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food · Vinh Long

Puffed Rice Village & Mekong Sweet Workshop: A Culinary Masterclass

Discover the centuries-old craft of puffed rice cake making in one of Vinh Long's last surviving traditional sweet villages, then take the wheel in a hands-on Mekong confectionery masterclass — a deeply flavourful, utterly unique afternoon.

What to expect

A short sampan ride carries you to a quiet hamlet where the sweet, nutty scent of roasting rice fills the air. The family matriarch walks you through each painstaking step: washing and soaking the glutinous rice, puffing it in a red-hot sand-filled wok, then pressing the fragrant grains into molds with palm sugar and sesame. You take over for your own batch — inevitably messier, undeniably delicious — before sitting down to a generous tasting spread that includes coconut candy, rice wine, and fresh tropical fruit. The workshop closes with a canal-side conversation over green tea, swapping stories about food, family, and Mekong life.

Book it with
Shore Excursions Asia (Vietnam local expert operator)
From USD 55 per person (private guide, boat, workshop, tastings; min. 2 guests)
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Good to know

The village is accessible only by boat — approximately 20 minutes from the Vinh Long waterfront. The experience runs 3–3.5 hours and is ideal as an afternoon excursion after a morning on the water. Inform the operator of any nut or gluten allergies at the time of booking.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Vinh Long — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Avalon · Avalon Saigon
7 nights · calls at Vinh Long
from $3,419
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