Rolling into Hoi An, you’ll find some of Vietnam’s most memorable hands-on cultural experiences. The city’s workshops pack real substance – not tourist traps. Local cooking classes stand out, teaching you to master classics like pho and fresh spring rolls in intimate settings. I especially love the eco-tours that combine market visits with basket boat adventures – they’re authentic and great fun. Traditional craft workshops hit the sweet spot too, particularly the lantern-making sessions where you’ll create your own silk masterpiece.
What makes these experiences special? You’re learning from local families who’ve practiced these traditions for generations. The instructors speak good English, groups stay small, and prices remain reasonable (most under $40).
The following represent our carefully selected picks for Hoi An’s best cultural workshops…
Key Points
- Immersive cooking classes with market tours, boat rides, and hands-on experience in traditional Vietnamese cuisine like banh xeo and papaya salad.
- Lantern-making workshops that provide insight into the cultural significance of this Hoi An icon, with personalized lantern creation and 100% recommendation rate.
- Eco tours and cultural experiences that blend local market visits, basket boat rides, and farming and cooking demonstrations for a holistic experience.
- Unique artistic workshops in silk processing, lantern making, and painting classes set in a tranquil riverside location.
- Highly-rated, small-group classes that emphasize culture, personalized attention, and convenient transportation options.
Sabirama Cooking Class
Nestled in the heart of Hoi An’s historic district, Sabirama Cooking Class offers visitors an immersive culinary experience that blends local market exploration, a serene boat ride, and hands-on instruction in the art of Vietnamese cuisine.
With a 98% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this class is a must-try for travelers seeking an authentic and memorable culinary adventure.
The classes include a shoulder massage, a choice of morning or afternoon departure, and vegetarian meal options.
Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides, who create a fun atmosphere while teaching traditional cooking techniques and enabling visitors to savor the flavors of central Vietnam.
Read our full review: Sabirama Cooking Class Review
Book now: Check availability
Hoi An: Eco Cooking Class in Bay Mau Coconut Village
Travelers seeking a more immersive and eco-friendly culinary experience in Hoi An can participate in the Eco Cooking Class in Bay Mau Coconut Village.
The 5-hour activity costs 600,000 VND per person and includes a market tour, basket boat ride, and hands-on cooking class to prepare four traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Highlights include learning from a local family, catching purple crabs, and making crafts from nipa leaves.
The class includes hotel pickup and drop-off, English-speaking guide, and lunch or dinner.
Children under 3 are free, while those aged 4-9 pay half-price.
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and large bags or pets aren’t allowed.
Read our full review: Hoi An: Eco Cooking Class in Bay Mau Coconut Village Review
Book now: Check availability
Hoi An Eco & Cooking Class Tour
The Hoi An Eco & Cooking Class Tour provides an immersive culinary experience that showcases the region’s vibrant local ingredients and time-honored cooking traditions.
Travelers can expect a half-day adventure, with options for morning or afternoon sessions. The tour includes a visit to the bustling morning market, a serene basket boat ride, and a hands-on cooking class focusing on iconic Vietnamese dishes like banh xeo and papaya salad.
Meals prepared during the class are included, and vegetarian options are available. Rated 4.9 out of 5 with 98% traveler recommendation, this tour offers an authentic and engaging introduction to Hoi An’s rich food culture.
Read our full review: Hoi An Eco & Cooking Class Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Hoi An: Old Town Lantern-Making Workshop
Although lanterns have adorned the streets of Hoi An’s charming Old Town for centuries, visitors can now experience the time-honored craft of lantern-making firsthand through the Hoi An: Old Town Lantern-Making Workshop.
For $7.80, participants can create their own 20-centimeter, foldable garlic-shaped lantern during this 1-hour class. The workshop is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all ages, with children as young as 3 able to take part.
Guests will learn about the cultural significance of lanterns in Hoi An and leave with a special souvenir. With positive reviews praising the patient instructors, this activity offers a fun and immersive way to engage with the local culture.
Read our full review: Hoi An: Old Town Lantern-Making Workshop Review
Book now: Check availability
Hoi An Eco Cooking Class (Local Market, Basket Boat Ride, Crab Fishing & Cooking)
Exploring Hoi An’s culinary traditions through the Hoi An Eco Cooking Class is an immersive experience that allows visitors to connect with the local culture.
