Luxury Gourmet Explorer Vietnam 13 days

Morning

Upon arrival, our friendly tour guide will warmly welcome you and accompany you to your conveniently located hotel in the city center. Take some time to complete the check-in procedure and relax, ensuring a comfortable start to your trip. 

In the evening, indulge in a welcome dinner at one of Hanoi’s premier fine dining restaurants, where traditional Vietnamese flavors are artfully presented in a contemporary setting. This elegant culinary experience sets the tone for the cultural journey ahead.

Morning

Begin your day with a morning pickup from your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter, then head out with your local guide to explore a bustling traditional market. Learn how to bargain like a local and discover the key herbs and spices that define Vietnamese cuisine.

After a guided demonstration, step into the kitchen and prepare a selection of authentic dishes with hands-on instruction from an experienced chef. Enjoy your creations in a warm, shared meal that highlights the flavors of the region.

Afternoon

To wrap up the afternoon, visit the historic Café Giang for a relaxing break and enjoy a cup of Vietnam’s famous egg coffee in a cozy, private corner.

Relax in a vintage-style setting and enjoy this creamy, sweet, and aromatic drink made from egg yolk, sugar, condensed milk, and robust Vietnamese coffee. This delightful experience offers a perfect balance of flavor, culture, and relaxation in the heart of Hanoi.

Morning

08:00 - 08:30 Begin a remarkable journey as your tour guide picks you up from your hotel and escorts you to Halong Bay by car or shuttle bus.

Board a stunning boat and prepare for an enchanting overnight cruise on the captivating Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Delight in delectable meals served onboard, including mouthwatering lunch and dinner options.

Afternoon

Immerse yourself in a world of excitement with a range of engaging activities and unforgettable excursions during your cruise. Unleash your inner adventurer with kayaking, exploring hidden caves, or even squid fishing under the starry night sky.

Relax and unwind on the sun deck, savoring the breathtaking views as you glide through the emerald waters.

End the day with laughter and fun, as the crew entertains you with lively performances and engaging games.

NOTE: Activities may vary depending on the chosen cruise and weather conditions.

Morning

Begin your day with a rejuvenating Tai Chi lesson or witness the enchanting sunrise over the mountains.

Then, return to Hanoi, the vibrant capital city.

Afternoon/ Night

At 17:30, move on a delightful walking food tour.

Immerse yourself in the rich Vietnamese culture of Hanoi's Old Quarter.

Explore the hidden culinary gems and savor local specialties like Bun Bo, Banh Cuon, Banh Mi, and indulge in the unique Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee) for a delightful conclusion to your gastronomic adventure.

Morning

Step into the historic city of Hue as our friendly tour guide welcomes you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel for a relaxing stay.

Afternoon/ Night

Get a delightful cyclo tour, indulging your taste buds with an array of mouthwatering Hue cuisines while immersing yourself in the enchanting evening atmosphere of this cultural gem.

Experience the ultimate dining experience fit for royalty as you savor "royal dishes" reminiscent of the extravagant feasts enjoyed exclusively by the Kings of the past.

Morning

Wake up then join in a captivating journey starting from Toa Kham Wharf on a dragon boat to visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, the oldest and most stunning pagoda in Hue.

Continue your scenic cruise to Hue Ecolodge in Thuy Bieu Eco-village, where you'll have ample time to explore the serene village by leisurely strolling or biking.

Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the garden, and ancestral temple, and interacting with friendly villagers. Then, witness the artistry of local artisans as you visit handicraft families and observe their traditional craftsmanship.

Indulge in a special cooking class at Hue Ecolodge, where you'll learn to create traditional Hue dishes under the guidance of the Eco-chief.

Savor the fruits of your labor as you enjoy the flavorsome dishes you've prepared and receive valuable feedback from our chef.

Complete your experience by pampering yourself with a therapeutic foot soak in medicinal herb water and a rejuvenating massage by blind practitioners.

The tour concludes around 14:30, leaving you with lasting memories of your immersive Hue experience.

Morning/ Afternoon

Get ready to explore the enchanting Hoi An Ancient Town and enjoy some delightful sightseeing along the way. 

Afterward, check in at your hotel and take some time to unwind and relax.

Night

When the sun sets, the vibrant streets of Hoi An come alive with an array of tantalizing street food options. 

