Tailor-made Vietnam culinary experience trip

Upon arrival at Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be met by your private guide and driver and transferred to your hotel.

Formerly known as Saigon, the city is the vibrant economic heart of southern Vietnam, shaped by a long history of trade and a dynamic culinary culture.

As an elegant introduction to your Vietnam travel experience, enjoy an evening aboard the Lady Hau Cruise, dining on the Saigon River while taking in panoramic views of central landmarks and the illuminated city skyline.

Begin the morning with a pickup at the New World Hotel and a short walk to the nearby park for a Tai Chi session with residents. Continue to the northern entrance of Ben Thanh Market as vendors set up for the day, followed by a bowl of pho and traditional Vietnamese coffee.

Enjoy a tailor-made, hands-on session at the Vietnam Cookery Centre. You will learn about nuoc mam, regional rice varieties, classic dishes influenced by the Imperial City of Hue, the principles of Yin and Yang balance in Vietnamese cuisine, as well as dining etiquette and chopstick technique.

In the evening, join a guided stroll around the Ben Thanh area to sample southern street food and experience the city’s lively after-dark atmosphere.

Enjoy a morning city tour of Saigon, beginning in the bustling Cho Lon Chinatown with a visit to the ornate Thien Hau Pagoda. Continue to the colorful Ben Thanh Market to sample local flavors and street food.

Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, inaugurated in 1880, and the grand Central Post Office designed by Gustave Eiffel. End the tour at the former Presidential Palace, learning about its pivotal role in the fall of Saigon in 1975. These landmarks are among the best places to visit in Vietnam for understanding the country’s modern history.

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Hue, continuing your journey into Vietnam’s imperial heartland.

Explore the Hue Citadel on the northern bank of the Perfume River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of walled enclosures and the former Forbidden Purple City.

Continue to a traditional garden house to meet Mr. Phan Thuan An for an intimate conversation on Hue’s history, culture, and refined court traditions.

In the afternoon, visit the royal tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh, where landscaped courtyards, worship temples, stone statues, and tranquil ponds reflect the contrasting personalities and artistic visions of each emperor.

Begin the day at the Hue Museum of Royal Fine Arts, exploring imperial costumes, ceramics, and court music instruments with tailored commentary. Gain deeper insight into Vietnam’s imperial past and artistic traditions as your guide brings the collections to life.

Continue with a stroll through Dong Ba Market to sample local specialties and browse souvenirs, including the iconic Hue conical hat.

Conclude with a relaxed home-style lunch at the peaceful Tha Om garden house, reflecting the refined culinary traditions of the former imperial capital.

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi, continuing your journey from Vietnam’s former imperial capital to its modern political and cultural center.

Enjoy a full day in Hanoi beginning with a hands-on cooking class at the Hanoi Cooking Centre, led by chef Tracey Lister. Start with a guided walk through Chau Long Market to learn about local produce and ingredients, then return to the kitchen to cook with expert guidance. Take home printed recipes and local samples as a lasting reminder of the experience.

In the afternoon, set out on a half-day city tour visiting Ba Dinh Square, viewing the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum from the outside, and stopping at the One Pillar Pagoda.

Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, before a relaxed stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and a visit to Ngoc Son Temple.

Depart Hanoi for Ha Long Bay with a meaningful stop at the Hong Ngoc Humanitarian Centre, where you meet local craftsmen and learn how this social enterprise trains and employs people with disabilities.

Continue to Ha Long Bay and cruise among its UNESCO World Heritage limestone karsts, exploring a cave and enjoying time to swim at Titov or Soi Sim Beach, with kayaking available at an additional cost.

Take part in an onboard cooking demonstration before dinner, then relax under the stars and spend the night on board.

This thoughtfully designed day adds depth and purpose to your Vietnam itinerary.

Begin the morning with a gentle Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the bay. Afterward, return to Ha Long Pier and disembark. Transfer back to Hanoi, check in to your hotel, and enjoy time to rest or refrcesh.

In the evening, explore Vietnam’s celebrated street food scene, from fragrant bowls of pho to inventive local snacks, guided by insider tips for an authentic and relaxed experience.

Enjoy a relaxed final day in Hanoi until your transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight. Time is tailored to your pace, with local recommendations for last-minute shopping, a farewell coffee in the French Quarter, or a quiet stroll nearby.

If your flight departs in the afternoon or later, optional experiences such as cooking classes, market visits, or cultural tours can be arranged at an additional cost, allowing you to make the most of your remaining time.