VIETNAM: A CULINARY STORY (10 days)
VIETNAM: A CULINARY STORY (10 days)
Embark on a flavorful 10-day culinary journey through Vietnam, where rich traditions and diverse regional tastes come together from North to South. This immersive tour blends guided street food experiences, hands-on cooking classes, and visits to iconic landmarks, offering a perfect balance of gastronomy and cultural discovery. From the delicate flavors of Hanoi to the vibrant dishes of Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll explore Vietnam through its cuisine while enjoying unforgettable sights and authentic local encounters.
A travel experience like no other
-
Day 1HANOI ARRIVAL & FIRST TASTES (L)
-
Day 2HANOI COOKING CLASS + MARKET VISIT (B,L)
-
Day 3HA NOI – HA LONG BAY (B,L,D)
-
Day 4HA LONG – HA NOI – FLIGHT TO DA NANG – HOI AN (B or BR)
-
Day 5HOI AN COOKING CLASS (B,L,D)
-
Day 6HOI AN - HUE (B,D)
-
Day 7HUE (B,L)
-
Day 8HUE - HO CHI MINH CITY (B,D)
-
Day 9MEKONG DELTA (B,L)
-
Day 10HO CHI MINH CITY - DEPARTURE (B)
-
Day 1
HANOI ARRIVAL & FIRST TASTES
Upon arrival at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport you will be welcomed by your guide holding a sign with your name on it. He will escort you to your hotel (approx. 1-hour drive). Check in time is after 2 PM.
At noon, discover Hanoi through its flavors on the Hanoi Foodie Experience Vespa Tour, a dynamic journey designed especially for food lovers. Ride through lively streets and tucked-away alleyways on a vintage Vespa, stopping at both iconic landmarks and hidden local eateries to taste the dishes that define the capital’s cuisine. From smoky Bún Chả and crisp Bánh Mì to delicate Phở Cuốn and other beloved specialties, each stop reveals a new layer of Hanoi’s culinary soul.
Along the way, soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere—passing St. Joseph’s Cathedral, West Lake, and the famous Train Street, while exploring bustling markets and street vendors. Led by passionate local guides, this experience blends culture, adventure, and unforgettable food, offering an insider’s taste of Hanoi at its most authentic.
Back to your hotel and free at leisure.
Meal: Lunch (with street food)
Overnight at hotel
-
Day 2
HANOI COOKING CLASS & MARKET VISIT
Step into the fragrant heart of Vietnam with the Rose Kitchen – a cultural cooking experience – where Hanoi’s historic Ngoc Ha neighborhood cradles a villa rich in tradition and soul. Surrounded by ancient temples, lush gardens, and tranquil lakes, you’ll embark on a journey guided by cultural storytellers eager to share their heritage. Begin in the bustling local markets, where the colors and scents of fresh produce invite you into the rhythm of Vietnamese life. Handpick the finest ingredients as you learn the art of selection from those who know it best, then return to the villa to transform your finds into classic Vietnamese dishes. Each slice and seasoning unveils a story, each flavor a glimpse into Vietnam’s culinary and cultural tapestry. In this inviting kitchen, you’ll savor not only the tastes of Vietnam but the spirit and stories that infuse them.
In the afternoon, continue to explore the attractive sights of Hanoi. Visit the Museum of Ethnology, a fascinating cultural institution that showcases the rich diversity, traditions, and lifestyles of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups through immersive exhibits and outdoor architectural displays. Continue to the Tran Quoc pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, beautifully located on a small island in West Lake and renowned for its peaceful atmosphere, historic architecture, and spiritual significance. At the end of the day, enjoy a 45 minute rickshaw to discover Hanoi’s Old Quarter which was also known as “36 guild streets” in the past. We will finish at the well-known Bia Hoi Ta Hien where you will taste local beer while our guide introduces you to Vietnamese cuisine and enjoy the dynamic nightlife of Hanoi, ending the day as a local Hanoian before getting back to the hotel.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch
Overnight at hotel
-
Day 3
HA NOI - HALONG BAY
After breakfast, depart Hanoi for a 3-hour drive to Ha Long Bay. Arrive at the jetty in Ha Long City around noon and proceed with the check-in formalities. You will be welcomed on board, and lunch will be served as the boat begins cruising into the heart of the bay. In the afternoon, enjoy sightseeing and onboard activities according to your boat’s itinerary, or simply relax and take in the magnificent surroundings. Toward the end of the day, the boat will anchor for the night among the impressive karst formations. You can attend a cooking demonstration before dinner.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight on Ha Long cruise
-
Day 4
HA LONG – HA NOI – flight to DA NANG – HOI AN
Enjoy the fresh morning in the middle of the bay, the sun rises on Ha Long in the morning and breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruise slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi airport for flying to Da Nang.
