Vietnam Food Tour 17 days: Deep look into Vietnamese Cuisines

Warmly welcome you on arrival at Noi Bai international airport. We transfer you with a comfortable vehicle to the city center of Hanoi to check-in your hotel. This day is scheduled to take some rest after your long flight. You have the opportunity to get some first impressions of the city by yourself and of course our tour guide is always available at your request.
In the evening, we take you to have a dinner at a local restaurant then we continue to enjoy “bia hoi” - refreshingly light, chilled, straw - colored draught beer. People come to the street of beer, drink a glass not only to chit-chat but also to be open-minded, to immerse themselves in the thoughts and rhythm of life here. Not surprisingly, there are some "Western customers" who love Hanoi's beer brewery as if they love the culture and people this city.
Accommodation        : At the hotel in Hanoi
Meals                      : Dinner

Today morning, we start a full day tour with activities regarding to culinary.
At the sunrise, we take a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake where many elders have a daily morning exercise such as aerobics, yoga or TaiChi... We then sit on a restaurant to have a Vietnamese traditional breakfast – Pho noodles.
After breakfast, our guide will pick you up and show you around Hanoi, Vietnam’s gracious capital. We enjoy a full day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, home to his mausoleum, garden, house on stilts and a museum which traces his life and work.
Our first stop is to visit the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh. Located in the center of Ba Dinh Square, this is the most important monument of Vietnam in which Ho Chi Minh’s body is preserved. This site only opens on Tuesday to Thursday and weekends from 08:00 – 11:00.
The next destination is the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts, completed on May 19th, 1958 as a birthday present for uncle Ho and becomes a symbol of his simple life.
Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda. The pagoda looks like a lotus blossoming from the square pond. It was constructed in 1049 by King Ly Thai Tong based on his dream of Goddess of Mercy seating on a lotus flower and giving him a boy. In 1954, it was destroyed by the French and then restored in 1955.
We follow this with the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam. This temple provides an opportunity to learn more about education in Vietnam since 1000 years ago until recent history.
We then go to have a lunch at a local restaurant with many delicious dishes.
In the afternoon, visit the impressive Ethnologic Museum that is dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. This museum has both indoor and outdoor exhibition area with the most popular architectural styles of house’s ethnic people. The museum closed on every Monday.
05.00 pm, we have a walk through streets in Hanoi Old Quarter while listening to our professional English-speaking tour guide introducing the culture and the daily life in the evening of the local there.
The first course of our food discovering journey is “Nom Bo Kho” (dry beef salad), a very tasty and favorite food of the Hanoian before you take some steps to taste “Nem Rán” (Spring Roll) voted as one of Top Ten greatest street foods in Hanoi for tourist to enjoy. During the tour, you not only have a chance to enjoy wonderful local foods but also get the instruction from our tour guide about the ingredients and the process to make this local tasty dish.
Continue to explore the street culinary world in Hanoi by walking to Ma May to enjoy “Pho Cuon” (Stuffed pancake), one of Top Ten local foods of Hanoi which any tourist should try once when visiting this city. Get the chance to visit Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street and learn how traditional medicine was made and used there.
We will have a short walking discovery Hanoi life by night and enjoy “Phở”– the most famous food of the Vietnamese before visiting “NhaTho Lon” (St. Joseph's Cathedral) to see the architectural style of this place which is described as resembling Notre Dame de Paris.
One more local food you will taste during the tour is Banh Mi  (Vietnamese Sandwich), the pride of Vietnamese cuisine that has recently surged in popularity worldwide.
The last taste of Hanoi local food tour we would like to offer you is a famous Vietnamese coffee - “Ca phe trung” (egg coffee).
09.00 pm: Turn back to the hotel.
Accommodation        : At the hotel in Hanoi
Meals                      : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast served at hotel and then starts a 4-hour driving through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta to Ha Long City.
Declared as a World Heritage site by the UNESCO in 1994, Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural attractions. Nearly 200 km far from Hanoi, the bay is dotted with 1600 limestone islands, capturing visitors’ attention. 
Arrive in Ha Long Bay, we get on a cruise enjoying a trip through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, giving us the chance to take in the stunning scenery of this World Heritage Site. While on board we will be served a sumptuous fresh, local seafood lunch followed by a swim and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. When the sun comes down we drop anchor for the night nearby a remote island.  Dinner served on board.
Accommodation        : On Ha Long Bay Cruise
Meals                      : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip with joys and emotions for watching sunrise on sea followed by breakfast. This morning we continue to move around the bay to find more secluded areas. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a back-up vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbor before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 4-hour journey to Noi Bai airport for a flight to Hue.
Upon arrival, have our guide pick you up at the hotel proceeding to hotel for overnight.
Accommodation        : At the hotel in Hue
Meals                      : Breakfast, Lunch

