Compare Classic Vietnam by Intrepid Travel vs 10 Days 9 Nights Culinary Vacation by Go Asia Travel

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City

Xin chao! Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City – a French-infused city with a dynamic atmosphere. If you arrive early, perhaps head to Pham Ngu Lao Street to see the local open-air market or visit Vinh Nghiem Pagoda. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening, where you’ll meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. After your welcome meeting, you’ll make your way out for dinner as a group – expect mouth-watering aromas and the achingly fresh flavours of herbs, lemongrass and rich sauces.

Day 2 Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast this morning, you’ll head out of town to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels that make up part of a large war museum outside Ho Chi Minh. This former Viet Cong stronghold provides an insight into the resourcefulness and tenacity of the Vietnamese people, and offers a glimpse of what life was like during the war. Like an underground maze that stretches over 120km, the tunnels are complete with trapdoors, living areas, kitchens, storage facilities, armoury, hospitals, and command centres. Your trip through history doesn’t stop there, you’ll head back to Ho Chi Minh City to discover the War Remnants Museum where you’ll see old military equipment including an F5A fighter and a UH1-Huey helicopter. In the afternoon, you’ll be free to explore the city at your leisure. Perhaps gather some of your newfound travel buddies and explore Notre Dame, the Post Office or Reunification Palace.

Day 3 Mekong Delta

This morning you’ll wave goodbye to Ho Chi Minh City for the night and travel south by private bus to Ben Tre. When you arrive, you’ll board a small traditional boat and explore the intricate waterways of the Mekong Delta. The delta is known as ‘Vietnam’s rice bowl’ for its abundance of rice paddies, fruit and flower orchards. During the boat trip, you’ll stop to sample some of the fresh tropical fruit and visit a selection of cottage industries in the area. Then, you’ll get your first taste of Vietnamese hospitality and tuck into a home-cooked Vietnamese-style lunch at a local family home. Then, around sunset, you’ll make your way to your guesthouse to spend the night with the locals and enjoy another wonderful meal featuring regional specialties.

Day 4 Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy more of the Mekong Delta’s finest fruits over breakfast this morning and then hit the road back to Ho Chi Minh City where you’ll arrive in the late afternoon. This evening will be yours to explore, perhaps go in search of the best food with some of your fellow travellers – your group leader will know where to go for meals of any budget. Then, you might like to leave yourself time to check out one of the city’s vibrant rooftop bars.

Day 5 Hoi An

This morning, you’ll take a short flight to Danang and make your way to your next stop in Hoi An. On arrival in Hoi An, shake off your morning of travel and dig into a traditional Vietnamese lunch to welcome you to the city. Our hot tip – try the mi quang or cao lau noodles that Central Vietnam is famed for. After lunch, your leader will take you on an orientation walk around the World Heritage-listed Old Town. The city was a major trading port with the west during the 16th and 17th-centuries, and has various architectural influences from Europe, China and Japan. Today, the city is being restored and looks much like it did over a century ago. You'll see Chinese temples, Japanese pagodas, French-colonial houses, wooden shop-houses and old canals during your walk. After your walking tour, enjoy free time to participate in optional activities or simply soak up the ambience of the place. You may like to wander Hoi An Market and the street stalls selling paintings, woodwork, ceramics, lanterns and much more.

Day 6 Hoi An

Enjoy a free day to further explore Hoi An and its majestic surrounds. Perhaps rent a bicycle and take a trip out to the nearby Cua Dai Beach. Better yet, why not book into an Urban Adventure, like Hoi An Boat & Bike, which offers a guided tour of the area, including a countryside bike ride and a sunset cruise along the Thu Bon River. Vietnam is, of course, known for its delicious food, and Hoi An is no exception. To unlock the flavours of Hoi An's vibrant Old Town on Hoi An Food Adventure. See urbanadventures.com/destination/Hoi-An-tours for more information. Your leader can help arrange optional activities and tours if this interests you.

Day 7 Hoi An

Spend another day as you please in this historic haven. If you can muster an early rise this morning, head to the local produce market to watch animated shoppers haggling over fresh fish, spices and vegetables. Otherwise, if you’d like, your leader can help you arrange an optional Vietnamese cooking class, or a visit to the ruins of My Son – Vietnam's most important Cham site. Set in a verdant valley, surrounded by hills and overlooked by the massive Cat's Tooth Mountain, the elaborate World Heritage-listed temples here reflect the cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation that flourished in this region between the fourth and 12th-century. There’s plenty to see and do here, this is your opportunity to decide how to spend your day.