Your local team will meet you at Da Nang airport and transfer to Hoi An.
Check in hotel and free at leisure.
Meal: Breakfast or Brunch
Overnight at hotel
-
Day 5
HOI AN
Your local guide will meet you at your hotel lobby in Hoi An in the morning before you set off on a scenic bicycle ride to Tra Que Herb Village, where you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing local drink at the charming water wheel before diving into an authentic hands-on experience of soaking and grinding rice by hand to create fresh rice flour for traditional rice paper. Together with a local family, you will learn to make a variety of Vietnamese specialties, including crispy rice paper with black and white sesame, delicate steamed rice rolls (bánh cuốn), and charcoal-grilled rice paper, followed by a cooking session to prepare the famous Quang Nam noodles, Mì Quảng, before enjoying your delicious homemade meal and cycling back to your hotel.
Return to Hoi An and discover the charm of the historic old town. Begin at the 200-year-old Tan Ky House, lovingly preserved by seven generations. Continue to the Museum of Trade Ceramics, home to captivating artifacts collected from across Asia and the Middle East. A short stroll brings you to the 17th-century Chua Ong Pagoda, surrounded by a neighborhood rich in Chinese architectural heritage—perfect for a relaxed wander.
In the late afternoon, discover Hoi An’s diverse and mouthwatering cuisine, home to one of the world’s most celebrated street food scenes. Your English-speaking guide will take you to the edge of Hoi An’s historic old town. From there, continue on foot to explore the town’s narrow lanes, sampling local delicacies while admiring the charming architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The focus is on Hoi An’s signature specialties, including bánh vạc, delicate shrimp dumplings topped with crispy onions, and bánh bao, steamed dumplings filled with minced pork or chicken, onions, eggs, and mushrooms, reflecting strong Chinese culinary influences. You’ll also taste cao lầu, a distinctive noodle dish inspired by Japanese cuisine, prepared with herbs, fresh greens, bean sprouts, and slices of roasted pork.
In total, you will sample around ten different dishes, as your guide shares stories about local food culture and traditions. All food stops are carefully selected for their hygiene standards and use of fresh ingredients. After wandering the lantern-lit alleyways, take a well-deserved break with a relaxing foot massage, the perfect way to recharge before getting back to your hotel.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, dinner with street food
Overnight at hotel
-
Day 6
HOI AN – DA NANG – HUE
Free time at leisure to discover the Old town at your own pace.
Check out your hotel at noon, then begin the scenic 3–3.5-hour drive through the scenic Hai Van Pass to the imperial city of Hue. Arrive in Hue in the late afternoon. Check in hotel and free at leisure.
A Hue dragon boat ride offers a journey through history, music, and mouthwatering cuisine of the ancient city set against the serene backdrop of the Perfume River. From golden sunsets to traditional melodies echoing off the water, it is an experience that blends royal heritage with local soul.
In the late afternoon, your guide will take you to the pier where you’ll embark on a dragon boat (non-private) for a Hue boat tour dinner cruise that combines the serenity of the Perfume River with the rich traditions of Hue. Savor a 7-course dinner featuring authentic Hue specialties like Bún Bò Huế, royal imperial dishes, and traditional delicacies prepared according to centuries-old recipes. Dress up in elegant ancient Vietnamese costumes and capture unforgettable photos that transport you back to the Nguyen Dynasty era. Throughout the evening, enjoy a mesmerizing live traditional Ca Huế folk music performance featuring historic melodies once heard in the royal courts. At the end of the journey you can make a heartfelt wish as you release a glowing lotus lantern onto the gentle waters of the Perfume River, creating a magical moment under the Hue night sky. The experience is perfect for couples, families, or groups looking to experience the beauty, culture, and culinary delights of Vietnam’s former royal capital.
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight at hotel
-
Day 7
HUE
This morning you will visit a peaceful village in the suburb and experience a wide range of captivating activities, from preparing royal cakes and dishes, enjoying herbal foot spa to cruising along its famous pomelo gardens, cycling around the village. Through this journey, you will not only upgrade your cooking techniques but also admire the rustic beauty of Hue as you travel to Thuy Bieu, Nguyet Bieu, Luong Quan villages.
08:30: Meet your guide at your hotel. Then we will take a short car-ride to the harbor and depart for Thuy Bieu Village on a dragon boat from Toa Kham Wharf.
09:00: Before coming to Thuy Bieu village, we will visit Thien Mu pagoda – the oldest pagoda in Hue and the symbol of the city.
