Vietnam Culinary Tour In 12 Days

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~~$4561~~

$4344

Vietnam Culinary Tour In 12 Days

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

Visiting: Hanoi, Hạ Long Bay, Thua Thien Hue, Hue, Hội An, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong River Delta, Cái Bè, Cái Bè District

Tour operator:

Realistic Asia

Tour code:

AAA8

Group Type:

Private

Guide Type:

Partially Guided

Group size:

1 - 15

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

0-90

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Meat, Vegans

Tour operated in:

English , French , German , Spanish

Private Available:

From: $4561 $4344 (USD) Travel Club discount: -$217

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

There is no easier way to get under the skin of a country than through food, and this Ginger and Lemongrass: Vietnam Foodie's Paradise In 11 Days tour includes encounters with locals who will teach you the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine and give you a unique insight into Vietnam customs and culture. Your vacation 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. Then, discover UNESCO-listed Halong Bay on a cruise. Enjoy the delicious seafood along with exploring the magnificent views of limestone formations. Journey south to Central Vietnam to the ancient imperial of Hue, where you will explore the town’s ancient sites and enjoy a traditional meal like former Royals at Ngoc Son Princess’s house. Continue to the vibrant metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, known as the “Paris of the East” which has blossomed as one of Asia’s hottest destinations. Here, hop on the bike and savor the city’s food scene with a foodies tour. The tour brings you a completely new journey of the senses. Moreover, take a trip down the mighty Mekong and drift alongside splendid paddy fields, relax in the lush gardens, and try to sight the freshest tropical fruit you can find.

Highlights

Try the most remarkable dishes of Vietnamese street food in different regions of the country
Cruise in the magnificent Halong Bay
Have a dining experience in the house of the former Vietnamese princess
Explore the ancient capital Hue by cyclo
Visit the floating market on the lively Mekong Delta

Places You'll See

Ho Chi Minh City

Ha Long Bay

Hanoi

Hue

Mekong Delta

Itinerary

tourhub | Realistic Asia | Vietnam Culinary Tour In 12 Days | AAA8 | Route Map

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Day 1 : Welcome To Vietnam – Hanoi Arrival

Location: Hanoi

Accommodation: Hotel

Your Vietnam adventure begins with your arrival in Hanoi. Your private driver will meet you at the airport, holding a signboard with your name. He will escort you to your accommodation right in the heart of the city, with the fascinating Old Quarter at your fingertips. You can easily explore the city at your own pace or relax at the hotel after the flight.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2 : Secrets Behind North Vietnam's Most Popular Foods With Master Chef (B/L)

Location: Hanoi

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today’s tour begins at 08:30 or 15:30. Travel to Chef Ai‘s House for the start of an exciting Hanoi cooking class. Meet with Ms. Ai, who is passionate about Vietnamese cuisine, with about 15- years of experience, and in the top 5 of Master Chef Vietnam 2014.

Together, head to the neighborhood’s wet market, walking distance from her house. See the variety of goods on offer, learn from the chef about their uses in traditional cuisine, and purchase items for the day’s cooking class. As well the marketplace is a fabulous place to observe local ways of life and learn about how Hanoi’s residents shop for fresh produce.

Armed with the necessary ingredients, return to Chef Ai‘s family home. Once in the kitchen, the chef will share the secrets behind North Vietnam’s most popular foods. Using Chef Ai‘s recipes, slice, dice and cook delicious dishes.

Once ready, sit down and feast on the home cooked meal bringing the culinary adventure to a close.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3 : Cruising To Magnificent Halong 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 4 : Wake Up On The Dragon Bay - Back To Hanoi – Flight To Hue (B)

Location: Thua Thien Hue, Hanoi

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rise early today to view the sunrise at the wonder of nature with breakfast served in the dining room.

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 back to Hanoi, from where after a short rest you will get to the airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival at Hue, you will be transferred to your hotel in Hue.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 5 : Explore The Imperial Citadel - Dinner At Ngoc Son Princess House (B/L/D)

Location: Hue

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start today's explorations of Hue with a visit to the Imperial Citadel, a grand UNESCO-listed complex where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. After exploring the ruins of this vast monument, take a cyclo ride through the Old City to Tinh Tam Lake, where the Emperors used to come to relax. Decorated with blooming lotus flowers in summer, this peaceful spot is popular with university students who come to study at the many local-style coffee shops along the shore.

Continue to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest and most beautiful pagodas in Vietnam, then break for lunch at a local restaurant. More sightseeing awaits at the Mausoleum of Tu Duc. Built decades before its occupant’s death, this tomb was used as a palace retreat before becoming the Emperor’s hallowed resting place. Continue to Khai Dinh’s Tomb, which combines traditional Vietnamese design with European touches to create one of the city's most unique and beautiful structures. Your evening comes to a close at the Ngoc Son Princess House, where you'll sit down to dinner amid the splendour of this beloved garden house. Enjoy a meal of traditional Hue specialties prepared by the family at their historic home while you hear stories of the city's fascinating past.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 6 : Travel From Hue To Hoi An (B)

Location: Hội An, Hue

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Have breakfast at the hotel and get ready for the transfer from Hue to Hoi An by private car. You will drive through one of the most beautiful roads in the world - Hai Van Pass. You will be blown away by the stunning views of the mountains and the sea. Upon arrival in Hoi An check in the hotel and have free time to explore the surrounding area.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 7 : Cherish Your Leisure Time In Ancient Town (B)

Location: Hội An

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Have a free day to explore Hoi An at your own pace. The best way to explore this charming town is to rent a bicycle at the hotel and cycle around the town towards the riverside or the beach. At the beach, you will find many small cafes where you could relax with a fresh fruit drink after swimming. The water in the sea is warm and calm.

