An immersive experience into the heart of Vietnamese cuisine, blending cooking classes, street food tours, and cultural highlights.
Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, complete all customs procedures, and then head to the exit gate. Your guide will be waiting to pick you up and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Morning Exploring Hanoi
Discover the enchanting city of Hanoi, known as the ‘Paris of the East,’ with its colonial yellow ochre buildings, tree-lined boulevards, and picturesque lakes. Visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a grand marble and granite monument honoring the beloved leader Ho Chi Minh, or “Uncle Ho” as he is affectionately known. Explore the One Pillar Pagoda, a striking Buddhist temple from 1049, built on a single stone pillar and shaped like a lotus blossom. Nearby, see Ho Chi Minh's House, a simple wooden residence where he lived and worked, now showcasing some of his personal belongings.
Wrap up your tour with a visit to the Museum of Ethnology, which boasts an extensive collection of traditional costumes and artifacts from Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. As the day warms up, you'll transfer back to your hotel and have the rest of the day to enjoy at your leisure.
Hanoi Evening Food Scene
Experience the heart of Hanoi’s vibrant street food scene with a guided evening stroll through the Old Quarter!
Depart your hotel at 18:00 and delve into the city’s culinary culture, chatting with your guide about local food traditions as you head to a charming coffee shop to savor a cup of Hanoi’s signature brew. Continue your walk to sample iconic Hanoian snacks like Pillow Cake and fried sweet cakes. Wander through bustling streets filled with vendors serving steaming Pho Ga, a beloved Vietnamese noodle soup with chicken, enjoyed by locals throughout the day. Next, indulge in Vietnam’s second most popular dish, Banh Mi. Cap off your evening at the Dong Xuan night market, where you can hunt for souvenirs and practice your bargaining skills, before relaxing with a cold glass of Bia Hoi (fresh draft beer) at Beer Corner, experiencing Hanoi like a true local.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Embark on an enchanting journey to Quang Phu Cau village, just 35 kilometers from Hanoi, famous for its age-old tradition of incense making. Upon arrival, explore the meticulous craftsmanship behind the incense, capturing scenes of artisans chopping bamboo, dyeing sticks, and crafting incense paste. Engage with the friendly villagers who have kept this art alive for generations.
Continue your journey to a nearby village renowned for producing conical hats, or nón lá. Here, most residents rely on this handicraft for their livelihood, as farming and animal husbandry are less common. Observe the detailed process of creating these iconic hats and even try your hand at crafting one with a local artisan.
Next, visit Uoc Le ancient village, a living museum of traditional Vietnamese culture. Stroll through this picturesque northern countryside, featuring banyan trees, communal wells, and ancient homes. Enjoy a warm welcome from a local family and share a simple yet delicious lunch while learning about their daily life. Afterward, take a relaxing bike ride through the village, visiting a 500-year-old temple, ancient gates, and historic houses. Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon.
After breakfast, you'll be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Danang City. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted and driven to your hotel in Hoi An, a scenic 45-minute journey.
Half Day Exploring Hoi An on foot
Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An known then as ‘Faifo’, was a prosperous trading port, attracting Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish ships amongst others. Today, this World Heritage ancient town is recognised for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets and distinctive local cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. Hoi An’s narrow lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour of its many atmospheric sights including: the old merchant houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, first built in the 1590s by the Japanese community to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with its intricate woodcarvings; and the colourful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two.
Overnight in Hoi An.
This morning, you'll be greeted by our guide at your hotel, where you'll receive your bikes and start a leisurely 5 km cycling journey through the charming village landscapes. As we ride, enjoy stunning views of the peaceful countryside, including green water coconut forests, prawn and red snapper farms, and rustic rice fields.
Immerse yourself in the essence of sustainable Vietnamese farming with a visit to our gardens, which uphold the principles of sustainable agriculture. Here, you'll discover how villagers have long used medicinal plants for health and healing, long before the advent of modern pharmacies.