09:30: Go back to the wharf and continue to admire the beautiful scenery of the Huong river, with the famous pomelo garden on the river bank
10:00: Arrive at Thuy Bieu village. You will cycle around the village and see the ancient buildings there.
10:30: Ride a bicycle to Chợ Quê (Countryside Market) to prepare some fresh food and ingredients to get ready for the kitchen with the hospitable homeowner.
11:30: Start making pomelo skin jam under the guidance of the house owner. After that, you can try to make it yourself and bring home your products. You will also get a pack of Pomelo jam from the house owner as a gift.
12:00: Enjoy lunch in the garden, with fresh ingredients made by skillful local women. Then you will have time to take a rest on your own
13:30: You will have an opportunity to relax your feet after a long day with 30 minutes of herbal foot bath. The bath is prepared by the locals and contains different types of herbs that help heal your skin and give you a relaxing mind.
In the afternoon, say goodbye to the locals and explore the must-see attraction of Hue. Begin your exploration at the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering 520 hectares. Continue to the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, a tranquil royal retreat of lakes, pavilions, and pine forests, reflecting the poetic and contemplative spirit of the Nguyen emperor.
Tonight, you'll have the freedom to explore the local cuisine. If you still enjoy street food, our guide will introduce you to a list of popular local street food stalls so you can choose the best options.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight at hotel in Hue
-
Day 8
HUE – flight to HO CHI MINH CITY
After breakfast, you will be privately transferred to Hue airport to take the flight to Ho Chi Minh city. You will be privately transferred to Hue airport to take the domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh city.
Upon arrival to Tan Son Nhat International Airport you will be welcomed by your guide holding a sign with your name on it. He will escort you to your hotel (approx. 30-minute-drive). Check in hotel after 2 PM.
First explore Saigon — a city of many layers, where the energy of a modern life blends seamlessly with a rich and complex past. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic metropolis—alive with constant movement, modern skyscrapers, and endless shopping and entertainment. Beneath its dazzling energy, the city also preserves a rich historical legacy that contrasts beautifully with its contemporary charm. Depending on your arrival time, start exploring the colonial charm of the city center. Begin your journey at the Jade Emperor Temple (Phước Hải), one of Vietnam’s few Taoist sanctuaries, built in 1909 and dedicated to the celestial ruler of heaven. Step inside and you’ll find yourself surrounded by incense smoke, carved wooden statues, and the mystical atmosphere of a century-old place of worship.
Continue to the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon (currently under restoration), an elegant neo-Romanesque landmark built by the French more than 130 years ago, using red bricks and materials shipped all the way from Marseille. Just a short walk away stands the Central Post Office, a beautiful fusion of Gothic and Renaissance styles designed in the early 1900s, often attributed to the world-renowned architect Gustave Eiffel.
Step off the main boulevard to discover a historic apartment building transformed by the city’s youth into a vibrant creative hub. Independent boutiques, cafés, and art spaces reflect the spirit of Saigon’s young generation. Pause to relax with a refreshment at one of the building’s trendy cafés.
Your final stop is the China Town, a vibrant historic quarter shaped by centuries of Chinese heritage, where ornate temples, bustling markets, and traditional shophouses line lively streets. Renowned for its rich culinary scene and cultural traditions, Chợ Lớn offers an immersive glimpse into the city’s multicultural past and dynamic present.
Discover Saigon after dark on an exciting Jeep adventure that combines iconic landmarks, local street food, and vibrant nightlife. After hotel pick-up around 6:00 PM, you’ll cruise past major highlights such as the Reunification Palace, Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera House, Dong Khoi and Nguyen Hue Street to see their different appearance at night. Enjoy Southern specialties at two local restaurants, explore Ben Thanh Night Market, and end the night with a drink at one of Saigon’s best rooftop bars before a relaxing riverside stop for photos. Return to your hotel by around 10:00 PM, having experienced the city like a true local.
Meal: Breakfast, dinner
Overnight at hotel
-
Day 9
MEKONG DELTA
Venture beyond the city and experience the peaceful rhythms of rural life in the Mekong Delta. This immersive day trip offers an authentic look at the region’s fruit orchards, coconut groves, and quiet countryside roads, revealing the hidden charms of Ben Tre, often called the coconut capital of the Delta.
The day begins at 08:00 with hotel pickup in central Ho Chi Minh City. Leave behind the city’s busy streets and modern skyline as you travel approximately two hours south to Ben Tre Province.
Upon arrival, board a local boat for your first introduction to Delta life. Cruise through a network of winding canals while enjoying a refreshing drink of freshly harvested coconut water. Along the way, stop at a traditional brick kiln, where centuries-old techniques are still used to produce bricks by hand.
