Vietnam Food Journey

Day 1: Hanoi - Arrival

Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Vibrant, inviting, and delightful – the city reveals itself with your first glimpse of scooters whizzing through the streets. Yet in contrast to the city’s modern tempo, the echoes of history still resonate in many architectural sites, reflecting the eras of dynasties and French influence.

No matter your flight schedule, our friendly guide and driver will warmly welcome you upon arrival and take you to your hotel in the city center. Once settling in, you will have a chance to explore Hanoi at your leisure. While no meals have been planned for today, why not fill your stomach with some local dishes? If your taste buds need direction, our guide can introduce to you a Vietnamese eatery in Michelin Guide.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi - Cooking Class

Morning:
After breakfast, let’s dive into a cooking class to fully experience Hanoi’s local cuisine. Your instructor will guide you through a traditional wet market, where you’ll pick up the freshest ingredients for your menu, from live seafood and farm-fresh meats, to early-harvested veggies and hand-pulled noodles. You’ll also learn some handy tips on selecting the best produce. Then, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and learn to cook traditional Hanoian dishes like ‘Banana flower salad’, ‘Fried spring rolls’, and ‘Bun cha’. Once you’re done, it’s time to savor the delicious fruits of your labor.

Afternoon:
Our adventure continues with a city tour starting at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, with doctoral steles dating back 1000 years. Then hop aboard a cyclo and meander through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, passing by vibrant shops and street food stalls. Our journey concludes at Hoan Kiem Lake, home to Ngoc Son Temple on Jade Island, accessed via the iconic The Huc Bridge. Afterwards, the day is yours to explore!

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Hanoi

Day 3: Ha Long Bay - Luxury cruise trip

Morning:
We’re off on an exciting journey to Ha Long Bay. After a cozy ride in a private car to the port, you’ll check in and board a luxurious cruise, ready to reveal the untouched beauty of this UNESCO-listed natural wonder. Once the captain sets sail, it’s time to fill your tummy with a delicious lunch and feast your eyes with odd-shaped limestone pillars and hidden coves along the way.

Afternoon:
As the cruise approaches the heart of Ha Long, a variety of thrilling activities are waiting for you. You can go kayaking for a closer look at the majestic limestone formations, or simply jump into the emerald waters for a refreshing swim. When the sun sets, head back to the cruise for a breathtaking view from the top deck, followed by a traditional Vietnamese cooking class. We conclude the day with an exquisite dinner and an overnight stay amidst the exotic landscape. And for those craving even more fun, how about joining the cruise staff for midnight squid fishing? Who knows, we might just reel in some squid for a late-night party!

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight in Ha Long Bay

Day 4: Ha Long Bay - Surprise Cave

Morning:
Waking up to the melody of waves lapping against the cruise, your day begins with a Tai-Chi session on deck and a warm breakfast after. Then, you’ll be gently transferred to Sung Sot Cave, or Surprise Cave, one of Ha Long Bay’s largest caverns adorned with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. After the cave exploration, save this time to soak in the panoramic bay views as we cruise back to the shore.

Afternoon:
Now, it’s time for some free-spirited exploration! Don’t forget to indulge in the street food paradise around Dong Xuan Market, where you can fill your stomach with the soul of Hanoi cuisine. In this bustling market, you’ll also discover a treasure trove of traditional souvenirs to take home. You might have heard that bargaining is a must when shopping in Southeast Asia, but it’s important to approach it with respect. If you want a discount, aim for a fair deal with goodwill that satisfies both yourself and the seller, rather than solely focusing on the lowest price.

Meals included: Brunch
Overnight in Hanoi

Day 5: Hue - Food night tour

Morning:
Start your day with a leisurely explore in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and shop for unique souvenirs to take home. Then we’ll head to the airport for a short flight to Hue, the formal imperial capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival, our guide and driver will take you to a local restaurant on Hen Islet to savor a Hue’s famous dish – ‘Com hen’. Sitting on a low plastic tool and enjoy your lunch with a can of cold beer like the American chef Anthony Bourdain did. Noted that you might find chopsticks as the only utensils available, so do not insert them vertically into your bowl of rice while eating. This taboo resembles the ritual of burning incense, symbolizing the act of “”feeding”” the dead.

Afternoon:
We continue our trip in Hue with a visit to the UNESCO Heritage Site of Imperial Citadel. Built back in the 19th century, this complex was once the royal palace of Vietnam’s last dynasty, the Nguyen. Inside those ancient walls, you’ll discover a treasure trove of significant public buildings, lavish residences, and sacred places of worship. But the day doesn’t stop there! Travelling on a cyclo, we’ll spend our night for a food night tour with a variety of local dishes such as the spicy ‘Bun bo Hue’, the meaty ‘Banh bot loc’ or the sweety ‘dessert soups’.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight in Hanoi

Day 6: Da Nang - City tour

Morning:
Lace up your shoes because today we’re going to Da Nang. We’ll hit the road along the scenic Hai Van Pass, with jaw-dropping vistas of the boundless ocean. Our first stop will be the Museum of Cham Sculpture. This small museum contains the world’s largest collection of Cham ethnic artifacts dating back from the 5th to 15th centuries. Continue to Linh Ung Pagoda, where Vietnam’s tallest Goddess of Mercy Statue is located. From there, you’ll be treated to an incredible panoramic view of the entire Son Tra Peninsula, complete with stunning beaches stretching into the distance. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

