A Food Lover’s Tour of Vietnam

Arrival Flight: Guest’s own tickets

Xin Chao! Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam.

A warm greeting awaits at Noi Bai International airport; your private guide and driver will meet you OUTSIDE the arrivals lounge, holding up a welcome signboard with your names on it and transfer you directly to your hotel in the Old Quarter. Please look for your tour guide who holds up your name on a welcome signboard.

While every effort is made to have your room available upon arrival, check-in time is at 02:00 pm; your room may or may not be ready before this time. Your tour guide will provide additional details regarding your stay, and you will be able to ask any questions you may have. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Please note: Your travel documents contain a Vietnam eVisa (unless otherwise arranged). Please ensure to pack this in your carry-on luggage. Your Vietnam eVisa must be presented to Customs upon entry into the country.

Morning

9:00 Begin at the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, where Vietnam honors its ‘Great Father.’ Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed afternoons, Fridays, and Mondays) to see his embalmed body, his House on Stilts, and the One Pillar Pagoda, a historic 11th-century Buddhist temple.

Next, explore the millennia-old Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and a tribute to Confucian values.

Enjoy lunch at Lan Ong Restaurant, where history, culture, and modern Vietnamese dining come together in an intimate and immersive experience.

Afternoon

After lunch, visit the historic Hoa Lo Prison (nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton), once used by French colonists and later for U.S. prisoners of war.

Take a fun cyclo ride through the French Quarter, admiring its colonial architecture, including the Vietnam History Museum, Metropole Legend Hotel, and Opera House.

Enjoy a cup of Hanoi’s famous Egg Coffee at Pho Co Café, offering stunning views of Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.

At 17:30, our guide will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi center. We will then drive to a house of Hanoians to be invited as a “Special Guest” to their dinner. The husband and wife who own the establishment have preserved the traditional craft of making cakes. With his skilled hands, Mr. Ba has introduced a new product: mooncakes shaped like piglets. When you arrive at the home, you are warmly welcomed by all family members. A short introduction to their family will help you get to know each other. And then, it’s time to enjoy a home dinner with the Vietnamese family! You will not only taste many typical Vietnamese dishes, but also listen to the stories of Vietnamese cuisine and table manners. In addition, the host will show you more about the traditional food of Vietnam.

After finishing dinner, you will join a tea break with the host. They will tell you about the story of their own life. Also, the host will be more excited if you share your travel experience with them in Vietnam and other places. Saying goodbye to the host and our car driver will transfer you to your hotel.

Tour ends at your hotel at around 9:30 PM.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, the private vehicle without guide will pick you up at the hotel and take you to Quang Ninh province. Enjoy the landscape of the Red River Delta on the way to Halong Bay.

Embark on a unique journey, meeting at Heritage Line’s lounge at Tuan Chau Marina. Get on Ginger, a very unique highlight is her refined culinary attitude that comes alive in the nearly 360-degree glass-surrounded restaurant, which introduces an open kitchen with live cooking for an unforgettable lifestyle experience.

A short speedboat transfer takes you to your luxurious floating home, the starting point for exploring the wonders of Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island. Lunch is served in the almost 360, light-flooded, elegant dining room as we sail deeper into the bay. Unwind on the terrace deck or private balcony, soaking in the surreal seascape.

Mooring close to Cat Ba Island, we step on land heading to Viet Hai Village, nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by jungle-clad mountains. Cycling through this valley offers wonderful insights into the isolated life of the local inhabitants. The community, surrounded by thick forests and mountains, and only accessible by sea, is self-sufficient, cultivating vegetables, fruits, and fishing on the bay. Returning to the ship, we sail to our overnight anchorage spot in Lan Ha Bay. The ship’s chef invites you to a hands-on cooking class in the dining room, showcasing local ingredients and the preparation of classic Vietnamese dishes.

Extend the evening by unwinding at the bar with a digestif or joining the team for some funny squid fishing before retiring to your suite.

Overnight cruise.

Wake up early for a Tai Chi session on the terrace deck. Traditional Vietnamese coffee, tea and breakfast pastries await in the dining room for a first bite. The ship sails to a place called “Frog Lake”, a secluded area which is perfect for an energetic morning excursion by kayak. Explore this captivating marine landscape with cliffs stretching vertically out of the water and you feel a sense of freedom while paddling through a labyrinth of jade-green water, rocks and vivid tree-topped islets.

Back on board, we serve a hearty breakfast or brunch while cruising back to the disembarkation spot, from where we transfer you back to the pier by speedboat. Savour the last moments of this unique journey while relaxing on the terrace deck.

The shared limousine takes you back to Hanoi, where the private car with driver is waiting to take you to the airport for the flight to Hue, in the central of Vietnam, to travel on more adventures.

