Compare Vietnam Food Tours: Discover The Real Vietnam by Access Trips vs Vietnam in 9 days - Natural Wonders & Traditions - Superior by Exoticca

Day 1: Our Vietnam Culinary Tours Begin in Saigon

Meals: Dinner

Welcome to our Vietnam culinary tour! You will be touring Vietnam in a way that allows you to truly experience the fascinating culture, history and cuisine of this beautiful and exotic country. We will pick you up at Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat Airport and bring you to our historic boutique hotel in downtown Saigon. (Ho Chi Minh City is the city’s formal name, but locals refer to it as Saigon.) On our Vietnam culinary tours, our lovely Saigon hotel is a 1925 French colonial building overlooking the Saigon River.

We recommend you arrive early in the day because this evening you are in for a treat. Our welcome dinner will be held in a colonial mansion which was the former residence of Henry Cabot Lodge, US Ambassador to South Vietnam in the mid-1960s. A sophisticated Vietnamese dinner will be served in the magnificent dining room, accompanied by live music.

Day 2: Traditional Vietnamese Cooking Class & Saigon City Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (on the Vespa tour)

One of the reasons to take a Vietnam culinary tour is to learn to cook authentic Vietnamese food. Today we’ll start the day by visiting a local market with our cooking class chef, where we will find fresh ingredients used in Vietnamese cuisine. Then we will cook at the cooking studio of a talented celebrity chef, Luke Nguyen, who has hosted MasterChef Vietnam and is the author of seven cookbooks.

After lunch, we’ll embark on a walking tour of Saigon’s historic sites. Starting with the Opera House and the former Hotel de Ville, we’ll take in some of the city’s best preserved French colonial buildings, built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. We’ll wander up to the Paris-inspired Notre Dame Cathedral, and then head across to the Central Post Office. A short drive away is the former presidential palace, the headquarters of the South Vietnamese government during the war. Now renamed the Reunification Palace, it sits largely as it did in 1975, and is a fascinating historical artifact of Saigon’s turbulent past.

Next we’ll head to Cholon, the Chinese part of Saigon, to visit the Thien Hau temple, built in the early 19th century to honor the Goddess of the Sea. With its ornate interior courtyard, the temple bustles as worshipers come to pray. To make a wish, it is local custom to write it on a small card and attach it to one of the incense coils. We’ll continue to FITO, a museum of traditional Vietnamese medicine, before returning to our hotel.

This evening is one of the highlights of our Vietnam culinary tours. With over eight million inhabitants and four million motorbikes, Saigon is a city on the move. Tonight we’ll get a glimpse of how the local Vietnamese live as we explore Saigon’s authentic street food scene from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter.

Day 3: Fly to Danang & Enjoy Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we will visit a local lacquer-ware workshop for a brief demonstration of the lacquering process and the opportunity to see a variety of lacquer ware pieces, ranging from small boxes to large pieces of furniture.

We will then transfer to the airport for your flight to Danang, followed by a quick drive to our relaxing, boutique hotel in Hoi An – just a short stroll to Hoi An’s colorful and bustling old town. Also, you won’t want to miss the daily complimentary massage and spa experience while you are here!

The afternoon is yours free at leisure. This evening, we’re invited to a local home for a hosted dinner of traditional foods. After dinner we will walk to the heart of this ancient town, where we will board a traditional wooden boat and cruise along Hoai River, enjoying the view of Hoi An at night.

Day 4: Hoi An Food Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, we’ll explore Hoi An’s food scene on a walking food tour. Stroll through zigzagging alleys to discover different neighborhoods and indulge in local delicacies that have been made here for generations. Along the way, you’ll soak in fun insights and anecdotes on Hoi An food culture and local traditions.

In the afternoon, explore Hoi An at your leisure or indulge in the complimentary massage and spa experience at the hotel.

Day 5: Drive to Hue & City Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast we’ll drive to the former imperial capital of Hue, stopping en route to visit the Cham Museum. The Cham people are one of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities and are the descendants of the ancient Kingdom of Champa, in what is now Central Vietnam.

Once we arrive in Hue we’ll tour the landscaped gardens and residence of a restored royal garden home, a harmony of nature and imperial architecture. After a chance to chat with the family, we’ll enjoy lunch at their beautifully-furnished dining room with elaborately carved reliefs.

