Vietnam Real Food Adventure Tour with 1 Review by Intrepid Travel

12 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

12 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Hanoi, Vietnam

Ends

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Highlights

Embrace your adventurous side on a tour of Hue’s imperial monuments from the back of a motorbike (the local way of getting around). Then, be treated to lunch, specially prepared for you by a chef who is a descendant of the royal family in the garden of their family home.

Don’t just taste your way around this foodie haven, don your chef hat and learn the recipes behind these incredible eats, too. Learn the secret spices directly from local chefs (often in their own homes) and be guided to the freshest ingredients in authentic local markets.

Explore the Mekong Delta – known as ‘Vietnam’s rice bowl’ for its abundance of rice paddies, fruit and flower orchards. Cruise on a traditional sampan, then meet fresh produce vendors along the way to your veranda-wrapped homestay for the evening.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay and set sail on the emerald-green waters, gliding between limestone karsts on a traditional junk boat for the evening.

Discover the real flavours of Vietnam, digging into authentic eats like pho, banh mi, bun cha, bun bo Hue and Cao Lau – a true feast for the senses.

Itinerary

Dive into a culinary journey across Vietnam with the 'Vietnam Real Food Adventure'—a 12-day guided food tour that takes you from Hanoi’s ancient streets to the vibrant markets of Ho Chi Minh City. This easy-paced tour is designed for food lovers eager to experience the heart of Vietnamese culture through its celebrated cuisine. Savor pho in Hanoi, taste royal specialties in Hue, snack on sizzling banh xeo in lantern-lit Hoi An, and immerse yourself in the energy of Saigon’s markets. Along the way, you’ll cook regional dishes, sip coffee in lively cafes, and learn why Vietnamese food is among the world’s freshest and most aromatic. With included accommodation, meals, and transport, you’re free to indulge your senses and explore iconic sights, from Halong Bay to the imperial citadels. The standout feature? Hands-on culinary experiences and authentic local interactions, offering a true taste of Vietnam beyond the tourist trail.

day 1 - Hanoi

Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins in the country’s capital – Hanoi. If you arrive early, maybe grab a delicious Vietnamese coffee (typically served with condensed milk or, for the more adventurous, egg)! Meet your group and leader for a welcome meeting at 5 pm, then head out for your first introduction to Vietnam’s lively culinary scene. Your leader will take you on a street food tour around the streets, as the sun goes down and the city comes alive at night. Maybe try bun cha (a grilled pork and noodle dish loved in Hanoi) or lau (Vietnamese hot pot). Thinking of arriving a few days early to explore the majestic Northern Vietnam? Then check out our Ninh Binh Mini Adventure (TVAN) -for an off-the-beaten path discovery of Pu Long and Ninh Binh. Or you can try our Hiking In Sapa (TVAG) - for a big doze of dramatic mountain landscapes, crisp fresh air and colorful hilltribes.

included:Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Dinner

day 2 - Halong Bay

This morning, hit the road for the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay. The harbour, with approximately 2000 limestone islands rising from the turquoise waters of Bac Bo Gulf, spans an area of about 1500 square km and is dotted with beaches and grottos. When you arrive, you’ll set sail on the emerald-green waters, gliding between limestone karsts to take in the incredible scenery from the best outlook of them all – the water! Then, you’ll explore Surprise Cave, one of the most striking caves in the bay. In the afternoon, you’ll return to your boat and enjoy a delicious feast prepared by an onboard chef. Tonight’s stay is something special as you’ll be sleeping on the traditional boat, letting the water lull you to sleep and really taking in the beauty of the surrounding bay.

included:Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise

accommodation:Boat

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 3 - Overnight train

If you’re an early riser, you might like to wake up for sunrise this morning, watching the bay come alive. Perhaps organise an optional kayak experience to see the limestone karsts from a new perspective. Tonight, you’ll head back to Hanoi and board an overnight train bound for Hue. Perhaps grab some snacks today for the train, then settle in and play some cards with your group or watch the scenery pass you by from the window.

accommodation:Overnight sleeper train

meals:1 Breakfast

day 4 - Hue

Arrive in Hue this morning – Vietnam’s former royal capital - and enjoy a local breakfast of bun bo hue (a spiced beef noodle soup). The food here is influenced by its imperial heritage (small dishes and a focus on aesthetic presentation) and Buddhism, reflected in the many vegetarian restaurants. After leaving your luggage at your hotel, embark on a tour of the city’s imperial monuments from the back of a motorbike. Stop past Thien Mu Pagoda – an active Buddhist monastery since 1601, where you'll see a car that belonged to Thich Quang Duc, the worldly famous self-immolating monk of the 1963 protests. After some time exploring, it's time to eat! You’ll enjoy a plant-based Buddhist meal specially prepared by a chef and descendant of the royal family, in the garden of their family home. After, visit the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and enjoy some free time this evening. You may like to ask your leader for the best place to try imperial street specialties for dinner tonight like banh hue (rice flour cakes stuffed with shrimp, pork and spices).

included:Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, Hue - Highlights & back streets tour by motorbike, Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 5 - Hoi An

