VIETNAM CULINARY ADVENTURE

Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, where you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to your luxury hotel in the city center. After check-in, take time to relax and recover from your journey.

This evening is yours to enjoy—explore vibrant night markets, sample authentic street food, or simply soak in the energy of this dynamic city.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Start your day with a guided city tour of Ho Chi Minh City’s iconic landmarks. Visit the War Remnants Museum, explore the historic Reunification Palace, admire the Notre Dame Cathedral, and discover the elegant Central Post Office designed by Gustav Eiffel. End the morning at a hidden wartime-era coffee shop, once a secret weapon cache during the Vietnam War.
Duration: Half-day (08:00 – 13:30)

In the late afternoon, hop on a traditional cyclo for a street food tour through the lively streets and alleys of Saigon. Taste your way through local favorites bursting with bold flavors, from spicy and sour to sweet and savory, while learning the cultural stories behind each dish from your guide.
Duration: 2.5-3 hours (16:30 – 19:30), combinable with the City tour.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Leave the bustling energy of Ho Chi Minh City behind as you embark on a journey to Ben Tre, famously known as “the paradise of coconut trees.” This picturesque destination offers a perfect introduction to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s fertile rice bowl, where life flows along tranquil waterways and lush farmland. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of vast rice paddies and tropical fruit farms.

Upon arrival, step aboard the charming Apricot boat, a beautifully designed river barge inspired by local traditions, for a relaxing cruise on the Mekong River. Glide through peaceful canals lined with coconut palms and experience the region’s vibrant life. Stop to explore the bustling coconut trading scene, where locals harvest, process, and trade in a colorful riverside market.

Continue your adventure with a hands-on cooking lesson at a peaceful restaurant along the river. Start with a guided walk through a local market, where your guide will help you select the freshest ingredients. Then, enjoy preparing and tasting your own Mekong-style meal, rich with the flavors of the region.
Duration: Full day (07:30 – 18:00)

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, take a short flight to Da Nang, where your local guide will greet you and transfer you along a scenic 40-minute drive to Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its charming architecture and rich cultural blend.

Once in Hoi An, step back in time at the Japanese Covered Bridge, explore the Chinese Assembly Hall, and stroll through the local market, where you’ll meet friendly vendors and discover the fresh ingredients that define Hoi An’s cuisine. Wander through both bustling streets and quiet alleys, uncovering hidden food stalls and artisan snacks that make this town a culinary gem.

Indulge in a Hoi An Night Food Safari, where you’ll stroll through winding lanes and feel the pulse of the city’s true neighborhoods. Along the way, sample the best local specialties, including white rose dumplings, banh mi (Hoi An’s famous bread), banana sweet soup, and coconut pancakes. These dishes have been passed down through generations of Hoi An families and are the heart of the town’s culinary scene.

Conclude your day with a home-hosted dinner in a local house, followed by a serene boat ride along the Hoai River, watching floating lanterns light up the night.
Duration: Full day (14:30 – 21:00)

Overnight in Hoi An.

Embark on an unforgettable journey into Hoi An’s rural charm by riding on the back of a traditional local motorbike. Cross a picturesque bridge over the Thu Bon River into a tranquil island village surrounded by fields of corn, sweet potato, eggplant, cucumbers, and fragrant herbs.

Stop at a 100-year-old ancestral house, where the welcoming owner shares stories of traditional architecture and family heritage. Continue along scenic village roads, passing lush rice paddies and farmland, and visit local homes to see traditional crafts like mat weaving, farming, and making banh dap (crispy rice crackers).

Take a relaxing break at a neighborhood café, enjoying freshly brewed Vietnamese drip coffee while learning about the local coffee roasting process. Learn about the fascinating process of coffee roasting, a craft deeply rooted in the region’s culture.

Ride on to the Thu Bon River estuary, where the coast meets countryside. Pass through scenic roads lined with casuarina and cashew trees, and explore a local fish market and vibrant village market, experiencing the rhythm of daily life.

Duration: Half-day (08:00 – 12:00)
Overnight in Hoi An.