Hue served as the imperial capital to the Nguyen dynasty, which reigned from the 17th to the 19th century. With splendid emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas and the remains of the Citadel, the city retains its royal heritage and charm. This afternoon we’ll take a cyclo ride from your hotel to the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. (A cyclo is a pedal-trishaw unique to Indochina, used throughout the colonial era and to this day by locals and foreigners alike.) We’ll enter through the towering main gate to appreciate the magnificent architecture and gardens as we learn about the royal court. Despite heavy bombing, there are some well preserved sections still intact and others which are being restored.

Next we’ll visit the tomb of Khai Dinh. Khai Dinh was the emperor of Vietnam, from 1916 to 1925. This hillside monument is a mix of Vietnamese and European style elements. Most of the tomb’s grandiose exterior is covered in blackened concrete, creating an unexpectedly Gothic air, while the interiors sparkle with an explosion of colorful mosaics.Tonight you will stay in a lovely and relaxing boutique resort and spa in the countryside just outside of Hue.

Day 6: Hue Culinary Tour & Cooking Class

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hue’s culinary heritage is inextricably tied to its imperial history as the city is renowned for its elaborate cuisine created for the royal court, as well as the traditional food enjoyed by locals. Today we’ll explore these two themes in Hue cuisine with celebrated gastronomy artisan, Professor Nhu Huy, author of cookbooks, food television presenter, and the recipient of several prestigious talent awards in Vietnam. We’ll start with local food, visiting the local market where we will learn how to select the freshest produce and ingredients necessary for Hue food. Afterwards, we’ll spend the rest of the morning visiting several Vietnamese villages which each specialize in a different popular dish. We’ll have an opportunity to sample Hue favorites including com hen (mussel rice), banh beo, banh nam, banh loc (varieties of soft rice cakes), and banh uot (steamed rice pancake).

Next we’ll head to Professor Nhu Huy’s home for a private hands-on cooking class, featuring the cuisine developed for the royals who represented Hue’s imperial past.

Afterward, we’ll drive to visit the seven-story Thien Mu pagoda, Hue’s best-preserved religious monument, perched on a hill overlooking the Perfume River. Then the evening is yours to explore Hue or enjoy the resort. Perhaps indulge in a luxurious spa treatment, take a dip in the pool or explore the lush tropical grounds of the resort. You can also inquire about the resort shuttle to the Hue city center, just 15 minutes away.

Day 7: Fly to Hanoi & Water Puppetry Show

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival we’ll head directly to Dao Thuc village for a private water puppet show. Originating in the 10th century, water puppetry is a folk art that is unique to Vietnam. Although water puppetry has existed in Dao Thuc village for over 300 years it has had a recent resurgence thanks to a talented and committed puppet artisan. We’ll drop by the puppet workshop to meet the artisan and learn how he and his family are sharing this traditional art with the world. Then we’ll enjoy a private 30-min water puppet show on the village pond, accompanied by live Vietnamese music.

After the show we’ll drive to Hanoi. We’ll enjoy a cyclo tour around Hanoi to orient ourselves and check into our boutique hotel, which is within easy walking distance of Hoan Kiem Lake and the old quarter. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the capital of Vietnam, perhaps a further visit to the bustling old quarter and the local markets – keep a look out for the many little temples along the way!

Day 8: Hanoi City Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hanoi is full of charm, with French colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes. We’ll begin our day at the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, where the preserved body of “Uncle Ho” resides. Behind the mausoleum, we will visit Ho Chi Minh’s house, a simple wood home where he lived and worked, adjacent to a tranquil lotus pond.

Next we’ll visit the Temple of Literature, built in 1070, which was Vietnam’s first university for the sons of mandarin. We will also visit the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, known as Hanoi Hilton, which is now a museum. (This is an optional visit for those who are interested.)

For lunch, we’ll enjoy a stop at Bun Cha Le Van Huu, one of Hanoi’s famous specialties. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Museum of Ethnology, which offers a fascinating insight into Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups. Later we’ll stroll around Hanoi’s Old Quarter – 36 streets, named after 36 wares which were traditionally sold there.

This evening we’ll have a lovely farewell dinner of traditional Vietnamese cuisine – the kind of dishes you’d be served as a guest at a Hanoian home.

Day 9: Vietnam Culinary Tour Ends

Meals: Breakfast

Your Vietnam culinary tour ends today as you transfer to the airport for your return home. Or, extend your trip with a cruise to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of 1600 spectacular limestone karst islands in the Gulf of Tonkin.

Day 1: US - Night on board

Arrival at your US departure airport ready to check-in for an overnight flight to Hanoi. Night on board.