Upon arrival at Phu Bai Airport, you will be picked up by your private guide & driver and taken to your hotel in the Royal City of Hue.

Overnight in Hue.

Morning

After breakfast, you are picked up by your private guide and driver and begin your day with a visit to the atmospheric Imperial Citadel, a large complex that contains the remains of the former Imperial Palace and Forbidden Purple City, where the emperors and their family once lived. The two-hour walking tour allows you to see the magnificent architecture and gardens as your guide explains the events and the intrigue of the former royal court.

From the Imperial City, your guide will take you to visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda – Hue’s most famous religious site, with its origins dating back to 1601. Here you will explore the pagoda’s landscaped gardens, the seven-tiered octagonal tower, and watch the monks chanting.

Enjoy the Royal Menu Lunch – a typical entertainment under the Nguyen Dynasty will be re-created vividly at Ancient Hue restaurant. With this service, guests will have the chance to experience the authentic cuisine of Hue’s royalty.

Afternoon

After lunch, you will explore the tomb of the longest-reigned Emperor Tu Duc, located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds, inspired by the Chinese Confucianism, harmonious design of balance and symmetry for the emperor’s resting place. You will also visit the tomb of King Khai Dinh, designed in the traditional Vietnamese style with a European touch, making it unique from the other tombs in Hue.

End your day at Dong Ba Market, which runs along the north bank of Huong (Perfume) River. You will have a chance to discover a favorite Noodle shop by Anthony Bourdain, the World-famous chef and TV Producer. Sample the best Bun Bo Hue “Hue Noodle soup”.

Overnight in Hue.

Morning

After breakfast, you will be picked up to start the day by visiting Thuy Bieu – an ancient village long known as a symbol of transition and harmony. Besides the well-preserved communal houses, the aesthetic wooden architecture, and Feng Shui-based gardens depict a mingling of royal legacy and rustic lifestyle. In proximity, you will explore some original monuments closely attached to the rise and fall of the Nguyen dynasties: The Roman Colosseum-styled Tiger Arena hosting duels between tigers and elephants, the unique temple-cemetery dedicated to the Kings’ loyal elephants, and the longest-established bronze casting village.

Cruising on the poetic Perfume River, cycling past green orchards and shady lanes, and engaging in hands-on experiences with locals, such as cooking, making local crafts, and enjoying an herbal footbath, are thoughtfully designed activities for a relaxing yet enriching discovery.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Duration: 5 hours, starting at 8:00, with a home-cooked meal. Cycling up to 10km and returning by boat.
• Exploring rare cultural relics such as the unique Tiger Arena, village temples, and garden houses.
• Connecting with locals through hands-on experiences, tasting seasonal fruit, and enjoying local delicacies.
• Assisting a local family in preparing a home-cooked meal using garden ingredients, followed by a herbal footbath.
• Cycling on rural paths and cruising on the poetic Perfume River.

Tip: Cycling distances can be shortened upon request. Possible to disembark or visit Thien Mu Pagoda. In the dry season (March-August), an afternoon tour starting from 14:00, including dinner, is a good alternative.

In the afternoon, back to your hotel, take a rest to prepare for the Evening Foodie & Cyclo Tour at 6:00 pm.

Evening

Start exploring slow living through slow food and an evening slow ride on a cyclo. Your guide will provide a basic introduction to Hue cuisine and teach you some survival Vietnamese before heading to a vegetarian restaurant, where you can witness Buddhist traditions imprinted in Hue’s food art. Further away from the tourist quarter, in a laid-back cyclo, the night tranquility will reveal the inner soul of Hue. Suddenly, street food stalls come into sight, and a crispy Hue-style pancake or lemongrass skewers will be worth a try with both your hands and your tongue.

Enjoy some leisure time over a glass of savory specialty drinks at a charming coffee house while sharing more about Hue’s eating habits. Sweet soups may not be your favorite desserts, but Hue’s varieties of colors and flavors will promise a sweet ending to a delightful night! Take it easy and make it fun.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Overview: Hue Center and the Citadel, 3 hours from 18:00, with 4 stops for all food and drinks, by cyclo
• An insightful introduction to Hue’s typical gastronomy at some insider-selected shops.
• Some easy Vietnamese phrases related to food and daily communication.
• A 3-hour experience filled with exciting moments on a leisurely cyclo ride and walk.
• A true immersion into local life, engaging all five senses

Overnight in Hue.

In the morning, after breakfast, we will depart Hue and head to Hoi An, the UNESCO heritage town (approximately 4 hours). Today, the drive over the Hai Van Pass will be one of the most scenic ones on your trip. En route, you will stop to visit the Marble Mountain, Lang Co Beach with a fishing village and My Khe Beach, which was home to American GIs during the war.

