Taste Of Vietnam - 12 Days Culinary Tour

tourhub | Realistic Asia | Taste Of Vietnam - 12 Days Culinary Tour | AAA9 | Map

213 Views

12 Days From

~~$3521~~

$1643

Taste Of Vietnam - 12 Days Culinary Tour

12 Days Starting in Hanoi, Vietnam and ending in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Visiting: Hanoi, Hạ Long Bay, Hội An, Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnel

Tour operator:

Realistic Asia

Tour code:

AAA9

Group Type:

Private

Guide Type:

Partially Guided

Group size:

1 - 15

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

2-90

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat

Tour operated in:

English , French , German , Spanish

Private Available:

From: $3521 $1643 Operator discount: -$1796 Travel Club discount: -$82 -53%

NB: Prices correct on 23-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Good food is a good mood. This Genuine Taste Of Vietnam - A 12 Days Culinary Tour will instantly lift your mood with the most luscious dishes around Vietnam. From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, explore the sites by experiencing the true flavors of Vietnam. Learn the secrets behind these mouth-watering dishes with visits to fresh markets and hands-on cooking classes. Your tour begins with the charming capital, Hanoi, touring the city’s “must-sees” and diving into Hanoi’s deep-rooted food culture by visiting local markets and sampling street fares in hidden alleys with a local food expert. You can catch the good options for Cha Ca, Bun Cha, and Pho, the signature of Vietnamese food that will come up to anyone’s mind when coming to Vietnam. Have delicious meals while cruising to the shimmering waters of Ha Long Bay, a must-visit destination when you are in Vietnam. Then savor the unique dishes that you can only find in Hoi An, walk to a series of the town’s best eateries and dig into a bowl of aromatic Cao Lau noodles, taste Banh Can crackers topped with pork and salads, or the beautiful white rose dumplings. End your journey with unique experiences in Ho Chi Minh City, witnessing its amazing blend of European, Vietnamese as well as Chinese culture through its beautiful architecture, crawling inside the fascinating underground system of Cu Chi Tunnels, and dining in the dark, without your sight as every other sense becomes stronger, those will be memories that last a lifetime. The delicious Flavors Of Vietnam – Vietnam food tour ended full of flavors.

Highlights

Try the remarkable dishes of Vietnamese street food
Explore Hanoi on a Vespa bike
Have an overnight cruise in the most stunning bay in the world
Learn how to cook Vietnamese dishes
Immerse yourself in Saigon's main attractions and have a fine dining experience in the complete darkness

Places You'll See

Ha Long Bay

Cu Chi Tunnels

Ho Chi Minh City

Hoi An

Hanoi

Itinerary

tourhub | Realistic Asia | Taste Of Vietnam - 12 Days Culinary Tour | AAA9 | Route Map

Not what you're looking for?

People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:

Foodie and Wine tours in Vietnam Foodie and Wine tours Tours in Vietnam Adventure tours Cultural tours Photography tours Sightseeing tours Walking tours

Expand All

Day 1 : Welcome To Vietnam - Hanoi Arrival (B)

Location: Hanoi

Accommodation: Hotel

Your trip begins with arrival in Vietnam. Our Vietnam travel guide will meet and greet you at the airport. We will escort you to the hotel by the private transportation. Check-in to the hotel and get over the jet lag. You can mooch through the streets of the city. Historic charm, architectural marvels, and products’ variety are splashed all over this area. After enjoying the first day yourself and return to the hotel for a relaxing sleep.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2 : Hanoi Cooking Class With Master Chef (B/L)

Location: Hanoi

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Cooking with instructions and guides from our professional chef Mai, the Master Chef of some 5-star hotels for 15 years as well as a Vietnamese woman having both traditional and modern beauty with profound knowledge of English and tourism.
We will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi at 8:30 am and we will then have a one-hour walk to the local market. You will be fascinated by the sounds of the bustling market as well as the smells of fresh local ingredients there. While you are having a look at the daily life of local people, Chef Mai will show you how locals chose the best raw materials that promise to be a very interesting experience. Next, you will be introduced to some kinds of Vietnamese dishes and explained how to prepare them.
Afterward, you will come to the Chef’s home for your cooking class. When everything is ready, Mrs. Mai will instruct you to cook some Vietnamese traditional dishes. She will also show you how to harmonize between the Vietnamese species and your taste to cook the best foods for you and your family.
Your lunch will be served with what you have self-cooked, along with Vietnamese traditional foods prepared by the Chef.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3 : Hanoi Vespa Tour (B/L/D)

