Vietnam Culinary Tour 12 Days -

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Duration

12 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

English

About this tour

Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hoi An – Hue – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Cu Chi Tunnels – Vietnam

The 12-day Gastronomic Adventure in Vietnam caters to small groups eager to explore the finest Vietnamese cuisine across the Northern and Southern regions. Beyond delving into the area’s captivating history and modern culture, immerse yourself in stunning landscapes and embrace the locals’ way of life. Join us in discovering Vietnam’s vibrant culture through its diverse and flavorful culinary delights!

Included/Excluded

* Throughout the tour, guests will be accommodated exclusively in 4- and 5-star hotels.
* Accommodation based on twin or double sharing room
* All transfers and road transport in modern, air-conditioned vehicles if specified in the program
* Meals as mentioned in the program. B-Breakfast, Br-Brunch, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
* Your tour guide is a professional, fully trained employee of Indochina Royal Travel
* Entrance fees if specified in the program
* Airfares, Cruise, Train, Sleeper bus if specified in the program.

* Compulsory tips for tour guide and driver
* Meals not mentioned in the program
* Single Supplement. Early check-in and late check-out. Hotel/Room upgrade
* Drinks, personal expenses and any services not clearly mentioned in the program
* Surcharge for the festive seasons
* Applicable Government Taxes and other service charges.
* The tour cost does not include POE charges and passport charges.
* Porterage Facility

Hotel List:
To view the list and detailed information about the hotels used in the tour

Please click here: View Hotel List

Itinerary

We'll rendezvous with our guide at the airport, then proceed to the hotel.

Check-in time begins at 14:00 (early check-in available for an additional charge).

Enjoy the entire day at your leisure, whether exploring independently or opting to join our suggested activities:

Water Puppet Show: Experience the unique Vietnamese water puppetry with traditional performances accompanied by folk music.

Hanoi By Night Foodie Vespa Tours: Delve into the culinary delights of the Old Quarter, exploring some of Hanoi's finest cuisine, making for a delightful start to your journey.

Kindly ensure you're at Pole No.10 (Outside the Terminal Gate) and contact us upon arrival for easy identification.

Accommodation: Hanoi Hotel

<span> Day 2</span> Hanoi City Tour and Walking Food Tour Full Day

Morning:

Visit renowned landmarks:

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: The resting place of Commander and President Ho Chi Minh.

Temple of Literature: Vietnam's inaugural national university, symbolizing the country's heritage.

Hoan Kiem Lake: Known for its historical significance, situated at the heart of Hanoi, a pivotal tourist spot.

Hanoi Old Quarter: An area steeped in history, showcasing numerous historical sites and exuding vibrant city life.

Lunch will follow the city tour.
Evening:

Embark on a Vietnamese street food exploration.

Delve into the local cuisine, savoring lesser-known dishes cherished by the locals:

Bun Bo (Sauteed Beef Rice Vermicelli): A popular rice noodle dish originating from Central Vietnam - Hue.

Banh Cuon (Steamed rice rolls): Steamed rice rolls filled with ground pork and chopped wood ear mushrooms.

Banh Mi: Acknowledged as one of the world's best street foods, offering a variety of flavors.

Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee): A distinctive and iconic beverage in Hanoi.

Accommodation: Hanoi Hotel

<span> Day 3</span> Hanoi - Halong Bay - Overnight on Cruise

Morning:

Proceed to Halong Bay, renowned for its karst formations, captivating caves, picturesque beaches, and azure waters.

Board the Halong Bay cruise to revel in the bay’s natural splendor.

Indulge in a delightful seafood feast for lunch while cruising.

Afternoon:

Engage in various activities like cave exploration, kayaking, or a refreshing swim in the sea.

Return to the cruise for relaxation and dining.

Evening:

Relish a delectable dinner aboard the cruise.

Overnight stay on the cruise.

Accommodation: Halong Bay Cruise

<span> Day 4</span> Halong Bay - Hanoi - Fly to Da Nang - Hoi An

Morning:

Participate in an early morning Tai-chi session.

Witness the captivating sunrise.

Savor breakfast while on board.

Explore the enchanting caves within the bay.

Noon:

Return to the main dock and journey back to Hanoi.

Enjoy lunch provided during the journey to the port.

Afternoon:

Proceed to Noi Bai airport for the flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival at Da Nang airport, transfer to a hotel in Hoi An for check-in and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Hoi An Hotel

<span> Day 5</span> Hoi An Walking Foodie Tour

Morning:

Relax until the evening hours.