Begin your day with a scenic drive to Hue, winding through the dramatic Hai Van Pass, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of lush mountains, blue skies, and the peaceful Lang Co Beach below. From the mountain’s peak, marvel at the postcard-perfect landscape: misty peaks, clear waters, and a charming fishing village, where locals dry fish and unload their catch—perfect for spontaneous photo stops.

Upon arrival in Hue, dive into the city’s imperial past with a visit to the Imperial Citadel, the majestic heart of the UNESCO-listed Complex of Hue Monuments. Explore its ancient palaces, temples, and pavilions that once hosted Vietnam’s royal ceremonies.

Continue to the Royal Tomb of King Tu Duc, a tranquil haven set among pine forests and lotus-filled lakes. This peaceful retreat offers a glimpse into royal leisure, where the emperor once fished, wrote poetry, and sought solitude.

Prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience with Hue’s most celebrated chef at her private residence. A decorated cookbook author, professor, and television host, she will prepare a home-cooked royal meal, sharing stories of her passion and career. You’ll have the rare opportunity to dine on a meal prepared by the chef herself, who will regale you with fascinating anecdotes from her illustrious career in the culinary arts. Enjoy a memorable evening of delicious food, learning about the rich flavors and techniques that make Hue cuisine one of the most revered in Vietnam.

Duration: Full-day (08:30 – 17:00) for transfer and sightseeing
Home-hosted dinner: ~2 hours (5 minutes from downtown Hue; max 12 guests)
Overnight in Hue.

Step into the refined world of Hue royal cuisine, a culinary tradition that mirrors the city’s regal past. Known for its artful presentation, delicate preparation, and use of diverse, local ingredients, Hue’s cuisine offers a true taste of imperial Vietnam.

Today, you’ll be guided by the “Heiress of Hue Royal Cuisine”, a passionate chef who learned the secrets of royal cooking from her aunts—wives of Nguyen Dynasty mandarins—while growing up inside the Imperial Citadel.

Begin with a guided market tour, where your host introduces you to Hue’s freshest ingredients, engaging local vendors and uncovering the unique flavors that define the region.

Then, head to her private home nestled in a tranquil bonsai garden, symbolizing peace and prosperity. In this serene setting, you’ll take part in a hands-on cooking session, learning to craft signature royal dishes and master techniques passed down through generations.

Notes:
• Duration: Half-day (08:00 – 12:30)
• Capacity: Max 15 guests

Afterward, visit Dong Ba Market, a must for street food lovers. Sample local favorites like Bánh bèo, Bánh nậm, Nem lụi, Bún thịt nướng, and Chè—a delightful mix of savory and sweet specialties that showcase Hue’s culinary soul.

Overnight in Hue.

After a delightful breakfast in Hue, take a short flight to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital steeped in history and culture. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to the city center in your private vehicle.

Begin with lunch at a renowned family-run restaurant, made famous after serving President Barack Obama. Enjoy their signature grilled pork with noodles in fish sauce—sweet, smoky, and deeply flavorful.

Afterward, relax at a cozy Old Quarter café tucked away at a busy corner where Prince William once stopped for coffee. It’s a perfect spot to soak up local ambiance.

Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university (11th century), known for its peaceful courtyards and traditional Vietnamese architecture. It’s also featured on the 100,000 VND banknote.

Continue to the Old Quarter’s 36 Streets, each once dedicated to a different craft. Step into a narrow alley to glimpse Hanoi’s unique tube houses, built to maximize space in dense neighborhoods.

Notes:
• Duration: Half-day (13:00–17:00)

This evening, savor one of the North’s most iconic dishes, Chả Cá Lã Vọng (grilled fish with turmeric and dill), served at a legendary restaurant that has been perfecting the dish for generations. The fish is marinated with turmeric, then stir-fried with dill and green onions, creating a vibrant and flavorful dish that is a must-try in Hanoi.

After dinner, explore the nightlife with a glass of Bia Hoi (local draft beer) at a lively street corner. Prefer dessert? Try traditional Northern sweets like Cốm cake, made from young sticky rice, a nostalgic treat for many Hanoi locals.

