14 days
Ho Chi Minh, Mekong, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay
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Escape the crowds and embark on a culinary journey through Vietnam, one of Southeast Asia's most delightful destinations. This 14-day tour from South to North will tantalize every food enthusiast with its diverse ingredients, unique recipes, and expert guidance.
Don't miss the opportunity to explore local markets, observe daily life, hand-pick fresh ingredients for cooking classes, and learn traditional Vietnamese cooking techniques. It's an unforgettable culinary adventure - let's get started!
The Flavors of Vietnamese Cuisine 14-Day Tour is an immersive, cross-country culinary odyssey designed for travelers who believe the best way to understand a culture is through its kitchen. This 14-day journey spans the entire length of Vietnam, moving from the sweet and vibrant flavors of the South to the bold, spicy traditions of Central Vietnam, and concluding with the subtle, refined elegance of Northern cuisine.
This is not a typical sightseeing tour with occasional meals; it is a dedicated gastronomic exploration. Travelers will engage in hands-on cooking classes with local chefs, navigate bustling morning markets to identify indigenous herbs, and sample legendary street food hidden in the labyrinthine alleys of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. By combining iconic landmarks—such as Halong Bay and the Hue Imperial City—with deep culinary immersion, this tour offers a multisensory experience that satisfies both the adventurous spirit and the refined palate.
Ho Chi Minh City Street Food & Market Life
Dive into the energetic food scene of the South. Visit the historic Ben Thanh Market and the secret food stalls of District 4. Experience "Saigon on a plate" through specialties like Com Tam (broken rice) and savory Banh Xeo (sizzling pancakes), while exploring the city's French colonial architecture.
Mekong Delta River Flavors
Journey to the "rice bowl" of Vietnam. Board a private boat to visit the Cai Rang floating market, where traders sell tropical fruits and hot noodle soup directly from their vessels. Participate in a local cooking session to master Southern staples like Elephant Ear Fish and tamarind-based seafood soups.
Hue: Royal Imperial Cuisine
Discover the sophisticated culinary heritage of the former royal capital. Hue is famous for its "Royal Cuisine," characterized by small, meticulously decorated portions. Highlights include a cyclo tour to taste Bun Bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) and Banh Beo (steamed rice cakes), alongside a visit to the Imperial Citadel and royal tombs.
Hoi An: Farm-to-Table Experience
Explore the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town and the nearby Tra Que organic vegetable village. Join local farmers in the fields before heading to a renowned cooking school to learn the secrets of Hoi An’s signature dishes, including Cao Lau noodles and "White Rose" dumplings.
Hanoi: The Birthplace of Pho
Wander the 36 streets of the Old Quarter on a curated street food walking tour. Sample authentic Pho Bo, Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles), and the famous "Egg Coffee." This section of the tour balances rich history at the Temple of Literature with the delicate, herb-forward flavors of the North.
Halong Bay: Seafood & Sunsets
Transition from street food to luxury dining aboard an overnight cruise. Enjoy a gourmet seafood dinner amidst the limestone karsts of this UNESCO World Heritage site, complemented by a morning cooking demonstration on the sundeck as you sail through the emerald waters.
Highlights
What Makes This Tour Unique
Comprehensive Regional Mapping
This itinerary is specifically designed to showcase the three distinct culinary "realms" of Vietnam, allowing travelers to compare and contrast the regional variations of ingredients and techniques.
Hands-On Skill Development
Rather than just eating, you will participate in multiple professional cooking classes and market tours, providing you with the skills to recreate authentic Vietnamese flavors back home.
Access to Hidden Culinary Gems
Vietpower Travel utilizes a network of local food experts to take you beyond the tourist traps to the "hole-in-the-wall" establishments where the recipes have been perfected over generations.
Perfect Balance of Culture and Cuisine
While food is the focus, the tour does not sacrifice the must-see cultural landmarks, ensuring a well-rounded 14-day holiday that covers history, nature, and gastronomy.
