Vietnamese food is fresh, fragrant and flavourful and draws visitors to the country from all over the world. With its distinctive style and influences from China, Japan and France, this itinerary combines the south and north of Vietnam in a trip of culinary discovery.
Starting in bustling Saigon in southern Vietnam, enjoy a cooking class and memorable visit to the floating markets of the Mekong Delta before heading to central Vietnam and the excellent restaurants of Hoi An. The journey ends in Hanoi – location of the best street-food in the country – for a final cookery class and visit to beautiful Ha Long Bay. Please note that this is a private journey, not a group tour, and as a result there is no set departure date.
Ho Chi Minh City – Hoi An – Hue – Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Hanoi
Trip Highlights
- Try Banh Mi baguettes in Saigon, home to some of the very best food in Vietnam
- During your stay in pretty Hoi An, attend a class at the Red Bridge Cooking School
- Hanoi is famous for its street-food. Experience Bia Hoi – a Hanoian institution
- Explore the watery landscapes and colourful river life of the Mekong Delta
- Cruise the Perfume River from Hue to the historic, seven-storied Thien Mu Pagoda
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Today depart the UK for your Emirates flight to Ho Chi Minh City via Dubai.
Day 2
Arrive Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive into Ho Chi Minh City where you will be met and taken to your hotel for a three night stay. Renamed at the conclusion of the Vietnam War, the city is still known to many as Saigon. Growing from a small 15th century Khmer trading port, today Ho Chi Minh City is the modern face of Vietnam – a bustling dynamic metropolis of crumbling colonial buildings, chaotic streets, colourful markets and informal pavement cafes. In the evening enjoy the street food of Saigon including the Vietnamese favourite Banh Mi baguettes.
- Dinner
Caravelle Hotel
Majestic Hotel
Hotel Des Arts Saigon
Park Hyatt Saigon
Day 3
Ho Chi Minh City
This morning visit Ben Thanh Market which is considered by many to be the heart of Saigon. Here you will be helped to choose ingredients for your hands-on cookery lesson where you will create some typical Vietnamese dishes. For lunch enjoy the dishes you have made then take a private tour of the city. Places of interest include the Presidential Palace, General Post Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral. End the day with a walk down Dong Khoi Street to the Opera House – a street that featured prominently in Graham Greene’s famous ‘The Quiet American’.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Caravelle Hotel
Majestic Hotel
Hotel Des Arts Saigon
Park Hyatt Saigon
Day 4
The Mekong Delta
Leaving the city, today drive south to the Mekong Delta and Cai Be to board the Cai Be Princess, a traditional sampan made from bamboo, wood and rattan. Before roads were improved, boats such as these were an essential means of transport and even today they are a handy means of reaching the delta’s isolated river communities. From your sampan see the colourful life of the river and make stops to visit some local riverside communities. End your cruise with a river-side lunch at a colonial villa, before returning by car to Ho Chi Minh City.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Caravelle Hotel
Majestic Hotel
Hotel Des Arts Saigon
Park Hyatt Saigon
Day 5
Ho Chi Minh City to Danang – by air / Danang to Hoi An – 30kms
This morning fly to Danang in central Vietnam and on arrival transfer by car to Hoi An – a quaint, picturesque town of winding cobbled streets, pretty wooden merchant houses, pagodas and silk merchants. Around two-hundred years ago Hoi An was a bustling little port home to Chinese traders and with a strong commercial link to Japan. Tonight dinner is included at the Morning Glory Restaurant in Hoi An – a restaurant that focuses on street food and the traditional dishes of this region. Highlights include the pork-stuffed squid and shrimp mousse on sugarcane skewers. Stay for two nights in the old town.