Day 8 Hue

Continue your journey north today and drive over the spectacular Hai Van Pass – an incredibly scenic and mountainous stretch of highway with views of Lang Co Beach. Make a stop at beautiful Lang Co to buy yourself some lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Hue – Vietnam’s former Imperial capital. Here you’ll take a step into the past as you visit the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. As the name suggests, The Forbidden Purple City was once reserved only for the personal use of the emperor and his concubines. It was almost entirely destroyed by bomb blasts during the war and now serves as a reminder of centuries past – the crumbling palaces tell a fascinating story if you look carefully. After a little time to explore, the evening will be at your leisure to relax and simply enjoy this poetic place.

Day 9 Hue

After a local breakfast of bun bo hue – a spiced beef noodle soup – it’s time to really delve into the historical highlights of Hue. You’ll stop off at the Thien Mu Pagoda and get the chance to see an active Buddhist monastery dating back to 1601. Your adventures will work up an appetite that we’ll quickly fill with a delicious vegetarian feast at a local nunnery for lunch. Feeling full with more Vietnamese delicacies and warm hospitality, you’ll make one final stop at one of the royal tombs, that of Emperor Tu Duc, with its lake, frangipani and pine trees. After a big day of exploring beautiful sights, the evening is yours to enjoy as you wish. Our tip – be sure to ask your leader which of Hue’s favourites you should seek out for dinner – it’s not known as Vietnam’s culinary capital for nothing.

Day 10 Hanoi

After breakfast today, you’ll take a flight from Hue to Vietnam’s charming capital of Hanoi. Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious lunch at KOTO restaurant – an Intrepid Foundation supported program that teaches disadvantaged youth hospitality skills. After lunch, take a half-day tour of Hanoi that captures the beauty and the history of the laidback, tree-lined capital. You’ll visit major sights including the Temple of Literature and One Pillar Pagoda. You’ll also pass by Hoan Kiem Lake and enter the ’36 Streets’ of the historic Old Quarter – a series of interwoven lanes and roads that historically sell a certain product in each street. Silk, bamboo, ceramics, kitchen products – and upwards of 32 more!

Day 11 Ninh Binh

You’ll depart Hanoi for the UNESCO protected Ninh Binh this morning. A naturally beautiful area, often referred to as ‘Ha Long Bay on land’, with its winding river etched between towering limestone mountains. On arrival, you’ll head straight to the Dinh and Le Temples which were built in the 10th century and dedicated to two of the kings of Vietnam. After exploring the ancient temples, you’ll be welcomed into a local home for a traditional Vietnamese lunch. Meet the family who live here and enjoy their Vietnamese delicacies... think everything from grilled beef wrapped with guise leaves, to spring rolls, to fried fish with tomato sauce. With a full belly and fuller heart, top off the day in this scenic spot with a rowboat cruise along the wetland of Van Long. As you paddle, you’ll be awed by the surrounding limestone mountain peaks and rice paddy fields, plus enjoy the pastel hues of a lotus pond along your way.

Day 12 Ninh Binh

Wake up without an alarm today as you’ve got the morning to explore at your leisure before a fun, action-packed afternoon to take in Thung Nham ecotourism zone, just outside of Ninh Binh. First up, you’ll take a traditional rowboat to discover the largest natural bird garden in the north of Vietnam. Float peacefully along the calm waters, as you’re surrounded by towering mountains, lush greenery and, of course, a mass of beautiful bird species. Then, you’ll explore the cave system that features Vai Gioi Cave, But Cave and Tien Ca Cave. From here, your journey will take you to spiritual sights that include the thousand year-old banyan tree, Gii Dai Temple and Linh Than Mieu. Finally, you’ll get a chance to unwind as you explore the Thung Nham flower paradise, nursery and vegetable garden.

Day 13 Halong Bay

Travel by private minibus to the spectacular World Heritage-listed site of Halong Bay. This is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful places – a bay of emerald waters flecked with sandstone islands and caves. Here, you’ll go on a cruise to explore Surprise Cave and surrounding rock formations, and in the warmer months perhaps go kayaking or opt for a swim from Ti Top Island. Access to Surprise Cave is via staircases, once inside the cave the pathways are a little uneven and slippery so be sure to watch your step. This evening, you’re in for a real treat – you’ll spend the night on a traditional cruising boat. The sailing junk (traditional sailing boat) has twin-share cabins with air-conditioning and private facilities. There's also a dining room and bar where you’ll enjoy all of your meals, including fresh seafood for lunch and dinner.