Have lunch at a local restaurant. Upon arrival in Hoi An, check into your hotel and take a rest to prepare for the afternoon walking and food tour.

At 15:30, your tour guide will pick you up and take you to the Ancient Quarter of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will embark on a walking tour visiting the major attractions such as Chua Ong Pagoda, Tan Ky Ancient House, Fujian Assembly Hall, and the Japanese Covered Bridge.

Now, it’s time for your Hoi An street food discovery tour. With your guide, you will weave in and out of the tiny alleyways, get to chow down with the locals at stalls you’d never discover on your own. Every day at 4 pm, Hoi An’s streets are filled with a myriad of street food carts, stalls, and vendors. The street food tour is a great introduction for you to enjoy a few of the Hoi An specialties cooked up by the locals, to introduce you to the faces behind the stock pots and to teach you how the Hoi An locals deal with those condiment trays!

In the late afternoon, enjoy a peaceful and magical experience as you release colorful paper lanterns onto the gentle waters of the Hoai River. Guided by local boatmen on traditional wooden sampan boats, you’ll light a candle, make a wish, and watch your lantern float away, carrying your hopes and dreams.

Optional tour (additional cost): Evening entertainments to see Hoi An Memories show which is the first entertainment programmed in Vietnam recognized as a daily artistic show with the largest outdoor stage and the most numerous actors and actresses by the Guinness. The one-hour show includes 5 scenes: life, wedding, boat and sea, port, and traditional Vietnamese costume (ao dai). Hoi An Memories Show may be an interesting choice when visitors spend time in Hoi An, experiencing the local cultural and historical values and enjoying Vietnamese talents.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the meeting point for the cooking class.

We start the day (8 am) with a welcome drink at Hai Café (98 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hoi An Ancient Town).

Travel by minivan (10 minutes) to Tra Que Organic Village and walk through the market gardens where local farmers work in their fields using the traditional methods of hundreds of years ago – no electrical machinery here. We pick fresh saw-tooth coriander and Vietnamese mint for our cooking lesson later, before trying a special herbal drink at a local home.

To the local village market and with shopping list in hand we purchase a range of local ingredients, including star anise, cardamom, sesame rice paper, water spinach and banana flower.

Arriving at Red Bridge Cooking School we have a chance to freshen up before beginning our class. Working together with our Red Bridge Chef we learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food from scratch. Using the freshest ingredients and traditional Vietnamese utensils (still in use today) we cook 4 famous dishes, including the national dish ‘Pho’. After the class we sit down and have a chance to savour the dishes we have prepared. Leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River back to central Hoi An. Bring your swimsuit and after the cooking tour has finished relax and enjoy free use of our 20 metre swimming pool.

Recipes (our food contains no MSG):

Vegetarians (and other dietary requirements) are provided with replacement ingredients.

1. Beef Noodle Soup (Pho) – includes the making of fresh rice noodles

2. Clay Pot Fish with Fresh Dill (Cha Ca)
3. Lemongrass Shrimp grilled in Banana Leaves (Tom Nuong La Chuoi)
4. Grilled Chicken and Banana Flower Salad (Goi Hoa Chuoi Ga Nuong)

* Lunch includes all of the above dishes

Finish at approximately 2.30 pm – transfer back to central Hoi An, arriving approximately 3.00 pm.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Spend your morning time relaxing at your leisure in this UNESCO heritage town, which has some of the best food, architecture, and shopping in all of Vietnam. Hoi An is the perfect place to potter around, shop at the many tailor stores, and dine at the town’s fabulous restaurants.

After lunch, your private guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Da Nang Airport to catch the flight to HCM City, still called Saigon by the locals. It is the largest city in Vietnam.

The rest of the day is your own experience time.

Overnight in HCM City.

Optional show (additional cost):  A O Show 

Make your way to the Saigon Opera House, a stunning French colonial landmark in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Settle into your reserved seat and enjoy a complimentary beverage as the anticipation builds. As the curtains rise, be captivated by the A O Show, where talented artists, acrobats, and dancers vividly portray Vietnam’s journey of urbanization and adaptation.

Marvel at the dynamic choreography and impressive props that bring the stage to life. This hour-long performance promises an unforgettable blend of culture, creativity, and artistry.

