Savory Trails: Exploring Vietnam & Cambodia Through Taste 15 days

Your journey begins as you touch down at Noi Bai Airport. A friendly driver will greet and transport you directly to your comfortable hotel in Hanoi.

After settling in, the evening offers free time to explore the city's lively nightlife. You might wander through Ta Hien Street, where local brews and street food create an authentic Vietnamese atmosphere.

The evening sky darkens as your culinary adventure begins at 18:00. A knowledgeable tour guide meets you at your hotel for a safety briefing before you climb onto your scooter. The guide will review the evening's plan and ask about any food allergies or preferences you might have before hitting the streets.

Your first destination reveals authentic Banh Cuon, a delicate steam-rolled cake prepared by a local family. The thin rice sheets filled with savory ingredients may surprise your taste buds with their subtle flavors. Next, your scooter journey continues through the old district where a 45-year-old restaurant serves traditional Banh Goi and Bun Cha under glowing lanterns.

The tour takes you to the Red River banks for scenic night views of Hanoi. Later, you will sample various Pho dishes at a small restaurant in Ngu Xa town. Your guide then leads you to West Lake, where beautiful night photography opportunities abound. You might witness the solemn flag-lowering ceremony at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, complete with ceremonial guards and traditional music.

The final stop introduces you to Egg Coffee, a unique Vietnamese beverage dating back to 1946. For those preferring something different, a live acoustic music bar offers cocktails while local musicians perform Vietnamese and international songs. At 21:00, your driver returns you to your hotel, concluding this flavorful exploration of Hanoi's night food scene.

NOTE: Dishes may vary depending on the season

Morning

Your path changes on the third day from urban life to natural beauty. Following breakfast, a driver picks you up from your accommodation at 08:00 for travel to the Halong Bay cruise port. Arrive and check in before your journey starts. Getting ready to discover one of Vietnam's most prized natural settings fuels growing excitement.

Around noon, step aboard your cruise with a welcome drink in hand. The crew provides essential safety instructions and cruise information while you settle in. As the vessel glides into secluded corners of the bay, a delicious lunch awaits you on the deck with stunning limestone karst views as your backdrop. The gentle rocking of the boat creates a peaceful atmosphere as you sail deeper into the bay.

Afternoon

The afternoon offers a range of activities to investigate this UNESCO World Heritage site! You might swim in the emerald seas around the soaring formations or kayak through secret caverns. Once back aboard the boat, you can participate in a cooking lesson under professional direction, learning how to make real Vietnamese spring rolls. Many tourists find that these practical cultural encounters become trip favorites.

Evening descends with a sumptuous dinner at the cruise restaurant featuring fresh seafood and local specialties. Later, the nighttime activities may include board games, squid fishing, or relaxing at the bar.

NOTE:

• Though no tour guide accompanies you, the English-speaking crew ensures your overnight Halong Bay experience remains comfortable throughout your stay in this natural paradise.
• The itinerary may change depending on the specific cruise you book

Morning

Begin your morning with the gentle art of Tai Chi on the sundeck, as the rising sun casts golden light across the limestone karsts. The slow, deliberate movements combined with mindful breathing create perfect harmony with the serene bay surroundings. For those preferring extra rest, sleeping in remains an option before enjoying a later breakfast with panoramic bay views.

Following your meal, the cruise navigates toward another stunning Halong Bay attraction for morning exploration. By 10:00, you will return to the ship to pack your belongings and complete the check-out process. While sailing back to port, savor a final delectable brunch featuring Vietnamese and international dishes. What an amazing way to conclude your Halong Bay experience!

Afternoon

Around noon, your driver meets you at the port for transportation to Hanoi. After a brief stop at your hotel in the Old Quarter to collect any stored luggage, you will continue to the airport for your flight to Hue City.

Upon landing in this historic imperial capital, a friendly driver greets you for transfer to your accommodation. The evening offers free time to rest before tomorrow's exploration of Hue's cultural treasures.

Morning

Our journey continues with a morning exploration of Hue's cultural treasures. At 08:00 - 08:15, your guide collects you from the hotel for a short drive to the boat station. You begin cruising along the Perfume River, named for the fragrant flowers that fall into its waters during autumn. The gentle current carries you past lush landscapes toward ancient monuments that tell stories of Vietnam's imperial past.

Your first stop introduces you to Thien Mu Pagoda, the tallest pagoda in Vietnam, with its seven-story tower overlooking the river. This sacred Buddhist site serves as the unofficial symbol of Hue, appearing in countless paintings and photographs of the region. Next, your guide leads you to the Imperial Citadel, a 520-hectare complex filled with palaces, temples, and gardens.

Before concluding the morning tour, you will browse through Dong Ba Market where local vendors sell everything from handicrafts to regional delicacies. The colorful displays of fruits, spices, and handmade items provide perfect photo opportunities.