Day 14 Hanoi

You'd be forgiven for thinking you were still dreaming upon waking up today. Soak up the scenery of Halong Bay from your floating accommodation and take in those turquoise water views one last time before hitting the road toward Hanoi. Along the way, you’ll stop at Dong Trieu Factory to watch locals creating ceramic art pieces. On arrival in Hanoi enjoy a unique water-puppet performance hosted by a local family, who are experts in this art form. Tonight, gather as a group with your leader and tuck into dinner together, perhaps take this chance to try traditional Cha Ca La Vong, a fish dish bursting with flavour, filled with fresh herbs and noodles. Enjoy this evening with your group as you reminisce on the highlights of your Vietnam adventure.

Day 15 Hanoi

With no activities planned for today, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you would like to spend some more time in Hanoi, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Day 1: Hanoi - Airport pick up - Check in hotel in Hanoi

Pick up from the Noi Bai (HAN) airport and then transfer you to the hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter – the most exciting place for tourist. After that you are free to visit Hanoi City by yourself.

Note: Check in time  Our people will greet and brief all information around the trip.

Day 2: Hanoi - Halong Bay - overnight on Cruises

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Pick-up at the hotel. (Note: this time applied for those who book our shuttle bus service)

Having short break at stopover in Hai Duong Province.

Embark on Cruise followed by a short cruise briefing and enjoy welcome-drink. Check in the cabin.

Enjoy lunch with sampling regional fresh seafood while cruising on exquisite water, passing Incense Burner Island, Fighting Cock islet, Stone Dog… Our cruise will bring you to explore Ha Long Bay on the most wonderful route where just a few cruises go through.

• Do kayaking through the magnificent landscape with Limestone Mountains in Luon Cave, visit Titop Island and swimming or just relaxing on the sun-deck for fantastic views at The Bay
• Back to Lavender Elegance Cruise and join sunset party
• Pass by Soi Sim Beach, “Rang Dua” Island to sleeping area near The Surprising cave.
• Join our Cooking Class in the restaurant. Let’s see how to make the fresh/fried spring rolls and mix fish-sauce.

Under the magnificent night sky, our set-menu dinner is served with a variety of Vietnamese and Asian foods. After dinner, join squid fishing on boat with our crews. You can enjoy the squid cooked with assistance from our chef, Playing card, karaoke….

Overnight on our cruises

Day 3: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Check in hotel in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Morning exercises on the Sun-deck.

Have breakfast with Coffee, tea and Bakeries on board.

Visit the Surprising Cave (Hang Sung Sot) discovered by the French in 1901. Opened for tourists since 1936, now it is a must-to-see and a symbol for geology value of Halong.

Check out time. Then relax on the sun-deck or inside the restaurant to enjoy the bay’s scenery.

Enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch while cruising back to the pier.

Check out cruise. Our car will be at your disposal to pick you up then drive back to Hanoi.

Arrive in Hanoi.

Day 4: Hanoi cooking class – Flight to Da Nang

Meals: Breakfast

your tour guide will pick you up at your hotel and take a walk to the outdoor wet market with the chef. You will be fascinated with every step by the color, noise, and the smells of the foods.

Stroll around to visit distinct food sections with their variety of herbs, vegetables, meat, and sea food which brings you very close to the simple life. It is very interesting to see and to learn how a local woman chooses and buys the best quality of the fresh food from numerous food stalls in the market.

With a rattan hand basket, your job is to buy some herbs and spices for the cooking class (herbs and spices are a very important part of authentic Vietnamese food). Raw food bought from the market will be washed and prepared quickly in the kitchen. Cooking methods and utensils will be placed properly on each table.

You will prepare and cook by yourself under the instruction of the chef from the beginning to the end, learning how to marinate and to spice will be the most crucial lesson. You will also enjoy decorating dishes with carrot flowers, lemon grass stems, banana leaves, and curved chili. The authentic magical sauce mixed from fish sauce, water, sugar, lime, chili, garlic, and herbs is very easy to make.

At 12:00 p.m., you will have lunch with what you have cooked and the chef will taste and give a reward to the best dish. At 1:00 p.m. after lunch, all of the recipes from the cooking class will be given to you.

After you are free in Hanoi till our driver come to pick you up for the transfer to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Arrive in Da Nang our driver would pick you up then transfer you to the hotel in Hoi An.

Day 5: Hoi An half day cooking class

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

You start the day with a welcome drink at the cooking school at 98 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hoi An Ancient Town which will be your meeting point. Visit Hoi An’s colourful market and experience the amazing sights, sounds, and aromas of this busy market. You will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and learn about all the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later.

