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12 Day itinerary in Vietnam, Asia

Vietnamese Cuisine Journey

Welcome to an extraordinary 12-day culinary adventure through the beautiful landscapes of Vietnam, a gastronomic paradise. Prepare to get the most out of your stay in Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City! Apart from satisfying your taste buds, you will also be able to immerse yoursel... Read More

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Maya

By Maya

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Hanoi

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Meet local people

Historic & cultural landmarks

Outdoors & Nature

Food & Drink

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Explore Hanoi City sightseeing with a cooking class at Hanoian House

2

Venture the untouristic places in Hue and savor the unique dining experience of rice with salt

3

Admire Hoi An ancient town and join-in a cooking class to taste the impressive cuisine in Hoi An

4

Visit Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy take apart in the cooking class from an organic garden

Itinerary

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Day 1

place Hanoi Arrival - Food on foot tour

Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam which is one of the most enticing Asian cities with cultural richness, vibrant street life, and impressive cuisine. Touring the city, you will see Hanoi's tourist attractions and relics. This Vietnamese Cuisine Tour also presents a taste of all ranges of dishes in Hanoi with street food on the pavements, beguiling dishes in high-end restaurants, and variable types of drinks.

Upon your arrival at the airport in Hanoi, you will be greeted by your local tour guide and travel to the hotel for check-in.

Late in the evening, delve into the Hanoi local street food tour. Following your local guide, you will sample popular food and let them melt in your mouth. While walking to explore Hanoi Old Quarter, don’t forget to pass by a few stops to taste the yummy Noodle soup, Vietnamese baguette, steamed rolls stuffed with ear-mushroom and minced pork, Vietnamese spring rolls in deep fried and fresh style, local beer at beer hub or a Vietnamese coffee. After finishing your street food tour, get back to the hotel and relax on your own. 

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Snacks

Accommodation:

  • Standard Package: La Passion Classic Hotel
  • Deluxe Package: Hanoi Le Jardin Hotel & Spa
  • Premium Package: Meliá Hanoi
Day 2

place Hanoi City – Cooking Class at Hanoian House

In the morning, move to the outer of Hanoi centre for a fun Hanoi cooking class tour, which begins with a stroll to the local market for fresh cooking ingredients. Morning is the busiest and most energetic time of the day, when all stalls are filled up colourfully and abundantly. You can observe the local buying and selling rituals, and learn of the main cooking style as well as regularly used ingredients and combinations. Having everything ready, you will take part in the cooking class and prepare the traditional dishes of Vietnam. The host is happy to escort and share the cooking experience with you.

Finishing the cooking with an authentic experience of Vietnamese cuisine, you’ll enjoy your lunch there and return to the city centre afterwards. On the way back, have a coffee break at a local coffee with a view over the streets, the city’s impressive pottery mosaic wall, and the Long Bien historical bridge used for trains, pedestrians, and primitive vehicles. You then can have a walk on the bridge to cast an up-close vision over the Red River before returning to your city centre.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Standard Package: La Passion Classic Hotel
  • Deluxe Package: Hanoi Le Jardin Hotel & Spa
  • Premium Package: Meliá Hanoi
Day 3

place Hanoi City

Prepare to gain a deeper understanding of the city by visiting the iconic tourist attractions of Hanoi. Arriving at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, you will pay a visit to the Ho Chi Minh President's Mausoleum, where his embalmed body has been preserved since his decease in 1969. When treading around, you will also catch the sight of the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh President's houses, and the One Pillar Pagoda constructed like a lotus flower on the pond. Next, visit the Temple of Literature renowned as the first university of Vietnam since 1070, and a Confucius Temple. Though the premise of this educational sanctuary was shrunk down, the temple protected by surrounding walls still preserves the studious spirits, the cultural architecture, and inspiring relics. This makes the Temple of Literature one of the most significant cultural places for Vietnamese students.

At noon, have lunch with scrumptious authentic Vietnamese dishes. Afterward, pay a visit to a passionate artisan who will privately show you his traditional job of performing water puppets at his own house. 

