Hoi An’s culinary tour offers a unique opportunity for travelers to enjoy the local culture and cuisine. Beginning with a visit to a bustling market, visitors explore the vibrant sights and sounds while learning about traditional Vietnamese ingredients. The adventure continues as they board a traditional basket boat and drift through a serene coconut palm forest. But the true highlight comes when they put their newfound skills to the test, trying to catch the elusive purple crabs before savoring an authentic Vietnamese feast. This immersive experience promises to leave a lasting impression on the palate and the mind.
Key Points

- Offers a guided tour of Hoi An’s Ancient Town, showcasing its unique blend of architectural influences and vibrant local culture.
- Includes a serene boat ride through the coconut palm forest, allowing participants to observe the region’s natural beauty and traditional way of life.
- Provides an opportunity to learn the traditional art of catching ‘purple crabs’ from local fishermen and enjoy a feast of the freshly caught crustaceans.
- Features a sharing-style lunch or dinner featuring a variety of local Vietnamese specialties, such as Papaya Salad, Banana Flower Salad, and Chicken Cao Lau Noodle.
- Offers hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a straightforward cancellation policy with a full refund for 24-hour notice, ensuring flexibility and peace of mind for travelers.
About Hoi An

Hoi An is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, which showcases a harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural influences.
Strolling through the charming streets, visitors can admire the colorful wooden merchant houses, traditional tea shops, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge.
Beyond the ancient quarter, Hoi An boasts a scenic riverside setting, tranquil canals, and lush, palm-fringed countryside.
The town’s relaxed atmosphere and rich cultural heritage make it a popular destination for travelers seeking an authentic Vietnamese experience.
With its picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant local culture, Hoi An offers a truly immersive and memorable journey for those eager to discover the essence of Vietnam.
You can also read our reviews of more shopping tours in Hoi An
Tour Activities
This small-group tour offers travelers an immersive glimpse into Vietnam’s authentic culture and traditions. Participants will have the chance to paddle a traditional ‘basket boat‘ through a serene coconut palm forest, where they’ll learn to catch lively purple crabs and then savor a delectable feast.
The tour is limited to just 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience. Guests will have the opportunity to try their hand at the ancient art of crab catching, a skill that has been passed down through generations of Vietnamese fishermen.
After the crab catch, the group will enjoy a sharing-style lunch or dinner featuring a variety of local specialties, from fragrant papaya salad to savory mushroom pancakes.
Cuisine Sampled

The sampled menu showcases a diverse array of Vietnamese culinary delights, including the light and refreshing Papaya Salad, the unique Banana Flower Salad, the savory Grilled Eggplant, the delectable Vietnamese Mushroom Pancakes, the hearty Chicken Cao Lau Noodle, and the sweet and indulgent Caramel Banana.
These dishes offer a tantalizing glimpse into the depth and complexity of Vietnamese cuisine.
The Papaya Salad’s zesty flavors and crunchy texture provide a refreshing start, while the Banana Flower Salad’s unexpected and intriguing taste introduces a new culinary experience.
The Grilled Eggplant and Mushroom Pancakes showcase the versatility of locally sourced ingredients, while the Chicken Cao Lau Noodle and Caramel Banana provide a satisfying and comforting conclusion to the culinary journey.
Inclusions

The Hoi An Cooking Class tour includes a variety of experiences that immerse participants in the local culture and cuisine. Travelers can look forward to a delectable lunch or dinner, round-trip transfers, a serene boat ride, and the opportunity to learn the traditional art of catching purple crabs.
| Inclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Lunch or Dinner | Sample authentic Vietnamese dishes |
| Round-trip Transfers | Convenient pickup and drop-off |
| Boat Ride | Paddle a traditional ‘basket boat’ in a coconut palm forest |
| Crab Catching | Learn the traditional technique of catching purple crabs |
These immersive activities provide a unique and intimate glimpse into the heart of Vietnamese life, making the Hoi An Cooking Class an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking a truly authentic cultural adventure.
Meeting and Pickup