Location: Hanoi

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore more of Hanoi today in style from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you for a ride through the atmospheric streets of the Old Quarter, admiring its famous landmarks such as the Opera House and the narrow Train Street. Head toward Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to see the President's Place, Parliament House, and other government offices while your guide shares stories about the history of Hanoi. Pass Huu Hiep Lake and the crash site of the US plane shot down during the 1972 bombing raids of Hanoi—a poignant reminder of recent history. Then ride along the calm and beautiful West Lake to see the Monument to John McCain. Your next stop is an idyllic hidden village on an island in the Red River, where you can meet a resident family and learn more about local life. Then it's on to a nearby kumquat farm, where the small trees are grown as a traditional gift for the New Year, symbolizing luck, health, wealth, fertility, and peace. Stop for some famous "egg coffee" at a local coffee shop, then head back to the Old Quarter via the Long Bien Bridge. This magnificent structure was built over a hundred years ago and connects the Hoan Kiem and Long Bien districts. The tour finishes with a hearty lunch at a local restaurant and a transfer back to your hotel.

In the evening, our driver will take you to Ly Club Restaurant - one of the most famous restaurants in Hanoi for dinner.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 4 : Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Overnight On Cruise (B/L/D)

Location: Hạ Long Bay

Accommodation: Cruise

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, check out of the hotel, and get picked up by the Cruise team. Take the most scenic route to reach Halong Bay, taking you across the Red River Delta with emerald green rice paddies stretching for as far as the eyes can see.

On arrival at the pier, you will board the cruise and enjoy the fantastic views of limestone rocks and the karst grottoes. Have an utterly delicious seafood lunch and enjoy the time at the sundeck exploring the Bay.

The cruise will stop in a secret place where you will spend time kayaking or swimming, so you can explore the karst grottoes closer. Towards the evening, you will return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by some time at leisure. You can optionally attend the activities taking part on the boat or just relax.

Overnight on cruise

Note: In case of bad weather (the boat is not allowed to push off or not allowed to overnight in the sea), the Ha Long bay tour could be cancelled without notice. We will consider other replacement tours or a refund based on the specific circumstances.

Day 5 : Sunrise On The Sundeck - Back To Hanoi (B/L)

Location: Hanoi

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Rise early today to view the sunrise at the wonder of nature with breakfast served in the dining room. A Tai Chi class on the sun deck will awake your mind and muscles.

Then head off to visit the limestone cave full of stalagmites and stalactites. After your exploration return to the boat to check out and enjoy the brunch while the cruise is sailing back to the harbor. Later you will be transferred to your accommodation in Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 6 : Travel From Hanoi To Hoi An - Flight Included (B)

Location: Hội An

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Have breakfast at the hotel, and have free time until our driver will meet you for a transfer to the airport for your next flight to Hoi An. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel. After hotel check-in has some leisure time in Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 7 : Hoi An Foodie Tour (B/L)

Location: Hội An

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This evening you will explore Hoi An's off-the-beaten-path highlights and taste the most remarkable dishes of this charming town. Your guide will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to a local farming village about 2.5 miles (4 km) from the town center. Here you can learn more about the daily life of the local farmers before getting back to Hoi An and immersing yourself in a foodie's paradise with the flavorful local cuisine. Start your culinary exploration with a selection of well-known local dishes such as white rose dumplings, banh beo (steamed rice cakes), banh nam (rice dumplings) my quang (flavorful rice noodles), Hoi An pancakes, barbeque pork rolls, and the famous banh mi sandwich. Wrap up your food tour with the best Vietnamese coffee before exploring more of Hoi An by night or heading back to your hotel.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 8 : Hoi An Cooking Class At Red Bridge Restaurant (B/L)

Location: Hội An

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Meet your guide at the hotel around 8:15 am and start this beautiful day with a welcome drink at Hai Cafe. Then visit Hoi An’s colorful market to experience its amazing sights, sounds, and aromas. Interact with the local sellers and learn about all the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later. Next, you'll board a boat for a leisurely cruise along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. On the way, get a close-up view of local river life and keep your camera ready for the many scenic photo-ops. Visit the school's herb garden, then learn about some of Hoi An and Vietnam’s most well-known dishes. The two-hour cooking class starts with Red Bridge chefs demonstrating each dish before you prepare the same dish by yourself. After a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration), you'll sit down for a delicious lunch. Later we will transfer you back to your hotel.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 9 : Travel From Hoi An To Ho Chi Minh City - Flight Included (B)

Location: Ho Chi Minh City

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Have breakfast at the hotel, and have free time until our driver will meet you for a transfer to the airport for your next flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel. After hotel check-in has some leisure time in Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 10 : Discover The Vibrant City And Dining With All Five Senses (B/L/D)

Location: Ho Chi Minh City

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Take the morning trip to visit Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, which was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeing beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the historic Central Post Office. Continue to the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of both the Indochina wars. Then we will transfer you to the restaurant for Lunch. Return to your hotel.

