Take a gastronomic adventure through Vietnam. Spend ten days immersed in the country’s culinary scene, sampling everything from tasty street food to gourmet fusion dishes. Learn the secrets behind these mouth-watering morsels with visits to fresh markets and hands-on cooking classes.
Itinerary Highlights
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Localised food tours
Stunning boat trip on Lan Ha Bay
Join a hands-on cooking classes
Private speed boat trip to Cu Chi Tunnels
What’s included
Private tours for most activities included
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
Entrance fees for mentioned visits
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
10
Nights
Price Guide
FROM $4395 to $4875 pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Fly to Vietnam
Day 1-2
Hanoi – Getting Aclimatized
Arrive in Hanoi and be welcomed by the guide and transfer to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Start day 2 with a visit of the highly acclaimed Vietnam Women’s Museum. The museum is located near Hoan Kiem Lake and offers wonderful insight into the lives of Vietnamese women. Then, explore the Temple of Literature. In 1076 Quoc Tu Giam – Vietnam’s first university also referred to as Van Mieu, was established within a temple to educate Vietnam’s royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years and its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past.
Eat for a good cause and have lunch at Koto Restaurant.
Spend the afternoon at leisure – maybe explore the “old quarter” at your leisure.
Evening Hanoi foodie experience. Drive through the bustling rush hour streets and escape into the narrow and quiet lanes. With the expertise of the your guide, discover a hidden staircase that leads to an apartment block built after the liberation. Be welcomed into the home of a friendly local family with 3 generations living under the same roof. Sip on a cup of tea while listening to the host’s interesting life stories, from being the helper of a herbal medicine practitioner from a very young age to become a soldier specialising in military Morse code during the Vietnam War. Learn how information was passed around by his unit and take this chance to ask all the questions about life in war-time Vietnam.
Stories continue around the table over a traditional dinner prepared by his wife and daughter. After the meal, enjoy green tea to relax and chat more. Family members who return home after a hard-working day offer a great opening to find out about the family’s life today. Say the goodbyes and transfer back to the hotel. (D)
Notes: Specialty Vietnamese dishes will be cooked by the family, however vegetarian/non seafood requests will need to be given in advance. (B/L/D)
Day 3
Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay
Following breakfast leave Hanoi for a 2.5 hrs drive to Halong Bay including a 20-minutes stop on the way. Arrive at the jetty near towards noon and proceed with check-in formalities. After a welcome onboard, lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay itself.
In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on board. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board.
Day 4-5
Halong Bay – Hanoi – Exploring Hoi An
Enjoy a fresh morning in the middle of the bay, as the sun rises on Lan Ha Bay in the morning and breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while the junks cruise slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port. An optional sunrise Tai Chi lesson on deck is also included. Disembark and transfer to Hanoi airport for the flight to Danang. In Danang, take a short transfer to your hotel located in the historic picturesque port town of Hoi An.
Day 5 starts with a short bicycle ride through rice paddies to the countryside (a vehicle can be arranged for those preferring not to cycle). Arrive at a farm and be warmly welcomed with tea by a local host. Take the chance to visit a typical local’s house while the guide explains the different steps of rice cultivation. Don traditional farming clothes and conical hats for sun protection and then start the fun part of the tour. Learn the how to plough, rake, carry water into the rice field, sow, pull up the rice seedlings, transplant rice, etc. Prepare yourself for a unique experience and try not to fall into the mud! Afterwards, return to the house and learn how to make pancakes and how to cook rice in the traditional way. Enjoy lunch with the host family before riding back to the hotel. Note: this tour is non private and operated on a join in basis.
Free at leisure the rest of the afternoon.
Day 6
Hoi An Organic Farm – Healthy Cooking Class
Located about 3km from the Old Town centre, this quietly tucked away farm was established by an expert in nutrition and team based out of the love of food and local cuisine. Be greeted by the passionate team at the farm and start the experience today.
Just like the varied landscape of Vietnam, the cuisine contains an enticing balance of aromatics, heat, sweetness, sourness, and umami flavour from the use of fish-sauce. The cuisine is all about the balance between yin and yang; the sweet and salty, the cool and the warmth, the fresh and fermented. Follow the expert in nutrition and explore the farm while listening to inspiring stories about how to use food and vegetables for healthy living. Pick-up some ingredients before heading to the lovely kitchen to make dishes.
There are five dishes to learn to make, take the chance to get hands-on on making rice flour with the old stone grinder, rice paper with copper vessels and invent a personal organic juice recipe. Once ready, sit down and feast on a delicious meal of authentic local cuisine.
After filling up on these home-cooked delights, return to Hoi An afternoon.
Day 7-8
Hoi An – Hue – Garden Houses, Bamboo work and foodie tour
In the morning, discover Hoi An on a guided walking tour. Discover the charming, old-world trading port of narrow streets and traditional houses, former merchants’ homes, the town’s iconic 400-year old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colourful market where an array of fresh ingredients are on offer.