- Breakfast,
- Dinner
Boutique Hoi An Resort
Victoria Hoi An Resort and Spa
Anantara Hoi An Resort
Four Seasons The Nam Hai
Day 6
Hoi An
This morning visit the local market before taking a boat along the Thu Bon River to the Red Bridge Cooking School to enjoy an informal cooking lesson. Your chef will explain the secrets of popular Hoi An specialties such as Cao Lau, a medley of a yellow noodles, pork slices and pickled hot peppers, and Mi Quang, a noodle dish featuring quail eggs and baked rice cakes. The afternoon will be at leisure to relax and enjoy Hoi An.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Boutique Hoi An Resort
Victoria Hoi An Resort and Spa
Anantara Hoi An Resort
Four Seasons The Nam Hai
Day 7
Hoi An to Hue – 130kms
Leaving Hoi An follow Highway 1 as it winds its way over the Hai Van Pass. This is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful stretches of road and there are fabulous views along the coast. With one foot planted firmly in the past, Hue is a city of infinite charm and personality. Home to the powerful Nguyen dynasty, Hue once sat at the centre of a vast Vietnamese empire. Despite the damage caused by the 1968 Tet Offensive, much of this magnificence remains and later travel by boat down the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda – one of the oldest religious structures in the city. Stay for two nights in Hue.
Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa
Ancient Hue Garden Houses
Azerai La Residence, Hue
Day 8
Hue
This morning drive out of the city to the village of Phuoc Tich, noted for its ‘Nha Ruong’ – traditional houses with unique gardens. Visit one of the houses and try making Banh Gai It, one of the traditional cakes of Hue, with your host. Afterwards continue by car, or cycle the 30kms, through the countryside to Tam Giang Lagoon for a seafood lunch. Before returning by car to Hue take a boat on the lagoon stopping to meet some of local families who live by the riverbank.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa
Ancient Hue Garden Houses
Azerai La Residence, Hue
Day 9
Hue to Hanoi – by air
This morning fly from Hue to Hanoi where you will stay for two nights. A handsome city of tree-lined boulevards, temples, lakes, parks and a frenetic, vibrant old colonial centre, Hanoi’s charm lies in the preservation of a distinct North Vietnamese culture and way of life distinct to that of the south of the country. This afternoon visit Ngoc Son temple then travel by cyclo through Hanoi’s old quarter. End the day here trying street food with the locals, sampling the local beer at Bia Hoi then trying flame grilled Vietnamese barbecue beef, chicken, tofu and vegetables. End the night with dessert from Hanoi’s best-known ice-cream parlour.
- Breakfast,
- Dinner
Silk Path Hotel
Capella Hanoi
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel
Day 10
Hanoi
Start the morning by visiting colourful Chau Long, one of the city’s main produce markets, then head to the Hanoi Cooking Centre where your teacher will explain the basics of Vietnamese cuisine. Create a variety of Vietnamese dishes and then enjoy these at lunch. This afternoon you will be at leisure and in the evening go for dinner at one of the city’s traditional restaurants to try ‘Cha Ca’, a local specialty of grilled fish, dill, peanut and vermicelli rice noodles.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Silk Path Hotel
Capella Hanoi
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel
Day 11
Hanoi to Ha Long Bay – 165kms
Today depart Hanoi and travel through the beautiful Vietnamese countryside by road to Ha Long Bay for an overnight cruise on a traditional junk boat. If you’d prefer, we can alternatively organise a private charter cruise to explore Ha Long Bay. With over 3,000 limestone-karst islands protruding from the sea, Ha Long Bay is a labyrinth of channels, secluded beaches and dramatic caves. Enjoy the day cruising the beautiful landscape.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Orchid Trendy Cruise
Ginger Cruise
Day 12
Ha Long Bay to Hanoi – 165kms
This morning visit a beautiful limestone grotto then climb back onboard for a final view of Ha Long Bay while cruising back to the dock. Your car will be waiting for you to transfer you back to Hanoi where you will have a short stay room at the Silk Path Hotel and can relax for the afternoon. In the evening transfer to Hanoi airport for your return flight to the UK.
- Breakfast
Silk Path Hotel
Capella Hanoi
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel
Day 13
Hanoi to the UK
Depart Hanoi and return to the UK with Emirates via Dubai.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
From Ho Chi Minh City, fly to the island of Phu Quoc to spend a few days relaxing. Boasting crystal-clear waters and soft sandy beaches which are ideal for swimming and snorkelling, choose from a range of fabulous, luxurious hotels including the Luxnam*, Vinpearl Resort and Spa or La Veranda.
Add Ninh Binh to your itinerary. A region of spectacular scenery where emerald rivers snake through the towering limestone peaks and lush rice paddies. Tam Coc Garden, is a charming boutique hotel with a remote location and a focus on traditional design and culinary experiences.
