Vietnam Culinary Tour 14 Days

Explore Vietnam through its rich culture and world-renowned cuisine on this immersive 15-day journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Designed for food lovers and cultural explorers, this itinerary combines hands-on cooking classes, iconic street food, historic landmarks, and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi – Culinary Welcome to Vietnam (GP)

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, where your guide warmly welcomes you to Vietnam. Enjoy a private transfer to your hotel located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Once checked in and refreshed, take your first steps into the sensory world of Vietnamese street cuisine. Wander through the atmospheric lanes of the Old Quarter and sample signature dishes such as steaming bowls of pho, crispy banh xeo, and tangy bun cha. This evening offers a gentle introduction to the city’s energy and sets the tone for your immersive Vietnam food tour.

Meals: None | Service: Guide Pick-up

Day 2: Hanoi City Discovery by Motorbike & Street Food Adventure (B, Street Food, G)

Begin your day with a traditional breakfast at your hotel before hopping on the back of a motorbike to explore Hanoi like a local. Your guide will take you through historic streets and cultural highlights, including the Vietnam Women’s Museum, Temple of Literature, and the evocative Hoa Lo Prison.

At midday, indulge in a curated street food tasting tour, sampling some of the city’s most beloved dishes like banh gio, bun cha, banh cuon, and pho bo. Your guide will explain the stories behind each dish and the techniques used to prepare them.

In the late afternoon, relax with a walk along the Long Bien Bridge, offering views over the Red River and a glimpse into daily life. The evening is yours to relax or further explore Hanoi’s culinary gems.

Meals: Breakfast, Street Food Tasting | Service: Guide

Day 3: Traditional Cooking Class in Hanoi (B, L, G)

Embark on a hands-on culinary experience starting at Ngoc Thuy Market, a bustling local hub of produce and traditional ingredients. Accompanied by a chef, you'll learn how to select the freshest herbs, spices, and vegetables used in authentic Northern Vietnamese cuisine.

Continue to a nearby village for an optional cultural walk or garden visit, where you'll learn how essential herbs are grown. Then, head to a traditional Vietnamese home for your cooking class, where you’ll prepare a full menu of regional dishes. After your class, sit down to enjoy your creations with your host.

The afternoon is free for you to unwind or continue discovering Hanoi at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Service: Guide

Day 4: Hanoi to Bai Tu Long Bay – Cruise into Tranquillity (B, L, D, G)

Depart Hanoi and enjoy a scenic drive to the quieter and less-touristy Bai Tu Long Bay, known for its pristine beauty and limestone islets. Board the elegant Dragon Legend Cruise and settle into your cabin.

Cruise past majestic karsts and hidden beaches, stopping at Thien Canh Son Cave for a short guided tour. Later, unwind or go kayaking and swimming at Hon Co Island. Return to the boat for a rejuvenating spa session or a dip in the Mineral Seawater Pool before enjoying a gourmet seafood dinner onboard.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Service: Guide

Day 5: Floating Village & Fly to Hoi An (B, L, G)

Wake up to a Tai Chi session on the sundeck before visiting the charming Vung Vieng Floating Village by bamboo boat. Learn about the daily life of fishing families who have lived on the water for generations.

Return to the cruise for brunch, disembark at the pier, and transfer to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, your guide will take you to the enchanting town of Hoi An, where you'll check in and rest for the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Service: Guide

Day 6: Hoi An Cooking Class & Cultural Walk (B, L, G)

Start your morning with a bicycle ride through lush rice fields to Tra Que Vegetable Village, where you’ll meet local farmers and learn about organic farming methods. After visiting Hoi An Market to select ingredients, join a cooking class where you’ll prepare regional dishes such as cao lau, banh xeo, and fresh spring rolls.

After lunch, enjoy a guided walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit landmarks including the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, and vibrant lantern workshops. As night falls, take in the magical lantern-lit streets or dine riverside.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Service: Guide

Day 7: Leisure Day in Hoi An (B)

Enjoy a flexible day to rest, shop, or explore further. Relax on the golden sands of An Bang Beach, visit tailor shops to have clothing custom-made, or take part in optional craft workshops like lantern making or pottery. For food lovers, consider an additional cooking session or explore Hoi An’s street food scene at night.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Scenic Transfer to Hue via Hai Van Pass (B, Street Food, G)

Depart Hoi An and drive along the stunning Hai Van Pass, stopping for photos at panoramic viewpoints like Lang Co Bay. Upon arrival in Hue, hop on a cyclo tour to Dong Ba Market, where you’ll dive into a street food tasting featuring specialties such as bun bo Hue, banh khoai, and banh beo.

End your day with a peaceful boat cruise along the Perfume River, watching sunset over the imperial city.

Meals: Breakfast, Street Food Tasting | Service: Guide

Day 9: Thuy Bieu Village & Imperial Citadel (B, L, G)

Start with a leisurely bike ride through Thuy Bieu Village, visiting ancient garden houses, local artists, and a silk painting workshop. Participate in a Hue-style cooking class in the garden, followed by a herbal foot bath and home-cooked lunch.

In the afternoon, explore the Imperial Citadel, once home to the Nguyen Dynasty. Visit the Thai Hoa Palace, Ngo Mon Gate, and the Forbidden Purple City, with your guide providing stories of royal life and political intrigue.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Service: Guide

Day 10: Flight to Ho Chi Minh City & Nightlife by Scooter (B, DP in Hue, D, GP in HCMC)

Enjoy a relaxed morning before flying to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and prepare for an unforgettable evening.

At night, hop on a back-of-the-scooter food tour, zipping through local districts, markets, and alleyways. Taste favourites like banh mi, pho, and seafood skewers at hidden spots only locals know. End the night with drinks at a popular local hangout.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Service: Driver Pick-up (Hue), Guide Pick-up (HCMC)

Day 11: Cu Chi Tunnels & Ho Chi Minh City Tour (B, L, G)

Drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels, where you’ll crawl through narrow underground passageways and learn about wartime survival tactics. Return to the city for lunch, followed by a cultural tour including:

• Reunification Palace
• War Remnants Museum
• Ben Thanh Market, perfect for shopping and snacks

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Service: Guide

Day 12: Mekong Delta Discovery – Cai Be to Can Tho (B, L, G)

Travel south to the Mekong Delta, boarding a traditional boat at Cai Be. Visit fruit orchards, rice paper workshops, and floating markets. Enjoy a hearty Delta-style lunch on Tan Phong Island, then cycle through quiet village paths and meet local artisans.

Arrive in Can Tho in the evening and settle into your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Service: Guide

Day 13: Cai Rang Floating Market & Return to Saigon (B, L, G)

Wake early for a boat ride to Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest in the Mekong. Watch as traders sell fruit and produce from colourful boats. After breakfast, visit a local village for a final look into rural life.

In the afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City for a final evening at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Service: Guide

Day 14: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City (B, DP)

Spend your final morning enjoying Vietnamese coffee at a local café or shopping for souvenirs. Your private driver will take you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport in time for your departure.

Meals: Breakfast | Service: Driver Pick-up

Key: B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner | G = Guide | GP = Guide Pick-up | DP = Driver Pick-up