Around noon, your driver returns you to the hotel for afternoon relaxation before the evening food adventure begins.

Evening

At 18:00, a traditional cyclo arrives at your hotel to begin a culinary journey through Hue's streets. Your first destination, "Hang Me" restaurant, serves authentic small rice cakes like Banh Beo and Banh Nam. Later, you might taste delicious baby clam dishes at "Hen Island," followed by sweet soups that showcase Hue's famous desserts.

The evening continues with Banh Khoai (crispy pancakes) and Nem Lui (lemongrass skewered pork) as you pass illuminated landmarks including the Imperial Citadel and Truong Tien Bridge. By 22:00, your cyclo returns you to the hotel, completing a day filled with historical sights and authentic flavors that may leave you dreaming of central Vietnamese cuisine for years to come.

NOTE: Route & Meal options may vary depending on the season

Today, embark on a picturesque overland journey from Hue to Hoi An, traveling along one of Vietnam’s most stunning coastal routes.

After breakfast, board a comfortable shared limousine bus, designed to offer both style and space. This scenic transfer offers more than just a change of destination - it’s a visual feast of mountains, ocean vistas, and historic landmarks.

Morning

Begin your day with a guided visit to the vibrant Hoi An Market, where colorful stalls overflow with tropical fruits, fragrant herbs, and freshly caught seafood. Engage with local vendors and learn about the exotic ingredients that shape Vietnamese cuisine, along with their traditional uses and healing properties.

Next, hop on a peaceful 40-minute boat ride along the Thu Bon River, passing scenes of daily river life and lush delta landscapes. Arrive at a charming riverside village, where your outdoor cooking class takes place under the cooling shade of coconut trees. Before the meal begins, you’ll gain hands-on insight into traditional rice processing using ancient tools - an age-old ritual still practiced in the countryside.

Guided by local chefs, you’ll prepare four delicious Vietnamese dishes, including marinated pork skewers, crispy Banh Xeo, green papaya salad, and Vietnamese-style fish. You’ll also learn the art of making your own rice paper from scratch - an experience that’s both fun and fascinating.

NOTE: Vegetarian options are available upon request, and the menu may vary slightly depending on seasonal ingredients.

Afternoon

After your meal, set off on a gentle cycling tour through Hoi An’s rural villages and rice paddies. Pedal past water buffalo, waving farmers, and lush green fields that seem to stretch endlessly. Along the way, stop for small bites and chats with locals, deepening your connection to the land and its people.

Sunset marks the beginning of a flavorful adventure through ancient streets. Your food walking tour starts at 18:00 as a knowledgeable local guide meets you at the designated point in Hoi An Ancient Town.

You may sample signature Vietnamese bites like crispy spring rolls and creamy egg coffee at Bun Cha Ta, or taste your way through Banh Mi, steamed dumplings, and white rose dumplings (bánh vạc) at Hoi An’s bustling market.

Enjoy local specialties such as Cao Lau, Quang noodles, and fried wontons (Hoanh Thanh Chien) - all rooted in Hoi An’s rich blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese culinary traditions.

The food journey may end with delightful local desserts like crème caramel, chè chuối, or sponge cake, adding a sweet note to your flavorful day.

Note: The dishes and experiences on today’s culinary tour may vary depending on availability and season, offering an exciting surprise element for food lovers.

The journey continues as you bid farewell to charming Hoi An after breakfast. Your driver arrives for the transfer to Danang airport, where you will catch a flight across borders to Siem Reap, Cambodia. This transition marks an exciting shift in your food tour as you move from Vietnamese flavors to Khmer culinary traditions that might surprise your taste buds with new aromatic combinations.

Upon landing in Siem Reap, a friendly driver welcomes you to Cambodia and transports you to your hotel for check-in. After settling into your accommodation, you will have free time to rest before the evening entertainment.

Evening

Around 18:30, you will move to the venue of tonight's cultural performance. What an amazing introduction to Cambodian culture awaits you!

The evening features a traditional Apsara dance show accompanied by a delicious Khmer cuisine buffet. You may recognize the elegant hand movements and intricate costumes that tell stories from ancient mythology. While enjoying various authentic Cambodian dishes, performers demonstrate both classical and folk dance styles.

Morning

After breakfast, travel 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap to visit the floating village of Chong Khneas, where an entire community lives in rhythm with the water. Board a traditional wooden boat and glide across the vast Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake.

As you cruise past floating homes, schools, markets, and even a floating police station, you’ll witness how the village shifts with the seasons, drifting with the currents and rising water levels in a remarkable display of adaptability.

Afternoon

Return to Siem Reap to explore its spiritual and artistic roots. Visit Preah Ang Check and Preah Ang Chorm Shrine, where locals pray for luck, protection, and prosperity amid fragrant incense and fluttering offerings.

