Vietnam 22 - 30 March 2026

"People say that time goes by; time says that the people go by" – Famous Vietnamese Proverb.

In the city formerly known as Saigon, you'll find an abundance of Art Deco treasures, magnificent French colonial buildings and traditional Chinese temples.

Upon your independent arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, you'll be warmly welcomed at the airport by your private transfer guide, who will accompany you to your home for the next two nights. Your luxury hotel boasts a perfect location, blending the classical charm of French Indochina.

Your culinary adventure through Vietnam commences! This afternoon, we embark on a brief city walk and visit a meticulously restored "shophouse" in the historic centre. Here, we'll delve into the vibrant Vietnamese coffee scene, exploring its history, production and unique specialty coffees. You'll even learn to craft Ca Phe Trung, the famous and delightful "egg coffee". In Vietnam, coffee culture is truly a way of life!

A second home away from home for you. Tucked away in an alley, this cosy restaurant is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of this city for dinner tonight. The restaurant reflects the lifestyle of vintage Saigon—pre-1975, their ambition is to revive the culinary traditions of old, where you'll quickly discover the wide ranging flavours of Vietnamese cuisine.

Accommodation: Luxury Boutique Hotel

“When eating a fruit, think of the person who planted the tree” – Vietnamese saying.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart bustling Ho Chi Minh City for the Mekong Delta, a remarkable agricultural area referred to as the 'rice bowl of Vietnam'. Today, we go beyond the usual tourist stops and gain an in-depth look at life on the Mekong Delta. We explore the less travelled back roads and quaint waterways of Ben Tre Province, known as the land of coconuts. We discover the unique lifestyle of the Delta region residents, exploring orchards, fruit farms, coconut groves and enjoy tastings of exotic fruits and honey harvested by the residents, famous throughout Vietnam.

Travel will be by a local boat as we cruise among the river islands and Xep canal, nestled amidst a dense grove of palm trees. Then, we switch gears and travel by horse drawn cart along country roads, spending time with a local family whose livelihood has been in the Delta for generations. Lunch will be an authentic homestyle meal featuring dishes from this Southern region. Before returning to Ho Chi Minh City, we will stop at the Buddhist Pagoda, Vinh Trang. It's a charmed day of adventure on the Mekong, one you will long remember!

Late in the afternoon, we head back to Ho Chi Minh City. Tonight, we venture out for a fine dining experience tonight. Our Michelin selected restaurant features contemporary cuisine that blends Vietnamese recipes with modern techniques and fermentation.

Accommodation: Luxury Boutique Hotel

"I can't say what made me fall in love with Vietnam – that a woman's voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colours, the taste, even the rain" – Graham Greene, English Novelist.

This morning, we bid farewell to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon our arrival by flight in Danang, we will transfer to the enchanting UNESCO listed riverfront town of Hoi An. Along the way, we'll make a short visit to Marble Mountain before checking into our luxury boutique hotel, situated in the vibrant colonial capital. Hoi An, the ancient port town, is a must see destination – a captivating blend of white sand beaches, exquisite ancient architecture and a mix of influences from its days as a bustling international trading port. Hoi An offers a multitude of attractions and activities and it never fails to enchant.

In the late afternoon, get ready for a culinary adventure in an area known to many yet still relatively undiscovered by visitors outside of the Old Town. Our street food tours are always a highlight, offering exclusive access and a 'behind-the-scenes' experience as we explore the hidden corners, unique dishes and people of Hoi An town.

Arrive hungry, as we will be 'snacking' our way through the local street food scene during the time the locals call their 'snack time'. Hoi An's streets come alive with a plethora of street food carts, stalls and vendors offering a variety of specialties such as Cao lầu, Cơm Gà and Bánh Mì.

Under the guidance of our expert local guide, who grew up on these streets and ate at these food stalls as a child, we gain exclusive access to the culinary secrets of Hoi An. Discover how the locals live and eat and experience the grazing culture where people can eat all day due to portion sizes. We'll navigate the small alleyways and enjoy local delicacies at stalls you'd never find on your own.

Accommodation: Luxury Resort

Flight: Ho Chi Minh City to Danang (private transfer to Hoi An).

Cao lầu - this seemingly simple dish is much more than the sum of its parts!

In Hoi An, you will encounter a unique set of culinary traditions that have been developed and refined by a community that takes its culinary endeavours very seriously.

After breakfast, we will escape the bustling town centre of Hoi An and transfer to a local farm in Tra Que village. Here, we will learn about the locally grown produce, ancient farming techniques that are still in use today and gain insights into daily life and the rich culture of the Vietnamese countryside.

A local family will host us for lunch today, using vegetables and herbs picked fresh from the garden. They will share the secrets behind some of Hoi An's most famous traditional dishes, including "tam huu", a blend of prawns and pork with an abundance of herbs, and "bánh xèo", a savoury pancake served in thin rice paper sheets. We will relish a home cooked meal, concluding a memorable day in the countryside.

After lunch, we embark on a short walking tour of the old town, including a visit to the 400 year old Japanese Bridge. This experience immerses us in the incredible ancient architecture, temples and pagodas that are an integral part of Hoi An's charm.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Hoi An. The best way to experience Hoi An is by bicycle or on foot, as the old town is closed to motorised traffic for most of the day. This freedom allows you to explore at your own pace. You can consider having a new wardrobe tailored, enjoying a massage, lounging by the pool, visiting Cua Dai beach, or simply immersing yourself in the famous old quarter of Hoi An and its enchanting atmosphere.

