Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An & Nha Trang: A 10-Day Culinary and Beach Journey

The morning is yours to discover Ho Chi Minh City independently. After breakfast at your hotel, you can choose to explore local markets, visit historical sites, or simply enjoy the city's atmosphere at your own pace. Optional tours, such as a battlefield day trip to Long Tan – Nui Dat or a Mekong Delta excursion, are available if you wish to delve deeper into the region's offerings. In the early evening, prepare for an exciting group motorbike food tour, commencing around 6:00 PM. This immersive experience begins with a visit to a rooftop bar, offering stunning panoramic views of the city skyline as the sun sets, accompanied by a refreshing drink.

Following the rooftop experience, your motorbike journey will navigate through the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City. You'll pass by the vibrant flower market, witnessing local life unfold after dark, and explore various neighborhoods. Throughout the tour, you'll stop to sample a diverse range of authentic Vietnamese street food, including delicious BBQ dishes and other local favorites, providing a true taste of the city's culinary scene. The route also showcases a blend of modern landmarks, travels along the Saigon River, and ventures into the historic Chinatown district, offering a comprehensive view of Ho Chi Minh City's contrasting facets. The tour concludes around 10:00 PM, after which you will be transferred back to your hotel to relax.

After an early breakfast, you will meet your guide around 7:30 AM for a transfer to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, approximately a two-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you'll receive an introductory briefing and watch a short documentary film detailing the tunnels' significant role during the Vietnam War. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to explore portions of the extensive underground network utilized by the Viet Cong, gaining firsthand insight into the challenging conditions faced by soldiers.

During your exploration, you can walk through some of the narrow tunnel sections, experiencing the unique environment. A simple local snack of tapioca and tea, a staple food during the war, will be offered. For those interested, an optional visit to a firing range is available at an additional cost, where you can try out various period-specific equipment. Following your visit to the tunnels, you will be transferred back to the city and then to the airport for your domestic flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival in Da Nang, a waiting vehicle will transfer you to your hotel in Hoi An. After checking in, the rest of the day is free for you to unwind or begin a gentle exploration of Hoi An at your leisure. Please note, standard hotel check-in is from 2:00 PM.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Hoi An, starting your day at your own pace. You might choose to have a leisurely breakfast, explore the charming streets near your hotel, or simply relax. In the afternoon, around 3:00 PM, embark on a half-day bicycle food tour. This engaging experience will take you through various parts of Hoi An, allowing you to discover its culinary landscape and scenic surroundings.

Throughout the tour, you'll make several stops to sample a wide array of local dishes. These include popular specialties such as white rose dumplings, crispy fried wontons, savory beef noodle soup, the iconic banh mi, and traditional Vietnamese coffee. For the more adventurous, there's also an option to try balut. The bicycle route also incorporates visits to picturesque rice fields, the renowned Tra Que Vegetable Village where organic farming traditions are practiced, and Chuc Thanh Pagoda, recognized as the oldest pagoda in Hoi An. This tour provides a wonderful blend of authentic flavors and cultural insights, typically concluding around 7:00 PM. It is recommended to have a light lunch before joining this tour, and any specific dietary requirements should be communicated in advance.

Today is entirely yours to enjoy the ancient town of Hoi An exactly as you wish. After breakfast, you can spend your time leisurely wandering through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, admiring its unique architecture and vibrant atmosphere. This is a perfect opportunity for browsing the numerous local shops, discovering artisanal crafts, or relaxing at one of the many charming cafes. You might also choose to further explore the local food scene, sampling more regional delicacies at your own pace.

Hoi An offers an ideal setting for a relaxed day, allowing you to soak in its distinctive ambiance without any fixed schedule. Should you desire more structured activities, several optional tours are available. These include a half-day walking tour of Hoi An, a visit to Cam Thanh Coconut Village with lantern making, a bicycle ride to Tra Que Village combined with a cooking class, a day trip to Cham Island, or an excursion to the My Son Sanctuary. Our consultants can assist with booking any of these additional experiences if you choose to participate.

Following breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to Da Nang train station to begin your scenic rail journey to Nha Trang. This train ride typically lasts around nine hours, providing a wonderful opportunity to unwind and observe the diverse landscapes of Vietnam's coastline as you travel south. The journey offers picturesque views of the ocean, rural areas, and local life passing by.

Upon your arrival at Nha Trang train station, a private transfer will be waiting to take you directly to your hotel. After checking in and settling into your room, the remainder of the day is dedicated to your relaxation. You can choose to rest at the hotel, take a preliminary stroll along the nearby beach, or simply enjoy the coastal atmosphere. Please note that standard hotel check-in is from 2:00 PM; early check-in may be available for an additional charge.

Today is dedicated to enjoying Nha Trang at your leisure. After breakfast, you have the entire day free to explore this beautiful coastal city at your own pace. Many visitors choose to spend their time on Nha Trang's renowned beaches, swimming in the clear waters or simply relaxing on the sandy shores under the sun. The city also offers a variety of cafes and seaside restaurants where you can enjoy a refreshing drink or a meal with ocean views.

If you are looking for more active pursuits, there are several optional experiences available. These include a full-day Emperor Cruise, a speedboat trip to explore nearby islands, or a mountain biking and rafting adventure for those seeking an adrenaline rush. Our team can assist you with arranging any of these additional activities should you wish to participate, ensuring you make the most of your time in Nha Trang.

Begin your day with a relaxed morning, enjoying Nha Trang at your own pace. After breakfast, you might choose to spend time by the beach, visit a local coffee shop, or simply unwind at your hotel. This provides a perfect opportunity for personal reflection or last-minute souvenir shopping before the evening's culinary adventure.

In the early evening, typically between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM, prepare for an exciting guided street food tour by cyclo. This unique mode of transport offers a fun and immersive way to navigate Nha Trang's streets while discovering its vibrant food scene. You will visit a selection of local eateries and street vendors, sampling a diverse range of authentic dishes. Highlights of the tasting experience often include Banh Can, which are small savory pancakes cooked over charcoal; Bun Cha Ca, a flavorful fish cake noodle soup with a rich broth; Nem Nuong, delicious grilled pork served with fresh herbs and a dipping sauce; Banh Tai Vac, delicate shrimp dumplings; and Che Chuoi Nuong, a grilled banana with sticky rice dessert. This tour provides a fantastic insight into Nha Trang's local flavors in a relaxed setting. After the tour concludes, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to Nha Trang airport for your domestic flight back to Ho Chi Minh City. This morning journey ensures a smooth transition between these two distinct Vietnamese cities. Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, a waiting vehicle will provide a comfortable transfer to your pre-booked hotel.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free for you to spend as you wish. You might choose to revisit a favorite spot in Ho Chi Minh City, explore a new neighborhood, or simply relax at your hotel after your travels. This flexible time allows for personal pursuits, whether it's souvenir shopping, enjoying a final Vietnamese meal, or simply unwinding before your departure tomorrow.

Enjoy your final morning in Ho Chi Minh City. After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, you will have some free time, perhaps for some last-minute shopping or a final coffee. At the appropriate time, a private transfer will take you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight. We hope you had a wonderful journey exploring the culinary and coastal highlights of Vietnam and look forward to welcoming you back in the future.