Then, continue to the Satcha Handicraft Center, a dynamic, creative hub where Cambodian artisans fuse traditional techniques with modern design. Watch craftsmen at work, admire intricate carvings and textiles, and support a sustainable model that preserves heritage while empowering local communities.

Morning

At 8:00, you'll be picked up and transferred to a local cooking school for an engaging Khmer cooking class. Begin with a guided tour of a bustling local market alongside your chef instructor, where you’ll explore Cambodia’s vibrant produce, herbs, and spices. Learn how to select key ingredients and gain insight into the foundations of traditional Khmer cuisine.

Back at the cooking school, you’ll be guided step-by-step in preparing your own lunch at individual cooking stations. Learn techniques like vegetable carving and decorative plating, and cook classic Cambodian dishes using traditional methods. After enjoying your delicious creations, receive a complimentary box of spices, recipe book, DVD, and cooking certificate as keepsakes of your culinary journey.

NOTE: the menu may be adjusted seasonally

Afternoon

After lunch and a short rest at your hotel, your driver will pick you up for the road transfer to Phnom Penh. As you journey through Cambodia’s countryside, take in scenes of rural life, rice paddies, and small towns before arriving in the vibrant capital by evening.

Morning

After breakfast, begin your half-day city tour at 8:00, exploring Phnom Penh’s most iconic landmarks. First, visit the Independence Monument, a striking lotus-shaped tower built to commemorate Cambodia’s liberation from French colonial rule.

Next, step into the elegant grounds of the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, home to dazzling Khmer architecture and the Cambodian royal family. Admire the intricate detailing and see sacred treasures, including the famed Emerald Buddha.

Continue to the National Museum, Cambodia’s largest archaeological museum, which houses over 14,000 artifacts that tell the story of the nation’s ancient civilizations. Conclude your city tour at Wat Phnom, a hilltop temple shrouded in legend, where you’ll hear the tale of Lady Penh and the founding of Phnom Penh.

After the tour, return to your hotel for lunch and time to pack and relax before your flight.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling commercial hub of southern Vietnam. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting to greet you and take you to your hotel. Welcome to Saigon - a dynamic city with modern energy.

Morning

At 8:00, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel for a 2-hour scenic drive to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, passing peaceful countryside and rubber plantations.

Upon arrival, begin your visit with a short documentary film that introduces the history and purpose of the tunnels during the Vietnam War. Explore this remarkable underground network - once a “secret city” used by the Vietnamese army for shelter, supply routes, and strategy. Crawl through narrow passages, view hidden trapdoors, and discover how life was sustained underground.

Before heading back to the city, enjoy a light lunch featuring local specialties for a true taste of the region.

Afternoon

After lunch, return to Ho Chi Minh City for an afternoon of cultural highlights. Begin with two icons of French colonial architecture - the Notre Dame Cathedral (currently under renovation; alternative visit provided) and the stately Old Post Office, known for its arched ceilings and historic charm.

Next, visit the Reunification Palace, the former presidential home and the site of Vietnam’s dramatic reunification in 1975. Its unique blend of modernist and Asian design makes it a must-see. Then step into the War Remnants Museum, a sobering but important stop that illustrates the impact of the Vietnam War through powerful photography and exhibits.

End your city adventure at the lively Ben Thanh Market, a Saigon landmark filled with colorful stalls and local goods. It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs, taste street food, or simply soak up the vibrant local atmosphere.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon, filled with deeper insights into Vietnam’s past and present.

Morning

Your guide picks you up at the hotel at 07:00 - 07:30 for a Mekong Delta trip to Ben Tre Province. The trip offers shifting scenery as urban sprawl progressively turns into rich vegetation and rivers that define this rich agricultural region.

Upon arrival, a scenic cruise along the Ham Luong River introduces you to daily life along the water. Local residents travel by boat, fish from wooden platforms, and tend to riverside gardens as you pass by. You might spot traditional stilt houses and children waving from the shoreline during your relaxing journey through this network of natural waterways.

Your boat docks at a coconut processing workshop where artisans demonstrate sustainable coconut product creation. Next, a visit to a mat-weaving house shows the traditional handicraft techniques passed through generations. Fresh tropical fruits provide refreshment before you continue by bicycle through verdant orchards.

Afternoon

A delicious lunch featuring regional specialties awaits at a riverside restaurant.

The afternoon brings more water exploration as you board a smaller sampan boat to navigate narrow canals surrounded by dense vegetation.

By 17:00, your driver returns you to Ho Chi Minh City, completing the cultural immersion in the Mekong Delta's distinctive way of life.

Your Vietnam & Cambodia Food Tour comes to a flavorful close today. After enjoying a final breakfast at your hotel, take time to relax or do a bit of last-minute shopping for local spices, snacks, or keepsakes that capture the essence of your journey.

Your driver will arrive on time for your airport transfer, based on your flight schedule.