14 Days Culinary Treasures of Vietnam

Upon arrival at the airport, after clearing all customs procedures, please proceed to exit gate and look for your guide who will be waiting at the lobby, holding the Your Vietnam Travel's signboard with your name on it. Transfer to hotel for early check-in.
Take a deep break after long journey.

Overnight in Hanoi.
🕑 Hotel check-in time: 14:00 | Check-out time: 12:00
Early check-in is subject to room availability at the time of arrival.

After taking a rest, you can explore the city's charming Old Quarter by yourself:
Visit Hoan Kiem Lake: This beautiful lake is located in the heart of the city and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Explore the Old Quarter: The Old Quarter is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways, filled with shops, cafes, and historical sites. You can explore the area and learn about its history, or simply wander around and discover the many hidden gems.
Try the local street food: Hanoi is famous for its delicious street food, and the Old Quarter is the perfect place to try some.
Try the famous egg coffee: This unique coffee drink is made with egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk, and coffee. It's a popular local specialty and there are many cafes in the Old Quarter that serve it.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Duration: Half Day

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
09.30: Step into the fragrant heart of Vietnam with a cultural cooking experience, where Hanoi’s historic Ngoc Ha neighborhood cradles a villa rich in tradition and soul.

Surrounded by ancient temples, lush gardens, and tranquil lakes, you’ll embark on a journey guided by cultural storytellers eager to share their heritage. Begin in the bustling local markets, where the colors and scents of fresh produce invite you into the rhythm of Vietnamese life. Handpick the finest ingredients as you learn the art of selection from those who know it best, then return to the villa to transform your finds into classic Vietnamese dishes.

Each slice and seasoning unveil a story, each flavor a glimpse into Vietnam’s culinary and cultural tapestry. In this inviting kitchen, you’ll savor not only the tastes of Vietnam but the spirit and stories that infuse them. Here is our menu: Banana Flower Salad (Nom Hoa Chuoi), Pho (Rice Noodle with Beef), Vietnamese Fried Spring-Rolls (Nem), Egg Coffee/ Chocolate (Ca Phe Trung/ Cacao Trung)
Enjoy your cooking creations at beautiful garden villa.

Back to your hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Duration: 8.30 – 17.30

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
08.30: Get picked up by our friendly guide and start to explore Hanoi City
Arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. It is the oldest pagoda in Ha Noi built in the 6th century.
Then, visit Ho Chi Minh complex, you have a chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh then walk around the garden to see 2 houses where he lived & worked from 1954 to 1969.
After that, visit One Pillar Pagoda where worships the Goddess of Mercy – It is the most unique pagoda in the world
(You should dress modestly by covering from shoulders to knees when visiting Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, temples, pagodas…)
Next, you will visit Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam, established in the 11-century
Have lunch at our restaurant. You have an opportunity to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine with many delicious dishes.
In the afternoon, visit Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups living in the whole country of Vietnam.
End of tour, you will have a chance to watch a traditional puppet show on water - a traditional art form with distinctive culture identity of Vietnam. It reappears the daily life of Vietnamese farmers (cultivating, tending buffalo, catching fishes…), communal entertainment (swimming contest, dragon dancing…), or historical legends.
Back to your hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.

Optional Tour: Hanoi Army Jeep Tour Around City (B/L)

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
Duration: 12.30 - 17.00

Having breakfast at your hotel. Then, you’re free to relax at your hotel.
At 12:30, your guide and driver will meet you in the lobby for a short safety briefing before we enjoy lunch together and set off on our Jeep adventure.

This afternoon we dive into the real Hanoi. Riding in an open-air Army Jeep, we’ll zigzag through a maze of backstreets and hidden alleyways, passing by local homes, schools, and bustling markets. Along the way, you’ll see how Hanoians truly live, work, and play, not just the polished tourist sites but also the quirky and authentic sides of the city.

A highlight of the tour is Hanoi Train Street. Here, you can sip the iconic egg coffee while watching trains pass just inches away.

The journey also takes you to the city’s must-sees: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Temple of Literature, French Quarter, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, Hanoi Opera House, and the legendary Long Bien Bridge.

To end the day, we’ll cruise toward the quieter outskirts around West Lake and Truc Bach Lake, where the contrasts between city life and peaceful village charm come alive. Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Our guide and shuttle bus will pick you up at lobby of hotel and start journey east to Halong Bay, through picturesque rice-farming villages of the Red River Delta, where we see every day Vietnamese village life. On arrival, we board a beautiful cruise and spend a full day and night cruising the bay’s 3000 magnificent limestone islets. Free time for kayaking, swimming or enjoy a boat through caves. In the evening when the boat is anchored in the middle of the stunning lagoon, we enjoy a wonderful seafood meal and later there is opportunity for an evening swim from the side of the boat.
Spend the night on our cruise.

