Vietnam is one of the biggest coffee producers in the world, and a coffee making class in Hoi An is the most enjoyable way to understand why. In about 1.5 hours, a local barista shows you how Vietnamese robusta goes from crop to cup, how to brew it with the traditional phin filter, and why sweet condensed milk became part of the recipe. You finish by making and drinking your own cup, a quick, relaxed activity that fits into any Hoi An itinerary.
| Activity | Vietnamese coffee making class (hands-on) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5 hours |
| Price | From 350,000 VND (about $14) per person |
| Good for | Coffee lovers, couples, families, first-time visitors |
| You will taste | Vietnamese phin coffee, a cookie and Vietnamese tea |
| Booking | Confirmation and e-ticket within 15 minutes |
Why Join a Coffee Making Class in Hoi An?
Coffee shops are the living rooms of Vietnam: friends meet there, families gather there, and business gets done over a slow-dripping cup. Taking a class is a short cut into that culture. We recommend this class if you:
- love coffee and want to understand the coffee culture of one of the world’s leading coffee-exporting countries;
- are looking for a quick, fun and hands-on activity in Hoi An, perfect for a hot afternoon or a rainy day;
- want to take home a real Vietnamese recipe that you can repeat in your own kitchen.
What Makes Vietnamese Coffee Different
Most of the coffee grown in Vietnam is robusta. Compared with arabica, robusta beans have a stronger, bolder taste and more caffeine. Vietnamese roasters take them to a dark roast, which gives the coffee its deep, almost chocolatey body.
The other signature is sweetened condensed milk. Coffee arrived in Vietnam during the French colonial period, when fresh milk was hard to find. Condensed milk kept well in the heat, so people mixed it with their strong dark coffee, and the pairing became a national favourite that is still served in every café today.
The Phin: Vietnam’s Simple Coffee Filter
You don’t need a machine to make great Vietnamese coffee. Everything is done with the phin, a small metal drip filter that sits on top of your cup. It has four parts:
- The chamber that holds the ground coffee;
- The press that you place on top of the grounds to tamp them down;
- The lid that keeps the heat in while the water drips through;
- The base plate that lets the brewed coffee drip slowly into the cup below.
Brewing with a phin is slow on purpose. You add the grounds, pour a little hot water to let them bloom, fill it up and then wait while the coffee drips. The result is a small, rich, concentrated cup, which is exactly what balances the sweetness of condensed milk. In class, your barista shows you how to assemble the phin and control the strength so your coffee tastes right every time.
What Happens During the Class
1. The journey from crop to cup
The class starts with stories. Your guide explains how coffee is grown, harvested and roasted in Vietnam, what makes finely ground Vietnamese robusta different from coffee elsewhere in the world, and how the French colonial period shaped the way Vietnamese people drink it.
2. Dark roasting and the condensed milk secret
Next you learn why the beans are roasted dark, and how that dark roast is designed to blend perfectly with sweet condensed milk, an improvisation born from the shortage of fresh milk in colonial times.
3. Barista demonstration and hands-on brewing
A trained barista demonstrates how to get the best flavour out of the phin, then it’s your turn. You measure, tamp, pour and wait, and end up with a cup of coffee you brewed yourself. The technique is surprisingly low-tech, but the flavour is rich and deep.
4. Relax and taste
Enjoy your coffee with a cookie and a cup of Vietnamese tea. Afterwards, feel free to stay at the coffee shop, relax and try some local dishes from the neighbourhood. By the end, you’ll understand why café culture is such a big part of life in Vietnam.
Packages and Prices
| Package | Duration | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard coffee making class | 1.5 hours | $14 (350,000 VND) / person | On request |
What’s included
- Guidance from a trained barista
- Hands-on brewing with the phin filter
- Your coffee, a cookie and Vietnamese tea
How to Book the Coffee Making Class
Booking takes about a minute. Choose one of the two options below: get the organizer’s contact straight away, or leave your details and the Hoi An Fairy Tour team will contact you. Once your date is confirmed, you receive an e-ticket or tour confirmation within 15 minutes.
Contact the organizer directly
Leave your name and how to reach you. The organizer's contact and QR code will appear right away, so you can message them about the coffee making class.
Contact person
Phone / WhatsApp / Line / Zalo
Let Hoi An Fairy Tour contact you
Not sure yet? Tell us your plan and our local team will reach out with free advice, prices and availability.
Thank you! We've got your request.
Our team usually replies within 15 minutes (8am – 10pm Vietnam time) via the app you chose.
Payment options: pay directly on the day, by domestic bank transfer, or by PayPal (3% transaction fee).
More Things to Do in Hoi An for Coffee and Culture Lovers
- Looking for the best morning cup? See our guide to coffee with breakfast in Hoi An.
- Want another hands-on workshop? Compare the best classes in Hoi An for tourists.
- Short on time? Here are the best quick activities in Hoi An.
- Browse every tour, class and show on our Explore Hoi An page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the coffee making class in Hoi An?
The standard class takes 1.5 hours, including the story of Vietnamese coffee, the barista demonstration, hands-on brewing and time to enjoy your cup.
How much does the coffee making class cost?
The standard class costs $14 (350,000 VND) per person. Contact us for the current price for children.
Do I need any coffee or barista experience?
No. The class is designed for beginners. The barista explains every step and you brew your own cup with the phin filter under their guidance.
What is a phin filter?
A phin is the small metal drip filter used all over Vietnam. It sits on top of the cup and lets hot water drip slowly through the ground coffee, making a strong, concentrated brew that pairs perfectly with sweetened condensed milk.
How do I pay for the class?
You can pay directly, by domestic bank transfer, or by PayPal (with a 3% transaction fee). Your e-ticket or confirmation is issued within 15 minutes of booking.
From Vincent – the Author
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