Later, get to the heart of Hanoi with Hoan Kiem Lake of verdant green water and trees. From there, you will take a traditional cyclo ride and see the other side of Hanoi with Colonial architecture buildings like the Hanoi Opera House, Metropole Legend Hotel, the State Bank, Trang Tien Bridge, etc.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Standard Package: La Passion Classic Hotel
  • Deluxe Package: Hanoi Le Jardin Hotel & Spa
  • Premium Package: Meliá Hanoi
Day 4

place Hanoi – Halong Bay

This morning, you will check out the hotel and leave Hanoi for Halong Bay, one of the must-see in Vietnam. Arriving at the bay at noon, you will embark on the oriental-style Halong Bay cruise and have lunch while the boat sails among towering karst peaks. There are nearly 2,000 islands and islets scattered over the bay, some of which are dotted with huge caves and grottos. Besides enjoying a pleasant time in the serene nature, you can participate in outdoor activities according to cruise schedules like kayaking in water lagoons, sunset break, cooking demonstration, hiking to the Halong Bay cave, and going swimming. After a lavish dinner on the boat, you can chill out on your own or try your luck on squid fishing.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Standard Package: Mila Cruises Lounge
  • Deluxe Package: Starlight Cruise Halong official
  • Premium Package: Indochine Premium Cruise
Day 5

place Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hue

Early risers will find the freshness and quietness of the bay by capturing the sunrise on Ha Long Bay and practicing Tai Chi exercises with an instructor on the top deck. After breakfast, the cruise’s anchor will be lifted and carry on the sail for you to contemplate the landscape and join activities to explore Ha Long Bay. Early noon, the boat returns to the shore. You will disembark the cruise after your brunch and meet your driver for the transfer to the airport in Hanoi before catching the flight to Hue.

Hue is a unique city located in the middle of the country and was the former capital where the last feudal dynasty of Vietnam existed. Apart from the tranquil landscape of rivers, cities, and rural villages, Hue is impressive for the Imperial inheritance of architecture, history, skillful handicrafts, and sophisticated cuisine. Arriving at Hue airport, you will meet with your local tour guide and travel to the hotel in Hue for check-in. The rest of the day will be at your leisure.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Standard Package: Mondial Hotel Hue
  • Deluxe Package: Alba Spa Hotel
  • Premium Package: Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel
Day 6

place Hue City – Chuon Lagoon

Begin the nice day in Hue with Imperial Citadel for a brief on the histories of the Nguyen Dynasty, royal rituals, and stunning ornate carvings. Afterward, visit Thien Mu Pagoda on a hill facing the Perfume River. Here, you will find the iconic seven-story pagoda and historical stories of Buddhism during wartime. Your lunch will be served at a local garden restaurant. 

In the afternoon, you'll go to Tu Duc Tomb nestled on a luxuriant hill, which was designed by Emperor Tu Duc himself before his death. The tomb showcases impressive Vietnamese art and scenic views over the pavilion on Lotus Lake and winding paths on the hills. Next, head to Chuon Lagoon distanced around 11km from Hue City. After meeting up with local people, you’ll hop on a local wooden boat and sail to the endless lagoon of fisheries to enjoy the striking sunset. You also can observe and experience local fishing styles, learn more about the life of fishermen and enjoy snacks with a local beer in Hue.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Standard Package: Mondial Hotel Hue
  • Deluxe Package: Alba Spa Hotel
  • Premium Package: Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel
Day 7

place Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An

This morning is at your leisure. At noon, have a unique journey lunch of Royal dish Rice with Salt with Mrs. Nhu Huy, a famous Vietnamese and Hue gastronomy artisan. She will introduce the dish, the special combination, and the stories of each dish. It requires perfect combination and time to create those dishes to bring high-quality flavors of salts.

After lunch, leave Hue for Hoi An in a nearly 3-hour drive passing by the pristine Lang Co Beach and over Hai Van Pass. Have a break on the coastal mountain pass, which overlooks the bay with a splendid panoramic view. Arriving in Hoi An late afternoon, you will check in hotel in Hoi An and relax for the rest of the day.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Standard Package: Le Pavillon Hoi An Luxury Resort & Spa
  • Deluxe Package: Little Hoi An Boutique Hotel & Spa
  • Premium Package: Allegro Hoi An . A Little Luxury Hotel & Spa
Day 8

place Hoi An Ancient Town - Cooking Class

This morning, you will ramble around Hoi An Ancient Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old houses of 2 or 3 floors here are all attached and designed in unique architectures of the combinations between Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, and French styles. Stopping at the Japanese pagoda bridge, the Fujian communal house, Chinese houses, or Pottery museums…, you will find the details and reveal the development of the port town. Hoi An ancient town in Vietnam is the place for you to go back to the old dates and enjoy pleasurable moments. After lunch, get back to the hotel and have some resting moment. You're free to get around the town shopping for leather, tailor-made suits, and other local handicrafts.