| By Day | Transfer | Destinations | Activities | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Ho Chi Minh | Arrive in Vietnam | D | |
| Day 2 | Ho Chi Minh | Explore Ho Chi Minh city | B, L, D | |
| Day 3 | Ho Chi Minh, Mekong | Explore Mekong Delta | B, L, D | |
| Day 4 | Ho Chi Minh, Mekong, Hoi An | Flight to Danang | B, L | |
| Day 5 | Hoi An | Explore Hoi An | B, L | |
| Day 6 | Hoi An | Explore Hoi An | B | |
| Day 7 | Hoi An, Hue | Explore Da Nang | B, L | |
| Day 8 | Hue | Explore Hue | ||
| Day 9 | Hue, Hanoi | Flight to Hanoi | B, D | |
| Day 10 | Hanoi | Explore Hanoi | B, L | |
| Day 11 | Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Hanoi | Explore Ninh Binh | B, L | |
| Day 12 | Hanoi, Halong Bay | Explore Ha Long | B, L, D | |
| Day 13 | Halong Bay, Hanoi | Enjoy Your Final Moments on the Bay, Transfer Back to Hanoi | B, L | |
| Day 14 | Hanoi | Transfer to the Airport for Your Next Flight | B |
Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, Enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a Local Restaurant and Explore the City
Welcome to Vietnam - Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City
Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), our guide will greet you and transfer you to your downtown hotel. After checking in, you'll have free time to explore the bustling city center and immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere.
In the evening, savor a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Explore Cu Chi Tunnels in the countryside and city center highlights, followed by an evening foodie tour on Vespa motorcycles
08:00 AM: After breakfast at your hotel, your private guide will meet you in the lobby. A scenic one-and-a-half-hour drive takes you to Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive network stretching over 200km used as shelters by guerrillas during the war against American troops.
After lunch at a local restaurant, your afternoon city tour includes visits to significant landmarks such as the Reunification Hall, formerly the Presidential Palace, where Communist tanks entered on April 30, 1975, marking the fall of Saigon.
This historically rich building is still vivid in the memories of many. The tour also encompasses the War Remnants Museum, the Old Post Office, Chinatown, and Ben Thanh Market—the city's central and most lively market area.
Around 4:00 PM, conclude the tour and return to your hotel to relax.
At 6:00 PM: Your Vespa drivers will pick you up from the hotel. The first stop is Café Zoom to "watch the world go by" (quoted by The Lonely Planet) and enjoy a cocktail and appetizer (included) before exploring favorite local eateries. Experience Saigon's nightlife like a local, riding through Chinatown and District 4, bustling with local street seafood and drinks that foreigners seldom find.
Moving from District 4 to District 3, pass through downtown District 1 to enjoy Banh Xeo, a Saigon specialty, and Southern Vietnamese cuisine with locals. Next, visit a hidden Vietnamese-style coffee shop for live music. The tour concludes at a vibrant music venue with drinks and live performances. Return to your hotel by 10:00 PM.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
At 8:00 AM, your private guide and driver will meet you at the hotel lobby. After a 2-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, you'll arrive in Cho Gao District, Tien Giang Province. Transfer to a local wooden boat to explore Tam Hiep Island in Ben Tre Province.
Embark on a delightful journey crossing the Cua Dai and Cua Tieu branches of the Mekong River, 30 km from the Eastern Sea, until reaching Giao Hoa Village. Walk to a local house and observe the process of making sticky rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves.
Return to the boat and proceed to Long Thanh Village. Stop at a local factory to see kilns used for making activated charcoal from coconut shells.
Continue by boat to Tam Hiep Island. Cycle along village paths through expansive orchards to visit a unique farm cultivating LÁ SÂM creepers. Here, gather leaves and taste the special herbal jelly made from them.
Cycle to a local house nestled amidst green orchards for an exotic lunch. Afterward, relax in a hammock before observing the family making brooms from coconut leaves.
Next, a rowing boat will navigate smaller canals deeper into the countryside, offering peaceful moments under the shade of water coconut trees. Walk to UT TRINH HOMESTAY for check-in. Freshen up with a shower, then join the family in the kitchen to assist in cooking local dishes. Enjoy dinner with your hospitable hosts!
Overnight at the homestay.
Explore lush orchards, visit a local market, primary school, and honey bee farm. Return to Ho Chi Minh City and fly to Danang, then transfer to your hotel in Hoi An
After breakfast at the homestay, embark on a biking trip through expansive orchards on the island. Visit the local market to purchase ingredients for our lunch. Explore a local workshop where artisans weave fabric scraps into carpets. If possible, stop by a nearby primary school (closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays) to interact with the children and offer them practical gifts.
Continue biking to a honey bee farm to witness the process of producing longan honey. Taste honey mixed with tea and lime.
Return to the homestay to prepare lunch. After lunch, check out and bid farewell to your host. Return to Hoa Dinh Ferry Station to conclude the trip in Cho Gao.
