guests should inform the tour operator of any dietary requirements when booking so they can accommodate those needs during the cooking class and lunch.

Can I Store My Luggage During the Tour?

The tour provider doesn’t mention storage for luggage during the tour. Guests should plan to leave any large bags or suitcases at their hotel before the tour starts. Small bags and personal items can be brought along.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour operators don’t offer an option to extend the tour duration. The itinerary is fixed at 9 hours, and they don’t provide any flexibility to lengthen the experience. Customers must book the tour as-is if they want to participate.

Final Words

This Hoi An tour provides a well-rounded experience, combining the natural beauty of the Marble Mountains and Monkey Mountain with an immersive cooking class. Visitors can explore local markets, try their hand at Vietnamese cuisine, and admire stunning vistas – all while learning about the region’s cultural heritage. It’s an excellent way to discover the enchanting charms of Hoi An.