Cooking Classes in Hoi An 2026: Best Schools and What to Expect

Hoi An has the highest concentration of Vietnamese cooking schools in the country. The town’s food culture — with its unique dishes and trading port history — makes it a natural place to learn. Cooking classes here typically combine a market visit, boat trip, and hands-on cooking.

Standard cooking class format

Most Hoi An cooking classes follow a similar structure:

1. Morning market visit with the chef — selection of fresh ingredients at the covered market
2. Boat trip (optional, in some classes) along the Thu Bon River to the herb garden
3. Hands-on cooking of 3–5 dishes
4. Eating the cooked food for lunch
5. Recipe cards to take home

Duration: Half-day (09:00–13:00) or full day (09:00–17:00). Prices: ₫350,000–700,000 ($14–28) for half-day; ₫700,000–1,200,000 ($28–48) for full-day.

Best cooking schools

Morning Glory Cooking School (109 Nguyen Thai Hoc): Run by the same chef/owner as the Morning Glory restaurant, one of Hoi An’s best-regarded eateries. Half-day classes with market visit and 4–5 dishes. The instructor knowledge is above average. ₫500,000–800,000 ($20–32).

Red Bridge Cooking School: The most established cooking school in Hoi An with a dedicated facility 4km from the old town on the river. Classes include a boat trip to the school and an on-site herb garden visit. Larger-scale operation with consistently good reviews. ₫450,000–700,000 ($18–28).

Thuan Tinh Island Cooking Class: A smaller and more intimate class in an island garden setting on the Thu Bon River. Fewer participants (typically 4–8). The boat crossing and garden setting add atmosphere. ₫500,000–900,000 ($20–36).

Streets International Cooking School: A social enterprise employing disadvantaged youth — profits fund vocational training. The teaching quality is good and there’s a meaningful charitable element. ₫500,000–700,000 ($20–28).

What you learn

Standard dishes taught across Hoi An cooking classes:

• Cao lau (Hoi An signature noodle)
• White rose dumplings (banh bao vac)
• Fresh spring rolls (goi cuon)
• Banh xeo (sizzling pancake)
• Com ga (chicken rice)
• Vietnamese soups (pho or bun bo Hue variations)

Classes can accommodate vegetarian and vegan requirements — notify when booking.

Practical notes

Booking: Book at least the day before. Peak months (July–August) book up significantly. Walk-in on the day is possible in the off-season.

What to wear: Classes involve cooking — avoid white clothing. The herb garden sections get muddy after rain.

Group size: Most reputable schools limit classes to 8–15 participants. Ask about group sizes when booking.

Language: All classes are taught in English. Some schools offer French language classes as well.