Day 2: Hanoi

Arrive in Vietnam and transfer to your hotel. Take the opportunity to explore this bustling city and get to know your surroundings. Overnight stay in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, set off on an orientation tour of Hanoi to discover the most emblematic sights of this historic city. Pass by old French colonial buildings and the Opera House on your way to visit Ho Chi Minh Complex and Mausoleum, dedicated to the nation's founder.* Also see Ba Dinh Square and One Pillar Pagoda, which dates back to the foundation of the city. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, home to beautiful gardens and well-preserved architecture. Afterwards, enjoy a cyclo ride (a type of Vietnamese rickshaw) around the charming streets of the Old Quarter and visit a bustling local market. End your tour on the banks of beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can learn about the legend of the lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple. Transfer back to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay in Hanoi. * Please note: Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum is viewed from the outside on Mondays, Fridays and in the afternoons as it is closed at these times.

Day 4: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart by road to Ha Long Bay, a World Heritage area of outstanding natural beauty known for its limestone islands and glistening waters. Travel through the rich farmlands of the delta and witness the daily life of the Vietnamese villages. Arrive in Ha Long and board a traditional junk boat, to being your cruise on the bay with a welcome drink. Lunch on board. The cruise passes by many fascinating islets and may stop for a while to visit local fishing villages, caves and limestone islands. Relax at your leisure on the sun deck. Dinner and overnight on board. * There will be no guide on board.

Day 5: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - Danang - Hoi An

Brunch on board as the junk continues to cruise before you return to Ha Long port. Disembark and transfer to Hai Phong airport for a flight to Danang. On arrival, you will be met by your guide and then transfer to your hotel in the charming city of Hoi An, known for its pretty lantern-lit streets. Overnight stay in Hoi An.

Day 6: Hoi An

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour through the narrow streets of atmospheric Hoi An. This former port and UNESCO World Heritage site is full of architectural gems that show a range of influences. You can admire these charming houses along Tran Phu Street, one of the oldest in Hoi An, visit the 400 years-old Japanese covered bridge, the Chinese temple, and a traditional Vietnamese merchants house. The afternoon is free at your leisure. We recommend an optional Thu Bon River & Organic Village Excursion.* Overnight stay in Hoi An. * Optional Full-Day Thu Bon River & Organic Village Excursion: Experience real rural life in Vietnam with this full-day tour, which includes a cruise on the Thu Bon River, passing many fishing areas. Stop at Van Lang Village to witness basket boat racing, before heading to Tra Que Herb Village, where local farmers will give you an insight into their organic produce. Enjoy a culinary masterclass in Vietnamese cuisine before enjoying a delicious lunch.

Day 7: Hoi An - Hue

Breakfast at the hotel. Travel along one of Vietnams most scenic highways towards the city of Hue. Along the way, stop at the white sands of Lang Co Beach and the top of Hai Van Pass for exceptional views. Arrive in Hue and enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city's sights. Visit the Imperial City and the Royal Citadel. Much of the Citadel was destroyed during the Tet Offensive in 1968 but is gradually being restored. Next, visit King Khai Dinh Mausoleum and browse through a bustling local market. Afterwards, transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Hue.

Day 8: Hue - Ho Chi Minh City

Breakfast at the hotel. Early transfer to the airport to take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, meet your guide and visit the moving War Remnants Museum which presents a partial, but riveting, view of the American War. Continue to the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the Indochina Governor-General and later President of the Republic of Southern Vietnam until the fall of Saigon. The tour finishes with Notre Dame Cathedral and the bustling Ben Thanh Market. Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free day in this exciting city.* We recommend an optional excursion to discover the magical Mekong Delta. Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City. * Optional Mekong Delta Excursion: Depart to Ben Tre province crossing Rach Mieu bridge. On arrival in Hung Vuong Pier, hop on a motorized boat on the Ben Tre River, one of the tributes of Mekong River while witnessing the lively activities of local life along the way. Stop at a brick kiln and visit one of the many coconut processing workshops located along the canal. Take a motorized cart or bicycle along the shady paths and pass by green rice fields and vegetable plains to discover everyday life on the river. Take a rowing-boat along a beautiful water palm creek before you return to the pier.

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City - US

Breakfast at the hotel. If your flight departs in the afternoon, we recommend the option to enjoy a half-day Cu Chi tunnels visit.* In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Optional Cu Chi Tunnels Excursion: Spend the morning exploring the impressive tunnel complex of Cu Chi, dug in 1948 for guerrillas to escape the bombardment of French forces. Explore the underground villages and understand the history of the tunnels.