Indulge in a culinary adventure as you stroll through the night market, where local vendors showcase their mouthwatering dishes. From delectable Banh Mi sandwiches and savory Cao Lau noodles to crispy Banh Xeo pancakes and refreshing sugarcane juice, there's something to satisfy every palate. 

Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, savor the flavors, and create unforgettable memories of the vibrant Hoi An street food scene.

Morning

Start your culinary morning at Hai Scout Café in the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town with a welcome drink and introduction to the day’s activities. Explore the vibrant central market, where you will discover a colorful array of fresh produce, herbs, and spices, and interact with local vendors to get a true sense of daily life in Hoi An.

Next, enjoy a scenic 25-minute cruise along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School, offering a glimpse into the peaceful rhythms of riverside life. Upon arrival, stroll through the school’s herb and vegetable garden before joining a hands-on cooking class led by professional chefs.

Learn to make iconic Vietnamese dishes such as fresh rice paper, shrimp rolls, crispy pancakes, seafood salad, and Mi Quang noodles. You will also be introduced to traditional food carving techniques, including how to create a tomato rose and a cucumber hand fan.

After preparing your meal, relax and enjoy the dishes you have made, accompanied by BBQ lemongrass beef. The class concludes around 12:30, with a return transfer to central Hoi An, arriving back at your hotel by approximately 13:00.

NOTE: Dishes may vary depending on the season.

Morning

You can make your day with a captivating journey to Cam Kim Island, where you'll witness the picturesque countryside and immerse yourself in the local way of life.

Visit the Ancestral House and traditional boat builders' yard, gaining insights into the island's rich heritage.

Experience the serene beauty of rice paddies, interact with friendly locals, and savor delicious snacks and local coffee.

Head to the stunning coast of the Thu Bon River mouth, passing by scenic roads adorned with cashew nut trees.

Arrive at the charming Cam Thanh village, surrounded by water coconut palms, and relish a delightful lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon/ Night

The remainder of the day is at your leisure. For those wishing to explore further, a selection of optional tours is available to enrich your journey.

Option 1: Tra Que Village Half Day by Bike

Your experience begins with a pick-up from the hotel lobby, followed by a bike ride to Hoi An’s bustling local market. Here, you’ll explore vibrant stalls filled with fresh produce, herbs, and spices, while learning how locals shop for their daily meals.

From the market, you’ll continue to Tra Que, a peaceful organic vegetable village. Take a walk through the lush gardens, experience farming activities with local farmers, and then relax with a refreshing foot massage before your cooking class.

At a local restaurant in the village, you’ll learn how to prepare four iconic Vietnamese dishes: green papaya salad, rice pancakes, spring rolls, and fish in a clay pot. After the class, sit down to enjoy the delicious meal you’ve created yourself. (dishes may vary by season)

The tour ends with a transfer back to your hotel, leaving you with new cooking skills and a memorable taste of Hoi An’s culinary traditions.

Option 2: Cam Thanh Coconut Forest - Making Lantern

Your journey begins with a hotel pick-up in Hoi An, followed by a visit to a local lantern workshop. Skilled craftsmen will demonstrate their techniques, and with their guidance, you’ll create your own colorful lantern to take home as a special souvenir.

Next, head to Cam Thanh Coconut Village, where you’ll enjoy the peaceful scenery and take a boat ride through the lush coconut forest. Along the way, join local fishermen in traditional activities such as casting nets, catching crabs, and learning how to row the distinctive Vietnamese bamboo basket boats. You’ll also get to watch lively basket boat performances on the water.

The experience continues with a delicious meal at a local restaurant. Afterward, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Hoi An, wrapping up a day full of culture, nature, and hands-on fun.

Morning

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and check in at your hotel, ready to start an exciting urban adventure.

Afternoon

Immerse yourself in the vibrant history and culture of Ho Chi Minh City with visits to iconic landmarks.

Start your journey with an exploration of the War Remnants Museum to gain profound insights into Vietnam's wartime history through an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits.

Then, step back in Reunification Palace: as you explore the grandeur and significance of this historic site that marked a pivotal moment in Vietnam's independence.

Moving on to marvel at the architectural beauty of this iconic Saigon Center Post Office, a fusion of French colonial and Gothic influences, and discover its rich cultural significance.

