Vietnam’s largest city delivers excellent hands-on cultural experiences that are perfect for curious travelers. The workshops here offer real value – intimate groups of 4-8 people learning directly from local experts. I especially love the coffee-brewing classes where you’ll master the perfect cup of ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk). The cooking workshops in Districts 1 and 3 are also standouts, teaching you to make classics like pho and banh mi from scratch.
For culture buffs, don’t miss the traditional art classes where you’ll learn Vietnamese calligraphy or water puppet making. What makes these experiences special is how the instructors weave in cultural context and history while you create.
Let’s explore the best workshops and classes in Ho Chi Minh City that provide an authentic slice of Vietnamese life.
Key Points
- Ho Chi Minh City offers a wide range of coffee workshops, including hands-on experiences with Vietnamese specialty coffee and insights into the country’s coffee culture.
- Cooking classes provide opportunities to learn traditional Vietnamese dishes, from iconic street food to farm-to-table experiences, with personalized guidance from experienced chefs.
- Cultural workshops cover a variety of traditional Vietnamese arts, such as lion head decoration, musical instrument playing, and calligraphy, fostering immersive cultural experiences.
- Guided tours of the Mekong Delta region combine educational elements with authentic cultural interactions, including boat rides, biking, and local music performances.
- Workshops and classes feature flexible booking options, small group sizes, and accommodations for diverse dietary needs, ensuring personalized and inclusive experiences.
Fun & Easy Vietnamese Coffee Workshop in Ho Chi Minh City
The Fun & Easy Vietnamese Coffee Workshop in Hồ Chí Minh City offers a delightful and educational experience for coffee enthusiasts.
Hosted at the Lacàph Coffee Experiences Space, the 2-hour workshop introduces participants to three iconic Vietnamese coffee varieties: ‘Bạc Xỉu’, ‘Cà Phê Muối’, and ‘Phin Con Panna’.
Attendees can savor these unique brews while learning about the local coffee culture. Rated 5-stars with a Badge of Excellence, the workshop accommodates up to 18 travelers per session.
Participants praise the knowledgeable instructors and the opportunity to create their own beverages.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the workshop is near public transportation, making it accessible for most visitors to Hồ Chí Minh City.
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Hcm: Egg Coffee Class With Local Instructor & Snack
Offering a unique and hands-on experience, the Egg Coffee Class in Ho Chi Minh City allows visitors to learn the art of preparing this iconic Vietnamese beverage.
The one-hour small-group class features an English and Vietnamese-speaking instructor who guides participants through the process of making and decorating the signature Egg Coffee.
Priced at $12.21 per person, the workshop includes all necessary ingredients, a welcome drink, and an optional snack.
Wheelchair accessible and with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the class has received an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 6 reviews highlighting the warm welcome, historical introduction, and hands-on making process.
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Immersive Cooking Class & Wet Market Tour – Chef Led W/ Private Cook Stations
Across the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, an immersive culinary experience awaits. This cooking class and wet market tour offers travelers a chance to learn authentic Vietnamese cooking skills and culinary traditions.
Participants begin at the lively Ben Thanh Market, where they select fresh ingredients with the guidance of a skilled chef. They then follow the chef to a kitchen and learn to prepare four iconic Vietnamese dishes.
The class culminates with a tasting of the delectable creations. With a 99% traveler recommendation, this class is a must for foodies seeking an authentic Vietnamese cooking experience.
The class includes an elegant Vietnamese cookbook, alcoholic beverages, and a complimentary cocktail, ensuring a memorable and delicious outing.
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HCMC Egg Coffee Class in 1 Hour With Local Intructor & Snack
What better way to take in Vietnam’s vibrant coffee culture than by taking an HCMC Egg Coffee Class?
This 1-hour small group experience at Hoang’s Kitchen allows participants to learn the art of making traditional Egg Coffee from a local instructor.
During the class, they’ll discover the history and culture behind this unique beverage, then craft their own Egg Coffee, customizing the flavor to their preferred sweetness level.
A spring roll is served after the coffee preparation, and drinking water is provided throughout.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, this engaging class is an excellent way to explore Vietnamese coffee traditions.
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Experience Half-Day Cooking Class With Market Visit
For travelers seeking a deeper immersion into Vietnam’s diverse culinary heritage, the half-day cooking class with market visit in Ho Chi Minh City provides an unparalleled opportunity.
With 79 reviews and a 97% traveler recommendation, the class is designed for beginners and covers specialties from Vietnam’s three regions. Participants learn to prepare a variety of dishes, including starter, main, and dessert, and receive a certificate, recipes, and a souvenir gift.
The experience includes a visit to the lively Ben Thanh Market and a delectable meal featuring the prepared dishes. Praised for its friendly and knowledgeable chefs, the class offers an authentic and memorable culinary adventure in Vietnam.
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Ho Chi Minh City: Fun and Easy Coffee Workshop for Beginners
Lacàph’s Fun and Easy Coffee Workshop for Beginners offers Ho Chi Minh City visitors a unique opportunity to explore Vietnam’s vibrant coffee culture.