Located in the picturesque town, this 5-star rated class combines a market visit, basket boat ride, crab fishing, and hands-on cooking of Vietnamese dishes.
With a menu featuring favorites like crispy pancakes and stir-fried noodles, the class delivers a delicious and educational day.
Highlights include the friendly atmosphere, small group size, and comprehensive inclusions like transportation and equipment.
At €27.16 per person, this cooking adventure is an affordable way to savor the flavors of Hoi An.
Read our full review: Hoi An Eco Cooking Class (Local Market, Basket Boat Ride, Crab Fishing & Cooking) Review
Book now: Check availability
Hoi An: Lantern Making Class at Local Home With Local Family
Visitors to Hoi An can enjoy the town’s rich cultural heritage by participating in a Lantern Making Class at a local home with a friendly family. Priced from €7.76 per person and lasting an hour, the class allows guests to create their own unique lantern under the guidance of an English-speaking instructor.
Participants can choose their favorite colors and decorate their lantern, taking home a cherished souvenir. The experience also includes a brief introduction to the history, shape, and significance of lanterns in Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese cultures.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now & pay later option, this class is a must-do for groups and families visiting Hoi An.
Read our full review: Hoi An: Lantern Making Class at Local Home With Local Family Review
Book now: Check availability
Hoi An Full Lantern Making Class , Basket Boat , Crab Fishing And Food
Immersing oneself in Hoi An’s cultural heritage, visitors can partake in the Hoi An Full Lantern Making Class, Basket Boat, Crab Fishing and Food experience. Rated 5.0 with 100% traveler recommendation, this tour offers a well-rounded exploration of the city’s traditions.
Participants create personalized lanterns, row through coconut groves in basket boats, and engage in crab fishing before enjoying a cooking class featuring delectable Vietnamese dishes.
Conveniently located in Hoi An, the tour provides seamless transportation and accessibility, catering to diverse needs.
With rave reviews praising the engaging instructors and delicious cuisine, this immersive cultural experience is an excellent way to discover the essence of Hoi An.
Read our full review: Hoi An Full Lantern Making Class , Basket Boat , Crab Fishing And Food Review
Book now: Check availability
Traditional Lantern Class in Old Town
One of the most popular cultural activities in Hoi An is the Traditional Lantern Class in the Old Town.
Participants can choose between an express class with pre-prepared bamboo sticks or a full hands-on experience.
The class offers a variety of lantern shapes, including lotus, triangle, garlic, or diamond, with a range of silk styles and colors.
The cost is $7.59 per person, and a reservation with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is available.
The 1-hour class is led by an experienced English-speaking instructor, and includes all materials, the handmade lantern to take home, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
Read our full review: Traditional Lantern Class in Old Town Review
Book now: Check availability
Hoi An Eco Tour Cooking Class & Fishing (Local Market, Basket Boat, Learn Cooking)
A popular half-day tour in Hoi An combines a cooking class with traditional fishing techniques, taking travelers on an immersive journey through the region’s culinary and rural traditions.
Rated 100% recommended by previous participants, this eco-tour includes a visit to a local market, a basket boat ride through a coconut forest, and a hands-on cooking class where guests learn to prepare classic Vietnamese dishes.
With a maximum group size of 10, the tour offers an intimate and authentic experience, complete with locally-sourced ingredients and guidance from English-speaking chefs.
At $26.77 per person, it’s an affordable way to discover the flavors and traditions of Hoi An.
Read our full review: Hoi An Eco Tour Cooking Class & Fishing (Local Market, Basket Boat, Learn Cooking) Review
Book now: Check availability
Hoi An: Hand-on Making Vietnamese Coffee Class & Local Life
For those seeking an authentic taste of Vietnamese coffee culture, a hands-on coffee-making class in Hoi An provides an immersive experience.
The 1-hour class takes participants through the process of traditional Vietnamese coffee preparation, from roasting the beans to crafting popular varieties like Phin Filter, Egg, Salt, and Coconut Coffee.