In the evening, head to the Hai Cafe and join a cooking class. Your chef will introduce you to the local ingredients, take you through the preparation, and explain the Hoi An style of cooking. Then it is your turn to chop, grate, crush, slice, roll, and cook the ingredients into a delicious meal. Your 5-course dinner includes Spring Rolls Hoi An Style, Hoi An Beef Salad in a Bamboo Basket, Grilled Fish in Banana Leaf, and 2 Hoi An specialties* - White Rose and Fried Wanton. These secret recipes are made by only 1 family in Hoi An, and are included in the meal, but are not part of the cooking class.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Standard Package: Le Pavillon Hoi An Luxury Resort & Spa
  • Deluxe Package: Little Hoi An Boutique Hotel & Spa
  • Premium Package: Allegro Hoi An . A Little Luxury Hotel & Spa
Day 9

place Hoi An – Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City

This morning is on your leisure to chill out at hotel or take a bicycle and traverse to the countryside of Hoi An or pristine beaches. 

After check-out, travel to the airport in Da Nang for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon your arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, the most developed city in Vietnam, you will see your local tour guide and get transferred from the airport to Ho Chi Minh City centre.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Standard Package: Central Park SaiGon Hotel
  • Deluxe Package: Paragon Saigon Hotel
  • Premium Package: Hotel Majestic Saigon
Day 10

place Ho Chi Minh City – Saigon River Dinner Cruise

In the morning, embark on a city tour of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly called Saigon, a metropolis with a strong influence of colonial and Chinese cultures. Pay a visit to the main attractions of the city like the central post office, one of the architectural designs of Gustave Eiffel, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace, Ben Thanh market, and the walking street of Dong Khoi.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Chinatown of Saigon, which dates back to 1778. During the Vietnam War, this area became a black market for US soldiers to trade some of the supplies. Along the way, you will stop by the Thien Hau Pagoda and Binh Tay Market opened by the Chinese community in Vietnam.

For dinner, enjoy chilling time on the River Cruise on the Saigon River. After a welcoming cocktail, you will have the chance to sample some rustic Indochina delicacies on a Saigon River cruise while enjoying traditional shows.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Standard Package: Central Park SaiGon Hotel
  • Deluxe Package: Paragon Saigon Hotel
  • Premium Package: Hotel Majestic Saigon
Day 11

place Cooking Class at organic garden – Cu Chi Tunnels

In the morning, travel around one hour to an organic garden in a vegetable village. The host will welcome and introduce to you their large gardens, which feature variable organic vegetable types. Then, start your cooking class by making three dishes and enjoy lunch.

After dining, travel to the nearby Cu Chi Tunnels. Dug by the Viet Minh resistance force during the Indochina war, Cu Chi Tunnels is comprised of an underground tunnel network which was then extended larger during the Vietnam War up to a total length of 200km and around 3-4m deep. First, watch a documentary about the tunnels and the war during the 60s – 70s, then explore the tunnels to find full necessary equipment like a meeting room, kitchen, weapon stores, offices, and clinic... Afterward, you will be taken by land back to Ho Chi Minh City in around 1.5 hours.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Standard Package: Central Park SaiGon Hotel
  • Deluxe Package: Paragon Saigon Hotel
  • Premium Package: Hotel Majestic Saigon
Day 12

place Ho Chi Minh City Departure

Have a free & easy time after breakfast at the hotel till good time, then see your tour guide and take a private transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to the airport.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • La Passion Classic Hotel
  • Mila Cruises Lounge
  • Mondial Hotel Hue
  • Le Pavillon Hoi An Luxury Resort & Spa
  • Central Park SaiGon Hotel
  • Hanoi Le Jardin Hotel & Spa
  • Starlight Cruise Halong official
  • Alba Spa Hotel
  • Little Hoi An Boutique Hotel & Spa
  • Paragon Saigon Hotel
  • Meliá Hanoi
  • Indochine Premium Cruise
  • Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel
  • Allegro Hoi An . A Little Luxury Hotel & Spa
  • Hotel Majestic Saigon

Meals expand_less

  • Snacks (1)
  • Breakfast (11)
  • Lunch (9)
  • Dinner (3)

Transport expand_less

  • Private air-conditioned transportation

Activities expand_less

  • Cooking classes and dining experience as mentioned in the program
  • Professional English-speaking tour guides
  • Boat trips and entrance fees for all sightseeing included in the program

Extras expand_less

  • 2 bottles of water/ day

Not Included expand_less

  • Domestic and International flight tickets
  • Vietnam visa arrangement and visa stamping fee (if any)
  • Services not mentioned in the program
  • Tips & gratuities

About Maya

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Travel with Purpose

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I studied English language and interpretation at University. With a hobby of exploring and learning about new places, I chose to work in tourism. Besides consulting tours to the guests, I spend time exploring new places and have been to 8 countries

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