Vietnam Culinary Discovery From South to North

Start your Saigon city tour in the morning with historic sites and architecture, including the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Old Saigon Post Office. These elegant colonial-era landmarks still pulse with local life.

For an authentic Vietnamese lunch, step into Quan An Ngon, a beloved restaurant in a beautifully renovated mansion. Don't miss their delicate Goi Cuon, fresh spring rolls bursting with herbs, shrimp, and rice noodles.

When night begins to blanket the city, hop on a vintage Vespa and let a guide lead you through hidden alleyways to street stalls and family-run eateries that tourists rarely find. Taste sizzling seafood, crispy Banh Xeo (pancakes), and finish with thick Vietnamese coffee. The city reveals itself in flavors, one bite at a time.

Leave the bustle of Saigon behind and get to Mekong Delta for a close touch of the daily life of the Mekong people. Begin with a walk in the local market, then board a traditional boat and glide through canals shaded by coconut palms along the Ham Luong River.

In local villages, stop to sip fresh tropical juice at a farmer's home, ride a tuk-tuk to watch coconut leaf broom-making, and see how workers transform coconut into sweet candies. Sample various flavors and homemade jams along the way.

The highlight of the day comes at a local family's home. Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking class to prepare traditional dishes. Then sit down with the hosts for an intimate lunch around their family table, tasting not just the food but the warmth of Vietnamese hospitality.

Spend the morning wandering this UNESCO World Heritage town. Cross the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, step inside ornate Chinese temples as incense smoke curls upward, and explore a beautifully preserved merchant's house reflecting the town's multicultural past.

While you're here in Hoi An, you might want to try Prime Steakhouse. It's gained quite a reputation among locals, who swear it offers the best Angus steak in Vietnam. For a memorable lunch, it's the place to go.

The afternoon is yours to explore, you can go tailor shops, lounge by the pool, or simply watch the crowds drift by from a riverside café.

Meet your guide in the morning, and you'll head to Hoi An's vibrant market by bike (or car) together. Enjoy a relaxed ride through Vietnam's scenic countryside, away from the noise of motorbikes and the city. Visit villages to watch craftsmen shape wooden boats, weavers create colorful straw mats, and try paddling a traditional basket boat.

At lunchtime, a local family welcomes you into their home for an authentic Vietnamese meal. Share their table, savor homemade dishes, and learn the customs and traditions passed down through generations.

Continue to a traditional fish sauce factory where artisans craft top-quality fish sauce using time-honored handcrafted methods. Taste this essential ingredient that brings Vietnamese cuisine to life.

This morning is for visiting Hanoi's most significant sites: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (exterior look), his humble House on Stilts, the unique One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university with stone turtles carrying the names of scholars from centuries past.

After lunch, learn the art of egg coffee at a workshop. Discover how this creamy drink was invented during milk shortages, and try whisking egg yolks and condensed milk into ideal golden foam.

Then hop on a cyclo (rickshaw) for a leisurely ride through the Old Quarter's ancient streets. The driver navigates the controlled chaos as you absorb the neighborhood's frenetic energy. The journey ends at serene Hoan Kiem Lake, a gathering place for locals.

Drive about 3 hours to Halong Bay for an overnight cruise exploring this spectacular seascape. Boarding the cruise vessel at midday with welcome drink in hand, the magic begins as the boat starts to glide past thousands of limestone islands rising dramatically from emerald waters.

The afternoon invites you to explore impressive caves adorned with stalactites, then enjoy swimming and relaxing on a scenic island beach, or climb to a panoramic viewpoint for breathtaking bay views. As the sun descends, join the sunset party on deck with snacks and drinks during happy hour.

As the sunset, discover the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine through the cooking demonstration and then savor delectable Vietnamese dishes prepared by expert chefs.

Tips: Please keep any items you'll need during the cruise within easy reach, so you can avoid unpacking and repacking your luggage in a rush.