Your private transfer will take you directly to Ho Chi Minh City airport for a short flight to Danang. Upon arrival at Danang airport, transfer to your hotel in Hoi An. Enjoy a warm welcome upon arrival and check in to your hotel. Relax at your leisure, with dinner on your own.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Visit a local market to observe Vietnamese food selection and participate in a delightful cooking class in Hoi An
At 8:30 AM, our driver will pick you up at your hotel's lobby.
Begin with a visit to the Central Market where you'll learn how to select fresh ingredients and negotiate for the best prices.
Next, enjoy a relaxing 30-minute boat ride down the river to the water coconut forest.
Then, experience grinding fresh rice milk using an ancient Vietnamese stone mill.
For the main part of the experience, prepare four iconic Vietnamese dishes at your own cooking station:
Conclude by savoring each dish with free-flowing passion fruit juice or ice-cold beer at our riverside lantern lounge.
The class ends around 1:30 PM, followed by a transfer back to your hotel in Hoi An.
Afterward, enjoy free time at your leisure.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Free day in Hoi An.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Explore the Ba Na Hills complex by cable car and marvel at the breathtaking views from the Golden Bridge, then drive to Hue
At 8:00 AM, our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel. We will depart from Hoi An towards Ba Na Hills. Take the Cable Car, renowned for its five world records, to Ba Na Hills station. Stop at the By Night station to visit Vong Nguyet Hills, Linh Ung Pagoda, and the Old French Villas.
Continue ascending by cable car to Nui Chua Mountain, the peak of Ba Na Range, where you can explore Nghinh Phong Peak, Le Nim Villas, and the Orchid Garden. Experience a hill-climbing train (Vietnam's first and only funicular) and visit the old French cellar, Debay Ancient Wine Cellar, and the flower garden Le Jardin D’amour.
Don't miss walking on the famous Golden Bridge amidst the misty hills, enjoying the stunning view of Da Nang City.
Have lunch at a restaurant on Ba Na Hills.
In the afternoon, enjoy free time to participate in games at Fantasy Park, the third-largest indoor games zone in Vietnam, featuring a variety of exciting activities such as 4-5D films, skiver, The Death Race, and the Dinosaur Park.
Around 3:00 PM, transfer from Ba Na Hills to Hue city, a journey of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Upon arrival in Hue, check in to your hotel and enjoy free time at your leisure.
Overnight in Hue.
Enjoy a boat trip on the picturesque Perfume River and explore Hue, visiting the Lady Pagoda, Emperor Minh Mang's Tomb, Emperor Tu Duc's Tomb and walking through the Ancient Citadel
At 8:30 AM, our tour guide will meet you at the hotel lobby to begin the tour of the historic Hue Old Citadel. Embark on a private boat for a scenic cruise along the romantic Perfume River. Hue, as an ancient capital, is adorned with royal tombs of past emperors, and today's itinerary includes visits to some of these tombs.
The first stop is the elegant Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda), situated at the convergence of rivers, offering panoramic views of the Perfume River and its surroundings. From here, continue by car to visit the tombs of King Minh Mang and King Tu Duc. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, explore Hue City, including the Old Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City - an extraordinary historical landmark in Hue that provides insights into its rich history and architecture, making it a must-visit destination in this serene area.
After the tour, return to your hotel. Enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Hue.
Take a flight from Hue to Hanoi and indulge in a food tour of Hanoi
Today, you'll have leisure time to unwind at your hotel and soak in the tranquility of Vietnam's ancient capital. At the designated time, our driver will transfer you to Phu Bai Airport for a short flight to Hanoi, the official capital of Vietnam.
Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, a private vehicle will be ready to take you on a 45-minute drive to your hotel in central Hanoi for check-in and relaxation.
At 5:00 PM, your guide will meet you at the hotel lobby to commence a Hanoi food tour, which typically lasts around 2 hours.
Overnight in Hanoi
Embark on a city tour: Visit Ho Chi Minh Complex, Museum of Ethnology, Temple of Literature and take a Xiclo trip around the Old Quarter
At 8:00 AM, after enjoying breakfast at your hotel, our tour guide will meet you and kick-start your exploration of Hanoi.
Begin with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you'll have the opportunity to see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, housing the preserved body of Uncle Ho. Next, explore the Presidential Palace, a splendid example of French colonial architecture set amidst lush gardens and Ho Chi Minh's stilt house, offering insight into the modest lifestyle of Vietnam's revered leader. Conclude this segment with a visit to the One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic symbol of Hanoi renowned for its unique architecture.