Today morning, we go out to enjoy a classic breakfast of “Bun bo Hue” – one of the most traditional specialties of Hue Imperial City. Dishes with main ingredients are “bun” – a kind of noodes, beef meat, pork rolls, and broth with a characteristic red color. Sometimes it is also added with beef, crab rolls, and other ingredients depending on the preferences of the cook.
We then set out for the exploration of Hue's famous highlights, including a boat trip to visit the picturesque Thien Mu, or Heavenly Lady Pagoda. Built in 1601, it is one of the best know religious and must-see sites in Hue. Both landscape and monuments here are always in harmony and bring a feeling of peace for travelers. 
Disembark the board for a visit the Tu Duc Mausoleum. Stretching along the Perfume River, Tu Duc mausoleum is considered to be the most picturesque site of Hue. The tomb was designed by the Emperor Tu Duc himself and this is the largest architectural work of Nguyen Dynasty’s royal palaces and tombs.
We have a vegetarian lunch in a pagoda, then we we continue to visit the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City.  Built in the 19th century by Nguyen dynasty, the Citadel becomes the most important historical and cultural monument in Vietnam. It is a square 2 km wall encompassing 3 walled enclosures: the Citadel, the Yellow Imperial city, and the Forbidden Purple city.
We continue to do the walking and shopping in Dong Ba Market to enjoy the specialties of Hue city.
In the evening, we enjoy the Hue singing on Perfume River. It was the elegant pleasure of royalty and officials in Hue Royal. Drifting boat to Van Lau wharf, we were instructed by boat managers to drop lights on the Perfume River. This is a long-standing custom of the people of Hue with the desire for peace.
Accommodation        : At the hotel in Hue
Meals                      : Breakfast, Lunch

After having breakfast, we continue our south journey by road to Hoi An, which was a busy international commercial port for foreign merchants in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, Hoian is popular for its peaceful beauty, eclectic architecture, tailors and cafes.
The scenery en route is very beautiful. We make a stop at Lang Co beach for coffee and refreshments before winding our way up the spectacular Hai Van Pass to admire the stunning views north to Lang Co beach and south to Danang City. Continue on our way down to the other side and head to Da Nang where we will stop at the Cham Museum, the famed China Beach, and the Marble Mountains.
Arrival in Hoi An, we will have our first glimpse of this beautiful boutique town recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The tranquil and charm of Hoi An with its low tiled houses of Chinese appearance, Japanese covered bridge, and the colorful riverside market make it one of Vietnam’s most delightful places.
Tonight, we go out for a chance to taste a dinner at a local restaurant which served such unique specialties of Hoi An like Quang noodles, “Cao lau”…
Accommodation        : At the hotel in Hoi An
Meals                      : Breakfast, Dinner

The day today is scheduled for us to visit Cam Thanh Eco Village by bicycle, located 4 km away from Hoi An Ancient town on the east side.
Activities: Cycling, basket boat cruise, fishing, relaxing foot massage with medicinal herbs, cooking classes and lunch at local family house.
Spend a day leisurely cycling though the scenic and peaceful countryside of Vietnam, far away from the noise of the city.
After passing through town, you will find yourself cycling amongst villages of rice fields on quiet roads, ending up in Van Lang fisherman village and Bay Mau water coconut forest - 7 hectares of mangrove forest, canals, and houses covered in water coconut leaf. This place played refuge to people and local soldiers during the Vietnam War, but nowadays it is famous for its abundance of seafood. On our journey to the village we will stop at Ba Le market, rice fields, cemeteries and schools... In the village you will be warmly welcomed with a green tea by Mr. Han and his family, the third generation of his family to live here.
You are then free to stroll through the village, before rowing a basket boat with the help of skillful locals, learning their local fishing techniques in the water coconut forest. After returning to Mr. Han and his family, you will enjoy a traditional therapeutic foot bath with medicinal herbs, before helping to prepare lunch with a local family. Lunch will feature many local dishes, such as Tam Huu spring rolls, Banh Xeo local pancakes, grilled fish in banana leaf, among many other Vietnamese delicacies. Free time and the opportunity for a short rest will follow lunch, before we return to your hotel for relaxing your own.
Accommodation        : At the hotel in Hoi An
Meals                      : Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you have free time until we transfer to the airport in Da Nang for a flight to Nha Trang.
Upon arrival, have our guide pick you up transferring to the hotel for checking-in.
Relax and be ready for a sunset cocktail & dinner cruise tonight. As the sun sets the boat heads out into Nha Trang Bay, you enjoy a delicious seafood dinner as you are entertained by musicians who play against a stunning backdrop of the stars, moon and the city lights.
Accommodation        : At the hotel in Nha Trang
Meals                      : Breakfast, Dinner