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch

Awake early and participate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over the bay’s towering islands. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea, before setting out to explore nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the cruise for breakfast then take advantage of the sundeck and admire the amazing rock formations of Halong. Back on board, pack your luggage and check out before enjoying a farewell buffet lunch while cruising back to Tuan Chau Harbor. Disembark late morning and transfer to Hanoi, arriving mid-afternoon.
15.00 – 15.30, arrive in Mango Hotel (next to Hanoi Train Station). Check in and take a rest before taking the overnight train to Hue. Having dinner by yourself.
Overnight in private 4-berth cabin on train. (SE 19: 19.50 – 09.13).

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Duration: 9.30 – 17.30

Upon arrival, meet our tour guide and transfer to have breakfast, we will enjoy local cuisines in Hue. and start our journey in Hue. Being the ancient capital, Hue is surrounded with ancient tombs of emperor past, and a visit to the most beautiful tombs will be on the itinerary for today. The charming Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda) will be the first stop of the day.

Continue visiting Hue Imperial Citadel - the former imperial capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen dynasty. It contains the palaces that housed the imperial family, as well as shrines, gardens, and villas for mandarins.
11:30 Enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit Khai Dinh Tomb. It was established by Emperor Khai Dinh, the 12th Emperor of the Nguyễn Dynast, during the period from 1920 to 1931. This 11-year-to-complete tomb is located hillside and has a combination of Eastern and Western style in terms of architecture.

End of the day, visit Thanh Tien Paper Flower Village, a 300-year-old craft village in Hue where locals handcraft vibrant paper flowers symbolizing prosperity and happiness. Here, you can watch artisans creating flowers by hand, learn how to make your own flower, and explore the peaceful riverside setting that has inspired generations of Hue craftsmen.

Overnight in Hue.

Meals: Breakfast

Having breakfast at hotel and check out. Our car will transfer you to Hoi An (No guide). On the way, pass by Hai Van Pass, from here you can enjoy spectacular sceneries and you do not want to miss seeing one of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays – Lang Co Beach (stop for 15 minutes to take photo).
Upon arrival, check in your hotel, then you’re free to visit Hoi An by yourself.
Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Duration: Halfday

Having breakfast at your hotel.
10.00: Start your adventure with Cam Thanh Coconut Forest. As a fisherman at Cam Thanh Coconut Village, you will learn traditional fishing techniques and how to row unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boats while exploring the tranquil coconut palm waterways of the past. Furthermore, you will take part in some hands-on activities that are fun, safe, interesting and suitable for everybody.
Having lunch at a local restaurant.
Then, visit the next destination, Hoi An Ancient Town, our tour guide will take you to visit:
Go to the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, a colorful mélange of bright gates, dragon statues, and elaborate rooftops. Get an introduction to ancestor worship while visiting the family altar and watching local devotees make offerings.
You will see remarkably well-preserved old houses, such as Phung Hung Ancient House or Tan Ky Ancient House, that have withstood 200 years of weather and war. You will especially enjoy art shows at Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House.
Make a stop at the Japanese Bridge. The bridge spans a small waterway and was constructed more than 400 years ago to connect the Japanese community with the Chinese who lived on the other side of the water.
Additionally, visit some of Hoi An’s well-known handicraft shops and artwork galleries.
The tour concludes with a visit to a local lantern craftsman's home to learn about the traditional art of lantern making - a symbol of luck, happiness, and wealth.
Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Having breakfast at your hotel. 08:00 Depart from your hotel.
Spend a leisurely day cycling through the scenic countryside of Vietnam, where the noise of the city a distant memory.

9:30 After passing through the town and along quiet roads, you will go to Tra Que vegetable village - About 150 farmers and 400 owners live there and cultivate about 20 types of vegetables and herbs including mint, lettuce, basil, cilantro, broccoli among others. More than 40 hectares of land and 8 tons of Tra Que vegetables are sold every year. The vegetable growers do not use pesticides or GMOs, instead they rely on a seaweed found in the local river that is harvested by boat every morning.
10:00 At Tra Que village you will be warmly welcomed by Mr. Minh and his family – a 3-generation family - with a refreshing basil juice. After the welcome drink you could stroll through the village and meet local people who work in the garden.

11:00 The local farmers will teach you their cultivation methods, and how to protect developing vegetables from the insects. You will also join the farmers in gardening activities such as raking the ground, sowing, watering greens, transplanting, and tending greens.
After working on the farm, you can enjoy a traditional therapeutic foot bath with medicinal herbs.
Your next adventure is to prepare lunch with a local family. You will learn how to make 'Tam Huu' spring rolls and 'Banh Xeo' pancakes, which you will then be able to enjoy with other local Vietnamese delicacies.
13:30 After lunch you will be able to take a short rest before returning to your hotel at 14:00.
Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.
Today is time for you to free on your own way. You can visit famous tailor-made shops in here or nearby beaches as An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach by yourself. Enjoy the unique cuisines of Hoi An such as: Cao Lau (a pork noodle dish), Mi Quang (Quang Noodle), Chicken Rice Hoi An, Banh Dap, Mot’s traditional Herbal drink…
*In the evening, Hoi An offers a charming atmosphere with various attractions to explore. Here are my recommendations for places to visit in the evening:
Riverside Restaurants: Enjoy a delightful dining experience at one of the many riverside restaurants. Indulge in delicious Vietnamese cuisine while enjoying the scenic views of the Thu Bon River.
Traditional Cultural Performances (Ky Uc Hoi An): Catch a traditional performance at one of the cultural centers in Hoi An. Experience captivating shows featuring traditional music, dance, and storytelling that showcase the rich heritage of the region.
Boat Ride on the Thu Bon River: Embark on a relaxing boat ride along the Thu Bon River. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance and admire the illuminated lanterns along the riverbanks. Enjoy your evening exploration of Hoi An!
Overnight in Hoi An.