Evening:

Embark on an Evening Walking Foodie Tour to uncover the culinary delights and cultural essence of Hoi An.

Traverse local markets, eateries, and restaurants for an immersive culinary journey.

Explore food stalls offering traditional Hoi An dishes, including:

Banh Mi: Sample the iconic Vietnamese dish available in various flavors.

Cao Lau: A distinct noodle with a texture akin to Japanese Udon, distinct from pho noodles.

Banh Beo: A popular snack cherished by the locals of Hoi An.

Banh Khot: Round pancakes made from rice flour, turmeric, coconut milk, quail egg, and vegetables, often found at a renowned street vendor near Hoai square.

Balut: An exotic dish, featuring the fertilized embryo of a growing egg, considered one of the world's top 10 unique foods, served either raw or steamed.

Savor traditional Vietnamese coffee renowned for its blend of robust drip coffee and sweet condensed milk.

Enjoy leisure time in Hoi An Ancient Town or return to the hotel.

Accommodation: Hoi An Hotel

<span> Day 6</span> Hoi An - Da Nang - Hue

Morning:

Prepare for transport to Hue, arranged either through a shuttle bus or private car, traversing the Cloudy Pass.

Pause at selected locations during the journey for photo opportunities or optional sightseeing (additional charges may apply).

Accommodation: Hue Hotel

<span> Day 7</span> Half-day Hue City Tour

Morning:

Begin the day's excursion at Thien Mu Pagoda, an esteemed Buddhist temple recognized for its antique architecture and set against the serene backdrop of the Perfume River.

Proceed to the Imperial Citadel of Hue, an expansive and awe-inspiring structure that provides insight into Vietnam's pre-modern history.

Take a leisurely stroll around the citadel to witness the grandeur of its front gate, the Flag Tower, The King’s Palace, and the Museums of Royal Antiquities.

Explore Dong Ba Market, Hue's oldest and most extensive marketplace, offering an array of affordable goods and local products.

Accommodation: Hue Hotel

<span> Day 8</span> Hue - Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Morning:

Proceed to Hue airport for your scheduled flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Noon:

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, travel to the designated hotel.

Take the rest of the day to unwind at the hotel or venture out to explore the city at your leisure.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

<span> Day 9</span> Cu Chi Tunnels & Cooking Class Full Day

Morning:

Commence the day by preparing for pickup from your accommodation at 7:30 AM, marking the start of the day-long tour.

Between 8:45 and 10:00 AM, explore Ho Chi Minh Agricultural Villages located in Cu Chi District. Experience rural life firsthand, engaging in activities such as visiting buffalo areas, rice fields, and herb farms to immerse yourself in the life of a Vietnamese farmer.

Noon:

From 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM, engage in an interactive cooking session where you'll learn the art of crafting three delectable Vietnamese dishes and a sweet dessert. Following this session, relish the prepared dishes for lunch.

Upon completion, receive a certificate, a memorable souvenir, and the recipes used during the cooking session.

Afternoon:

Between 1:30 and 2:00 PM, after lunch, visit the rice paper-making village to observe the traditional method of its production, and if interested, participate in the process.

Explore the neighboring rubber tree forest, observing the local techniques of latex collection.

Between 2:00 and 4:00 PM, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground passages spanning 250 km. Here, you'll:

Gain insight into tunnel life through an introductory video.

Learn about the construction, living conditions, and wartime tactics employed within the tunnels.

Visit Hoang Cam's smokeless stove and have the option to participate in gun shooting with real bullets (additional fees apply).

Conclude the visit with boiled tapioca and hot tea.

Evening:

Return to Ho Chi Minh City via bus, retiring to your accommodation to relax.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

<span> Day 10</span> Ho Chi Minh - Cai Be - Mekong Delta

Morning:

Journey towards Cai Be Cao Dai Oratories, an emblem of local religious significance.

Explore the floating rice market in An Cu commune, renowned as Vietnam's largest rice exporter, offering insights into local livelihoods.
Noon:

Discover the ancient village of Dong Hoa Hiep commune and the vibrant Cai Be floating market.

Proceed to Tan Phong islet and Hai Yen Bee Farm, where a vast flower garden hosts honey-producing bees, providing an educational experience about beekeeping.

Pause at the Linhzhi mushroom area, engaging in activities like pulling fish hooves and crossing Monkey Bridges.

Delight in the orchard's offerings, relishing garden-fresh fruits amidst the melodies of Vietnamese folk music. Experience a serene rowboat journey through a small canal.

