Vietnam 13 - 21 March 2027

"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!

Tonight, we dine at a restaurant that has been nestled in the Old Quarter for many years, refining its craft and creativity. Fresh ingredients come straight from the restaurant’s organic farm to the table.

Accommodation: Hotel Des Arts Saigon

“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.

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: Hotel Des Arts Saigon

"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. On arrival we will check 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: Anantara Hoi An 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.

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 Noodles.

Accommodation: Anantara Hoi An Resort

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

Enjoy a leisurely morning to explore at your own pace.
Begin your day with a relaxed breakfast on the balcony, overlooking the tranquil Thu Bon River.

Your hotel provides bicycles, and there is truly no better way to experience Hoi An. Rise early for a peaceful ride, wander the quiet streets, or follow the riverside path just outside the hotel. Watching the old town awaken with the locals is a beautiful and memorable start to the day.

For those seeking relaxation, the hotel’s spa is a treat, consider booking a treatment for later. Hoi An is also a shopper’s paradise, home to master tailors who can recreate any designer piece with remarkable skill. Take time to meander through the fresh food and seafood markets at your own pace.

Lunch today is a special highlight.
You’ll meet one of our favourite people and friend of Food I Am,  in Vietnam, renowned chef Duc—at one of his three acclaimed restaurants. Chef Duc will design a personalised menu for your visit and spend time with you, sharing his many inspiring stories. A talented chef, fascinating entrepreneur, and captivating storyteller, he brings a distinctive international flair to modern Vietnamese cuisine. Featured in numerous international cooking and travel programs, he is truly a culinary icon.
This will be a dining experience you’ll remember long after your journey.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy, soak up the charm of Hoi An’s ancient town, wander its lantern lit streets, or simply relax and savour this enchanting place. I promise you, you won’t want to leave.

Accommodation: Anantara Hoi An Resort

“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 check into our hotel, located in the heart of the city, close to the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake and the tree-lined boulevards of the Old Quarter.

This afternoon, we travel to Chef Ai’s home in the suburbs of Hanoi for the start of an exciting cooking class. Chef Ai, is another of our favourite Food I Am friends in Vietnam,  a passionate foodie who previously placed in the top 5 of MasterChef Vietnam.

Together, we’ll head to the neighbourhood’s wet market, just a short walk from her house. Explore the variety of goods on offer, learn from the chef about their use in traditional cuisine, and help select fresh ingredients for the day's cooking class. The market is a fantastic place to observe local life and see how Hanoians shop for produce.

Armed with our ingredients, we return to Chef Ai’s family home. In the kitchen, she’ll share the secrets behind some of the region's most beloved dishes. Using her recipes, we’ll slice, dice, and cook our way through a delicious menu.

Once everything is ready, we’ll sit down to enjoy the meal, bringing this culinary adventure to a close.

You’ll get a glimpse into a traditional three-generation household, where the women of the family cook side by side, sharing treasured recipes and stories passed down through generations.

For dinner, we’ll gather around the table to savour authentic Northern Vietnamese dishes and enjoy conversation with the family about their culinary traditions.

This immersive dining experience will be another treasured memory from your time in Vietnam.

Accommodation:  Perdot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel

Flight: Hoi An to Hanoi

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

Meet with our local food expert for an unforgettable journey through Hanoi’s vibrant street food scene. Discover the essence of Vietnamese culture as you browse bustling food stalls, hear stories of local culinary traditions, and sample unique Hanoi specialities.

Meander through the city’s narrow laneways, passing everything from ceremonial cakes and French-inspired desserts to tropical fruits and unusual local snacks.

Stop at selected street stalls and traditional shophouses to taste noodles, soups, savoury pancake rolls, and other delicious treats. Your passionate and knowledgeable host will reveal the stories behind each dish and the culture that shaped them.

No visit to Hanoi is complete without experiencing its famous coffee culture. Relax with a sweet iced coffee or a slow-dripped hot brew while soaking in scenes of everyday life, an ideal finale to your culinary exploration.

The rest of the afternoon is free for independent shopping or exploration.

Tonight we dine at a restaurant in the French quarter and explore Hanoi's specialty dishes.

Accommodation: Perdot Grand 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 in Halong City (approx 2.5 hours drive).  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.

We will enjoy brunch as we sail back into port, soaking in 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 mid afternoon, we arrive back in Hanoi, our transfer will take you to the airport or your hotel in Hanoi. 

Note: Please do not book a flight departure out of Hanoi today before 6pm. Our transfer will not arrive back to Hanoi until around 2.30pm. You will need to arrive at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight departure.