Show Highlights

• Admission to A O Show in Ho Chi Minh City
• See a unique portrait of rural Vietnamese life performed at the French-designed Saigon Opera House Watch a modern fusion of acrobatic arts and dance accompanied by live music
• Be mesmerized by amazing stunts and infectious energy on stage
• Choose from three seating locations: ground floor, middle balcony and upper balcony
• Complimentary beverage before show time

Spend your day visiting some of Ho Chi Minh City’s key highlights. In the morning, we’ll tailor your tour to visit the Reunification Palace and the moving War Remnants Museum to for an insightful, yet sombre, look into Vietnam’s military history and turbulent past. You will also pass by the former US Embassy and the Villa 60 Vo Van Tan that once housed General William Westmoreland, commander of all US forces in Vietnam.

Have a delightful lunch at a local restaurant. After savoring your meal, you’ll have the opportunity to explore two iconic relics of the French colonial era. Begin at the Notre Dame Cathedral, an architectural marvel built by French colonists, followed by a visit to the Old Saigon Post Office, a neoclassical gem that stands as a prominent city attraction. These remarkable landmarks stand as enduring testaments to the enduring French influence in Vietnam.

Back to your hotel and take a rest to prepare for a Saigon After Dark tour by Vespa.

Tour starts every night: night from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Duration: 4 to 4,5 hours

Tour Includes: Classic Vespa scooters, all food and drink included, live bar music and drink, full face Helmet, Safe Drivers, English-speaking tour guide, entrance fees & cold water throughout, free pick-up and drop-off, rain poncho (if needed), pictures from your tour, lots of fun!

Details of the itinerary

Immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan nightlife of this busy city by night. Soak up the energy of this urban metropolis at a top-ranking stylish venue of Saigon in a central city location, where we sip on our first drinks and try out some tasty snacks while watching the sunset in Saigon.

Your expert driver will then zoom through the busy streets and alleys of Saigon to see the local life and check out some of the famous highlights in this bustling city. Feel like a local as we feast on authentic, fresh seafood dishes, eating streetside, and then enjoy the local favourite that is the delicious Banh Xeo, a traditional Vietnamese savoury pancake, and other southern dishes.

We then ride off into the night again to experience live music at a live music venue where a new generation of Vietnamese flaunts their style. Bring a healthy appetite and a sense of adventure as our guides show you their city by night.

Highlights – local street food sea seafood, pancake … loft top bar to see sunset, live music bar, ride to see city nightlife

Overnight in HCM City.

Morning

Today your private guide and driver will take you out of the city and onto some beautiful country roads to Ben Tre Town, the heart of the Mekong Delta, popularly known as the “rice bowl” of Vietnam, and is famous for its vast rice fields, orchard farms, coconut trees, numerous waterways and beautiful landscapes.

After appox 2 hour driving through the lush farming land we arrive at Ben Tre town where we will embark on a motorized boat trip around the scenic Bến Tre River, viewing various local industries along the way. During the boat ride we will stop to visit the small local factories where bricks and sleeping mats are made. Take a leisure walk along the village lanes visiting the local homes to try dry fruits, taste honey tea while enjoying a local Tai Tu music show. Continue to visit a coconut mill workshop where the local delicacy of coconut candy is produced and a range of coconut husk and fiber products are skillfully handcrafted.

We next take a small sampan through palm-fringed back canals, gliding peacefully along the hidden waterways surrounded by immense variety of tropical plants. The quiet, rural setting is a welcome and restorative retreat to the frenetic buzz of Saigon which seems far, far away.

Afternoon

Enjoy sitting in the back of a Motor Cart (xe lôi) passing rice and vegetable orchard farms while meeting with local people.

Head to Can Tho City, stopping at the Vinh Trang Pagoda, if time permits. Explore the Can Tho night market by yourself and try some local food. The market streets come alive with dozens of bustling food stalls selling grilled meats and tofu on skewers, as well as grilled rice-paper banh trang nuong (‘Vietnamese pizza’), etc.

Overnight in Can Tho.

Morning

Rise early for a boat trip to Cai Rang market, the biggest floating wholesale market of the Mekong region. The market is filled with hundreds of small boats darting through the water as vendors sell their wares. Glide through the matrix of boats to see how the locals trade their fruits and vegetables, and learn more about the floating marketing culture and the floating life on the boats.

After that, you will be treated with a delicious local breakfast (rice noodle soup) on the boat just like the way the local people do. You will also have a chance to stop at a local boat to enjoy some of the succulent fruit in season.

Leaving the market, continue your boat ride along narrow canals to visit a traditional homemade rice noodle factory where you can see how the locals make rice noodles, and enjoy the homemade “rice noodle pizza”.

Get back to the city to visit Binh Thuy Old House, where you will meet the present owner of this beautiful home and its furnishings. Then transfer back to HCM City.

Overnight in HCM City.

Departure Flight: Guest’s own tickets

Your private transfer greets you at the hotel after breakfast and escorts you to Ho Chi Minh International Airport where you board your flight home or travel on to more adventures, we will help you with the planning.