Indulge in lunch at The Mekong Ecolodge Resort, followed by check-in and relaxation.
Afternoon:

Engage in ditch fishing and vegetable picking in the restaurant's garden, partaking in dinner preparation activities.

Savor dinner at the Ecolodge.

Accommodation: Homestay

<span> Day 11</span> Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City

Morning:

Embark on an engaging itinerary, immersing in various activities alongside locals on Tan Phong Island by bicycle.

Learn the art of crafting rice paper for spring rolls.

Witness the traditional process of knitting banana hammocks from dried banana leaf ropes.

Engage in crafting jackfruit leaf cakes with the homeowner.

Gain insights into the traditional roofing technique using leaves for Vietnamese homes.

Delve into a water hyacinth knitting lesson, receiving guidance on crafting homemade gifts.

Visit the local schools and interact with the students.

Return to Mekong Ecolodge for a final night's stay before departing home.
Noon:

Experience the Hiep Duc ferry boat with locals as you traverse the Tien River.

Journey back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Accommodation: Ho Chi Minh Hotel

<span> Day 12</span> Ho Chi Minh Departure

Morning:

Proceed to Tan San Nhat Airport.

Note: Hotel check-out time is at noon. Depending on room availability, a late check-out can be arranged with an additional fee.

Accommodation: Not Applicable

Durations

9 - 12 days

Languages

English

Regional Tours

Vietnam

For more information or to book this tour, please click the request button below:

BOOKING REQUEST

PRIVATE CUSTOMISED TRIP

Tour's Location

Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoi An - Hue - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Cu Chi Tunnels - Vietnam

