Experiences Tra Que Vegetable Village & Cooking Class

Overview

Tra Que is a picturesque village on the outskirts of Hoi An, known for its fragrant vegetables that add flavor to the daily meals of the Pho Hoi residents. Spend a day living and working alongside the locals in Tra Que vegetable village, where you’ll get a glimpse into the daily lives of the farmers.

The village is a key supplier of fresh vegetables to Hoi An and makes for an interesting stop if you’re cycling from the old town to An Bang beach. Many of the herbs and vegetables used in Vietnam’s flavorful dishes are grown here, and it’s reputed to be entirely organic.

The atmosphere is serene and beautiful, with friendly locals, and you’ll find small tourist eateries and cooking classes nestled around the garden.

However, some locals have expressed concern that nearby hotels and other tourist developments are gradually encroaching on the garden land, a growing issue across Hoi An.

Itinerary

Experiences Tra Que Vegetable Village & Cooking Class

Pick-up and Market Visit:

• Guests are picked up at the hotel lobby (in the Hoi An area) by bicycle.
• Guests are guided to the market where they are introduced to the dishes they will learn in the cooking class and the ingredients required. They visit various shops, including those selling fish (types of fish and cooking methods), vegetables (names and best uses), meats (pork, beef), spices (different spices), and fruits.

Continuation to Tra Que Herb Village:

Welcome at Tra Que Water Wheel:

• Cold towels are provided.
• Guests receive a welcome drink (Water Wheel’s special drink).

1. Farming Tour:

• • Guests wear traditional hats and farmer’s clothing.
  • Visit the vegetable village.
  • The tour guide provides an introduction to the village’s history.
  • Explore Tra Que herb village and learn about the local riparian ecosystem, including activities such as harvesting seaweed for fertilizer, visiting ponds, and observing local livestock like buffalo, chickens, and ducks.
  • Guests participate in vegetable planting with local farmers, including tasks such as seaweed collection, soil preparation, bed-making, transplanting vegetables, and watering.
  • After the farming tour, guests relax with a herbal foot soak in Tra Que vegetable garden.

2. Rice Paper Making Tour:

• • Guests learn to start a fire, prepare rice paper molds, and operate the stove.
  • They are taught traditional methods of washing, soaking, and grinding rice.
  • Guests make rice paper and enjoy their creations.

3. Cooking Class:

• • Guests learn to create decorative flowers and animals from tomatoes and carrots, as well as how to marinate local dishes like Tam Huu and Local Pancake. They then enjoy the food they have prepared, along with additional items on the menu.

Menu for Lunch:

1. Tam Huu or Spring Rolls
2. Local Pancake
3. Papaya Salad
4. Grilled Fish with Tomato Sauce in Banana Leaves
5. Steamed Rice in Banana Leaves
6. Dessert

Return to the Hotel:

• Guests are escorted back to the hotel, marking the end of the tour.

Note

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• Departure Time: 9:00 AM or 3:00 PM (flexible); Duration: 4-5 hours
• Included: English-speaking Chef, bicycle, entrance fees, lunch or dinner, special welcome drink, foot soak
• Transportation: A scooter with a driver or a taxi can be arranged as an alternative to a bicycle for an additional fee (depending on the situation)
• Foot Massage: Available upon request (105,000 VND per person)

Important Note: For Lunar New Year, a 20% surcharge will apply to each booking during the Tet Holiday.