Discover Vietnam's Flavors & Heritage: A 13-Day Luxury Culinary Tour

Your day begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter, leading to a vibrant traditional market. With your local guide, learn the art of local bargaining and identify essential herbs and spices fundamental to Vietnamese cooking. Following a guided demonstration, step into the kitchen for a hands-on cooking session, preparing various authentic dishes under the guidance of a professional chef. Enjoy the delicious results of your efforts during a communal meal that showcases regional flavors. In the afternoon, unwind at the historic Café Giang, renowned for its cozy ambiance. Savor a cup of Vietnam’s famous egg coffee, a unique blend of creamy egg yolk, sugar, condensed milk, and strong Vietnamese coffee, offering a delightful balance of taste and cultural immersion in the heart of the city.

Start your morning with a transfer from your hotel to Halong Bay, where you will board a luxurious vessel for an unforgettable overnight cruise. This UNESCO World Heritage site captivates with its emerald waters and towering limestone karsts. Enjoy gourmet lunch and dinner served onboard, featuring a range of delicious options. The afternoon is filled with exciting activities and excursions. You can kayak through hidden coves, explore ancient caves, or try squid fishing under the night sky. Relax on the sundeck, taking in the breathtaking scenery as your ship glides through the serene bay. The evening concludes with entertainment and games provided by the crew, ensuring a memorable experience.

Begin your final morning on Halong Bay with an optional Tai Chi session or simply witness the spectacular sunrise over the karst formations. After breakfast, disembark from the cruise and transfer back to Hanoi, Vietnam's bustling capital. In the late afternoon, around 17:30, embark on a captivating walking food tour through Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter. This immersive experience allows you to explore hidden culinary gems and taste a variety of local specialties. Sample dishes such as Bun Bo (beef noodle soup), Banh Cuon (steamed rice rolls), Banh Mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwich), and conclude your gastronomic adventure with another delightful Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee), experiencing the vibrant night life and flavors of Hanoi.

Today, you will fly from Hanoi to Hue, the historic imperial city. Upon arrival, a friendly tour guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel, allowing you time to settle in and relax. In the afternoon and evening, experience Hue’s enchanting atmosphere with a delightful cyclo tour, exploring the city’s culinary offerings. Indulge in an array of mouthwatering Hue cuisines, culminating in a unique dining experience. Savor "royal dishes" designed to replicate the extravagant feasts once enjoyed by Vietnam's emperors, providing a taste of historical luxury.

Your day begins with a captivating journey from Toa Kham Wharf, cruising on a traditional dragon boat to the revered Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s oldest and most beautiful pagoda. Continue your scenic river trip to Hue Ecolodge, nestled within Thuy Bieu Eco-village. Here, you'll have ample opportunity to explore the tranquil village on foot or by bicycle, visiting local gardens, ancestral temples, and engaging with the friendly villagers. Witness the skill of local artisans as you observe traditional craftsmanship. Participate in a special cooking class at Hue Ecolodge, where an Eco-chief will guide you in preparing authentic Hue dishes. Enjoy your culinary creations and receive feedback. Conclude your immersive experience with a therapeutic foot soak in medicinal herb water and a rejuvenating massage by blind practitioners, with the tour finishing around 14:30.

Today involves a scenic road transfer from Hue to the charming town of Hoi An. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and have some free time to unwind and prepare for the evening's activities. As dusk settles, Hoi An's vibrant streets transform into a lively hub of culinary delights. Embark on a street food adventure, strolling through the night market where local vendors showcase an enticing array of dishes. From delicious Banh Mi sandwiches and savory Cao Lau noodles to crispy Banh Xeo pancakes and refreshing sugarcane juice, there’s a flavor to satisfy every palate. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere, savor the authentic tastes, and create lasting memories of Hoi An's dynamic street food scene.

Your culinary morning commences at Hai Scout Café in Hoi An Ancient Town with a welcome drink and an overview of the day. Next, explore the bustling central market, discovering a colorful display of fresh produce, herbs, and spices while interacting with local vendors to gain insight into daily life. Enjoy a picturesque 25-minute boat ride along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School, offering serene views of riverside life. Upon arrival, tour the school’s herb and vegetable garden before joining a hands-on cooking class led by expert chefs. Learn to prepare iconic Vietnamese dishes such as fresh rice paper, shrimp rolls, crispy pancakes, seafood salad, and Mi Quang noodles. You'll also be introduced to traditional food carving, creating a tomato rose and a cucumber hand fan. After preparing your meal, savor your creations, accompanied by BBQ lemongrass beef. The class concludes around 12:30, with a return transfer to central Hoi An, arriving back at your hotel by approximately 13:00.