This excursion takes you to visit a selection of the numerous attractions in Nha Trang City. First the car will drive you to Cau Da for a visit the Vietnam Oceanographic Institute to see the whole collection of sea creatures in Nhatrang Bay. After that, you will go to Long Son Pagoda, Cathedral or Stone Church built in French colony time, Chong Promontory Rocks and the Po Nagar Temples. The tour ends after the visit to local Dam Market.
Accommodation        : At the hotel in Nha Trang
Meals                      : Breakfast, Lunch

Start from your hotel to Cau Da port. Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island is the first place to visit, many sea species of Nha Trang/Khanh Hoa province make a small ocean world there. Mun Island is the best island for snorkeling where you can see lots of lives colorful corals and fish. You will also be able to see caves in which the sea swallows make their nests from the boat. Then relaxing, swimming & doing water sports or other activities at Mot Island, Tranh Beach Island or on a small island calling “Mini beach”. Taking a fresh Vietnamese seafood lunch at the island. On the way back you will visit a fishing village before going to the shore.
Accommodation        : At the hotel in Nha Trang
Meals                      : Breakfast, Lunch

Today morning, we get on the private car proceeding south wards to Da Lat.
Dalat flowers are well-known for their beauty. The Dalat countryside trip is one of the ideal destinations for those who prefer a trip towards nature.   
We visit Flower farms in green house is an opportunity to admire at close range Dalat roses and gerberas,...., also Coffee & tea plantation to learn how coffee beans, such as Robusta and Arabica, are grown in Vietnam. Find out how they make weasel coffee.
The other destinations are Traditional rice wine making facility, Crickets & wild animals farm and Silk factory.
Elephant waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Central Highlands at a height of 25 meters. With a powerful flow, the bouncing white foam is a spectacular sight.
We pass through Linh Ẩn Pagoda with the giant Happy Buddha Statue before stop at Dalat market to have free time for sightseeing and shopping for souvenirs, vegetables, fruit, wool clothing to bring to your family.
Accommodation        : At the hotel in Da Lat
Meals                      : Breakfast

Waken up by sunshine through a window, we start an adventure day of such romantic Da Lat. In this itinerary, you will have chances to challenge yourselves and know more about the life of the local people by visiting Bao Dai King’s Palace, Architect tunnel and Truc Lam Zen monastery nearby Tuyen Lam Lake.
The highlight of tour today is Lang Biang Mountain. Take the Jeep to go up hill Radar top which in altitude 1.950m. Enjoy the view of Dalat city and the woods surround. At night, we enjoy the ethnic set up Dinner and join the Gong-Cing bonfire performance.
Accommodation        : At the hotel in Da Lat
Meals                      : Breakfast, Dinner

Take your free time to relax until we transfer to the airport for a flight to Saigon. En route, we visit Pongour waterfall, the largest waterfall in south of Vietnam.
Upon arrival in Saigon, have our guide and driver pick you up at the airport, transferring to hotel for checking-in and relax.
At about 6:00, we will take part in the 4-hour private tour Saigon After Dark by Vespa - part night excursion, part street food adventure. The tour picks you up at hotel and first stop is to Café zoom to "watch the world goes by" (quoted by The Lonely Planet) and enjoy cocktail and appetizer (inclusive) before adventuring into favorite local eating spot. Guests experience the nightlife of Saigon the way locals do, all from the back of a vintage Vespa. The tour will start with a ride to part Chinatown and then heading to District 4 through busy streets and alleys to see the night life of locals and enjoy street sea- food and cold drinks, places that foreigner won't be found. Leaving district 4 to district 3 the tour pass through downtown district 1 to take in the sights on the way to Banh Xeo, specialty of Saigon and southern food with the locals. Then the tour will continue to a hidden Vietnamese-style coffee shop to have a taste of Vietnamese music (live) as a local. After this the tour will bring guest to a lively music venue to enjoy the drinks with live music. Guests ride pillion behind our drivers.
Accommodation        : At the hotel in Saigon
Meals                      : Breakfast, Dinner

