North & Central Vietnam 10-Day Culinary Adventure: Hanoi Street Food to Imperial Hue Flavors

The Promise: Conquer the secrets of Hanoi's legendary street food and delve into Vietnam's rich academic and revolutionary history.

Your day begins with a step back in time at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s First National University. Stroll through the tranquil courtyards, reflecting on the nation's profound respect for education, before gaining a poignant perspective on history at the Hoa Lo Prison Museum ("Hanoi Hilton"). Later, find peace and serenity on the romantic road crossing the West Lake to the ancient Tran Quoc Pagoda (6th Century), a treasure trove of Buddhist history.

4:00 PM: The Flavor Immersion Begins!

As the city cools, your expert guide will escort you on a deeply immersive street food tour. This is your chance to eat like a true Hanoian:

• Banh Cuon Conquest: Start with Banh Cuon—delicate, paper-thin steamed rice pancakes, filled with savory minced pork and mushrooms, dipped in perfectly balanced nuoc cham.

• The Iconic Bun Cha: Savor Bun Cha, the Hanoi specialty featured on every global food show. Enjoy tender, marinated pork patties grilled over hot coals, submerged in a rich, sweet-and-sour broth with vermicelli—a truly addictive flavor profile.

• Banh Mi Art: Experience the perfect East-meets-West crunch of a truly iconic Banh Mi, filled with fresh herbs and rich Vietnamese flavors.

• Aromatic Pho: Conclude with the dish that defines Vietnam: Pho. You'll taste the difference in a steaming bowl of fragrant noodle soup, choosing between the classic Pho Ga (chicken) or Pho Bo (beef).

• The Sweet Finish: Toast your culinary conquest with a unique local drink—perhaps the famous Egg Coffee or a chilled local beer, sealing your immediate connection with Hanoi's gastronomic soul.

• Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal (B, D - Street Food Tour), Private Transportation, Entrance Fees.

• Accommodation: Conifer Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar.

The Promise: Trade the city noise for the peaceful harmony of the Red River Delta and connect with local artisans.

We drive to Ninh Binh, cruising through landscapes painted with vibrant rice fields. Our day is dedicated to authentic local interaction and natural beauty.

You have the option to take a picturesque 15km bike ride through local villages and along the river dyke, offering unparalleled photo opportunities of the limestone mountains and emerald fields—a profound sense of closeness to nature. We then discover the 11th-century Thung La Temple, where you will meet the guardian, Mr. Tuong, for a genuine conversation and a special 20-minute traditional drum show, feeling the rhythm of rural Vietnam.

The afternoon’s highlight is the sampan boat trip through the breathtaking Van Long Nature Reserve. Glide silently along the stream and amongst the towering mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for rare white-trousered langurs and egrets! Following this natural escape, we visit a local embroidery village to meet Mrs. Lam. She will guide you through a hands-on embroidery course, allowing you to practice this delicate, traditional craft and leave with a palpable sense of artistic achievement.

• Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal (B, L), Private Transportation, Boat Trip, Entrance Fees, Bike Rental (optional), Local Experience (Drum Show & Embroidery Lesson).

• Accommodation: Conifer Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar.

The Promise: Embark on a luxurious cruise, conquer the majestic seascapes, and master the art of Vietnamese spring rolls.

Enjoy a relaxing private transfer to Hai Phong, where you will board your luxurious cruise ship at Tuan Chau Port. Settle into your Deluxe Balcony Cabin—your floating sanctuary—before a special fresh lunch featuring Vietnamese and international delicacies as we set sail into the spectacular Lan Ha Bay (adjacent to Halong Bay, known for its pristine waters).

The afternoon offers active discovery in the Tra Bau area. Take a kayak to weave through the towering limestone karsts, achieving a moment of pure serene escape and conquest over the waters. Alternatively, relax in the Jacuzzi pool with the stunning view as your backdrop.

As the sun begins its dramatic descent over the Gulf of Tonkin, join our chef for a hands-on cooking demonstration. Learn the secrets to making perfect, crispy Vietnamese Spring Rolls—a skill you’ll take home with you! The evening is sealed with a romantic, deluxe dinner featuring the freshest local catches, followed by fun squid fishing under the starry sky.

• Accommodation: Peony Cruise (Deluxe Balcony Cabin) or similar.

• Included: Shuttle Bus (Hanoi - Tuan Chau), English Speaking Guide (On Board), Meal (B, L, D), Entrance Fees, Kayaking, Cooking Class.

The Promise: Capture a final moment of awe over the bay before a seamless, swift journey to the ancient, lantern-lit charm of Hoi An.

Start your day with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the emerald bay—a truly rejuvenating experience. After breakfast, we visit Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island, marveling at the geological formations and unique cave ecosystem.

After checking out, enjoy an early lunch on board as the ship gently cruises back to Tuan Chau Port. Our private driver will greet you immediately for the transfer back to Noi Bai Airport, ensuring a smooth and stress-free connection.

You will board your flight to Da Nang, where your Central Vietnam guide awaits. A short transfer brings you to your beautiful hotel in Hoi An. Step out, see the first lanterns flicker to life, and feel the warm, gentle atmosphere of this ancient trading port—your home for the next three days of profound culinary discovery.