Extend your trip further north and take the elegant Vic Sapa Express train to Sapa. Located high in the Hoang Lien Son range of mountains, Sapa, in North Vietnam’s Lao Cai Province, is the region’s main market town and home to several different minority groups.
Guide to Price
13 days from £3800 - £5400 per person
What's Included
- International and domestic flights
- Private car and driver
- Sightseeing with accompanying English speaking guide
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
- Lan Hay Bay Cruise
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £3800 - £5400
Travel Information
Getting There
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are available from Vietnam Airlines. Indirect flights are also available. Thai Airways fly via Bangkok to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City and other airlines including Emirates, Malaysian, Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways travel via their regional hubs.
Flying Times From UK
Direct flights take around 12 hours. Flights with stops en-route take around 16 hours.
Time Zone
Vietnam is +7 hours ahead of GMT.
Visa Requirements
Visa-free travel for stays of up to 45 days. For holidays longer than 45 days, you can apply for an e-visa that allows a 90-day stay and multiple entries.
Do’s & Don’ts
It is illegal to import, transport, use, store or sell vapes or e-cigarettes in Vietnam. This ban applies to both visitors and locals. If found in possession of a vape or e-cigarette the device will be confiscated and a fine, or more significant penalty, enforced. We strongly advise not to bring or use any vape or e-cigarette during your stay in Vietnam.
Whenever entering someone's house make sure you remove your shoes.
Ensure you do not point your feet in the direction of other people as this is considered very rude.
Money
The national currency in Vietnam is the Dong. ATMs are plentiful and credit cards are widely accepted. Although US Dollars, British Pounds and Euros are all often taken, it does depend on the particular vendor and their chosen exchange rate at the time. Whatever currency you are using, make sure the notes are well-kept and not torn, otherwise they will not be accepted.
Tipping
You will not be expected to tip in most places in Vietnam, yet when you do it is very much appreciated. If you liked the service you received then a generous tip is most appreciated. A guideline for tipping drivers and guides will be advised prior to travel.
Food & Drink
Rice, noodles, fresh vegetable and herbs all play big roles in Vietnamese food making it one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. You will find that each region tends to have its own range of specialities although as a general rule southern dishes contain more spice than their northern counterparts. Whereas the bulk of the restaurants are based in the major cities, smaller vendors and stalls can be found virtually anywhere. And no matter where you go, everyone drinks the national beverage at all social gatherings – green tea. There is still a strong French influence in Vietnam’s cuisine, baguettes and patisseries are readily available, and there are numerous French restaurants.
Accommodation
The general standard of accommodation across the country is high, so no matter your budget, Vietnam will cater for you. Eco lodges, homestays or simple local hotels with basic facilities are typical in rural and remote parts of Vietnam where the focus is on experiencing the location rather than where you are staying. In contrast, cities and towns offer a whole range of accommodation with a selection of impressive high-end luxury and boutique hotels similar to the rest of Southeast Asia. Vietnam is known for its breadth of cruises and vessels vary in size, standard and style. At Ha Long Bay cruises take place in small to medium-sized junk boats whilst in the Mekong Delta smaller sampan-style boats are used for exploring the narrow tributaries and larger cruise boats for extended upstream expeditions to Cambodia. Throughout the coast between Central and South Vietnam you will find many beautiful boutique spa hotels perfect for a luxury beach holiday.
Shopping
With countless street markets, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to handicrafts ranging from lacquerware to textiles. Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An especially offers excellent value for money when it comes to tailored clothing, fine cotton goods, hand embroidered fabrics and various jewellery and shawls.
Suggested Reading
The usual good sources of information, such as Bradt and Footprint, are always helpful. If you want a more visually appealing guide to Vietnam, then Nguyen Van Huy's ‘Vietnam: Journeys of Body, Mind and Spirit’ carries a number of stunning photographs from journeys through the heart of the country. ‘Vietnam: A Traveller's Literary Companion’ is interesting and Qui Doc Nguyen's collection of stories by various local writers allows you to get an insight into the country's culture through its own folklore and literature. We would also highly recommend a couple of books by Pam Scott, namely 'Vietnam: Hanoi Stories' and 'Life in Hanoi'.
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on Vietnam the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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