You could visit a tailor-shop which could make you and your loved ones a new piece of clothes, bag or shoes overnight.

In the evening we recommend you to walk around the Old Town area, which looks charming when the shops light their lanterns. You and would really feel like being in a fairy-tale. And don’t skip the colourful performances organized on the street in the evening.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 8 : 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 the hotel check-have some leisure time in Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 9 : Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour (B/L)

Location: Ho Chi Minh City

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning your personal tour guide will meet you with a motorbike for a half-day tour of the city. Hop on the back and head through the city's lively streets, passing the many Vietnamese guitar makers’ stores, interesting eateries, and residential apartment buildings. The walking portion of your explorations starts from Nguyen Thien Thuat Street and ends at Ban Co Market, where you'll be invited to try chè (a Vietnamese dessert made of beans, sticky rice, and coconut milk). Continue to Districts 10 and 5 to witness the colors, smells, and sounds of typical Ho Chi Minh life as you pass shops and street food stands and dodge passing rickshaws. Stroll along the traditional medicine streets of China Town, then visit the Chinese Thien Hau Temple (dedicated to the worship of the Heavenly Queen). End your adventure at a local restaurant for a lunch of local favourites like com tam (broken rice) or bun bo (beef noodle soup). Afterwards, your guide will take you back to your hotel by motorbike.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 10 : Sailing Through The Mighty Mekong Delta (B/L/D)

Location: Mekong River Delta, Cái Bè

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Cọchinzen Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart from Ho Chi Minh City around 8 am, and head to Mekong Delta, the land of nine dragons. Upon arrival at Cai Be, you will board the boat, which will take you through Mekong’s fertile alluvial water, which shapes the richness of the land, to Mekong Lodge. Upon arrival at the resort, check-in your private bungalow and enjoy a delicious lunch by the riverside.

Have some rest, and get ready for a cycling trip to Tan Phong Island. Here you will visit some local handicraft workshops and see how locals make banana leaves hammocks, water coconut leaves thatch, or home decor products made of water hyacinth. Visit fruit gardens where you can enjoy freshly picked fruits and Vietnamese folk music. Then take a small rowing boat trip through the canal. Have dinner at the restaurant and have a relaxing evening at the resort.

Overnight in Cai Be.

Day 11 : Experience On The Floating Market (B)

Location: Cái Bè District, Ho Chi Minh City

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Begin our second day at Mekong Delta with a buffet breakfast. Then take a boat trip to Cai Be floating market, a cultural feature of the Mekong Delta. You will see the most vibrant scene on the Tien River with hundred of boats gathering for the fresh produce trade. Then spend some more time on the island visiting more handicraft villages. Then check out of the hotel and drive back to Ho Chi Minh.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

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 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
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 car for the excursions
Meals

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

- Hanoi to Hue (with 20 kg luggage allowance) - Hue to Ho Chi Minh (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 – Vietnam Visa letter approval

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)
Compulsory Gala Dinner on 24 Dec, 31 Dec and 21 Jan (Tet)
Public holiday surcharge (Christmas and New Year, Tet holiday) if applicable
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

Mode of Transport

- Flight Ticket from Hanoi to Hue (with 20 kg luggage allowance)
- Flight Ticket from Hue to Ho Chi Minh (with 20 kg luggage allowance)
- 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 car for the excursions

Accommodation

HOTEL LIST:

4-star hotels

Hanoi: Tirant Hotel or similar
Halong Bay: Lapandora Cruise or similar
Hue: Eldora Hue or similar
Mekong Delta: Mekong Lodge
Ho Chi Minh: Cochinzen Hotel or similar

5-star hotels

Hanoi: Apricot Hotel or similar
Halong Bay: Era Cruise or similar
Hue: Silk Path Hotel or similar
Mekong Delta: Mekong Lodge 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

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.
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.
Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

Yes, all accommodations have free wi-fi on this tour.
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 passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

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

Is the tour coach air conditioned?

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

Yes, all entrance fees during excursions are included.
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.
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).
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.
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.
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

This tour requires good fitness as it involves trekking, kayaking, and caving.
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.
Are flights included in this tour?

The international flights are not included in this tour, the in-tour domestic flights are included.
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.
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.
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

Emily Easley

Really impressive.

20-Dec-2023

The best way to discover the culture of any country you visit would be to taste its traditional cuisine, I bet! I had a great chance to savor various Vietnamese dishes in different parts of the country, tasted many unique flavors, and was surprised by the way they decorate the meals. Really impressive.

Demetra Cortez Germany

Great trip

21-Nov-2023

Delicious tour. Excellent local food and more than you can eat. The itinerary was very well planned, so we tasted meals from different Vietnam provinces, but also we visited amazing places such as Halong Bay and Mekong Delta. The overnight stay in Cai Be was fantastic! Many thanks to our agent Shadow, it was a marvelous experience.

Huston Roland

Recommend tour

28-Nov-2023

This was one of the best food experiences of our lives! Every dish was incredible with perfectly balanced flavors. We were hungry starting the tour and I could barely move by the end, I was so full. We had plenty of time at each stop, there was no rush to finish the tour within a specified timeframe which we really enjoyed. Could not recommend this experience more!

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~~$4561~~ $4344 (USD)