Explore the less-traveled rural areas around Hoi An, witnessing authentic village life and lush farmlands brimming with seasonal vegetables. Dive into a local medicinal garden, learning about the diverse array of plants and their traditional uses in medicine and wellness. Participate in the hands-on harvesting and preparation of these plants, and savor a fresh, balanced meal that emphasizes the importance of sustainable eating and the integral role these plants play in the local diet.
Afternoon free at leisure . Overnight in Hoi An
Transfer from your Hoi An hotel to Danang airport for the flight to Saigon - Ho Chi Minh city. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted and driven to the city centre.
Welcome to my beloved Saigon!
Saigon, with its bustling population of over eight million and four million motorbikes, is a city that never sleeps. Yet, beneath its modern facade, Saigon retains a deep connection to its past. Our city tour highlights some of its most historic landmarks, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Opera House, and the former Presidential Palace, once the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American War.
Enjoy a Saigon’s vibrant street coffee culture as your guide offers a brief language lesson and shares insights into the daily life of a Saigonese. Finally, explore the iconic Ben Thanh Market, where you can spend time shopping before returning to your hotel.
Overnight in Saigon.
Discover the vibrant heart of Saigon's Chinatown, Cho Lon, with a journey into its rich history and culture. Start by visiting a century-old Chinese residential apartment, where you'll learn about the lives and traditions of the Chinese residents who have called this area home for generations.
Wander through bustling wholesale markets, where you observe the constant buzz of commerce reveals the dynamic spirit of local business, gaining a deeper understanding of the local business practices.
Explore a beautifully preserved Chinese-style church, an architectural treasure from 1900, before embarking on a rickshaw ride through streets adorned with historic Chinese architecture from the 19th and 20th centuries. As you pass through the aromatic herbal street, delve into the world of traditional medicinal herbs. Your journey culminates at Nghia An Temple, dedicated to General Quan Cong, where you'll marvel at exquisite gilded woodwork and observe daily prayers. Don't miss the chance to follow a local custom—make a wish, write it on a card, and attach it to an incense coil.
Before heading back to your hotel, savor one of our favorite Chinese dishes, Sui Cao—a delicious dumpling filled with a flavorful mix of minced meat and vegetables, typically served in a light broth or pan-fried to perfection. It's a beloved dish that captures the essence of Chinese comfort food.
Overnight in Saigon.
Day time is free at leisure.
This evening, dive into the vibrant night scene of Saigon from the back of a motorbike, weaving through bustling traffic as you embark on an adventurous culinary journey. Our Saigon Bizarre Food Tour is perfect for the daring foodie, offering a taste of the city's most unconventional delicacies. Sample unique dishes like hot vit lon (duck embryo), BBQ-glazed chicken feet, deep-fried durian donuts, coconut-braised duck tongue, and rich pork brain soup.
As you explore the lively streets, our knowledgeable guides will share fascinating cultural insights, helping you appreciate the bold flavors and textures of these local favorites. Prepare to challenge your palate and create unforgettable memories on this one-of-a-kind culinary adventure.
Join us for a thrilling exploration of Saigon’s most extraordinary tastes!
Overnight in Saigon
Depart Saigon for a 1.5hr drive to Ben Tre Province in the Mekong Delta, famous for its tropical fruit gardens and traditional products made of coconuts. Visit a brick factory to learn how bricks are made by hand using centuries-old traditional methods before boarding your private local boat and cruising along the waterways to observe the way of life on the river.
Shore excursions include a coconut workshop where almost every part of the coconut is used for candies and crafts, and a family-run mat workshop where you can try your hand at weaving the ubiquitous straw sleeping mats. A 3km (2mi) ride by tuk-tuk or bicycle takes you to the home of a fruit farmer where you can sample tropical fruits. After lunch at a local restaurant, board a rowing sampan for close up views of the water palm-lined waterways of the Delta. Travel back to the pier by boat before transferring back to Saigon.
Overnight in Saigon.
Meet with your guide and transfer from your accommodation to the airport for your flight home.
The regular check-out time is at 12:00; late check out is NOT included and subject to availability
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