- 4.9/5 327 Latest reviews
- Destination: Vietnam
- Duration: 11 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Cuisine
About This Trip
Vietnam Culinary Tour is a deeply immersive 11-day journey that introduces you to the country through its most powerful storyteller—food. Traveling from vibrant Ho Chi Minh City in the south to historic Hanoi in the north, this private tour blends iconic Vietnamese flavors with authentic, hands-on cultural experiences.
From sizzling street food stalls and Vespa night food tours in Saigon to cooking alongside local families in the Mekong Delta, every meal reveals the traditions behind Vietnam’s diverse regional cuisine. In Hoi An, explore lively markets, countryside villages, and time-honored food crafts, while in Hanoi, uncover northern specialties and master the art of egg coffee.
Beyond cuisine, this journey weaves in Vietnam’s highlights—UNESCO World Heritage towns, scenic countryside cycling, lantern-lit streets, and an overnight Halong Bay cruise with onboard cooking demonstrations. Designed for food lovers and curious travelers alike, this Vietnam culinary tour connects you with local people, regional flavors, and unforgettable moments at every stop.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 2
Ho Chi Minh City
City walking tour, Vespa night food tour
3
Mekong Delta
Market visit, cooking class, family-style lunch
4–6
Hoi An
Ancient town, countryside villages, food crafts
7–8
Hanoi
City tour, egg coffee experience, cyclo ride
9–10
Halong Bay
Overnight cruise, cooking demo, cave exploration
11
Hanoi
Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City – Gateway to Vietnam’s Food Culture
Arrive in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, where your Vietnam culinary tour begins. Meet your private guide and transfer to your hotel in the city center. The remainder of the day is free to relax or take a gentle walk around nearby streets to soak in the city’s energetic atmosphere. In the evening, you may choose to enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking Saigon’s illuminated skyline, a perfect introduction to Vietnam’s evolving culinary scene.
Highlights: Airport arrival, private transfer, leisure time
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 2: Saigon City Tour & Vespa Night Food Experience
Explore Ho Chi Minh City’s iconic landmarks including the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Old Central Post Office. At lunch, enjoy classic Vietnamese dishes in a popular local restaurant known for its regional specialties.
As night falls, jump on a vintage Vespa and follow your local foodie guide through hidden alleyways and lively neighborhoods. Taste sizzling Banh Xeo, fresh seafood, and street-side delicacies before finishing with rich Vietnamese coffee or dessert.
Highlights: City sightseeing, Vespa street food tour, local eateries
- B , L
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 3: Mekong Delta Experience & Family Cooking Class
Travel south into the lush Mekong Delta, a region famous for tropical fruits and river life. Visit a bustling local market, then cruise along coconut-lined canals by traditional boat. Stop at village workshops to sample fresh tropical juice, coconut candies, and homemade jams.
Continue to a peaceful riverside village where a local family welcomes you for a hands-on cooking class. Prepare traditional Mekong dishes together before enjoying a warm family-style lunch, offering deep insight into southern Vietnamese home cooking.
Highlights: Mekong boat cruise, village visits, family cooking class
- B , L
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City – Da Nang – Hoi An
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Ho Chi Minh City before transferring to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, take a private transfer to the charming town of Hoi An. Check in to your hotel and enjoy free time to unwind.
In the evening, take a gentle stroll through Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets along the Thu Bon River, where colorful lights and riverside cafés create a magical atmosphere.
Highlights: Domestic flight, arrival in Hoi An, evening riverside walk
- B , L
- Hoi An
- Day 5: Hoi An Ancient Town & Culinary Discovery
Spend the morning exploring Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese assembly halls, and centuries-old merchant houses that reflect the town’s rich trading history.
At lunchtime, sample local specialties such as Cao Lau noodles or White Rose dumplings at a well-known local restaurant. The afternoon is free for tailor shopping, spa treatments, or relaxing by the pool.
Highlights: Ancient Town sightseeing, local cuisine tasting
- B , L
- Hue
- Day 6: Hoi An Countryside, Basket Boat Ride & Family Cooking Class
Visit Hoi An’s lively local market to select fresh ingredients alongside your guide. Then enjoy a fun bamboo basket boat ride through coconut palm waterways, offering a unique glimpse into rural life. Continue to a tranquil countryside village for a family cooking class, where you’ll prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes together before sitting down for a home-cooked lunch.
Later, visit a traditional fish sauce workshop to learn about one of Vietnam’s most essential culinary ingredients and sample its distinctive flavors.
