Taste of Vietnam: Food & Culture 13 days

Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will transfer to your hotel for check-in and a short rest before beginning your first culinary adventure.

At 17:30, our friendly local guide will meet you in front of Shinhan Bank at 14 Le Thai To Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, and take you on a fascinating food journey through the bustling streets of the Hanoi Old Quarter. This walking tour is the perfect introduction to Vietnam’s rich street food culture, where every corner reveals tempting aromas and vibrant flavors.

The menu may vary depending on the day, but highlights often include signature noodle soups such as Pho Bo (Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup), Bun Thang (Rice Vermicelli with Chicken and Egg), or the spicy Bun Bo Hue.

You will also savor classic bites like Banh Cuon (Steamed Rice Rolls) and the world-famous Banh Mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwich). For light street snacks, try favorites such as Nom Bo Kho (Dried Beef Salad) or Nem Chua Ran (Fried Fermented Pork Rolls), popular among the locals.

To finish, no Hanoi food tour would be complete without tasting the city’s iconic Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee) – a rich, creamy, and unforgettable specialty.

Note: If you have dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, or food allergies), please inform us in advance so we can customize your experience.

• Morning Class: 09:00 - 12:30
• Afternoon Class: 15:00 - 18:30

Your culinary journey begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Hanoi Old Quarter. Accompanied by our expert guide, you’ll explore a bustling local market, where you’ll master the art of haggling and discover the fresh ingredients that define Vietnamese cuisine.

Next, watch as our talented chef demonstrates the secrets of authentic Vietnamese dishes before you step into the kitchen yourself. Under guided instruction, you’ll recreate these flavorful masterpieces and enjoy a tasting session featuring a variety of local delights.

Once your dishes are ready, sit down to savor the fruits of your labor, indulging in the rich and vibrant flavors of Vietnam. At the end of this immersive experience, you’ll receive detailed recipes and a certificate to take home as a memento of your culinary skills.

After class, we’ll transport you back to your accommodation, marking the end of a fantastic gastronomic adventure.

Enjoy leisure time for the remainder of the day, or join one of our enriching optional experiences.

Morning

Wake up early to savor prepared breakfast at the hotel. 

From 08:00 - 08:30, we depart from the hotel lobby to meet our tour guide and head to the next destination, Halong Bay. The trip to this must-see location is quick and easy, taking only about 2.5 hours by car.

At noon, you will board the cruise in warm welcome of the crew staff then enjoy a tasty drink from them. For a safe cruise trip, listen carefully to the rules and guidance from our manager.

You can enjoy a variety of unique islets and gleaming blue ocean scenery while lunch is served on board. 

Afternoon

Take a nap after lunch to refresh yourself for the afternoon's activities, which may include swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Halong Bay, kayaking, or cave exploration.

The Sunset Party's "buy one, get one free" promotion will start at 17:00 - 17:30, so you might be itching to head back to the boat. 

Enjoy a delectable meal at 19:00.

On board, there are numerous activities to keep you busy at night, such squid fishing, board games, movies, a nightclub, etc. If you are not a fan of going to bed early, don't hesitate.

NOTE: The specific schedule will depend on each boat, contact our sales consultant for more information.

Morning

To commemorate the start of a new day, 06:00 is time to join the Tai Chi session on the sundeck. For those who rise early, this kind of entertainment is ideal for decompressing both physically and mentally following a demanding first day.

Enjoy a light breakfast buffet full of mouthwatering starters, snacks and drinks to revive yourself.

As they paddle you into the cave on a bamboo raft, admire the serene beauty of nature surroundings. A large diversity of aquatic life could be visible if you detour through the fishing community.

Before setting sail, return to the ship to check out and review your belongings one last time. A brunch on the route to Halong Bay is a terrific way to relax if you've already checked out. 

At noon, you will disembark at the cruise port, then transfer to your hotel in Hanoi.

NOTE: Depending on the cruise liner you choose, the attraction you visit may vary. 

Morning

You have some time off this morning to eat breakfast and pack your luggage. Then, take the fight directly to the Old Capital of Vietnam - Hue. 

Evening

At about 18:00, your guide will reach your accommodation in Hue by cyclo. 

