Savor Vietnam 14-Day Culinary & Scenic Tour Saigon to Bai Tu Long Bay

Start your exploration at the Independence Palace, where you’ll walk through history, seeing the preserved 1960s-era rooms and the bunker basement—a truly vivid step back in time. Next, enjoy a leisurely walking tour past the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and the magnificent Central Post Office, a Gustave Eiffel masterpiece.

The afternoon takes a delicious turn into the heart of Chinatown. Prepare your senses for Binh Tay Market, a thrilling hub where hundreds of stalls explode with colors, smells, and sounds. This is where Saigon sources its freshest ingredients! We continue to the tranquil Quan Am Pagoda for a moment of reflection before delving into the fascinating FITO Museum of Traditional Medicine. Here, you'll discover ancient herb recipes, magic potions, and antique tools, giving you a deeper understanding of the holistic philosophy that shapes Vietnamese health and, subsequently, its cuisine.

• Highlights: Binh Tay Market, Quan Am Pagoda, FITO Museum (Traditional Medicine).

• Included: English speaking guide, Transportation, Entrance fees, Mineral Water

Escape the city's intensity for the serene, natural beauty of the Mekong Delta. Today, we journey to Ben Tre, the "Kingdom of Coconuts." From the moment you step onto the boat at Hung Vuong pier, you are immersed in the rhythm of local life.

We navigate the Ben Tre River, stopping at cottage workshops to witness the mesmerizing process of making rice paper and the region’s famous coconut candy (and, of course, taste the sweet, fresh results!). Then, choose your transport: bike or Tuk Tuk, traversing small paths through lush coconut ranges and rice fields. Lunch is a true culinary highlight: the delicacy Elephant Ear Fish, served in an open-air village restaurant. Conclude with a peaceful rowboat ride through small, shady canals lined with wild palm trees, forging a genuine closeness to nature.

• Highlights: Coconut Candy workshops, Biking/Tuk Tuk through coconut groves, Elephant Ear Fish lunch.

• Included: English speaking guide, Transportation, Boat, Bike (or Tuk Tuk), Mineral Water

The day is a fascinating study in contrasts. The morning is dedicated to history at the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate 250km underground city used during the war. You’ll have the option to enter safe sections of the tunnels, giving you a powerful, visceral sense of survival and ingenuity. We continue to the breathtaking Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh to witness the vibrant, unique midday ceremony—a colorful display of spiritual harmony.

After a local lunch and a rest, the evening transforms into a thrilling urban culinary escapade! At 6:00 PM, you will be whisked away on the back of a vintage Vespa by a local driver for a Craft Beer & Brewery Discovery Tour. Explore four distinct venues, tasting meticulously crafted local beers infused with Vietnamese essences. You’ll meet master brewers, hear the stories behind their creations, and enjoy curated gourmet tapas and Vietnamese-inspired bites. It's an unforgettable night of flavor, buzz, and local expertise.

• Highlights: Cu Chi Tunnels immersion, Cao Dai Midday Mass, Evening Vintage Vespa Tour & Craft Beer Discovery.

• Included: English speaking guide, Transportation, Entrance fees, Vespa Tour (Dinner, Drinks, Transport), Mineral Water

Bid farewell to Saigon as our driver transfers you to the airport for your flight (VN118, 09:00 - 10:30) to Da Nang. Upon arrival, you are whisked to the atmospheric, UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An.

In the afternoon, step out for a captivating walking tour of this ancient trading port. Your guide will lead you through 400 years of history: cross the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, admire the traditional beauty of the Quan Thang Ancient House, and visit the ornate Fujian Assembly Hall. As twilight descends, the town is illuminated by thousands of colorful paper lanterns, wrapping Hoi An in a layer of pure enchantment.

• Flight: VN118 (SGN - DAD) / 09:00 - 10:30 (Vietnam Airlines - Economy)

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

• Included: English speaking guide, Transportation, Flight, Entrance fees, Mineral Water

This is the day you truly become a Vietnamese chef! Your culinary adventure begins early as you cycle (or walk) to the nearby Tra Que Vegetable Village. Feel the earth between your fingers as you join local farmers in their fields, selecting and gathering the fresh herbs (like mint and coriander) that will flavor your dishes—a true field-to-fork experience.

Next, we visit a bustling local market to learn about essential Vietnamese spices and ingredients. Back at the famous Red Bridge Restaurant, you’ll dive into a hands-on cooking class, mastering four traditional dishes, including the national favorite, Pho. The ultimate reward? Savoring the exquisite, authentic meal you prepared with your own hands! Conclude the day with a relaxing, gentle half-hour cruise on the Thu Bon River back to town.

• Highlights: Hands-on Farming at Tra Que Village, Local Market Visit, Red Bridge Cooking Class (4 dishes + Pho).

• Included: English speaking guide, Boat, Bike, Cooking class, Mineral Water

Our journey continues north to the imperial capital, Hue. This scenic drive is an experience in itself! We stop in Da Nang to visit the Cham Museum, home to the world's most significant collection of Cham artifacts. Then, prepare for the majestic Hai Van Pass (Ocean Cloud Pass).

Stopping at the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking, panoramic views of the coastline, often feeling like you’re standing on top of the world. After descending into Hue, we visit the serene Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the city’s oldest spiritual centers with its iconic seven-story octagon tower. We conclude the day at the magnificent Hue Citadel, exploring the three layers of the Imperial City and its vast historical grounds, the symbolic heart of feudal Vietnam.

• Highlights: Hai Van Pass Panoramic Views, Cham Museum, Hue Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda.

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

• Included: English speaking guide, Transportation, Entrance fees, Mineral Water

Today is dedicated to the refined elegance of Hue. We begin at the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, a stunning architectural masterpiece that perfectly balances nature and imperial geometry. Afterwards, we take a traditional boat trip along the peaceful Huong River (Perfume River) to Thuy Bieu Village.