Dinner this evening promises a memorable experience with stunning views of the Thu Bon River and Hoi An’s charming Old Town. We will indulge in Hoi An’s specialty dishes, including Cao Lầu Noddles, a renowned local noodle dish infused with bold flavors unique to the region, and Stuffed Squid, freshly caught and expertly prepared with a delicious filling.

Accommodation: Luxury Boutique Hotel

“I left my heart in Hoi An” - Anonymous.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we head to Hoi An's colourful bustling central food market for an introduction to the area's produce, from farm to sea. A sight to behold is the locals shopping from the seat of their motorbikes. Life here is about speed and convenience, both in cooking and in life!

After our market visit, we join one of Central Vietnam's most renowned chefs for an exclusive half day culinary experience at his incredible home. Our chef has appeared on numerous international cooking and travel programs and is a culinary expert in modern Vietnamese cuisine. We will enjoy a private demonstration in our chef's cooking studio, observing the prepping, slicing, shredding and cooking required to create our menu for lunch today. Lunch is prepared by our entertaining chef exclusively for us. A culinary treat you will long remember.

The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy some last minute shopping or take in the charm of Hoi An's old town.

Accommodation: Luxury Boutique Hotel

“A day of traveling will bring a basketful of learning” - Vietnamese saying.

After breakfast, we depart from our hotel and travel to Danang for our flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi, we will enjoy a half day city tour, taking in the wide, tree lined boulevards, ancient oriental pagodas, twentieth century architecture, French colonialism and Vietnamese Buddhism. Hanoi’s French quarter is romantic and enchanting!

We will pass by the mausoleum of the historic figure and father of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh and visit the small but iconic One Pillar Pagoda.

Next, we'll take a tour by cyclo through Hanoi’s charming Old Quarter, also known as the "36 streets". This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It’s a great place to explore, especially by cyclo, with plenty of photo opportunities all around.

Our hotel is in the heart of Hanoi city, close to beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake and the tree lined boulevards of the Old Quarter.

Tonight, we join a culinary storyteller and former MasterChef Vietnam contestant, for a unique dining experience at her restaurant.

We will immerse ourselves in Hanoi's food scene as our Chef shares insights into local kitchens and her time working in one of Hanoi’s Michelin recognised restaurants. She will guide us through each course, explaining the flavours, ingredients, and cultural significance of Northern Vietnamese cuisine in a timeless setting, where ancient charm meets modern culinary artistry.

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel

Flight: Hoi An to Hanoi

“Sun is for cucumbers, rain for rice” – Vietnamese saying.

This morning, we'll indulge in some of Hanoi's finest dishes on our food tour with our local culinary expert. You'll enjoy strolling through the hidden streets as we seek out delicious regional delicacies and exotic snacks. Our guide will also provide insights into the vibrant, authentic lifestyles of the Hanoian people.

Highlights of our tour will include a visit to the eclectic Thanh Ha market, where we'll browse the food stalls, learn about local culinary culture and sample unusual Hanoi delicacies. Next, we'll meander into the Old Quarter to taste a special French influenced dessert, visit the ceremonial cake stalls and explore the traditions of food gifts and celebrations. Our tour will conclude at a small local coffee shop, the perfect way to end a wonderful culinary and cultural tour of Hanoi.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy the sights of Hanoi, a great place to shop or explore more of the historic sites.

Our innovative dinner menu tonight at a Michelin selected restaurant features dishes prepared with creative recipes, focusing on how the flavours and textures of premium quality regional ingredients complement each other.

Accommodation: Luxury Boutique Hotel

No visit to Vietnam is complete without spending time sailing around Halong and Lan Ha Bays. The unique beauty of these bays, with towering limestone karsts, makes this area a natural wonder worthy of a UNESCO World Heritage listing.

After breakfast, we depart by private transfer to Tuan Chau Port. Upon arrival, we board our luxury sailboat and enjoy lunch while cruising towards the bay. Throughout the afternoon, you have the option to visit the stunning limestone caves by kayak or sampan, or simply grab a deckchair, relax and savour the picturesque panorama that surrounds you.

In the late afternoon, you can attend a cooking demonstration or try your hand at squid fishing. Enjoy sunset sippers on deck before a traditional Vietnamese dinner is served, all while drifting tranquilly through the bays.

It's a mesmerising way to enjoy your last night with Food I Am in Vietnam!

Accommodation: Luxury Sailboat

“Vietnam, I love you for a long time. All day, all night, I love you a long time” - Alex Garland.

Awakening amidst the bay is truly surreal. You might want to participate in a Tai Chi class on the sundeck to witness the sunrise. Our final activity in Halong Bay is a transfer by tender to one of the most spectacular grottoes for a visit. Back on board we enjoy brunch as we sail back into port, mesmerised by the mysterious beauty of Ha Long. 

Wow, where did that time go!

As we bid farewell to enchanting Halong Bay, it's hard to believe how quickly time has flown by. While all good things must eventually come to an end, the memories of our adventures will linger on.

It's time to bid adieu to exotic Vietnam.

Your private group transfer awaits to take you to Hanoi.

As we conclude this unforgettable tour, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for choosing Food I Am Culinary and Cultural Tours. Until we meet again on another culinary and cultural exploration, may your memories of Vietnam continue to inspire and delight.

In the late afternoon, we arrive back in Hanoi, our transfer will take you to the airport or your hotel in Hanoi. 

The tour is now concluded.

Note: Please do not book a flight departure out of Hanoi today before 6pm. Our transfer will not arrive back to Hanoi until around 5-5.30pm. You will need to arrive at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight departure.