FREE EBOOK
Vietnam Travel Guide
4,8/5 [183 Reviews]
Hoi An Cooking Class – Learn Cooking from a Local Chef
Check out the short video of our tour!
Overview
This hands-on Hoi An cooking class gives you a deeper look into local food culture, guided by experienced local chefs in a relaxed riverside setting. You start with a market visit in the Old Town, learning how locals choose fresh ingredients, before cruising by boat to the cooking school. The class is practical, easy to follow, and suitable for beginners. You cook well-known central Vietnamese dishes yourself, then sit down to enjoy everything you’ve prepared.
Highlights
- Visit Hoi An’s local market and learn how to choose ingredients like a local
- Scenic boat ride along the Hoi An River to the cooking school
- Hands-on cooking with local chefs, including classic Hoi An and Quang Nam dishes
- Small extras like Vietnamese food carving and access to a riverside swimming pool
- All cooking, lunch, recipes, and vegetarian options included for a stress-free experience
Price & Availability
Use this form for:
- Enquiries about the tour
- Customization Request
- Questions about booking
Or contact us through:
+84 32 801 9395
@localvietnamtravel
Facebook Messenger
@local.vietnam
Instagram Messenger
Itinerary
Your morning starts at Hai Café on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street in Hoi An Ancient Town. Here, you’re welcomed with a refreshing drink and meet your guide for a short introduction to the day’s cooking experience.
Morning :
Hoi An market visit
From the café, walk to Hoi An’s lively local market. As you stroll through the stalls, your guide explains the herbs, vegetables, seafood, and spices used in central Vietnamese cooking. You’ll see how locals shop and learn which ingredients matter most for the dishes you’ll prepare later.
Late morning :
Boat ride on the river
After the market, board the Red Bridge boat for a relaxed 25-minute cruise along the Hoi An River. This scenic ride offers a glimpse of daily river life, fishing boats, and quiet riverbanks on the way to the cooking school.
Late morning :
Herb garden introduction
On arrival at the Red Bridge Cooking School, take a short walk through the on-site herb garden. Your chef introduces key Vietnamese herbs and explains how they’re used in traditional dishes.
Noon :
Hands-on cooking class
The main part of the tour is a two-hour cooking session led by local chefs. Each dish is demonstrated step by step before you prepare it yourself. You’ll make rice paper, fresh spring rolls, Hoi An pancakes, Quang Nam-style noodles, and more. The class also includes a short introduction to Vietnamese food decoration, such as tomato carving and plate presentation.
Early afternoon :
Lunch with your dishes
Once the cooking is finished, sit down and enjoy the meals you’ve prepared, along with additional local dishes like BBQ lemongrass beef. Vegetarian options are available using replacement ingredients.
Lunch
Afternoon :
Pool time and relaxation
After lunch, unwind with free use of the 20-meter swimming pool at the cooking school. Towels and showers are provided, making it a relaxing end to the Hoi An cooking class before heading back on your own.
- Welcome drink at the meeting point in Hoi An Ancient Town
- Guided visit to a local market with ingredient introduction
- Scenic boat ride along the Hoi An River
- Hands-on cooking class with local chefs
- All cooking ingredients, utensils, and recipes
- Lunch featuring the dishes you prepare plus additional local specialties
- Vietnamese food carving and plate decoration introduction
- Vegetarian replacement ingredients (on request)
- Free use of the swimming pool, towels, and showers
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Drinks other than the welcome drink (unless stated)
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Any services not specifically mentioned above
What if I have food allergies or dietary restrictions?
Most dietary needs can be accommodated, but it’s important to inform us before the tour so the chefs can adjust ingredients safely.
Can children join the cooking class?
Yes, children can join when accompanied by adults. The class is easy-paced, but younger children may need some assistance during food preparation.