• Accommodation: Delicacy Hotel & Spa (Deluxe City View Room) or similar.

• Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal (B, L), Private Transportation, Entrance Fees, Flight (HAN-DAD), Tai Chi.

The Promise: Wander through 400 years of history and dive into the vibrant, fragrant heart of local commerce.

Your day begins with a walking tour through the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town of Hoi An, where history comes alive. Feel the reverence as you cross the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and admire the stunning architecture of the Fujian Assembly Hall. Step inside the Quan Thang Ancient House to imagine the life of 17th-century merchants.

This afternoon, we shift focus entirely to ingredients! We visit the bustling Hoi An Central Market . This is a true sensory explosion: the sight of colorful vegetables, the sound of lively bartering, and the fragrant smell of fresh herbs, fish, and spices. Your guide will walk you through the market, teaching you how to identify the freshest local ingredients—a crucial skill for tomorrow's cooking class. This profound immersion links you directly to the town’s daily life and sets the stage for your hands-on culinary adventure.

• Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal (B), Private Transportation, Entrance Fees.

• Accommodation: Delicacy Hotel & Spa (Deluxe City View Room) or similar.

The Promise: Achieve true culinary mastery—from the farm to your plate—learning the secrets of Central Vietnamese flavors.

Today is the ultimate hands-on day! Begin by meeting at the Hai Café, then cycle (or walk, based on preference) to the peaceful Tra Que Village. This experience offers profound closeness to nature as you visit the vegetable garden, learning traditional farming methods and even helping the villagers till the soil and harvest aromatic herbs like mint and basil—ingredients you will use shortly!

Next, armed with your shopping list, visit a local market to select spices like star anise, cardamom, and banana flowers. We then return to the beautiful Red Bridge Restaurant for your comprehensive cooking class. Under the instruction of skilled chefs, you will learn to prepare four famous traditional Vietnamese dishes, including the national treasure, Pho—a true sense of culinary achievement.

The reward? You feast on the flavorful dishes you prepared yourself! Conclude this joyful day with a tranquil half-hour cruise on the Thu Bon River back to Hoi An, carrying the warmth of your success.

• Included: Meal (B, L - your cooked dishes), Boat Trip, Bike Rental, Cooking Class.

• Accommodation: Delicacy Hotel & Spa (Deluxe City View Room) or similar.

The Promise: Experience the breathtaking conquest of the legendary Hai Van Pass and step into the refined grandeur of Vietnam’s Imperial Capital.

The journey north to Hue is an event in itself. We travel along the spectacular coastal road, stopping first in Da Nang at the Cham Museum to appreciate the ancient Hindu Champa culture. The true highlight is ascending the Hai Van Pass (Sea Cloud Pass). Stop at the summit to capture the most breathtaking panoramic view of the ocean, the coast, and Da Nang city below—a moment of exhilarating awe and conquest.

Upon arrival in Hue, enjoy a delicious local lunch before visiting the spiritual and architectural treasures. We explore the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, perched overlooking the Perfume River, before stepping into the immense Hue Citadel. As you walk through the Imperial City and the Forbidden City, you feel a deep sense of historical reverence, preparing your palate for the refined, royal cuisine of this ancient capital.

• Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal (B, L), Private Transportation, Entrance Fees.

• Accommodation: Rosaleen Boutique Hotel (Deluxe Double Room) or similar.

The Promise: Discover the harmonious balance between royal history and gentle village life, culminating in a class on delicate Imperial Hue cuisine.

Begin your day with a visit to the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, an architectural masterpiece that flawlessly balances nature and imperial works. This site instills a powerful sense of grandeur and symmetry.

Next, we board a boat for a tranquil trip along the Perfume River to Thuy Bieu Village. This village is famous for its fragrant grapefruits. Here, you’ll take a bike ride under the shady trees, breathing in the sweet aroma and connecting with the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside. You’ll visit a traditional garden house and interact with villagers, experiencing their genuine warmth.

The culinary finalé of the tour takes place here! Join a Hue specialty cooking class focusing on the refined, delicate dishes (like Banh Beo or Nem Lui) once prepared for the Emperors. After savoring your exquisitely prepared meal, you’ll transfer back to the city, having achieved a full flavor mastery of North and Central Vietnam.

• Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal (B, L), Boat Trip, Private Transportation, Entrance Fees, Bike Rental, Cooking Class (Hue Specialties).

• Accommodation: Rosaleen Boutique Hotel (Deluxe Double Room) or similar.

The Promise: A smooth conclusion to your 10-day culinary adventure, carrying a lifetime of skills and tastes.

Enjoy a final, leisurely breakfast, reflecting on the unforgettable flavors and cultural connections you've made over the past ten days.

Our driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and provide a comfortable, private transfer to Phu Bai Airport (Hue) for your onward journey. You depart not just with souvenirs, but with the skills, stories, and deep sensory memories of Vietnam's extraordinary culinary landscape.

• Included: Meal (B), Private Transportation, Mineral Water.