Learn your pho bo from your bun bo

Word to the wise: Do your homework and don't overpay for cooking classes. If you're just looking to have a bit of fun, don't be pressured into spending more than you have to.

If you've always wanted to know how to create the ultimate rice paper roll, there are a wide variety of English language Vietnamese cookery classes on offer throughout the city. Prices and quality can vary massively between establishments with some charging as little as USD 8 while others demand up to USD 100 for the privilege, so it's best to shop around.

One of the best options in the city is the Saigon Cooking Class offered by Hoa Tuc restaurant. In three hours, you'll learn to prepare three courses of your choosing according to a seasonal menu, and the small class size of up to eight means you get all the help you need. It's worth forking out an extra USD 5 for the "gourmet tour", which provides the added opportunity to accompany the chef to the market to purchase fresh ingredients before your class.