This morning you’ll go to a local coffee house where three generations of Hue locals are living together. Admire the traditional house and gardens before meeting your host, Mr Khoa. Learn about his passion for coffee with a demonstration of how to make Hue’s traditional salt coffee, from the bean roasting process to the secret ingredients. Maybe even have a go at making it yourself! After, visit the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City before heading south by bus through coastal rice paddies and the mountainous Hai Van Pass to Hoi An. This beautifully restored city retains the feel of centuries past and tonight, you’ll head to the Old Centre – a UNESCO World Heritage site full of colourful streets, heritage buildings and specialty shops. Try Cao Lau (a local noodle dish) with your group tonight, then head out among the lanterns for a nighttime orientation walk with your leader.

included:Hoi An - Cao Lau dinner + lantern orientation walk in Hoi An, Hue - Salt coffee, Hue - Imperial City entrance and guided visit

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 6 - Hoi An

Today, you’ll really get to know Hoi An – first, your leader will take you on a walk around the Ancient Town. Then, you’ll discover Reaching Out Tea House – a non-government organisation that supports the local deaf and mute community by providing employment and vocational training. While here, you’ll sip delicious teas in total silence – a tranquil experience you won’t soon forget. After a little time to relax, you’ll get ready for a cooking class with a local chef this afternoon. You’ll be escorted to a local market to shop for fresh ingredients, then you’ll go through a culinary journey with hands-on demonstrations. Your local chef will even share the stories behind the yin and yang elements, unveiling the secret of home-cooked Vietnamese meals.

included:Hoi An - Tea Tasting in Silence, Hoi An - Cooking class with local chef, Hoi An - Market tour

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 7 - Overnight train Danang to Nha Trang

Enjoy a free day in Hoi An to explore at your own pace. Maybe relax at the hotel pool or go for a bike ride in the nearby rice fields. You can stroll around Hoi An’s Old Centre for some last minute shopping – you'll have your hotel room for the whole day, before driving to Danang along the coast. Maybe visit the beach for a while before boarding an overnight train bound for Nha Trang.

accommodation:Overnight train

meals:1 Breakfast

day 8 - Nha Trang

Arrive in Nha Trang this morning at around 10 am, then have some breakfast. After checking into your hotel, maybe stroll around the city, visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers or head to the Tran Phu Bridge for scenic views of the city and coastline. This afternoon, you’ll meet back up with your group for a seafood dinner – a local speciality in Nha Trang.

included:Nha Trang - Seafood dinner

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 9 - Ho Chi Minh City

Leave Nha Trang this morning and drive on to Ho Chi Minh City, once known as Saigon. Stop for lunch along the way, then when you arrive, take a walking tour to get a feel for the city's fascinating blend of old and new, East and West. You’ll notice a strong French influence here, which means excellent coffee and baguettes! Stop past the General Post Office, then take a guided walk around one of Vietnam’s most pulsing markets – Ben Thanh. This is the perfect place to pick up any last-minute snacks, cooking utensils, ingredients or presents for friends and family. Try the world famous crispy pork belly Bahn mi, then visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about the city’s sobering past.

included:Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh City - City tour, Ho Chi Minh City - Banh mi, Ho Chi Minh City - Ben Thanh market visit

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Lunch

day 10 - Mekong Delta

After breakfast this morning, kiss Ho Chi Minh City goodbye and make your way to the Mekong Delta. The delta is known as ‘Vietnam’s rice bowl’ for its abundance of rice paddies, fruit and flower orchards. When you arrive, you’ll hit the water and cruise up this mighty river, stopping at tropical fruit gardens and local cottage industries to sample honey, coconut candy and fruit, right at the source. Enjoy being paddled slowly along the quieter backwaters in a sampan – one of the most common forms of transport in these parts. Continue to your homestay for this evening. Meet your hosts and take some time to wander the garden, relax or lend a hand with dinner preparations. Enjoy a southern Vietnamese feast on the wide veranda overlooking the garden as the sun goes down.

included:Mekong Delta - Boat cruise with visits to local producers

accommodation:Homestay

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 11 - Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy the freshest fruit of the Mekong Delta for breakfast, then head to Cai Be for a hands-on cooking class with a local chef. Enjoy the tranquil setting and the spice garden as you learn some contemporary twists on traditional Vietnamese dishes with your passionate chef. Sit down and enjoy the delicious feast you've prepared over lunch and then enjoy a free afternoon to continue your explorations. Tonight, you might like to get together with your group and toast to a great trip over a farewell dinner.

included:Ho Chi Minh City - Cooking Class with local chef

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 12 - Ho Chi Minh City .

With no activities planned for today, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you wish to spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Homestay (1 night), Overnight Boat (1 night), Overnight Sleeper Train (2 nights)

Meals

10 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 5 Dinners

Transport

Private Vehicle, Taxi, Overnight sleeper train

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban AdventureHalong Bay - Overnight Boat CruiseHue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu DucHue - Highlights & back streets tour by motorbikeHue - Thien Mu PagodaHoi An - Cao Lau dinner + lantern orientation walk in Hoi AnHue - Salt coffeeHue - Imperial City entrance and guided visitHoi An - Tea Tasting in SilenceHoi An - Cooking class with local chefHoi An - Market tourNha Trang - Seafood dinnerHo Chi Minh City - War Remnants MuseumHo Chi Minh City - City tourHo Chi Minh City - Banh miHo Chi Minh City - Ben Thanh market visitMekong Delta - Boat cruise with visits to local producersHo Chi Minh City - Cooking Class with local chef

What's Excluded

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