Vietnam Foodie Tour: Eat, Explore, Experience

Xin chào and welcome to Vietnam! Upon landing at Noi Bai International Airport, your private driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel located in the heart of Hanoi — a thousand-year-old city rich in heritage and culinary soul.

After settling in and taking some time to relax, your journey into Vietnam’s flavors begins this evening with a welcome dinner at a specially selected restaurant. You’ll enjoy Chả cá Lã Vọng, a signature Northern Vietnamese dish that has become a culinary icon of the capital.

From humble local spices to elegant presentation, this meal will open the door to the colorful culinary adventure that lies ahead.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast at your hotel, dive into the bustling world of Hanoi’s street food with a guided walking tour — where every street corner and sidewalk stall holds a story of its own.

Led by a local guide, you’ll sample the dishes that have made Hanoi a street food haven:

• Bún chả – grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and sweet-savory dipping sauce
• Nem rán – crispy and flavorful, paired with aromatic herbs and signature dipping sauce
• Egg Coffee – a unique local specialty that surprises and delights every traveler

Along the way, you’ll learn about the origins of each dish, and how Hanoians connect, share, and build relationships through food — a true cultural immersion.

After that, explore Hanoi’s historical and spiritual landmarks:

• Temple of Literature (Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam) – Vietnam’s first national university
• Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple – a spiritual heart of the city nestled amidst bustling streets

If time permits, relax with a refreshing lemon tea by the lakeside and watch Hanoi’s rhythm unfold around you.

Overnight in Hanoi.

This morning brings a vibrant local experience: a traditional market visit with a Vietnamese chef. Walk through the stalls together, handpicking fresh ingredients — fragrant herbs, river fish, and signature spices like fermented shrimp paste, fish sauce, galangal, and turmeric.

Then head to a cozy family kitchen or a friendly cooking studio, where you’ll roll up your sleeves and prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes such as:

• Fresh Spring Rolls with Shrimp & Pork (Gỏi cuốn)
• Caramelized Fish in Clay Pot (Cá kho riềng)
• Southern-style Sweet & Sour Soup (Canh Chua), Northern-style interpretation
• Traditional desserts like banana sweet soup (Chè Chuối) or steamed layer cake (Bánh Da Lợn)

After cooking, sit down with your group to share a warm, home-style Vietnamese meal — full of flavor, laughter, and connection.

The afternoon is yours to relax: browse local artisan shops, enjoy a peaceful stroll, or sip tea in a quiet traditional teahouse.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to Hanoi and take a short domestic flight to Hue — the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam, known not only for its historic grandeur but also for its refined and delicate royal cuisine.

Upon arrival, your driver will transfer you to your hotel for check-in and relaxation. Take your time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this poetic city lying along the Perfume River.

In the evening, immerse yourself in a unique Royal Dinner experience. Set in a traditional house or heritage-inspired restaurant, this dinner recreates the elegance once reserved for emperors and nobles of the Nguyen Dynasty. You’ll savor dishes that are as beautiful as they are flavorful — from colorful bánh phu thê (husband-and-wife cake) to delicately carved fruit platters and multi-course meals symbolizing harmony and balance.

• Optional: Dress in royal costumes to fully embrace the ambiance of this unforgettable cultural and culinary evening.

Overnight in Hue.

Today begins with a visit to Dong Ba Market, the bustling culinary heart of Hue. With your local guide, you’ll explore stalls filled with fresh herbs, spices, and street eats. This is your chance to try authentic Hue specialties like:

• Bánh bèo – steamed rice cakes topped with shrimp and crispy shallots.
• Bánh bột lọc – chewy tapioca dumplings filled with shrimp and pork.
• Bún bò Huế – the city’s iconic spicy beef noodle soup, distinct from Hanoi’s pho with its lemongrass fragrance and rich broth.

As you walk through the market and side streets, your guide will share stories behind these dishes and how they reflect the soul of central Vietnamese cuisine — elegant, balanced, and full of subtle complexity.

In the afternoon, take a leisurely cultural tour of Hue’s Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then visit the serene Thien Mu Pagoda, perched on a hill overlooking the river — one of the oldest and most spiritual places in central Vietnam.

Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive southward to Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most charming ancient towns. En route, your journey will take you over the breathtaking Hai Van Pass, offering panoramic views of the coastline, mountains, and blue ocean below. You’ll also have the chance to stop at Lang Co Bay or fishing villages along the way for photos or a refreshing break.

Arrive in Hoi An by early afternoon and check in to your hotel. The evening is yours to explore at your own pace. Stroll through the lantern-lit streets, browse tailor shops, or head to the Hoi An Night Market to sample local snacks and desserts like bánh xoài or grilled skewers.

Optional: Join a short evening food tour to discover more of Hoi An’s delightful street food scene.

Overnight in Hue.

Start your morning with a guided visit to one of Hoi An’s bustling local markets. Here, you’ll explore stalls brimming with tropical fruits, aromatic herbs, fresh noodles, and vibrant spices — all essential to Central Vietnamese cuisine. With your chef-guide, you’ll handpick ingredients for your cooking session.

Next, hop on a short boat ride to a riverside cooking venue surrounded by coconut palms and gentle breezes. In a hands-on class, you’ll learn to prepare iconic dishes such as:

• Cao Lầu – Hoi An’s legendary noodle dish with pork, herbs, and crispy rice crackers
• Bánh xèo – sizzling rice pancakes filled with shrimp and bean sprouts
• Gỏi cuốn – fresh spring rolls packed with local greens and herbs

After cooking, relax and enjoy your self-made meal in a charming open-air dining space overlooking the river.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Today is yours to explore the enchanting charm of Hoi An at your own pace. Stroll through the lantern-lit alleys of the Ancient Town, relax on An Bang Beach, or browse tailor shops and handicraft boutiques.

In the evening, for those hungry for more local flavor, we invite you to join an optional Hoi An Street Food Tour. Accompanied by a local foodie guide, you’ll discover hidden gems and sample specialties such as:

• White Rose Dumplings (Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc)
• Grilled pork skewers wrapped in rice paper
• Vietnamese herbal drinks and coconut ice cream

A flavorful and fun way to end your stay in this culinary haven!

Overnight in Hoi An.

This morning, catch a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City — Vietnam’s largest and most energetic metropolis, affectionately still called Saigon by locals.

After settling into your hotel, get ready for an unforgettable evening street food tour by motorbike. With your own local driver-guide, you’ll weave through bustling neighborhoods and hidden alleyways, stopping at beloved local spots to sample a vibrant array of southern Vietnamese dishes, including:

• Cơm Tấm – broken rice served with grilled pork, pickled vegetables, and a fried egg
• Bánh Tráng Nướng – often dubbed “Vietnamese pizza,” grilled rice paper topped with egg, pork, and herbs
• Chè – a colorful, refreshing Vietnamese dessert made with coconut milk, beans, and fruit

This immersive food adventure gives you not just delicious bites but also a taste of Saigon’s nightlife, energy, and local charm.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

On your final morning in Vietnam, take time to visit Ben Thanh Market or opt for a more local experience at one of the city’s bustling wet markets, where vendors offer everything from tropical produce to live seafood and fragrant herbs.

If your flight schedule allows, enjoy a farewell lunch featuring a steaming bowl of Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang – a flavorful noodle soup inspired by Cambodian-Chinese cuisine, topped with shrimp, pork, and a quail egg.

Then, your driver will transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure, marking the end of your rich and flavorful culinary journey through Vietnam.