Then, your first trip in Hue is a food tour to sample Hue’s most specialties: Banh Beo, Banh Nam, Banh Bot Loc, Banh Ram It, Banh Uot, Banh Khoai, etc…

After that, you will ride the cyclo to "Hen Island" where you may have clam dishes like clam noodles and clam rice ("Hen" meaning baby clam).

Along the route, you will stop along the way to see the Imperial Citadel at night, which served as the ruler of the Nguyen Dynasty's palace.

It will be ideal in case we reach Truong Tien Bridge at dusk, which is a perfect place for sunset watching. 

En route back, you still can sightsee the picturesque panorama of Hue nightlife as the cyclo drives you around the streets. 

For mementos, you can purchase Minh Mang wines, sour prawns, conical hats, long dresses (ao dai), and sesame candy at some street stalls. 

You will be back to the hotel before 22:00 to rest and recharge energy for the day after.

Morning

Gather at the hotel lobby between 08:00 - 08:30 to start our journey. 

Thien Mu Pagoda is the first attraction we visit. The pagoda has a rich history dating back to the early 17th century. It is a popular destination which attracts visitors with its historical significance, architectural beauty, and scenic surroundings.

Next, come to the Imperial Citadel of Hue is a vast walled complex featuring a unique blend of traditional Vietnamese, Chinese, and European architectural styles. You might take time to admire the beauty from the front gate, to the Flag Tower, and The King’s Palace.

After two historic destinations, you can go shopping in Dong Ba Market. In this oldest market in Hue, you can find a bunch of interesting things displayed on kiosks that stand next to each other that you definitely want to purchase as gifts when you travel back to your country.

Afternoon

See the Khai Dinh Tomb, which is the smallest tomb of the Nguyen Emperors and is renowned for its exquisite fusion of Western and Oriental design elements.

Admire the magnificent scenery in the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang. The architecture is striking to your vision with its old-world sense infused with Confucian values.

Before returning to the hotel, visit a conical hat village to observe the artisans at work and have an opportunity to chat with the people.

Our tour ends in your hotel lobby at approximately 17:00.

Morning

Take a shuttle bus or a private car to your accommodation in Hoi An.

Afternoon

Your trip Hoi An begins with a visit to the bustling Hoi An Market, where the sights, colors, sounds, and smells create an unforgettable shopping experience. Just nearby is the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, a vibrant space filled with bright gates, dragon statues, and elaborate rooftops. Here, you can learn about ancestor worship as you observe the family altar and watch local devotees making offerings.

Next, you will explore remarkably well-preserved old houses such as the Phung Hung Ancient House and Tan Ky Ancient House, which have withstood over 200 years of weather and history.

The journey continues to the Museum of Folk Culture, housed in a 150-year-old Chinese merchant house, where artifacts depict ancient local daily life. Don’t miss the Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House, where you can enjoy captivating art performances.

Make a stop at the Japanese Bridge, constructed over 400 years ago to connect the Japanese community with the Chinese living across the waterway.

You will also visit Hoi An’s renowned handicraft shops and art galleries, discovering smaller laneways and local neighborhoods along the way, gaining a deeper appreciation of Hoi An’s timeless charm.

Morning

After breakfast, meet your local guide in the hotel lobby. Depart for a rural farm in Tra Que Villageat 08:00.

Accompany the farmers as they prepare the field, apply seaweed fertilizer from a nearby lake, rake the ground, plant, water, harvest, and perform numerous other gardening tasks.

Work on the farm for the remainder of the morning, taking a break to make lunch with your hosts.

Then you can savor organic dishes made from several regional specialties, such as spring rolls and pancakes.

Afternoon

After enjoying a foot massage and bidding farewell to your host family, you will return to Hoi An.

You can take a ride to the craftsman's house in the late afternoon, and he or she will give you a quick overview of the lantern's form, color, and history as well as the procedures involved in creating one.

There, you get the opportunity to create your own lantern which you can keep after having it done. 

Afternoon

Starting at sundown, you are taken on a satisfying culinary trip through local cafes, food stalls, markets, and restaurants.