Vietnam’s Revolutionary Spirit - Exploring Vietnam’s Revolutionary Spirit When you travel through Hanoi, you’ll notice that the city’s history isn’t just preserved in its temples and French villas — it also lives on in its museums. One of the most fascinating places to experience this is at 216 Tran Quang Khai Street, home to what was once the Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution. Today, it forms part of the National Museum of History, focusing on Vietnam’s revolutionary journey — from the earliest anti-colonial movements in the 19th century to the nation’s dramatic transformation after reunification in 1975. This museum is more than a collection of artifacts; it’s a powerful narrative of resilience, patriotism, and hope, told through rare documents, photographs, and stories of the people who shaped modern Vietnam. 🏛️ A Museum with Revolutionary Roots Originally established as the Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution, the site was dedicated to chronicling the struggles of the Vietnamese people against colonial powers and foreign domination. In recent years, the collection was integrated into the larger National Museum of History, giving visitors a complete picture of the nation’s past in one cohesive institution. Walking through its halls in 2025, you’ll find that the displays are thoughtfully curated to guide you through the country’s turning points — from underground resistance newspapers to iconic photographs of revolutionary leaders. 📜 The Story Told Through Documents and Words Unlike other museums that rely heavily on artifacts, this one leans on the power of documents and writing to bring history to life. Clandestine Newspapers 📰 – The earliest whispers of resistance often came through underground publications, secretly printed and distributed despite colonial surveillance. These fragile papers now rest in glass cases, a reminder of the courage it took to spread ideas of freedom. Revolutionary Tracts ✍️ – Many of these were penned by Ho Chi Minh, whose words inspired generations to resist oppression and fight for independence. His essays, pamphlets, and letters remain a central feature of the museum’s collection. Rare Photographs 📸 – The museum proudly displays portraits of Vietnam’s revolutionary heroes. Some of these images cannot be found elsewhere, making the exhibit especially valuable for history enthusiasts. ⚔️ War and Resistance: Key Exhibitions The museum also shines a spotlight on some of the defining battles and wars of Vietnam’s modern history. 🌄 Dien Bien Phu – The Decisive Victory No exhibit about Vietnam’s revolutionary struggle would be complete without a tribute to the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954. This historic victory against French forces marked the end of colonial rule in Indochina and paved the way for the Geneva Accords. The museum presents documents, maps, and photographs that capture the determination of the Vietnamese fighters. 🇻🇳 The War of Independence The displays offer an in-depth look at Vietnam’s long fight for sovereignty, from grassroots resistance groups to organized national movements. Visitors can see how everyday people became part of a collective force determined to reclaim their homeland. 🪖 The American War (Vietnam War) Though the Military History Museum provides more extensive coverage of the Vietnam War, this site still offers a compelling collection. Visitors can explore carefully presented exhibits about the conflict, highlighting both the struggles and the resilience of the Vietnamese people. From propaganda posters to personal items of soldiers, these stories personalize a war that changed the world. 🌟 Why Visit 216 Tran Quang Khai in 2025? Authenticity: Many of the documents and photos are one-of-a-kind, offering perspectives not found in other museums. Emotional Impact: The focus on writings, faces, and personal stories creates a human connection with history. Contextual Learning: When combined with the main History Museum at Trang Tien and the Military History Museum, you gain a well-rounded understanding of Vietnam’s journey. 🕘 Visitor Information (Updated 2025) 📍 Address: 216 Tran Quang Khai Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi🕗 Opening Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Closed on the first Monday of each month)🎟️ Tickets: Entrance fee required; combined tickets with the National Museum of History are available for convenience.🌐 Official Website: baotanglichsu.vn🚶 Getting There: Just a short walk from the Opera House and Hoan Kiem Lake, making it easy to include in your Hanoi itinerary. 💡 Travel Tips for Visitors Pair Your Visit: Plan to see both 216 Tran Quang Khai and the main History Museum at 1 Trang Tien on the same day. Together, they tell the full story of Vietnam. Allow Enough Time: While smaller than the main site, the depth of the documents and exhibits deserves at least 1–2 hours. Photography: Limited photography may be allowed; check current rules upon entry. Guides & Audio Tours: Hiring a guide or using an audio tour app can provide richer insights, especially if you’re not familiar with Vietnam’s revolutionary figures. Respect the Space: For many locals, these exhibits are not just history but part of their family’s lived experiences. 🌏 Connecting Past and Present Visiting 216 Tran Quang Khai is not simply about studying old documents. It’s about standing in the presence of a nation’s collective memory — of battles fought, sacrifices made, and dreams of independence realized. For travelers in 2025, when Vietnam is thriving as one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies and cultural destinations, the museum is a poignant reminder of how far the country has come. From clandestine newspapers to post-war reconstruction, the exhibits encapsulate the resilience and determination that continue to define Vietnam today. ✨ Final Thoughts If you’re exploring Hanoi and want to go beyond the surface, make time for 216 Tran Quang Khai. It’s not as flashy as the Old Quarter or as glamorous as the Opera House, but it holds something deeper — the soul of Vietnam’s revolutionary journey. Walking through its halls, you’ll encounter not just names and dates but real voices from the past, still echoing with a call for freedom and unity. And that makes this museum one of Hanoi’s most powerful and unforgettable cultural experiences.Hanoi’s National Museum of History - 🏛️ Hanoi’s National Museum of History: A Journey Through Vietnam’s Past If you want to truly understand Vietnam — its struggles, triumphs, and cultural depth — there’s no better place to start than the National Museum of History in Hanoi. Nestled just one block east of the Hanoi Opera House, this museum is not only a treasure trove of artifacts but also a masterpiece of architecture, blending French colonial charm with traditional Vietnamese motifs. In 2025, the museum continues to be one of Hanoi’s must-visit cultural landmarks, offering travelers a chance to step back thousands of years into Vietnam’s past. From prehistoric tools to imperial treasures and wartime relics, every corner tells a story of resilience and creativity. 