Wrap up your evening with Hanoi’s famed egg coffee, a rich blend of whipped egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk.

Notes:
• Evening tour: 2.5–3 hours (18:00–21:00)

Overnight in Hanoi.

Morning – A Taste of Rural Vietnam
Escape the city with a 30-minute scenic drive into the peaceful countryside of Hanoi, where culinary traditions remain deeply rooted. Begin your journey at a lively local market, guided by your host through stalls brimming with fresh produce and regional staples. Select key ingredients that shape the flavors of Northern Vietnamese cuisine.

Stroll through winding village paths to your host’s garden-side home, where a hands-on cooking class awaits. Learn to prepare Bánh Cuốn—silky steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork, mushrooms, and shallots.

Enjoy your creations in a tranquil garden setting, surrounded by authentic hospitality—an immersive experience that connects food with culture.

Notes:
• Duration: Half-day (09:00–14:00)
• Group Size: Max 40 guests

Evening – Phở Reimagined: A Culinary Discovery Trail
Phở is more than Vietnam’s national dish—it’s a culinary icon. Tonight, explore its many expressions on a flavorful journey through Hanoi’s hidden alleys and street corners. Begin with a classic bowl of phở bò, simmered for over 48 hours for deep, soul-warming flavor.

Then, discover creative takes like phở rolls and phở-infused cocktails, each served with a story that captures the evolution of this beloved dish.

For an adventurous twist, hop on a scooter and weave through Hanoi’s lively backstreets for a truly local night-time experience.

Notes:
• Duration: 3 hours (18:30–21:30)
• Accessibility: Suitable for all vehicle types
• Optional: Scooter ride for immersive access to local backstreets

Overnight in Hanoi.

This morning, depart Hanoi in comfort for a scenic drive to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its surreal seascape of limestone pillars and emerald waters. Travel through the fertile Red River Delta, passing lush rice paddies, water buffalo, and glimpses of authentic rural life.

Upon arrival at the pier, step aboard your luxury overnight cruise, your floating sanctuary in this ethereal landscape. Enjoy a welcome drink and a gourmet lunch as the ship sails into the heart of the bay, drifting past towering karsts and jungle-topped islets that rise dramatically from the sea.

The rest of the day is filled with curated experiences tailored by your cruise’s bespoke itinerary. You may:
• Kayak through hidden lagoons
• Explore mystical caves
• Swim in secluded coves
• Or simply relax on the sundeck with a cocktail as the sun sets over the water

As evening falls, savor a fine-dining experience featuring live cooking performances in an open kitchen, where chefs transform fresh, local ingredients into exquisite Vietnamese and international fare.

Notes:
• Duration: Full-day
• Cruise Type: Luxury overnight cruise with gourmet cuisine and curated excursions
• Itinerary: Subject to change depending on the specific cruise and weather conditions

Overnight on board – Ha Long Bay.

Awaken to the tranquil beauty of Ha Long Bay and begin your day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, embracing the serenity of the morning mist and the bay’s dreamlike landscape. Sip on freshly brewed coffee or tea, and enjoy a light breakfast of pastries as the cruise glides gently past the bay’s most peaceful corners.

Relish your final moments on the water over a leisurely brunch served with panoramic views, as the vessel makes its way back to the harbor.

Disembark around 10:30 AM, where your private vehicle awaits for a comfortable journey back to Hanoi. Arrive in the capital and enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure, or perhaps indulge in an optional spa experience or sunset stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake.

Notes:

• Tai Chi and brunch on board included
• Duration: Morning until early afternoon
• Transfer: Private vehicle from Ha Long Bay to Hanoi

Overnight in Hanoi.

Enjoy a leisurely morning at your own pace—whether it’s a final stroll through Hanoi’s charming streets, a relaxing coffee at a favorite corner café, or simply unwinding at the hotel.

At the appropriate time, your private transfer will escort you to the airport for your departure flight, carrying with you cherished memories of Vietnam’s rich culture, cuisine, and captivating landscapes.

Bon Voyage and Safe Travels!