Fairway Footprints

Some travel days feel fun. Some feel meaningful. Then there are days that feel special, the kind you know you will talk about for years. Our experience with Phu Lanh Travel in Hoi An was exactly that. It was engaging, hands‑on, educational and easily one of our favourite days in Vietnam so far.

Basket Boats

The kids’ favourite moment

We started the morning in the coconut palm waterways of Cam Thanh. The traditional round basket boats are still used for fishing, but today they are part of one of Hoi An’s most iconic experiences. The kids immediately chose the optional spinning boat ride. The adults did not. Watching the kids laugh while they spun in circles was entertainment enough.

The guides were fantastic. They kept the atmosphere light, made the kids feel confident and showed us how skilled they are at navigating these round boats.

Vietnamese Coffee

Strong, sweet and a first for the kids

Next was the coffee making and tasting experience. This turned out to be one of the most unexpectedly fun parts of the day. It was the kids’ first time trying coffee and of course their introduction was Vietnamese coffee, which is famously strong. Vietnam grows mostly Robusta beans, which naturally contain more caffeine than Arabica, so the kids were in for a surprise.

We learned how to brew coffee using the traditional phin filter. It is a slow drip method that has been part of Vietnamese culture since coffee was introduced during the French colonial period. Watching the drip, tasting the result and learning about the history made this experience feel authentic and memorable.

@platesabroad

His first time making coffee AND trying Vietnamese coffee. Wait for the reaction… #coffee #coffeetiktok #vietnamesecoffee #traveltiktok #fyp @Fairway Footprints @ariana • golf ‘n’ travel

♬ original sound – Plates Abroad

Lantern Making

Crafting one of Hoi An’s most meaningful symbols.

Hoi An is known for its lanterns. They hang from balconies, trees and shops all over the Old Town. Lanterns here represent happiness, luck and prosperity. Many families hang them to bring good fortune and to keep negative energy away. The garlic shaped lantern style is common in Hoi An and is believed to symbolise protection and warmth.

The lantern making class was a highlight for the kids. They loved choosing colours, stretching the fabric and seeing their lanterns come together. We now have five handmade lanterns travelling with us through Vietnam.

Vietnamese Cooking Class

The perfect ending to the day

We finished with the Vietnamese cooking class. This was the highlight for all of us. Our guide was incredible. She was patient, organised and made the entire experience feel relaxed and enjoyable. Everything ran perfectly on time and flowed naturally from prep to cooking to eating.

We made corn spring rolls, fried pork wontons, shrimp and pork pancakes and pork noodles. Every dish tasted amazing. Not holiday amazing. Actually amazing. The kids were fully involved and proud of what they cooked.

@platesabroad

Today we took a Vietnamese cooking class and absolutely loved every minute of it. From learning traditional recipes and new cooking techniques to getting hands-on in the kitchen, it was such a fun way to experience the local culture. The kids loved getting involved too, helping with the prep, cooking and, of course, plenty of taste testing along the way! Amazing food, fantastic teachers and memories we’ll take home with us. If you’re visiting Hoi An, we’d definitely recommend adding a cooking class to your itinerary. One of the highlights of our Vietnam trip #vietnamesefood #cookingtiktok #cookingclass #travelwithkids @Fairway Footprints @ariana • golf ‘n’ travel

♬ Clocks – Coldplay

Final Thoughts

I could not fault the day. Every activity was thoughtful, well paced and full of personality. Phu Lanh Travel delivered an experience that felt authentic and family friendly. We would absolutely do this tour again. It was one of those rare travel days that leaves you smiling long after it ends.