You board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise for 25 minutes along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. This is a chance to view local river life, so make sure your camera is handy.

On arrival, you explore the cooking school’s herb garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s well-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about two hours and the Red Bridge chefs first demonstrate each dish before you prepare the same dish yourselves. Included in the class is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). After the lesson, you sit down and eat what you have cooked.

Bring your swimsuit and after the cooking tour has finished, relax and enjoy the free use of the swimming pool. Towels and showers are provided. Catch your own taxi back to hotel after the tour and overnight in Hoi An.

Note: Please get to the meeting point Hai café No 98 Nguyen Thai Hoc str at 8.00 AM. Our guide will meet you there

Day 6: My Son tour

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

The bus and tour guide pick you up at your hotel

Leaving Hoi An  for My Son HolyLand.

Arriving in My Son – the Holyland surrounded by the marvelous mountains, 48km west of Hoi An. My Son was chosen as a religious center, built in the late 4th century under the Cham’s King Bhadravaman. It is a huge religious complex with over 70 towers and temples of different architectures. Wander through the elaborate carvings and sculptures of the Cham people, tourists are welcomed at the Old Tower of the Cham.

Spend 2 hours to enjoy and discover the beauty of Acient buidings at of the Champa  Kingdom with our tour guide.

Leaving My Son for Cau Lau boat station and taking a boat trip on Thu Bon river. You could visit the living of the local people and feeling the fresh air. You will have soft lunch on the boat and see the beautiful views along the river

The boat trip will finish at Bach Dang Boat station. Our driver will pick you up to local restaurant for lunch. Back to your hotel after lunch & End your trip!

Day 7: Check out – fly to Ho Chi Minh – check in hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Today you are free in Hoi An Town till our driver come to pick you up for the transfer to Da Nang for the flight to Ho Chi Minh city.

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh, our driver would pick you up then transfer you to the hotel. You are free in the city today

Day 8: HCM cooking class – Cu Chi tunnel

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Pickup from hotel in HCM to Agricultural Villages. You will be visiting Ho Chi Minh Agricultural Villages from 8:45 to 10:00 a.m., as well as visiting cow areas, visiting buffalo areas, visiting rice fields, visiting big herbs, spices, vegetables, and mushrooms areas.

You will have challenges on the garden such as to become real Vietnamese farmer wearing Vietnamese traditional hat and pick up a lot of herbs, spices, vegetables, and mushrooms from the garden.

The cooking challenge will be from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It will be hands-on cooking class with three dishes and one dessert. You will get to enjoy great healthy cooking tips, congratulation with nice certificate, recipes, souvenirs, and then have collect email which will update nice healthy recipes monthly.

You will be visiting the rice paper factory from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in order to understand the whole process to make rice paper. You will be surprised to see what are the main ingredient to make rice paper. You will see how they mix the flour with water, how the fresh rice paper comes out after steaming, how they handle it on the tray and how they dry it out, how they cut rice paper in the shape they want, and how they pack the rice paper in the packages before selling or exporting.

You will be visiting the rubber tree forest from 2:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. You will be exploring the big rubber tree forest and understand how the local people collect the latex.

Then, you will be visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels from 2:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. where you will be watching a presentation video, see the tunnels and discover how these tunnels were constructed, visiting Hoang Cam's smoke-less store, trying gun shooting with real bullets (fees not included), tasting boiled tapioca, and drinking hot tea. The journey will end at 5:30 p.m. in a hotel Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 9: HCMC - Mekong delta - Cai Be Floating Market - Vinh Long tour

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Picking up from hotel/stay

Starting drive to Cai Be. Short time to take photos at Tan An town over the flat rice fields.

Start the motorized boat to visit the Cai Be Floating market, experience how people exchanging goods, fruit and many other commodities on their vessels. Visitors then roam into the small villages to visit the orchard, fruit plantation. Keep cruising to Vinh Long through small canals to enjoy the charm of the Upper Mekong Delta. Visit some handmade family business products such as the coconut candy mill, the crispy rice popcorn.

Arrive in Binh Hoa Phuoc village the green pearl of Vinh Long town where you can indulge yourself into the nature.

Have lunch with fresh river food served in the heart of the garden. Enjoy the southern Vietnamese traditional folk music. Take a nice walk through the bonsai garden, in Vinh Long. Head home to Ho Chi Minh City.

Arrive in your hotel.

Day 10: HCMC – Departure

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, free at leisure till the time for you to be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.

Note: Finish tour in Siem Reap. Not included flight out ticket.