Guests will discover the history and traditions of Vietnamese cafés while learning from an English-speaking instructor.
The class includes all necessary equipment and ingredients, along with hotel pickup and drop-off.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, it’s an accessible and hassle-free way to explore Hoi An’s vibrant coffee scene.
Read our full review: Hoi An: Hand-on Making Vietnamese Coffee Class & Local Life Review
Book now: Check availability
Farming & Cooking Class in Hoi An – Small Group Tour
Travelers seeking an immersive culinary experience can embark on a Farming & Cooking Class in Hoi An, a small group tour that takes them on a journey through the region’s vibrant food culture.
With a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour offers a hands-on opportunity to learn traditional Vietnamese cooking techniques, including making spring rolls, fish in clay pot, and the iconic bánh xèo.
Participants will also experience farming firsthand with local farmers, followed by a delightful lunch featuring the dishes they’ve prepared.
Highly recommended by previous guests, this class promises an unforgettable exploration of Hoi An’s gastronomic heritage.
Read our full review: Farming & Cooking Class in Hoi An – Small Group Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Hoi An : Hand-on Making Vietnamese Coffee Class
Located in the heart of Hoi An, this hands-on Vietnamese coffee class offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich traditions and flavors of the country’s beloved beverage.
Priced from Kč 392 per person, the 1-hour class is limited to 10 participants and is conducted in English. Guests will learn the coffee-making process from crop to cup, discover a local roastery, and enjoy a hands-on experience crafting traditional Vietnamese coffee drinks.
The class includes all necessary ingredients and equipment, as well as expert guidance from a coffee specialist.
With a focus on quality and sustainability, this workshop promises a memorable journey through Vietnam’s vibrant coffee culture.
Read our full review: Hoi An : Hand-on Making Vietnamese Coffee Class Review
Book now: Check availability
1-Hour Lantern Making Class in Hoi An
Enjoy the vibrant culture of Hoi An through an engaging 1-hour lantern making class.
Located in the heart of the historic town, this workshop has earned a Badge of Excellence with 100% recommendation from travelers.
No artistic skills are required as you create a unique souvenir under the guidance of an excellent instructor.
Enjoy complimentary cake, tea, and coffee throughout the class, which offers three options: lantern making, painting designs, or both.
The class ends back at the convenient meeting point, just steps away from public transportation.
With a maximum of 30 travelers per session, this is a must-try experience for your Hoi An adventure.
Read our full review: 1-Hour Lantern Making Class in Hoi An Review
Book now: Check availability
Hoi An: Silk Process, Lantern Making Workshop & Local Food
This immersive 2.5-hour experience offers travelers an in-depth exploration of Hoi An’s renowned silk industry and traditional lantern making. Priced from $22.57 per person, the activity includes a visit to a traditional house, a silk weaving demonstration, and the chance to make your own lantern.
You’ll learn about silk cultivation, cocoon extraction, and the history and significance of Hoi An’s iconic lanterns. The tour also includes a welcome drink, an introduction to local cuisine, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
While not suitable for those with mobility issues, the experience caters to various dietary needs. With an overall rating of 4/5 from customers, this workshop is a must for those seeking an authentic Hoi An experience.
Read our full review: Hoi An: Silk Process, Lantern Making Workshop & Local Food Review
Book now: Check availability
Full Experience Tour: Cooking Class & Basket Boat at Eco-Village
The Full Experience Tour at Hoi An’s Eco-Village offers travelers a captivating blend of culture and hands-on activities.
With a 5-star rating from 161 reviews, this tour provides an authentic glimpse into Vietnamese farming life. Guests can expect to participate in a cooking class using local ingredients, row a traditional basket boat, and even ride a water buffalo.
The itinerary also includes a farm tour, rice paper making, and an authentic Vietnamese meal.
Accessible for all, this tour’s reasonable pricing and flexible booking options make it an excellent choice for those seeking a well-rounded cultural experience in Hoi An.
Read our full review: Full Experience Tour: Cooking Class & Basket Boat at Eco-Village Review
Book now: Check availability
Traditional Vietnamese Cooking Class in Leina Cookery
For those seeking a hands-on introduction to the flavors of Vietnam, the Traditional Vietnamese Cooking Class at Leina Cookery in Hoi An offers an exceptional experience.