Convenient pickup and drop-off options make it easy for travelers to join the Hoi An Cooking Class, with hotel pickup available or the option to meet at the BeBe Tailor shop in the heart of the Ancient Town.
Regardless of the starting point, the tour concludes back at the same meeting location. This flexibility ensures all participants can conveniently access the experience.
The cancellation policy is also straightforward, allowing for a full refund with 24-hour notice, giving travelers peace of mind when booking.
With the logistics handled, participants can focus on seeing the cultural activities and culinary delights that make this small-group Hoi An adventure so memorable.
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Cancellation Policy

Providing travelers with peace of mind, the cancellation policy allows for a full refund with 24-hour notice, ensuring flexibility when booking this small-group Hoi An adventure.
Whether unexpected plans arise or the weather doesn’t cooperate, this generous policy means customers won’t be penalized for canceling their tour. With just 15 spots available, it’s important that the tour operator can fill any empty seats, and the 24-hour cancellation window makes that possible.
Knowing they can receive a full refund if needed, travelers can book this unique cultural experience with confidence, focusing on enjoying the basket boat ride, crab catching, and authentic Vietnamese cuisine without worrying about last-minute changes.
Exploring the Coconut Palm Forest

Paddling a traditional ‘basket boat‘ through the tranquil coconut palm forest offers a unique glimpse into the serene landscape surrounding Hoi An.
Gliding silently along the narrow waterways, you’ll be surrounded by the lush greenery of the coconut palms towering overhead. As you drift past, you’ll spot vibrant purple crabs scurrying among the tangled roots.
This intimate boat ride provides a peaceful respite from the bustling town, allowing you to appreciate the region’s natural beauty and slow-paced way of life.
Your guide will point out the unique flora and fauna, sharing insights into how the local community has long relied on the coconut palms for their daily needs.
Catch and Feast on Purple Crabs

After the tranquil boat ride, participants eagerly venture out to catch the elusive purple crabs that scurry along the riverbanks. The vibrant purple hue of the crabs stands in striking contrast to the lush greenery surrounding them, making for an engaging and authentic encounter with the local wildlife.
Armed with simple tools, they skillfully navigate the tangled roots, scooping up the crustaceans with impressive dexterity.
The crab catching experience offers a unique glimpse into traditional Vietnamese foraging methods:
- Guests use handheld woven baskets to gently trap the crabs
- They must move cautiously to avoid startling the skittish creatures
- Spotting the crabs amongst the vegetation requires keen observation
The catch is then meticulously cleaned and prepared for a delightful feast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Vegetarians or Vegans?
The tour appears suitable for vegetarians and vegans, as the sample menu includes plant-based dishes like papaya salad, banana flower salad, and Vietnamese mushroom pancakes. Participants can likely request vegetarian/vegan alternatives for the included lunch or dinner.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Special Dietary Requirements?
The tour can be customized for special dietary requirements. The tour provider is flexible and accommodating – they can adjust the menu to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary needs with advance notice.
What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, offering a small-group experience to explore the local culture and cuisine of Hoi An away from the crowds.
Is Photography Allowed During the Crab Catching Activity?
Yes, photography is allowed during the crab catching activity. Guests can capture photos of the traditional crab catching techniques and the subsequent crab feast. The small-group size ensures ample opportunities for photos throughout the experience.
Are Life Jackets Provided for the Coconut Boat Ride?
Yes, life jackets are provided for the coconut boat ride. Safety is a top priority, and the tour organizers ensure all participants are equipped with the necessary safety gear to enjoy the experience comfortably and confidently.
Recap
Hoi An’s culinary tour offers a unique culture. Visitors explore a local market, drift through a coconut palm forest, and catch purple crabs before indulging in a sharing-style lunch or dinner featuring authentic Vietnamese dishes.
This immersive experience provides a flavorful taste of the region, allowing travelers to fully enjoy Hoi An’s vibrant culinary traditions.
More Markets in Hoi An
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