This evening you'll awaken all five senses and experience a culinary journey through taste, smell, touch, and sound at Noir: Dining in the Dark Saigon. Start with a welcome drink while listening to the restaurant's concept and mission. Proceed to the dining area to savor a unique fine dining experience in the complete darkness as you work your way through an exquisite, multi-course set menu.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 11 : Explore The Fantasing Cu Chi Tunnels (B)

Location: Cu Chi Tunnel

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you'll take a deep dive into Vietnamese history and explore the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, used as a shelter for Vietnamese soldiers during the war. After the 1.5-hour drive to Cu Chi, you'll learn about how the tunnels were constructed and how they helped people survive in the harsh conditions of wartime. Wander the remaining tunnel systems which include the living areas, kitchens, and bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers. You'll also spot hidden doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels. Finish the tour with special tea and cassava (guerilla food during the war) and join your driver for the transfer back to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 12 : Time To Say Goodbye - Ho Chi Minh Departure (B)

Location: Ho Chi Minh City

Meals Included: Breakfast

Relish a healthy breakfast on the final day of your trip. Complete the hotel check-out formalities after which you can free to visit the local markets and buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Later, proceed for departure and board your flight back home.
Trip Ends.

What's Included

Accommodation

Single/Twin/double/triple room with breakfast included
Fully Guided

Experienced English speaking guide French/German/Spanish/Russian/Chinese speaking guides are available upon request. The surcharge will be applied
Transport

- Door-to-door pick-up & drop-off services by private car - Air-conditioned bus between Hanoi and Halong Bay (2-way) - Private round transfer between Ho Chi Minh and Cai Be - Private cars for the excursions
Meals

As per the tour program: B = Breakfast L = Lunch D= Dinner
Flights

- Hanoi to Hoi An (with 20 kg luggage allowance) - Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City (with 20 kg luggage allowance)
Other included

– All sightseeing tickets according to the itinerary – Tissues and water on coach – Service charges and government tax – 24/7 hotline support guaranteed

What's Not Included

International flights and departure taxes
Beverage, Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities
Early check-in and late check-out (If not mentioned)
Public holiday surcharge (Christmas and New Year, Tet holiday) if applicable
Compulsory Gala Dinner on 24 Dec, 31 Dec and 21 Jan (Tet)
Surcharge for airport cabs from 12:00 am – 05:00 am
Visa stamping fee on arrival at the airport (Vietnam: $25/person)
Services not mentioned above
Insurance

Accommodation

HOTEL LIST:

*4-star hotels

Hanoi: Tirant Hotel or similar
Halong Bay: La Pandora Cruise or similar
Hoi An: Silkotel Hoi An or similar
Ho Chi Minh: Alagon Sai Gon Hotel or similar

* 5-star hotels

Hanoi: Apricot Hotel or similar
Halong Bay: Doris Cruise or similar
Hoi An: Palm Garden Hoi An or similar
Ho Chi Minh: The Myst Dong Khoi or similar
Check-in room at 14:00 // Check-out room at 12:00 noon (Except Early check-in or Late check-out mentioned in the program).

Videos

Check out our Q&As

What currencies are required for this tour?

In Vietnam you will need to use Vietnamese Dongs, the rate is approximately 1 USD = 24000 VND, or 1 GBP = 30000 VND, you can exchange it in the banks or money exchange counters.
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

Yes, children are permitted, please note due to our children's policy, kids up to 12 years old are charged 85% of the tour price, after 12 years old they are considered as adults. Are flights included in this tour?
Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

Yes, we can. Please contact our travel advisors and they will be happy to arrange it for you.
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

This tour requires good fitness as it involves trekking, kayaking, and caving.
Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

Yes, during group tour days you can meet people from other countries.

Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

Yes, the solo traveler will need to pay for the single supplement. You can find the rates for solo travelers in the tour details, or ask the travel advisor.
Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

During this tour you will have free evenings to explore the places you visit, also the dates with flights do not have other activities to give you some time to rest after the travel and explore the destination on your own.
Is the tour coach air conditioned?

Yes, all transports on this tour have air conditioners.
Are all entrance fees included in the price?