Priced at $23.39 per person, this 2.5-hour small-group class is limited to 10 participants and led in English. Guests enjoy a welcome juice before learning to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes, tailored to their preferences.
The airy, spacious classroom provides a comfortable setting for the fun and meaningful cooking lesson. With positive reviews highlighting the personal atmosphere and insightful guidance, this class is suitable for beginners seeking to integrate simple, fast recipes into their daily routines.
Free cancellation and pay later options make it easy to book.
Read our full review: Traditional Vietnamese Cooking Class in Leina Cookery Review
Book now: Check availability
Hoi An Eco Cooking Class With Kien Nguyen Cooking
Immersing oneself in the vibrant rural life and escaping the city chaos, the Hoi An Eco Cooking Class with Kien Nguyen Cooking offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the flavors and traditions of Vietnam.
With over 100 reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, this class provides an English-speaking guide, transportation, and a hands-on experience in a local market, bamboo boat ride, and cooking traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Participants can expect to learn techniques for preparing banana flower salad, rice crispy pancakes, beef noodles, and more, while enjoying a delicious lunch and taking home a recipe list.
This highly rated class is accessible, with free hotel pickup and drop-off, and suitable for most travelers.
Read our full review: Hoi An Eco Cooking Class With Kien Nguyen Cooking Review
Book now: Check availability
Traditional Cooking Class With Local Family in Hoi an
Stepping into the heart of Hoi An’s culinary tradition, travelers can partake in a Traditional Cooking Class With Local Family. Priced at $24.21 per person, this 3-hour small-group experience limited to 10 participants allows visitors to learn how to cook four Vietnamese dishes, including the iconic Hoi An rice pancake and spring rolls.
With vegan/vegetarian options available, the class provides step-by-step guidance from an English-speaking chef. Transportation from Hoi An city center is included, with additional fees for pickups from elsewhere.
Ideal for foodies, this class offers a unique opportunity to immerse in local culture, use high-quality ingredients, and enjoy a shared meal after the cooking session.
Read our full review: Traditional Cooking Class With Local Family in Hoi an Review
Book now: Check availability
Market Tour , Basket Boat and Cooking Class Hoi An
Travelers seeking a comprehensive culinary experience in Hoi An can embark on a Market Tour, Basket Boat, and Cooking Class. This 5-star rated activity offers a well-rounded immersion into Vietnamese cuisine and culture.
The tour begins with a visit to the local market, where participants can sample unique ingredients and learn about traditional dishes. Next, guests hop into a traditional basket boat for a serene river cruise before heading to a cooking studio.
Under the guidance of an expert instructor, they’ll prepare a delectable menu of Vietnamese favorites like papaya salad and lemongrass fried chicken. Included are bottled water, drinks, and a recipe book to recreate the dishes at home.
With a maximum of 10 travelers, this intimate experience promises an engaging and memorable day.
Read our full review: Market Tour , Basket Boat and Cooking Class Hoi An Review
Book now: Check availability
Hoi An: 2 Hours Painting Class With Local Artist in Oldtown
Located in the heart of Hoi An’s historic Old Town, the PHAP studio invites visitors to explore their artistic talents through a captivating 2-hour painting class.
Priced at $24.62 per person, this small-group workshop is limited to 10 participants and conducted in English. Guided by an experienced local artist, the class provides all necessary materials, including acrylic paints and a canvas.
Participants can choose their own subject or transform a photo into a painting, culminating in a unique memento of their Hoi An adventure.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a relaxing riverside setting, this workshop offers a delightful immersion into the city’s vibrant artistic culture.
Read our full review: Hoi An: 2 Hours Painting Class With Local Artist in Oldtown Review
Book now: Check availability
Sum Up
Hoi An offers a wealth of engaging workshops and classes for visitors. From cooking classes that immerse you in local cuisine and culture to lantern-making workshops and painting sessions with local artists, there’s something for every interest. Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill or simply soak up the vibrant atmosphere, Hoi An’s diverse array of workshops and classes provide a fulfilling and memorable experience.