Here are some traditional Hoi An cuisine suggestions we listed for you:

Vietnamese bread (Banh Mi): Bread followed in the footsteps of the French and was introduced to our country in the shape of a baguette, which was served with butter, jam, and cold meat in the nineteenth century. Baguettes were "modified" over time by Vietnamese people based on their own eating habits and tastes, becoming a popular food today.

Cao Lau: The difference between Cao Lau and other noodle dishes is the texture. Cao Lau noodles are firmer and chewier. Additionally, the best way to enjoy Cao Lau's taste is to eat from street vendors who only serve Cao Lau or a small handful of local dishes. 

Banh Beo: Banh Beo is a traditional Vietnamese cake that is a popular snack among the residents of Hoi An. To find it, you will need to navigate several narrow alleys and stop at a few local business buildings.

Banh Khot: A round pancake made with rice flour, turmeric, coconut milk, quail egg, and vegetables. A street vendor near Hoai Square will be an ideal place to try Banh Khot.

Morning 

Before heading to the Da Nang airport for your journey to Ho Chi Minh City, you have a little free time in the morning.

Transfer to the hotel from the airport upon arrival. After finishing checking in, you can unwind in the hotel or wander around Ho Chi Minh.

Evening

Your evening begins at 17:30 when our professional drivers pick you up from your hotel to explore the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City. The journey starts with a scenic ride through the city center, offering a view of the impressive Bitexco Tower, one of Vietnam’s tallest skyscrapers, as you take in the vibrant evening atmosphere.

We then immerse ourselves in Saigon’s nightlife by walking along the bustling sidewalks, mingling with locals at street-side eateries and cafes. The tour continues to Chinatown, where colorful temples and lively streets highlight the rich Vietnamese-Chinese heritage. Along the way, you can shop for unique gifts and enjoy a variety of tasty street food from local vendors.

Next, we visit the Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, the city’s largest flower market established in 1987. Here, you’ll be captivated by the stunning flower displays and the energetic nighttime trade as locals transport fresh flowers through the market.

At 22:00, your tour concludes with a safe transfer back to your hotel, leaving you with a memorable and flavorful experience of Saigon by night.

Morning 

At 07:30, depart from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for a scenic drive to Cu Chi District, a region steeped in history and rural charm.

Upon arrival, visit the Ho Chi Minh Agricultural Villages, where you can stroll through lush rice fields, observe fish and prawn ponds, and gain insight into the agricultural backbone of Vietnam.

Next, take part in an interactive cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare three traditional Vietnamese dishes and a dessert, offering a hands-on experience of Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage.

Afternoon

After lunch, explore a local village and witness the traditional rice paper-making process, where skilled artisans craft this staple using time-honored techniques. Continue to a rubber tree forest, where you’ll observe local workers extracting latex-a fascinating look into an important industry.

The journey then takes you to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive 250-kilometer underground network used during wartime. Start with an informative documentary, then venture into the tunnels for a firsthand experience of the challenging conditions soldiers faced.

At 17:30, return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, concluding a day filled with culture, history, and hands-on experiences.

Morning 

After being picked up from your Saigon hotel, travel to Ben Tre Province to explore the Mekong Delta at 08:00.

The journey kicks off with a boat excursion through Ham Luong River. 

Depending on the season, we might have a chance to tour a few local factories like a coconut candy factory to get a feel for how the local economy functions. 

A quiet atmosphere greets our touring group at the village where you'll be able to take a quick stroll and get a taste of real life in a Delta town. By riding in a motorized rickshaw, known as a "xe loi," we head into the forest to see the fruit farms.

A delicious and filling dinner will be served at a restaurant, featuring regional specialties and will be paired with a variety of light drinks and beers. 

One of the Mekong region's most famous delicacies is elephant-ear fish, which surprises people with its unusual appearance right away. 

Afternoon

Tourists leisurely pass through Mekong waterways on a sampan boat ride along the tiny canals till 17:00 before concluding today's excursion. 

Returning to the accommodation in Saigon as the sun goes down. 

Morning 

Before the departure flight from Ho Chi Minh City, you have a spare morning to have breakfast and get ready. 

At the announced time, we will transport you to the Tan Son Nhat airport.