Vietnam Food Adventure Tour – 12 Days

Duration: 12 Days
Start/ End: Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh
Tour Type: Discovery and Experience
Tour Route: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hue – Hoi An – Quy Nhon – Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh
Tour Customizable: Definitely!
Guide: Local experienced English speaking guide
Transportation: Local transport with a skillful driver

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi- Halong Bay
Day 3: Halong Bay- Hanoi- Hue
Day 4: Hue
Day 5: Hoi An
Day 6: Hoi An
Day 7: Quy Nhon
Day 8: Quy Nhon – Ho Chi Minh
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta
Day 10: Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh
Day 12: Siem Reap – Angkor Wat

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi

Your journey begins in Hanoi, the capital city. If you’re here early, try our famous coffee with condensed milk or even egg! At 5 pm, join your group and leader for an important meeting. Then, dive into Vietnam’s vibrant food scene with a street food tour led by your guide. Taste delicious dishes like Bun cha and Banh cuon as you explore the lively streets of Hanoi at night.

Day 2: Hanoi- Halong Bay

Today, head to the stunning Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With over 2000 limestone islands emerging from turquoise waters, it’s a sight to behold! Board a boat and sail through the emerald-green waters, passing by limestone karsts. Explore Surprise Cave, covering over 12,000 square meters. Enjoy a delicious onboard feast prepared by a chef. Spend the night on the traditional boat, drifting asleep to the gentle waves of the bay.

Day 3: Halong Bay- Hanoi- Hue

As you wake up in the bay this morning, it feels almost like a dream. If you’re up early, consider a kayak adventure before heading back to Hanoi. Later, hop on an overnight train to Hue. Though simple, these trains offer a unique travel experience, providing a glimpse into the country’s life. Don’t forget to grab some local snacks for the journey; your leader can suggest the best ones.

Day 4: Hue

Arriving in Hue this morning, you’ll discover Vietnam’s former royal capital, known for its outstanding cuisine blending imperial and Buddhist influences. Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, an active monastery with a historic car on display. Then, indulge in a plant-based Buddhist meal prepared by a chef from the royal lineage in their family garden. Explore Emperor Tu Duc’s tomb and the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City, still bearing scars from the Vietnam War. For dinner, ask your leader for recommendations on where to savor imperial street delicacies like banh hue.

Day 5: Hoi An

Start your day with a local breakfast of bun bo hue, a flavorful beef noodle soup. Then, visit a charming coffee house where three generations of locals live together. Meet your host, Mr. Khoa, and learn about the traditional salt coffee of Hue, from roasting beans to secret ingredients. Next, journey south by bus, passing coastal rice fields and the scenic Hai Van Pass, to reach Hoi An. After settling into your hotel, enjoy a seafood hotpot dinner at a special beachside restaurant with your group, a favorite among locals in Hoi An.

Day 6: Hoi An

Today in Hoi An, your leader will guide you on a walk around the Ancient Town. Then, you’ll visit Reaching Out Tea House, supporting the local deaf and mute community. Enjoy peaceful tea time in silence. Later, join a cooking class with a local chef. Shop for fresh ingredients at the market and learn the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine. Feast on dishes representing Pho Hoi cooking.

Day 7: Quy Nhon

After breakfast, explore a village to witness the making of Vietnamese rice whiskey from boiled rice. Learn about its history and enjoy samples. Have a home-cooked lunch in the village to connect with locals. Then, journey to Quy Nhon, a coastal city known for its clear waters and sandy beaches. Consider catching the sunset at Ky Co Beach or ask your leader for dinner recommendations.

Day 8: Quy Nhon- Ho Chi Minh

Start your day by exploring the local market with your trip leader, tasting some fresh fruits along the way. Enjoy breakfast at Bun Ram Thuy and stop by Dang Coffee for your morning caffeine fix. Then, take some free time to rest, relax, or explore at your own pace with access to a day room. In the evening, board an overnight train to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh

Upon arriving in Ho Chi Minh City this morning, embark on a walking tour to experience the vibrant mix of old and new, East and West. Discover the city’s French influence with excellent coffee and baguettes. Visit landmarks like the General Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral, then delve into the city’s history at the War Remnants Museum. Join a cooking class for lunch, learning modern takes on Vietnamese dishes with a skilled chef. Enjoy the feast you’ve prepared and spend the afternoon exploring at your leisure.

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh- Mekong Delta

After breakfast, bid farewell to Ho Chi Minh City and head to the Mekong Delta, known as Vietnam’s rice bowl. Cruise along the river, stopping at fruit gardens and local industries to sample honey, coconut candy, and fresh fruit. Experience a tranquil sampan ride along the backwaters. Arrive at your homestay and meet your hosts. Take some time to explore the garden or assist with dinner. Enjoy a delicious southern Vietnamese dinner on the veranda as the sun sets.

Day 11: Mekong Delta- Ho Chi Minh

Indulge in fresh Mekong Delta fruits for breakfast before returning to Ho Chi Minh City. Explore Ben Thanh market on a guided walk, ideal for picking up last-minute items or gifts. Enjoy a crispy pork banh mi for lunch. The afternoon is yours to explore independently. Consider gathering with your group for a farewell dinner to celebrate a fantastic trip.

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh

Your adventure concludes after breakfast today, with no scheduled activities. If you desire more time in Ho Chi Minh City, simply communicate with your booking agent in advance.