Over 1.5 hours, participants can learn to brew three popular Vietnamese coffee specialties: Bạc Xỉu, Cà Phê Muối, and Phin Con Panna.
The workshop takes place in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City and is led by an experienced English and Vietnamese-speaking instructor.
Participants will enjoy Bánh Mì while dipping it into coffee mixed with honey and yogurt.
Upon completion, they’ll receive a certificate and a photo to commemorate the experience.
With a 4.9/5 rating from 70 reviews, this workshop is a must-try for coffee enthusiasts visiting the city.
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Hands-on Discovery of Vietnamese Coffee & Culture
The Vietnamese Coffee & Culture Exploration at Lacàph Coffee offers visitors to Ho Chi Minh City an immersive hands-on experience delving into the nation’s vibrant coffee heritage.
This highly-rated 5-star activity provides a short morning exploration, leaving the rest of the day free. Guests learn about Vietnamese coffee origins, roasting, and brewing techniques while sampling two distinct coffee blends paired with light snacks.
The knowledgeable instructors, such as Abby and Joey, guide participants through this engaging and interactive session in a chic venue.
Many reviewers praise the quality of the coffee and the cultural insights shared during this unique €26.41 experience.
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Saigon: Mini Lion Head Decoration Workshop
Travelers seeking a hands-on culture can partake in the Mini Lion Head Decoration Workshop hosted by the AN NAM LADY-WORKSHOP GROUP in Ho Chi Minh City.
The 1.5-hour activity is priced from $19.70 per person and limited to 10 participants. Attendees will learn about the history and significance of lion dance in Vietnam, then create their own mini lion head decoration under the guidance of a renowned Vietnamese artisan.
The workshop includes a complimentary Vietnamese beverage. It’s wheelchair accessible, and participants must be at least 2 years old.
Booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Exquisite Mekong Delta Tour & Cooking Class From Ho Chi Minh City
Visitors can embark on an exquisite full-day guided tour of the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City. This highly-rated tour (5.0 from 183 reviews) includes a visit to Vinh Trang Temple, a boat ride on the Tien River, and exploration of Unicorn Island.
Activities range from biking and motorized rickshaw tours to visiting a fruit orchard, watching a local music performance, and learning coconut candy making. Lunch with vegan options is provided, along with bottled water, entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the tour accommodates up to 25 travelers. With positive reviews highlighting educational experiences and accommodating service, this tour offers an immersive look at Mekong Delta life.
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Saigon: Oriental Musical Instrument Workshop
In Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can enjoy the captivating world of traditional Vietnamese music through the Saigon: Oriental Musical Instrument Workshop.
This 2-hour experience allows participants to learn about and play various traditional instruments, including the dan tranh (zither), dan bau (monochord), and dan nguyet (moon-shaped lute).
Under the guidance of skilled instructors, attendees will have the opportunity to create their own unique melodies.
With a maximum group size of 8, this intimate workshop provides a personalized and immersive cultural experience.
Priced at $26.77, the Saigon: Oriental Musical Instrument Workshop is a must-try activity for music enthusiasts visiting Ho Chi Minh City.
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Unique Farm to Table Cooking Class in Saigon
For those seeking a unique culinary experience in Saigon, the farm-to-table cooking class offered by HCM Cooking Class is a must-try.
The class allows participants to learn how to cook four traditional Vietnamese dishes from a master chef, with the added perk of touring a nearby farm to gather fresh ingredients.
Boasting a 100% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this cooking class is perfect for travelers looking to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine.
The hands-on experience, combined with the knowledgeable chefs and the opportunity to customize dishes, ensures an enjoyable and educational journey for all participants.
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Hoas Kitchen-Vietnamese Homestyle Cooking Class
One of the standout homestyle cooking experiences in Saigon is offered by Hoas Kitchen. This Vietnamese cooking class provides a 3-hour culture, limited to just 6 participants.
At $40.21 per person, guests can cook 2-3 authentic dishes from scratch, with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available. The emphasis is on personal experience and cultural exchange, with high-quality ingredients and no MSG used.
The friendly instructor guides participants step-by-step, and a market visit is offered for an additional fee. With an impressive 4.9/5 rating from 37 reviews, Hoas Kitchen offers a truly memorable homestyle cooking adventure in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
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Vietnamese Specialty Coffee Making Class in Ho Chi Minh City
A standout offering for coffee enthusiasts in Ho Chi Minh City is the Vietnamese Specialty Coffee Making Class.
Located in the heart of the city, this 5-star rated workshop is recommended by 100% of travelers.
With a group size limited to 15 participants, the class provides a personalized experience where you’ll learn about coffee harvesting, roasting, and brewing.
Get hands-on with making authentic Vietnamese coffee using the traditional phin filter and discover the journey of the country’s signature Robusta beans.