The in the afternoon leave Hoi An for Danang and visit the Cham Museum, which contains the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world before crossing Hai Van Tunnel (the longest in SE Asia) and dropping down to the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co.
Once in Hue enjoy an exclusive private dinner at the lovely Tha Om Garden House. Built strictly according to Feng Shui principles, the Garden Houses aim to be a harmonious ensemble in which the house is a part of a balanced combination between garden, pond, and yard. The whole house stands on big pillars placed on a round or square stone base, which is sometimes decorated. The altar of the family’s ancestors occupies the central room.
Day 8. Bamboo is engraved in Vietnamese culture and daily life, providing protection and representing resiliency. In the countryside, bamboo is used for everything- from daily used items to musical instruments to ornaments. Drive 20-min north of the Citadel to visit a lesser-known village Bao La where locals still keep the traditional craft of bamboo work that has been passed down generations. Regarded for their basketry weaving, the people of Bao La understand this craft well. Listen to their stories about how to adapt the traditions to modern life. Then head to a workshop in the city and meet with an artisan who has integrated bamboo with traditional handicrafts to create revolution new art in Vietnam, that’s called Truc Chi art. Truc means bamboo and Chi means paper. Learn how the artisans use Truc Chi to create handicraft items with the cultural characteristics of Hue and get hands on creating your own handicrafts under their guidance.
Spend the evening on a culinary adventure on the back of a vintage Vespa. The old imperial capital of Hue is popular not only for its attractive historical monuments of the Nguyen Dynasty but also for its richness in culture and cuisine. There’s no better way to explore the night life of Hue and its tasteful flavours than sitting on the back seat of a vespa for an adventure through charming streets. Visit a vintage vespa collector and taste food with the family. Then ride to some hand-picked local family-run venues that serve the best authentic local foods. Indulge in a world of Hue specialties, including Bun Bo Hue (Hue beef noodle soup), “banh Khoai” – Hue sizzling pancake, sweet soups and variety of Hue green leave cakes. Then, take a leisurely ride back to the hotel.
Day 9
Fly Hue to Ho Chi Minh City – afternoon city tour
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Eget natoque neque elementum sapien egestas ut feugiat donec etiam. Id libero turpis felis consectetur. Odio justo mauris sed urna commodo. Leo proin elementum dolor lorem eget vel tortor sed mauris. At blandit nulla sed egestas semper pretium nunc malesuada. Pellentesque vulputate elementum odio dolor. Adipiscing nunc gravida tincidunt pellentesque.
Morbi neque nulla potenti id nascetur non at pulvinar metus. Urna at tempus purus et phasellus sit integer. Platea ultrices nulla auctor risus interdum id neque. Lobortis egestas at ut vel malesuada quis. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Eget natoque neque elementum sapien egestas ut feugiat donec etiam. Id libero turpis felis consectetur. Odio justo mauris sed urna commodo. Leo proin elementum dolor lorem eget vel tortor sed mauris. At blandit nulla sed egestas semper pretium nunc malesuada. Pellentesque vulputate elementum odio dolor. Adipiscing nunc gravida tincidunt pellentesque.
Morbi neque nulla potenti id nascetur non at pulvinar metus. Urna at tempus purus et phasellus sit integer. Platea ultrices nulla auctor risus interdum id neque. Lobortis egestas at ut vel malesuada.
Day 10
coffee culture & cu chi tunnels
Met with your guide this morning to explore the habits of the local people and the significance of coffee drinking in Vietnamese culture. Coffee was introduced to Vietnam by the French in the late 19th century but the country quickly became a strong exporter as vast swathes of the highlands were given over to this important new cash crop. Today, the Vietnamese have taken coffee to new gastronomical levels!
Start with a stroll through a buzzing local residential area. The locals usually drink coffee after having breakfast. Join in the typical daily routine by ordering ‘bun thit nuong’ consisting of fresh noodles topped with grilled pork at an eatery. Then head to the bustling “street eats scene” and try a piece of sticky rice or hollow donut snack. From here head to an 80-year-old coffee shop and warehouse. Get to know the unique way of making coffee while listening to tales related to this trade. Conclude the tour by heading to Barista Saigon coffee studio. Meet with a certified barista, be introduced to Vietnamese specialty coffee and learn expert coffee brewing techniques. Choose from a variety of courses, focusing on espresso, latte art or professional ways to judge the quality of coffee.
Then take a short drive to the banks of the Saigon River. Board a private speed boat for this scenic Cu Chi tunnels cruise. Gaze upon the modern skyline of the city as the boat cruises across the water. Watch as the scenery changes, passing through urban neighbourhoods and then rural countryside.