Let our knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories and anecdotes, bringing the city's past to life.

Night

At 18:45, a transfer will take you from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Rong Port, also known as Saigon Port. From here, board a beautifully appointed dinner cruise and embark on a relaxing evening along the Saigon River, which flows through the heart of the city and reflects its vibrant culture.

As the ship glides past the illuminated skyline, enjoy a carefully crafted menu featuring a fusion of Vietnamese and international cuisine, prepared by skilled chefs on board. The elegant ambiance, combined with delicious dishes and attentive service, creates a memorable dining experience.

Take in the sights, capture beautiful photos of the riverside cityscape, and enjoy quality time with your travel companions in a serene setting. The cruise returns to the pier around 20:45, marking the end of a delightful evening on the water.

Note:

• Transfers are not included but can be booked as an additional service.
• Seating is arranged by the restaurant; seat selection is available at an extra cost.

Morning

At 07:30, depart from your hotel for a scenic drive to Cu Chi District, known for its historical significance and peaceful countryside. Begin your day at the Ho Chi Minh Agricultural Villages, where you can stroll through lush rice fields and observe local prawn and fish farms, gaining firsthand insight into Vietnam’s rural lifestyle and sustainable farming practices.

Next, participate in a hands-on cooking class led by experienced chefs. Learn how to prepare three traditional Vietnamese dishes and a local dessert using fresh ingredients from the farm. This immersive culinary experience offers a deeper understanding of Vietnamese flavors and cooking techniques.

Afternoon

After lunch, visit a local village to explore the traditional rice paper-making process and observe the detailed techniques passed down through generations. Continue to a nearby rubber tree forest to witness how latex is skillfully extracted by local workers.

Your journey then takes you to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network used by Vietnamese soldiers during the war. Start with a short documentary that sets the historical context, followed by an exploration of the tunnels and hidden chambers that reveal the daily life and survival tactics of wartime soldiers.

Visit Hoang Cam’s smokeless kitchen, an ingenious wartime innovation, and sample boiled tapioca with hot tea - the staple food of the era. For those seeking a unique thrill, there is an optional opportunity to try shooting an AK-47 with real bullets (not included in the tour package; payment is made on-site).

At 17:30, return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, bringing back vivid memories of an enriching and interactive day.

Option 1: Cai Be - Vinh Long (to Can Tho)

Begin at 10:00 with a welcome drink at Cai Be Jetty before boarding the Cai Be Princess Sampan. Enjoy a scenic cruise through the Mekong Delta, visit a 19th-century traditional house, and explore local workshops making coconut candy and puffed rice.

Lunch is served in colonial elegance at Le Longanier Restaurant. In the afternoon, cruise through lush canals past An Binh and Binh Hoa Phuoc Islands, stopping at Cai Be Church before docking at Vinh Long. A vehicle awaits to transfer you to Can Tho.

Option 2: Vinh Long – Cai Be (to Ho Chi Minh City)

Start at 10:00 from Vinh Long Pier and board the Cai Be Princess for a relaxing cruise across the Co Chien River. Enjoy scenic views, visit a 19th-century house, Cai Be Church, and local workshops for coconut candy and puffed rice.

Savor a refined lunch at Le Longanier Restaurant in a riverside garden setting. Around 14:30, take a canal-side stroll to Ba Bon Bridge where your vehicle awaits to return you to Ho Chi Minh City.

Option 3: Cai Be – Tan Phong – Phu An (to Can Tho)

Board the Cai Be Princess at 10:00 and sail to Tan Phong Islet. Enjoy tea and fruits while admiring river life, then bike through fruit orchards and villages. Visit local workshops producing rice paper, roof panels, and handwoven goods.

Return via rowing boat through narrow canals, then indulge in a luxurious lunch at Le Longanier Restaurant. After a short rest, re-board the sampan and transfer at Ba Bon Bridge for your trip to Can Tho.

NOTE: Please contact our sales for updated information regarding availability and updated tour details.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, savoring a variety of delectable options. Then, enjoy some leisure time to relax and make the most of your stay before your departure.

Our team will pick you up from the hotel and provide a convenient transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Bid farewell to your destination with cherished memories of your journey.