In the morning, we pass the now-demolished wartime War Remnants Museum before we visit the Reunification Palace. 
War Remnants Museum primarily contains exhibits relating to the American phase of the Vietnam War. War Remnants Museum comprises a series of themed rooms in several buildings, with period military equipment placed within a walled yard.
Reunification Palace - a unique construction designed for the President of South Vietnam during Vietnam War. When entering, visitors can not only admire its architectural beauty but also enjoy fresh atmosphere created by trees and grasses around.
We then move to some French colonial structures including the Old Sai Gon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral to get our good shots for our memory of the biggest city in Vietnam.
We have a lunch at local restaurant before visiting Cho Lon – the large area of ​​Hoa people living along the Te Canal that stretches from District 5 and District 6 in Ho Chi Minh City. This area formerly formed a separate city with Saigon, called Cho Lon city. In the years 1930-1950, due to urbanization, Saigon and Cho Lon gradually merged.
Nearby Cho Lon is Thien Hau Temple. It is a spiritual home that has a great influence on the cultural life of the Hoa people living in the city. The pagoda was built in 1760 and was recognized as a national architectural monument in 1993. After 256 years of existence, Thien Hau pagoda still retains the unique architecture despite several repairs. The pagoda is a typical Chinese-style pagoda that owns a pure oriental style.
The final destination of a city tour is Ben Thanh Market. Developed from informal markets created by early 17th century street vendors gathering together near the Saigon River, Ben Thanh Market is the earliest surviving structure and an important symbol of Saigon. It is also a good place to by handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs and local cuisines.
In the evening, we have a dinner at a floating restaurant – a dinner cruise on Saigon River, which combine great food, history, art and music for a truly immersive experience.
Accommodation        : At the hotel in Saigon
Meals                      : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we will take a trip to explore Mekong Delta.  Transfer from your hotel in Saigon, we arrival at  Ham Luong pier and cruise on Ben Tre river, exploring the live activities rivers such as fishing, water transferring,… see brick making an handy traditional style by printing and baking. Visit one of plenty of coconut processing workshops located along canal. Cruising on natural creeks where they look smaller and smaller to go to village. Take a walk to family workshop making sleepmats and enjoying some fruits and tea.
We ride a motor cart (“xe loi”) or bike on shady paths, pass by green paddy fields and vegetable plains to touch on real life and explore tropical culture from Peasants.
After take a lunch in Hai Ho’s house – a local people, we ride a sampan along the canal before cruising back to Ham Luong pier transferring back to Saigon.
Accommodation        : At the hotel in Saigon
Meals                      : Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, our driver picks you up in the hotel and transfer to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels.
Located 70 km northwest of Saigon, Cu Chi Tunnels were an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese soldiers in the American war. Nowadays, the tunnels have become a popular tourist attraction of Vietnam.
Back to Saigon for having a lunch, then we join to a cooking class by Hoa Tuc. In a warm atmosphere, participants cook all together following step by step our Chef and everyone has their own material and ingredients for a better understanding of cooking techniques.
You will discover Vietnamese kitchenware to cook and enjoy a tasty 4 courses meal.
Accommodation        : At the hotel in Saigon
Meals                      : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

7:30 AM, your personal English speaking guide will greet and meet you at your hotel or any specific place. You will then receive safety instructions on how to ride on the back of a bike properly in order to ensure the safest experience. Then, you will soon whisk away on the back of their bikes with no problem at all to have breakfast totally in Vietnamese style.
After breakfast, let’s walk around a local wet market where locals come every day to shop is an eye opening and exciting experience. Our guides can also help you to negotiate to get the best prices and you would learn some basic Vietnamese to try trading, bargaining in Vietnamese style with the vendors. You also will try some kinds of fruit and drink coconut water in this local market.
Then, we will take you in the must-see landmarks while getting you off the crowded tourist trail. Take a peek at the history, the streets and the sights that most foreign tourists never even hear about or see on their way.
Enough for the chaos, we now will try the most famous drink in Vietnam in old hidden apartment: Vietnamese coffee and learn how to make a glass of coffee with Vietnamese filter, not a machine. It is so good and that is why it has its place in everyone's bucket list when coming to Vietnam.
Lastly, it's probably late at this time. It's time for us to have lunch together. We will take you to have some Saigon delicacy such as Com tam (broken rice) or Bun Bo (Beef noodle soup). Sound good, right?
11:30AM, after having lunch, we will take you back to your hotel. Then the time is on your own until we transfer you to the airport, taking a flight back to your hometown.
Accommodation        : Not available
Meals                      : Breakfast, Lunch