Today, embark on a captivating journey to Cam Kim Island, where you'll experience the picturesque countryside and gain insight into local life. Visit an Ancestral House and a traditional boat builders' yard, learning about the island's rich heritage. Cycle or stroll through serene rice paddies, interact with friendly locals, and enjoy local snacks and coffee. Continue to the stunning coast near the Thu Bon River mouth, passing scenic roads lined with cashew nut trees. Arrive at the charming Cam Thanh village, renowned for its water coconut palms, and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. The rest of the afternoon and evening are at your leisure, with optional tours available for further exploration.

After flying from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, you will check into your hotel, ready for an exciting urban exploration. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the vibrant history and culture of Ho Chi Minh City with visits to iconic landmarks. Begin at the War Remnants Museum, gaining profound insights into Vietnam's wartime history through an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits. Then, step back in time at the Reunification Palace, exploring the grandeur and significance of this historic site, which marked a pivotal moment in Vietnam's independence. Next, marvel at the architectural beauty of the Saigon Central Post Office, a fusion of French colonial and Gothic influences, and discover its rich cultural significance. Your knowledgeable guides will share fascinating stories, bringing the city's past to life. In the evening, around 18:45, transfer from your hotel to Nha Rong Port (Saigon Port) to board a beautifully appointed dinner cruise. Enjoy a relaxing evening along the Saigon River, which flows through the city's heart, reflecting its vibrant culture. As the ship glides past the illuminated skyline, savor a carefully crafted menu featuring a fusion of Vietnamese and international cuisine. The elegant ambiance, delicious dishes, and attentive service create a memorable dining experience. The cruise returns to the pier around 20:45.

At 07:30, depart from your hotel for a scenic drive to the Cu Chi District, renowned for its historical significance and peaceful countryside. Your day begins at the Ho Chi Minh Agricultural Villages, where you can stroll through lush rice fields and observe local prawn and fish farms, gaining firsthand insight into Vietnam’s rural lifestyle and sustainable farming practices. Next, participate in a hands-on cooking class led by experienced chefs. Learn to prepare three traditional Vietnamese dishes and a local dessert using fresh ingredients sourced directly from the farm, offering a deeper understanding of Vietnamese flavors and cooking techniques. After lunch, visit a local village to explore the traditional rice paper-making process and observe the detailed techniques passed down through generations. Continue to a nearby rubber tree forest to witness how latex is skillfully extracted by local workers. Your journey then takes you to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network utilized by Vietnamese soldiers during the war. Start with a short documentary providing historical context, followed by an exploration of the tunnels and hidden chambers that reveal the daily life and survival tactics of wartime soldiers. Visit Hoang Cam’s smokeless kitchen, an ingenious wartime innovation, and sample boiled tapioca with hot tea, a staple food of the era. For an optional thrill, there's an opportunity to try shooting an AK-47 with real bullets (additional cost). At 17:30, return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, concluding an enriching and interactive day.

Today offers a serene exploration of the Mekong Delta, with a focus on local life in Ben Tre. You will embark on a traditional sampan boat from Cai Be Jetty (or Vinh Long Pier depending on option chosen). As you cruise through the intricate network of canals, you’ll visit a 19th-century traditional house and observe local workshops crafting coconut candy and puffed rice. Lunch will be a refined experience at Le Longanier Restaurant, set in a charming riverside garden. The afternoon continues with a leisurely cruise past An Binh and Binh Hoa Phuoc Islands, stopping at Cai Be Church. Depending on your chosen option, you will either be transferred to Can Tho for an overnight stay or return to Ho Chi Minh City by vehicle, concluding a day of tranquil river life and cultural insights.

Enjoy a final delicious breakfast at your hotel, taking time to savor the morning. The remainder of the morning is at your leisure, allowing for relaxation or last-minute souvenir shopping. At the appropriate time, our team will provide a convenient transfer from your hotel to the airport for your onward flight. Depart from Vietnam with cherished memories of your culinary and cultural journey.