Continue to a coconut-processing workshop to learn how every part of the coconut is utilized, then visit family-run cottage industries specializing in coconut candy. Watch local women boil sticky coconut mixtures in large cauldrons before shaping and cutting them into bite-sized treats.
Next, relax in a garden setting while sampling tropical fruits and honey tea. Explore the riverside paths and narrow village lanes by bicycle, or opt for a ride on a traditional motor-tricycle (xe lôi)—once a common mode of transport in southern Vietnam during the 1960s (advance request required).
After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant featuring Mekong Delta specialties, continue your exploration with a peaceful sampan boat ride. Glide through a hidden maze of small canals lined with water palms, offering a quintessential glimpse of Delta life.
In the mid-afternoon, begin the drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, concluding a memorable day in the heart of the Mekong Delta.
Tonight, enjoy a truly unique experience together at Noir where you will embark on a sensory journey into a different world and savor exquisite tastes and textures in complete darkness. This multi-sensory dining experience will stimulate your senses and open your mind.
The experience begins in our pitch black dining room where you will be guided and served by blind or visually impaired staff who have been specially trained to assist and reassure sighted guests who are in complete darkness. Transfer your trust to these skilled guides. They lead you to experience a new way of sensing the environment around you. After a few moments of adjustment, the darkness will kill off any shyness or trepidation and bring about an open-minded atmosphere.
The unique menus are a symphony of flavors. And will stimulate your other senses as you are deprived of the dominating sense of sight. Textures and subtle flavors will come to the forefront as you dine your way through unique dishes that have not been described beforehand. You will discover the stunning truth that people tend to experience food with their eyes, rather than with their palates.
At Noir. Dining in the Dark, it is more than just a meal. It is a sensory journey that will make you re-evaluate your perception of taste and smell. A must try experience!!
Notes for dress code
. Relaxed, smart casual
. Shorts and slippers are fine, however no tank tops
. No glowing shoes, clothing or accessories
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh city
-
Day 10
HO CHI MINH CITY - DEPARTURE
Get up early in the morning then transfer to Ho Thi Ky flower market. Known as the biggest wholesale flower market in the south of Vietnam, the market offers hundreds of kinds of flowers from Da Lat, Mekong delta and even overseas. Experiencing the people buying and selling then get back to the car to drive to Tao Dan park. Stop at the coffee shop and sip the first coffee from the filter like the Saigonian usually do. You also have the opportunity to see the people to socialize their birds.
After the coffee, walk inside the park and interact and join with the locals doing exercise, taichi, and playing badminton.
Back to the hotel for breakfast or you can have an option for a local noodle soup or Com Tam (broken rice) like locals do.
After breakfast, drive to Talk Barista, a social coffee project founded by Viet Bui, a former tour guide whose passion for coffee led him down a new path. Inspired by organic agriculture and sustainable living, Viet became a barista and now dedicates his work to training and empowering disadvantaged young people. During your visit, learn about the coffee roasting process, enjoy a hands-on pour-over coffee experience, and savor the flavors of carefully selected Vietnamese beans. Before leaving, receive a small coffee-related gift as a meaningful souvenir from Vietnam.
Then transfer to the airport for your departure flight home. End of services.
Meal: Breakfast
-
HA NOI
3* La Dolce Vita (Superior)/ 4* The Q (Deluxe)/ 5* Pan Pacific (Deluxe)
-
HA LONG BAY
3* Verdure Lotus Classic (Deluxe)/ 4* La Regina Royal (Noble Suite)/ 5* La Regina Grand (Bai Tu Long Suite)
-
HOI AN
3* Kim An (Deluxe)/ 4* Wyndham Garden (Deluxe Queen garden-city view)/ 5* Wyndham Royal Beachfront (Superior)
-
HUE
3* Thanh Lich (Deluxe)/ 4* Romance (Deluxe with view)/ 5* Silkpath Grand (Deluxe)
-
HO CHI MINH
3* La Dolce Vita (Superior)/ 4* The Q (Deluxe)/ 5* Pan Pacific (Deluxe)
INCLUSIVE
Accommodation in a twin or double room with daily breakfast
One-night cruise on Ha Long Bay
Private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers mentioned in the itinerary
English-speaking guide for guided tours
Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
Private boat for sightseeing as mentioned in the program
Mineral water during the transfer (2 bottles per person per day)
EXCLUSIVE
Domestic flights Hanoi – Da Nang and Hue – Ho Chi Minh
Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.
All other services not specified in the itinerary
Meals, if not specified in the itinerary
Vietnam visa approval letter on arrival
Visa stamping fee at the airport (25US$ single entry to Vietnam paid by cash at the airport)
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Travel insurance (we highly recommend that you purchase adequate insurance)