Optional Tour: Traditional Cooking Class (B/L)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Duration: 8.30 – 12.30

Have breakfast at hotel.
We start the day (8.15am) with a welcome drink at Hai Scout Café (98 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hoi An Ancient Town – our meeting point (walking by yourself to the meeting point).

Visit Hoi An’s colorful main market, and experience its amazing sights, sounds and aromas. We will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers, to see and taste the wonderful variety of foods on display.

We board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. This is a chance to view local river life, so make sure your camera is handy.
On arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb and vegetable garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s best-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – each dish is first demonstrated by the Red Bridge chef’s, before we prepare the same dish ourselves.
Included in the class is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration).
After the lesson, we sit down and eat exactly what we have cooked.

Recipes (our food contains no MSG - vegetarians are provided with replacement ingredients).
Menu: Making fresh Rice paper, Fresh Rice Paper Rolls of Shrimp, Crispy Hoi An Pancakes with Shrimp, Herbs & a Peanut Sauce, Seafood Salad with Tra Que Organic Herbs, Mi Quang Chicken Noodles, Food Decoration – Tomato Rose & Vietnamese Cucumber Hand Fan

* Lunch includes the above meals as well as: BBQ Lemongrass Beef (not included in the demonstration)
Finish at approximately 12.30pm. Back to your hotel in Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An.

Optional Tour: My Son Sanctuary
- Thanh Ha Pottery Village (B/L)

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch
Duration: 08.00 – 17.00

This morning, at 8.00 after having breakfast at hotel, you will set out on a drive to the southwest of Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary for a My Son half day tour. This is where the Cham culture in Central Vietnam started in the 4th century, declined in the 13th century, and ceased to exist in the 15th century. It is a Cultural Heritage site recognized by UNESCO in 1999. The once capital of the Champa Kingdom dedicated to the worship of the god Shiva is now a cluster of partially ruined and heavily damaged Hindu temples, with only 20 left, due to age and bombing during the Vietnam War. This unique and majestic sanctuary stands as a witness to a glorious bygone era of the once thriving Cham culture.
You will also have a chance to enjoy the rite, see the Ancient Champa dance restored by the local government.

Having lunch at a local restaurant.
After exploring My son, we will visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village. Here, you will be surprised at wonderful products created by the hands of the artists. Rest of the day is free at your leisure at your hotel.
Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. This day you will be free to relax until our car transferring to airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our driver and transferred to hotel for check in. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch

Breakfast at hotel, meet our guide; start visiting to the most attractive places in Ho Chi Minh City including Reunification Palace – a special national relic for its historical and architectural values of Vietnam, and the War Remnants Museum. Next, we will explore a little bit about Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office – the French building in Ho Chi Minh City.
After lunch, depart for Cu Chi Tunnels, the trip will take approximately one and a half hours driving. Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time.

Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purpose during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served.
Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun (optional)
Return to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch

Pick up at your hotel at 8:30. Enjoy a smooth 1.5-hour drive through rice field scenery to Trung Luong. On arrival in My Tho, board a motorboat to cruise through the Bao Dinh Canal into the city, then continue along the Tien River to admire the four islands of Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise. Visit the fish farming village along Tan Long islet.
Next, transfer to Ben Tre by boat and embark on a traditional sampan to explore Rach Vam Xep, a pristine and less-touristy natural canal with coconut trees.
Visit local homes, eco-tourism sites, and beekeeping areas where you can enjoy honey tea and seasonal fruits. Take a leisurely walk through the village or try a horse-drawn carriage ride for a glimpse into the local way of life.
Continue to a coconut candy workshop and enjoy a delicious lunch at local restaurant, while listening to traditional Vietnamese folk music, performed by local people.
In the afternoon, return by boat to the pier, and drive back to Ho Chi Minh City. This trip offers a fascinating insight into daily life in the Mekong Delta, and you’re sure to return with your own collection of beautiful memories. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast

Your Vietnam journey ends today. After check-out, our driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight back home. Thank you for traveling with Vietnam Travelette, we hope the memories made will stay with you long after you’ve landed. Until next time, safe travels and see you again soon!