Upon arrival, we trade the boat for bikes (or a gentle walk) under the shade of the village's famous, aromatic grapefruit trees. Experience the profound peaceful atmosphere as you interact with local gardeners and visit a traditional garden house. The culinary highlight here is a second hands-on cooking class focusing on Hue's unique imperial specialties. Learn the secrets of this highly refined, delicate cuisine before savoring the dishes for lunch.

• Highlights: Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, Perfume River Boat Trip, Thuy Bieu Village Biking & Hue Cooking Class.

• Included: English speaking guide, Transportation, Boat, Bike, Cooking class, Entrance fees, Mineral Water

After a final breakfast in Hue, we transfer to the airport for your flight (VN1540, 10:00 - 11:20) to Vietnam's capital, Hanoi. Our guide meets you at Noi Bai Airport for the transfer to the historical Old Quarter.

The real excitement begins at 4:00 PM with your Hanoi Street Food Tour! Led by a local expert, you'll dive head-first into the bustling, aromatic lanes. Your culinary journey includes:

1. Banh Cuon: Delicate, velvety steamed rice flour pancakes.

2. Bun Cha: The quintessential Hanoi specialty—grilled pork patties served in a sweet and sour broth.

3. Banh Mi: The iconic French-Vietnamese fusion sandwich.

4. Pho: Enjoy a steaming, fragrant bowl of Vietnam’s national treasure in its birthplace. We conclude with a delicious local drink, perhaps the famous Egg Coffee (sweetened condensed milk mixed with whisked egg yolk) or local craft beer.

• Flight: VN1540 (HUI - HAN) / 10:00 - 11:20 (Vietnam Airlines - Economy)

• Accommodation: La Nueva Boutique Hotel (Premium Room) or similar

• Included: English speaking guide, Transportation, Flight, Street Food Tour (Dinner), Mineral Water

Immerse yourself in Hanoi's rich intellectual and cultural history. We begin at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university dating back to the 11th century, exploring the gardens and the World Heritage stone steles. Next, we spend time at the Ethnology Museum (closed Mondays), which offers a deep, colorful insight into the costumes, tools, and traditional houses of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.

In the afternoon, we drive through the elegant French Quarter, passing historical landmarks like Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum (outside visit). We then enjoy a walking tour of the Old Quarter, discovering hidden gems like the quiet Ba Da Pagoda and observing the specialized 'guild' streets (like Lan Ong Street for traditional medicine). We cap off the day with a ticket to the magical, traditional Water Puppet Show.

• Highlights: Temple of Literature (Van Mieu), Ethnology Museum, Old Quarter Walking Tour, Water Puppet Show.

• Included: English speaking guide, Transportation, Entrance fees, Water puppet show, Mineral Water

Today is a celebration of Northern artistry and magnificent scenery. We journey to Ninh Binh and the incredible Van Long Nature Reserve. Our soft adventure begins with a 15km bike ride (optional, walking available) along picturesque village dykes, surrounded by towering limestone mountains and emerald rice fields. Along the way, we visit the 11th-century Thung La Temple, where you’ll meet the temple guardian, Mr. Tuong, and enjoy an authentic 20-minute drum show.

The tranquility deepens as we take a sampan boat trip through Van Long, gliding silently among the karsts. Keep your eyes peeled—this reserve is famous for its rare white monkeys and egrets! Finally, we visit a local embroidery village and join a hands-on embroidery course with a local craftswoman, Mrs. Lam, learning the delicate techniques of this traditional art.

• Highlights: Scenic Biking, Thung La Temple Drum Show, Van Long Sampan Boat, Hands-on Embroidery Course.

• Included: English speaking guide, Transportation, Boat, Bike, Entrance fees, Leisure

The ultimate scenic reward! We travel to Ha Long International Cruise Port to board the Swan Cruise and sail into the tranquil, less-crowded Bai Tu Long Bay. Settle into your cabin and enjoy a gourmet Vietnamese set menu lunch as you glide past stunning limestone islets.

The afternoon is reserved for soft adventure: kayak through the calm waters around Cap La Island, paddling into hidden lagoons and embracing the absolute majesty of the bay. In the evening, the cruise anchors for the night. Join the Sunset Party and take part in a fun, optional Vietnamese cooking demonstration (learning to make spring rolls or carving fruit). After a sumptuous dinner, try your luck at squid fishing under the magnificent starry sky.

• Highlights: Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise, Kayaking at Cap La Island, Sunset Cooking Demonstration, Overnight on the Bay.

• Accommodation: Swan Cruise - Deluxe Cabin

• Included: Shuttle bus, Onboard guide, All Meals, Kayak, Entrance fees, Leisure

Greet the morning with an invigorating Sunrise Tai Chi session on the sundeck—a peaceful way to absorb the bay's ethereal beauty. After breakfast, we explore the secrets of Thien Canh Son Cave, a well-hidden grotto with dramatic rock formations.

Return to the cruise for a final, relaxing journey back to the harbor, enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch onboard. Disembarking, our driver transfers you back to Hanoi. Spend your final night savoring the memories and flavors of your incredible two-week culinary and scenic adventure.

• Highlights: Sunrise Tai Chi, Exploring Thien Canh Son Cave.

• Included: Onboard guide, All Meals, Entrance fees, Mineral Water

Enjoy your last authentic Vietnamese breakfast. Our driver will pick you up from your hotel and ensure a smooth, comfortable transfer to Noi Bai Airport (HAN) for your onward flight. You depart not just with souvenirs, but with a new mastery of Vietnamese flavors and a heart full of unforgettable memories.

• Included: Transportation, Mineral Water