🏯 Architecture: A Blend of French Elegance and Vietnamese Tradition Before even stepping inside, the building itself demands admiration. Designed in the 1930s by the École Française d’Extrême-Orient, the structure combines the grandeur of a French villa with the curves and rooflines of Vietnamese palatial design — a style often referred to as Neo-Vietnamese architecture. With its ochre-yellow walls, graceful balconies, and tiled roofs, the museum feels like a harmonious fusion of East and West. Even today, photographers and architecture enthusiasts are drawn here, not just for the exhibits but also for the artistry of the building itself. ⏳ A Walk Through Time: The Museum’s Layout The National Museum of History is divided into two main sections: The main building at 1 Trang Tien Street — covering Vietnam’s history up to 1945. The annex across the street at 216 Tran Quang Khai Street — focusing on the post-1945 era, including Vietnam’s struggle for independence and reunification. This division allows visitors to follow Vietnam’s journey step by step, from prehistoric times to the modern nation it has become. 🥁 Ground Floor Highlights: The Bronze Age and Beyond Stepping into the ground floor is like traveling back over 2,000 years to the era of the Dong Son culture (1200–200 BC). This sophisticated Bronze Age civilization thrived in the Red River Delta and left behind remarkable artifacts that continue to astonish historians. 🌟 Must-See Exhibits on the Ground Floor The Ngoc Lu Drum 🥁 – Considered the crown jewel of the collection, this ceremonial bronze drum is adorned with delicate carvings of deer, birds, and musicians. Its craftsmanship demonstrates advanced casting techniques far ahead of its time. Bronze Tools and Utensils ⚒️ – From arrowheads to cooking implements, these everyday objects reveal the ingenuity of early Vietnamese societies. Artifacts from Hanoi’s Imperial Citadel 🏯 – Excavations in recent decades have uncovered treasures from Hanoi’s historic citadel, shedding light on its role as a political and cultural center. 11th-Century Amitabha Buddha 🧘 – A graceful wooden statue reflecting the influence of Buddhism in Vietnam’s medieval era. Celadon Ceramics 🍵 – Exquisite pale-green pottery from the Ly dynasty, admired for its elegance and durability. Bach Dang River Stakes ⚓ – Wooden stakes used in the legendary 13th-century battle, when Vietnamese forces under General Tran Hung Dao defeated Mongol invaders by luring their fleet into a deadly trap. Standing before these relics, you don’t just see artifacts — you feel the spirit of Vietnam’s ancestors who shaped the nation’s identity. 📜 Second Floor Treasures: Dynasties, Art, and Colonial Influences Moving upstairs, the second floor offers a vivid journey through Vietnam’s dynastic golden ages and its encounters with foreign powers. 🌟 Highlights of the Second Floor Le Loi Stele (3 meters tall) 🗿 – This monumental stone slab recounts the life of Le Loi, the national hero who led the resistance against Ming Chinese rule and established the Later Le dynasty (1428–1788). Ceramics Collection 🍶 – An extensive display of intricately painted ceramics, showcasing how Vietnamese artisans perfected techniques over centuries. Nguyen Dynasty Exhibits 👑 – Furniture inlaid with ivory, embroidered silk garments, and ceremonial items once used by emperors inside Hue’s Imperial Citadel. 19th-Century Ink Wash Paintings 🎨 – Evocative depictions of Hue’s imperial court life in the 1890s, capturing the elegance and rituals of Vietnam’s last dynasty. French Colonial Era Relics 🏛️ – Artifacts reflecting Vietnam’s transition during the late 19th and early 20th centuries under French rule, offering insight into cultural exchanges and struggles for identity. This section bridges the past with the dawn of modern Vietnam, revealing how the country endured centuries of outside influence while preserving its cultural soul. 📍 The Annex: Vietnam After 1945 Across the street, the second museum building covers the modern chapter of Vietnam’s history. Here, visitors encounter exhibits from the August Revolution, the First Indochina War, and the Vietnam War (known in Vietnam as the American War). You’ll see military uniforms, personal belongings of revolutionary leaders, propaganda posters, and photographs documenting the nation’s struggle for independence and reunification. It’s a powerful and emotional experience, particularly for visitors seeking to understand Vietnam’s resilience in the 20th century. 🕘 Visitor Information (Updated 2025) 📍 Address: 1 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi🕗 Opening Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Closed the first Monday of each month)🎟️ Tickets: Entry fee applies (with additional small fee if bringing a camera). Tickets can now be purchased online via the museum’s official website to skip queues.🌐 Official Website: baotanglichsu.vn 💡 Travel Tips for Visiting in 2025 Best Time to Visit: Mornings are quieter, especially on weekdays. Arrive early to avoid tour groups. Combine With Nearby Attractions: The Opera House, Trang Tien Plaza, and Hoan Kiem Lake are all within walking distance. Bring a Guidebook or Audio Guide: While many exhibits now have English and French explanations, a guidebook or hired guide adds context to the vast collection. Photography: A small fee is required for cameras, but the photos are worth it, especially for the architectural details. Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be on your feet for at least 2–3 hours exploring the two buildings. 📸 Why the Museum is a Must-See in Hanoi Unlike many museums that feel static, the National Museum of History in Hanoi is alive...

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From: $733

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4.9 (129 Reviews)

Vietnam Culinary Tour 12 days

About this tour

Included/Excluded

Itinerary

Day 1 Hanoi Arrival

Day 2 Hanoi City Tour and Walking Food Tour Full Day

Day 3 Hanoi - Halong Bay - Overnight on Cruise

Day 4 Halong Bay - Hanoi - Fly to Da Nang - Hoi An

Day 5 Hoi An Walking Foodie Tour

Day 6 Hoi An - Da Nang - Hue

Day 7 Half-day Hue City Tour

Day 8 Hue - Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 9 Cu Chi Tunnels & Cooking Class Full Day

Day 10 Ho Chi Minh - Cai Be - Mekong Delta

Day 11 Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City

Day 12 Ho Chi Minh Departure

Durations

Languages

Regional Tours

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Tour's Location

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