After 90 minutes arrive at Cu Chi and explore the incredible network of 200 km underground tunnels. You have the option of going underground to get a better sense of what life was like living and fighting from the labyrinth of caves and tunnels. Hear remarkable stories of the resident’s resilience and see relics of the wartime weapons.
Following the visit, return to the boat and relax while cruising back to the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 11
transfer to the airport and Fly to next destination
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide FROM $4395 to $4875 per person
When to travel
janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
The best time to visit Vietnam depends on the region and weather preferences. The dry season from November to April is popular for tourists as the northern and central regions experience cooler and drier weather. The wet season from May to October brings higher humidity and rainfall, but it’s still manageable for visiting the southern region.
In northern Vietnam, January is characterized by cool temperatures and occasional drizzles. The average temperature ranges from 15°C to 22°C. Central and southern regions experience mild and dry weather with temperatures averaging between 20°C and 30°C. The northern mountains can be very cold and misty. North – Good Central – Best South - Excellent
February sees similar weather patterns as January, with cool temperatures in the north and warmer temperatures in the central and southern regions. However, towards the end of the month, the weather starts to transition to spring, bringing slightly higher temperatures. Remains cold in the mountains. North – Best Central – Good South - Best
March marks the beginning of spring in Vietnam. In the north, temperatures gradually increase, ranging from 17°C to 24°C. Central and southern regions experience warmer weather, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 32°C. However, there can be occasional rain showers. Central Vietnam can also be windy. Cool, but optimum conditions for trekking/exploring in Sapa, Mai Chai and Ha Giang North – Best Central – Best South - Best
April is characterized by rising temperatures and increasing humidity. In the north, temperatures range from 20°C to 28°C. Central and southern regions see temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. Rain showers become more frequent, but usually only in the late afternoons. Excellent weather in the mountains of the north. North – Best Central – Best South - Best
May brings the peak of the hot and humid season to most of Vietnam. The north experiences temperatures between 25°C and 33°C, while central and southern regions can reach temperatures as high as 40°C. May is also the start of the rainy season, with increased rainfall across the country. By the end of the month rains start in the northern mountains. North – Good Central – Best South - Mixed
June remains a decent month to visit in Vietnam despite being a mixed in terms of weather. Central Vietnam reaches max temperatures and remains dry and sunny. The south finds itself in the wet season with daily downpours the norm, usually in the afternoon, and the north heads in to summer where temperatures are high and showers are to be expected. While the central beaches remain dry with plenty of sunshine the mountains of the north see the most rain. North – Good Central – Best South - Mixed
July is characterized by high temperatures and heavy rainfall across Vietnam. The north experiences temperatures between 28°C and 36°C. Central and southern regions see temperatures ranging from 31°C to 38°C. It is still very wet in the mountains to the north and trekking not advised. North – Mixed Central – Best South - Mixed
August follows a similar pattern to July, with hot and humid weather throughout Vietnam. Temperatures in the north range from 28°C to 35°C. Central and southern regions experience temperatures between 31°C and 37°C. Rainfall remains abundant in the south. The mountains remain wet and misty. North – Mixed Central – Good South - Mixed
September marks the transition from summer to autumn in Vietnam. The north experiences temperatures between 25°C and 32°C, while central and southern regions see temperatures ranging from 28°C to 35°C. Rainfall decreases compared to previous months. Sapa and surrounds starting to have less rain and the autumnal colours towards the end of the month are spectacular. North – Poor Central – Mixed South - Poor
October: October brings cooler and drier weather to northern Vietnam. Temperatures range from 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F), and the region experiences less rainfall. Central and southern regions still see temperatures between 26°C and 32°C (79°F to 90°F) with occasional rain showers. Sapa is usually dry and clear a great time to visit. North – Mixed Central – Poor South - Mixed
November continues the trend of cooler weather in northern Vietnam, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F). Probably the best month for Halong Bay and great also for Sapa. Central and southern regions experience temperatures between 23°C and 31°C (73°F to 88°F) and have heavy rainfall. Rainfall is relatively low across the rest of the country. North – Good Central – Poor South - Best
December is characterized by cool temperatures and occasional rain showers in northern Vietnam. Temperatures range from 15°C to 22°C. Up in Sapa the weather rains generally dry and clear but can be cold at night. Central and southern regions have milder temperatures, ranging from 20°C to 30°C. A great time for the southern beaches. North – Good Central – Mixed South - Best
Add on’s
There are a multitude of add on holiday options to this Vietnam itinerary, for example you could head to Sapa in the country’s far north to visit local Hilltribes and embark on some light trekking or perhaps take a flight from Saigon to Siem Reap and spend a few days exploring the magnificent temples of Angkor, the opportunities are really endless.
Vietnam is also easily accessed by the main flight hubs of Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok making city stopovers or beach extensions on Asia’s fabulous sandy shores easy to arrange.
Want a quote on a trip like this?
Speak to one of our travel specialists and we’ll create your personalised itinerary just for you