Afternoon:
We will head to the magnificent Marble Mountains. The mountains have a harmonious blend of structures and nature, with caves, tunnels, towers, and pagodas. Sure, you’ll have to tackle a few flights of stairs to reach the summit, but the breathtaking panoramas make every step worth it. Afterwards, we’ll spend some time leisuring at My Khe Beach before going to Hoi An.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Hoi An

Day 7: Hoi An - Local food tour

Morning:
After breakfast, we’ll have an orientation walk around the World Heritage-listed Ancient Town. Did you know Hoi An was once a bustling trading port in the 15th century, connecting Vietnam with the world? Wandering through its streets, we’ll see a beautiful blend of local and international cultures in well-preserved wooden buildings. Our tour highlights include iconic landmarks such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Chinese Assembly Hall, Tan Ky Ancient House, and the bustling ChinaTown.

Afternoon:
But to fully explore Hoi An, we must awaken senses beyond sight. Let’s jump on bikes for a local food tour to truly get a ‘taste’ of this town. Cycling through quaint but charming alleys, we’ll uncover hidden eateries steeped in generations of Hoi An’s history. Sink your teeth into a ‘Banh mi’ filled with pate, meat, and pickles. Savor a bowl of ‘Cao lau’ enriched with fresh herbs from Tra Que Village. And enjoy a plate of Hainanese-origin ‘Chicken rice’ blending with Vietnamese flavours. Every bite tells the vibrant tale of Hoi An’s culinary heartbeat.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight in Hoi An

Day 8: Hoi An - Free & Easy

Today is all yours to freely explore the beauty of Hoi An. Do you need some inspiration? These suggestions might be helpful for you:
– Why not bring back home a new wardrobe? Hoi An’s talented ateliers offer custom-made garments at affordable prices, tailored just for you in 24 hours.
– Have you ever heard about the traditional lantern crafting in Hoi An? It’s been going strong for over 400 years now! With over 30 workshops, you can easily find a place to make your own lantern.
– For all beach lovers, head to An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach, with white sand and crystal clear water (Make sure to only swim at areas with lifeguards!)

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Hoi An

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City - City tour

Morning:
It’s time to say goodbye to Hoi An for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). Upon arrival, our friendly guide and driver will warmly welcome you and take you to your hotel in the city center. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

Afternoon:
It’s time to discover some of the most iconic spots in HCMC! We’ll visit the Reunification Palace, the Central Post Office, the Notre Dame Cathedral and Ben Thanh Market. Each stop will give you a taste of the diverse culture, the rich history and the true essence of HCMC. Afterwards, the day is all yours to explore the city!

HCMC is truly a melting pot of cuisines, combining ingredients and recipes from many different regions and cultures. If your taste buds need direction, allow us to suggest some must-try dishes like ‘Com Tam’ (broken rice), ‘Banh Xeo’ (crispy pancake), and the most iconic ‘Ốc’ (snails/shellfish).

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in HCMC

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels

Morning:
After breakfast, we’ll head to the outskirts of HCMC and explore the village life there. Along your way, take in the agricultural rhythms with lush rice fields, meandering rivers, and even water buffaloes chilling in the grass. When you arrive, get your hands dirty and learn the art of cultivating and harvesting veggies alongside skilled farmers. Later, we’ll go to a local family’s home for a cooking class, where you’ll whip up your own local lunch using freshly picked veggies from the village.

Afternoon:
Continue our journey to the Rice Paper Village and Rubber Tree Forest. You’ll have the chance to see the whole process to make rice papers and how the locals collect latex from trees. But your day doesn’t stop there. We’ll explore just a small part of the 250 km Cu Chi Tunnels built by Vietnamese back in the wartime. These massive tunnels were not only war shelters but also kitchens, hospitals, command centers and secret storages for food and weapons. Afterwards, return to the center HCMC!

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in HCMC

Day 11: Mekong Delta - Village boat trip

Morning:
Journeying out of the city, we head to the Mekong Delta. Did you know that Mekong Delta is often called as ‘Vietnam’s rice bowl’ because its fertile lands yield much of the country’s rice? When we arrive at Vinh Long, we’ll hop onto a boat and cruise along Mekong River to An Binh Island. Our first stop is the local cottage industries where we can taste some freshly made rice paper, coconut candy, and pop-rice right from the source. Later, you’ll be welcome to visit a local homestay with a huge orchand, allowing you to pluck fruits straight from the trees. For lunch, savor a local meal with mouthwatering Mekong specialties.

Afternoon:
Once our bellies are full, it’s time to explore the village of hundred-year-old brick kilns. You’ll see the whole process of traditional brickmaking and pottery crafting up close. Then, get back to our boat and glide through the maze of small canals, fully immersing yourself into the simple yet heartwarming lifestyle of the Mekong people. As the day winds down, we’ll return to HCMC.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in HCMC

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City - Departure

Your journey across iconic destinations in Vietnam comes to its end. After breakfast today, you’ll get the morning to yourself – no scheduled activities. Whenever you’re ready to go, our attentive driver will be ready to take you to the airport, ensuring a seamless transition for your departing flight. Until our paths cross again on your next adventure, safe travels!

Meals included: Breakfast