TOUR OVERVIEW
Step into the vibrant heart of Saigon and immerse yourself in the city’s rich culinary culture with this Vietnamese Cooking Class & Market Tour. Led by professional chefs from the acclaimed Hoa Tuc restaurant, you’ll discover the secrets behind authentic Vietnamese flavors, from selecting the freshest herbs and spices at a bustling local market to crafting delicious dishes entirely by hand. This isn’t just a class; it’s an intimate cultural exchange that will leave you with skills, recipes, and memories to savor long after your cruise.
This Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursions is Perfect For:
- Food lovers eager to learn authentic Vietnamese recipes from expert chefs.
- Hands-on travelers who enjoy immersive, interactive cultural activities.
- Cruise passengers looking for a unique shore excursion beyond standard sightseeing.
- Shoppers & explorers who want to experience a traditional local market.
- Photography enthusiasts seeking vibrant market scenes and beautiful colonial architecture.
FULL ITINERARY
Pickup & Transfer from Port
Your driver and guide will greet you at the Phu My Port (or Saigon Port) entrance gate. From here, enjoy a scenic 1.5–2 hour drive through the Vietnamese countryside and into the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City.
Local Market Visit (8:00 am – 8:40 am)
Arrive at Tan Dinh Market, one of Saigon’s most colorful and bustling local markets. Guided by your chef, stroll through aisles of fresh herbs, vegetables, tropical fruits, and fragrant spices. Select the freshest ingredients you’ll use later in the cooking class, while learning how locals shop daily.
Hands-On Cooking Class (9:00 am – 12:00 pm)
At the charming Hoa Tuc restaurant venue, your workstation awaits — fully equipped and ready for action. Under the expert guidance of your chef, prepare a selection of authentic Vietnamese dishes (vegetarian or allergy-friendly menus available). Learn step-by-step techniques, enjoy your own creations for lunch, and finish with a seasonal dessert. Printed recipes will be provided so you can recreate the dishes back home.
Mini City Tour (12:30 pm – 2:00 pm)
After lunch in the class, we will have a glimpse look around the city before driving back to the port. We stop at Notre Dame Cathedral, which was established by French colonists between 1863 and 1880 & Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City, the city’s main church. The building was constructed when Vietnam was part of French Indochina in the early 20th century with Gothic architectural style. It was designed and constructed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel in harmony with the surrounding area. If time permits, we will have a short free time for shopping at the famous Ben Thanh Market before getting in our car and driving back to Phu My cruise port for departure.
Return to Port
Drive back to Phu My Port in good time for your cruise departure, taking with you unforgettable flavors, recipes, and photos from your day in Saigon. Trip ends. Thanks for traveling with Vietnam Shore Excursions!