Following lunch, your journey continues to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, followed by a visit to the Museum of Ethnology to delve deeper into Vietnamese culture. Later, traverse the Old Quarter aboard a traditional cyclo, winding through its 36 ancient streets, offering a leisurely way to soak in both the historic charm and modern vibrancy of the capital. The tour concludes around 4:00 PM, leaving you free to shop or relax in Hanoi.
Explore the natural beauty of Trang An Complex
At 8:00 AM, following breakfast at your hotel, our tour guide and driver will pick you up for a 2.5-hour drive to Ninh Binh Province.
Our first stop is Hoa Lu, a historical site deeply connected to the Dinh, Early Le and Ly dynasties during the 10th and 11th centuries. Spanning 13 square kilometers, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital features significant relics such as the Dinh-Le sanctuary and statues of the emperors. Following this visit, we will proceed to a local restaurant for lunch.
In the afternoon, embark on an enchanting rowing boat journey through Trang An Eco-Tourism Area. Home to 600 species of flora and over 200 species of fauna, many listed in Vietnam's Red Book, Trang An boasts 31 valleys and 48 cross-water caves, with opportunities to explore 3 to 6 of these natural wonders. Enjoy the fresh air and crystal-clear waters adorned with underwater grasses, immersing yourself in the serene ambiance of these water caves.
After the tour, we will return to Hanoi, arriving at your hotel around 5:30 – 6:00 PM. Overnight in Hanoi.
Transfer to Halong Bay, Explore the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, Overnight Stay on Cruise
At 8:00 AM, our driver will pick you up from the hotel for a 3.5-hour journey to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Upon arrival, board the cruise ship and enjoy a welcome drink while receiving a tour briefing. A delicious lunch will be served as the ship sails deeper into the bay, allowing you to marvel at its majestic limestone islands.
Take your time to relax on the sundeck or in your cabin. In the afternoon, enjoy swimming in the calm and warm waters or opt for a kayaking adventure. Kayaking is suitable for all ages and skill levels; our experienced guide will provide basic paddling instructions before leading you to explore the stunning beauty of Halong Bay for approximately one hour. Return to the cruise for relaxation before participating in a cooking class later in the afternoon.
Savor a delightful dinner on board and spend the night on the cruise, surrounded by the tranquil waters of Halong Bay.
Begin your morning on Halong Bay with an invigorating Tai Chi Class on the sun deck, a highlight not to be missed during your cruise. From the upper deck, relax and soak in the picturesque views, capturing photos of the stunning rocky islands emerging from the emerald waters of the bay.
After breakfast, we'll explore one of Halong Bay's most impressive and expansive caves. As we continue cruising, marvel at the magnificent scenery passing by.
At 10:30 AM, our boat will return to the jetty, allowing you some final moments to soak in the beauty of the bay before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch on board. You leave the boat around 12:00 at noon, we go ashore and transfer back to Hanoi.
Today is your leisure time to enjoy your final moments in Northern Vietnam. About 03 hours before your flight, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight.
We sincerely thank you for choosing to travel with us in Vietnam. We hope you have enjoyed your trip and look forward to welcoming you back again!
Meals
13 breakfasts 10 lunches 5 dinners
Accommodation
Cruise (1 night)
Transport
Car, Motorbike, Boating, Biking, Walking, Plane, Cruise
Flights
1. Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Danang (1 hour 20 minutes)
2. Take flight from Hue to Hanoi (1 hour 15 minutes)
Included services
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Customize Your Trip
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Do I need to be an experienced cook to enjoy the classes? Not at all. The cooking sessions are designed for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks, and are focused on fun and discovery.
What if I don't eat spicy food? While Central Vietnamese food can be spicy, it is always possible to request "no chili." Our guides will communicate your preferences to every chef and vendor.
Is it safe to eat street food? Yes, when guided by our experts. We have spent years vetting our vendors to ensure they provide fresh, safe, and high-quality ingredients.
Can the tour be customized? Absolutely. If you wish to spend more time in a specific city or add a beach extension to Phu Quoc, we can tailor the 14-day route to your needs.
Are the domestic flights included? Yes, the flights connecting the South, Center, and North of Vietnam are included in the total package price.
Private tours give you more flexibility in your movements
Convenience and saving time are huge reasons people choose private tours
Add more exciting or reduce the less attractive destinations.
Please kindly send us your ideas about the tours: destinations, attractions, your group, hotel class... we will get back to you with details & best offers quickly. Surely, you will feel satisfactory!
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