At just $17.83 per person, this class is a must for anyone looking to dive deep into Vietnam’s vibrant coffee culture.
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Home Cooking Class With a Local
Exploring the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam, travelers can enjoy a home cooking class at MY Kitchen in Hoi An.
The 3-hour hands-on experience allows participants to cook 3 authentic Vietnamese dishes from scratch using fresh, high-quality ingredients. With a maximum of 7 guests, the intimate class is led by English-speaking instructor Ms. My Nguyen.
Priced at $36.11 per person, the class offers flexible booking and a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance. Accessibility, dietary options, and a meal with beverages are included.
Based on 5-star reviews, this class provides an engaging and educational introduction to Vietnam’s vibrant cuisine.
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Vietnamese Cooking Class and Cu Chi Tunnels Tour From Ho Chi Minh City
This immersive experience in Ho Chi Minh City combines the culinary and cultural history of Vietnam. Participants will learn to cook healthy Vietnamese dishes in a hands-on cooking class with a professional chef.
They’ll prepare four dishes for a delicious lunch. The tour also includes a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, where travelers can explore the underground network used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War and hear about the wartime struggles.
Additional stops include an organic farm and rubber tree plantation. With a maximum of 8 travelers, this highly-rated tour provides a personalized and engaging way to experience Vietnam’s cuisine and history.
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Calligraphy Class in Ho Chi Minh City
Enjoy the captivating art of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese calligraphy with a 1-hour class in Ho Chi Minh City.
This small-group experience, limited to 6 participants, allows you to practice writing with a brush on Japanese washi paper and create two types of fine hanging scrolls to take home.
The class is led by a Japanese and a Vietnamese calligrapher, with instruction available in English.
All materials are provided, and there’s no prior experience required, making it suitable for beginners.
Priced at €48.49 per person, you can reserve your spot without upfront payment and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Explore Vietnamese Cuisine: Cooking Class From Ho Chi Minh City
A private cooking class in Ho Chi Minh City offers visitors a chance to explore the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. Rated 4.7 out of 5 with 94% traveler recommendation, this full-day excursion includes a market visit, garden tour, and hands-on cooking session with a professional chef.
Participants will learn to prepare four authentic Vietnamese dishes, such as papaya salad and stew chicken, before enjoying the prepared meal for lunch. The class accommodates a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.
With positive reviews highlighting the educational and delicious aspects of the class, it’s an excellent way to take in the local culinary traditions.
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Mama Lans Home Cooking Class With 30+ Years of Experience
For those seeking to explore the authentic flavors of Vietnamese home-style cooking, Mama Lans Home Cooking Class stands out as an exceptional opportunity.
Offering over 30 years of experience, the class provides step-by-step guidance from Mama Lan herself, allowing participants to cook and taste their own Vietnamese dishes. Priced at $43.08 per person and lasting 3 hours, the class features a small group setting with a focus on popular dishes like Bún thịt nướng and Bánh xèo.
Customers have praised the class for its engaging instruction, quality ingredients, and enjoyable atmosphere, resulting in a 5/5 rating.
With flexible booking and cancellation policies, this hands-on culinary experience is a must for anyone eager to master Vietnamese cuisine.
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From Ho Chi Minh City: Mekong Delta Tour With Cooking Class
Set out on a captivating journey to the verdant Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City with this private tour that offers a cooking class and kayaking experience.
Escape the city streets and learn about the tranquil waterways of the Mekong. The varied itinerary includes a cooking class, kayaking, biking, and a live music performance, all within a small group size for personalized attention.
Enjoy hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and an English-speaking guide. Savor a delicious Vietnamese lunch, with vegan options available.
This tour is ideal for first-time visitors, providing an insider’s perspective of rural Vietnam. With 98% positive reviews, it’s an exceptional way to discover the Mekong Delta.
Read our full review: From Ho Chi Minh City: Mekong Delta Tour With Cooking Class Review
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Traditional Cooking Class Local Home Green Fishsauce Kitchen
Immersing oneself in the local culinary traditions of Vietnam, the Traditional Cooking Class at Green Fish-sauce Kitchen offers an intimate glimpse into the heart of Ho Chi Minh City‘s food culture.
The 2.5-hour class, limited to 6 participants, focuses on healthy and sustainable Vietnamese recipes, taught by a local expert with 12 years of experience.
Guests can expect to learn traditional cooking techniques while preparing a variety of dishes, including fried spring rolls, bánh xèo, and phở.
Vegan options are available, and participants are encouraged to customize the menu to their liking.
The class includes beer, seasonal fruits, and the opportunity to take home cherished recipes.
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Sum Up
Ho Chi Minh City offers a range of engaging workshops and classes for visitors to enjoy Vietnamese culture. From hands-on coffee and cooking classes to market tours and home-style lessons, these experiences provide an opportunity to learn traditional techniques and flavors. Whether you’re a foodie, a coffee enthusiast, or simply curious about Vietnamese traditions, these classes cater to diverse interests and skill levels.