Yes, all entrance fees during excursions are included.
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

Yes, all local guides speak English. We also can arrange Spanish/German/French/Chinese/Russian speaking guides, but the surcharge will apply and be available only for private tours.
Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

Yes, all accommodations have free wi-fi on this tour.
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

No, we will not provide an escort for this tour, but you will have a personal travel advisor who will be in touch with you all the time during the tour to coordinate everything and make sure you are safe and happy.
What is the maximum group size?

This package combines private and group tours and private transfers. The group tours you will take part in are generally no more than 15 people.
Do you require a visa for this holiday?

Yes, the visa is not included in this tour but you can easily apply for it. If you are a UK citizen you do not need to arrange a visa to Vietnam. The rest can apply for visas online on the immigration portal, it will cost 25 USD per person.
Are airport transfers included in this tour?

Yes, the airport transfers are included, please provide us with your flight details before arrival to arrange it accordingly.
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

Yes, once you book the tour, we will send you the confirmation voucher with all the trip details you will need. The final package of documents including the domestic flight tickets will be sent 2-4 weeks before the trip.
Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

Yes, the luggage limit depends on the airline's policy, the limit is 20 kg per person.
Are flights included in this tour?

The international flights are not included in this tour, the in-tour domestic flights are included.
What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

We have various options of hotels for this trip. The standard price includes 3-star accommodations, but it can be upgraded to 4 and 5 stars with the surcharge.
What is the tipping policy?

The tips are not compulsory but welcome. Generally, the tip amount is 5 USD per person per day tour (for both guide and driver).
What documents will I receive before I travel?

After you book the tour you will receive the confirmation voucher with your trip details. 15 days before the trip we will send you the flight/train tickets (if any), visa approval letter (if necessary) and some useful information about the places you visit and your trip.
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

If you are travelling solo, you will need to pay the surcharge. Sometimes we could arrange solo travellers share the room if there will be some people of the same gender looking for a travel partner for your dates and tour.
Can I join the tour once it has departed?

It will depend on the availability of the services and seats in the group (if it is a group tour), you can discuss it with our team, and they will check the possibility.
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

We contribute part of the profit from some day trips to support the local community. Our main sustainable project is Ba Vi Eco Tour which has been designed by us to give the real insight to the Vietnamese traditional life and to support the people who live there.
Any policies are in place for children?

The rate for children applicable for child sharing a room or cabin with two adults: - For infant (<02 years old): FOC except domestic ticket cost. - 02 – 11 years old: 85% adult rate. - Child from 12 years old and above will pay as adult. All tickets: Based on each airlines' policy, the price for children will be applied at time of booking.
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

You will need to contact our team as soon as possible and they will check the possibility
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

If you take part in a group tour you might travel with
How long has the tour company been trading?

We are operating since 2010
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

If your trip is cancelled by us due to Covid-19 situation and restrictions on entering the country, we will give you the full credit for the next trip
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

Yes, all accommodations in the tour meet local health and safety regulations.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

William Sullivan UK

Absolutely trip

21-Nov-2023

Absolutely brilliant trip. I can't praise Realistic Asia enough. All the travel arrangements were excellent, the guides were wonderful. The accommodation was great. Plenty of free time, so it was a good balance between scheduled activities and time to do as I wanted. The staff was above expectations. Everywhere I went was so interesting - hard to pick highlights, but here are a few....exploring the Vietnamese street food, Hoi An, Halong Bay,... Very highly recommend traveling with Realistic Asia. Excellent!

Linda

Vietnam trip

08-Dec-2023

I was impressed with every aspect of this trip from Realistic Asia, including accommodations, transportation, and activities. The food has to be some of the best I have ever had! You could see the breathtaking caves in Halong Bay - just remarkable. Get ready to try all street food - Banh mi iconic of Vietnam! We also had the opportunity to visit Hoi An which was another highlight for me.

Chiara Butturini

excellent

12-Jul-2023

Linh has been the best planner, she's enthusiastic and encourages me to try lots of different experiences and food. I want to say thank you so much for this tour, it has been great, and although it was a bit all over the place because of my knee, your company was so professional in arranging everything, and the tour guides and drivers were all excellent!

Want a private tour?

Personalise your trip

Make changes to the itinerary, accommodation, or transport method
Travel more exclusively

Your tour guide can focus all their attention on your group
Travel for a special occasion

Celebrate an important event by only travelling with your friends or family

1 Select your preferred date

Nov
2024 Dec
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026 Nov
2026 Dec
2026

Tuesday - Saturday

Nov 26, 2024 - Dec 07, 2024

~~$3521~~ $1643

Operator discount: -$1796