Highlights: Local market visit, basket boat ride, family cooking class, fish sauce workshop
- B , L
- Hoi An
- Day 7: Hoi An – Da Nang – Hanoi
Enjoy a free morning in Hoi An before transferring to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax.
In the evening, you may explore Hanoi’s vibrant dining scene independently or enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant showcasing northern Vietnamese cuisine.
Highlights: Domestic flight, arrival in Hanoi, leisure time
- B
- Hanoi
- Day 8: Hanoi City Tour & Egg Coffee Experience
Discover Hanoi’s cultural highlights including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside view), House on Stilts, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. After lunch, join an egg coffee workshop to learn how this iconic Hanoi drink is made and enjoy tasting your own creation.
Later, take a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter’s narrow streets before ending the day with a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake.
Highlights: City sightseeing, egg coffee making, cyclo ride
- B , L
- Hanoi
- Day 9: Hanoi – Halong Bay Overnight Cruise
Depart Hanoi for Halong Bay and board your overnight cruise. Sail through dramatic limestone karsts, explore impressive caves, and enjoy time to relax or swim at a scenic island beach.
As the sun sets, join a cooking demonstration led by the onboard chef before enjoying a delicious Vietnamese dinner while surrounded by breathtaking bay views.
Highlights: Halong Bay cruise, cave exploration, cooking demonstration
- B , L , D
- Halong Bay
- Day 10: Halong Bay – Hanoi
Start the day with Tai Chi on the sundeck as dawn breaks over the bay. After breakfast, enjoy kayaking or a bamboo boat ride through tranquil waters. Brunch is served onboard before disembarking and transferring back to Hanoi.
The evening is free for last-minute shopping or an optional street food tour in the Old Quarter.
Highlights: Tai Chi session, kayaking, return to Hanoi
- B
- Hanoi
- Day 11: Hanoi Departure
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your private transfer to the airport for your onward journey, concluding your unforgettable Vietnam culinary tour.
Highlights: Departure transfer
- B
Trip Highlights
Golden Bridge Adventure
Ride a scenic cable car to Ba Na Hills and walk the famous cloud-high bridge.
Hoi An Sunset Lantern Boat
Cruise rivers at twilight, release lanterns, and admire Hoi An’s magical evening glow.
Hanoi Street Food Tour
Taste local favorites in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and finish with iconic Vietnamese coffee.
Accommodation Options
The hotels listed below have been carefully selected based on customer feedback. You can either choose the ones you'd like to stay in or allow our travel experts to recommend options tailored to your specific requirements.
Ho Chi Minh City 3 Nights
- 5.0
Top Choice
Lotte Hotel Saigon
Address: 2A - 4A Ton Duc Thang St, District 1, HCMC, Vietnam
- 4.0
Harmony Saigon Hotel & Spa
Address: 32A-34 Bui Thi Xuan St- Ben Thanh Ward, Dist.1, HCMC, Vietnam
- 4.0
Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel
Address: 17 Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1, TP.HCMC, Vietnam
- 5.0
Sofitel Saigon Plaza
Address: 17 Le Duan Boulevard, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hoi An 3 Nights
- 5.0
Top Choice
Lasenta Boutique Hotel Hoi An
Address: 57 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam
- 4.0
Allegro Hoi An – Little Luxury Hotel & Spa
Address: 86 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoi An, Quang Nam, Vietnam
- 4.0
Hoi An Central Boutique Hotel & Spa
Address: 91 Hung Vuong Street, Hoi An, Vietnam
- 5.0
Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa
Address: Lac Long Quan Street, Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An Town, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam
Hanoi 2 Nights
- 5.0
Top Choice
InterContinental Hanoi Westlake
Address: 5 Tu Hoa street Tay Ho, Hanoi, Vietnam
- 4.0
The Lapis Hotel
Address: 21 Tran Hung Dao Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam
- 4.0
La Siesta Premium Hang Be
Address: No 27 Hang Be St, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam
- 5.0
The Oriental Jade Hotel
Address: 92 & 94 Hang Trong street, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam
Halong Bay 1 Night
- 5.0
Top Choice
Orchid Trendy Cruise
Address: 32, Anh Dao St, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam
- 4.0
Athena Luxury Cruise
Address: 49 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hon Gai Wharf, Halong City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam
- 4.0
Athena Royal Cruise
Address: 49 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hon Gai Wharf, Halong city, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam
- 5.0
Paradise Elegance
Address: Tuan Chau Island, Halong, Quang Ninh, Vietnam
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