Tour snapshot
Overview
Embark on the ultimate Vietnam food tour exploring the country’s most diverse and flavorful cuisine from North to South over seven unforgettable days. This comprehensive culinary journey combines authentic street food Vietnam exploration, master chef cooking classes, traditional market immersions, and regional specialty tastings as you travel from Hanoi’s pho-lined avenues through Hoi An’s UNESCO culinary heritage to Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling food markets and Mekong Delta’s tropical flavors. Designed specifically for food enthusiasts aged 30-60, this Vietnam food tour features small groups limited to 12 culinary travelers, ensuring intimate access to hidden food gems, hands-on cooking experiences with renowned Vietnamese chefs, authentic family dining, and genuine cultural exchanges through the universal language of cuisine.
Duration: 7 days, 6 nights
Departure: Daily from Hanoi
Language: Expert culinary guides with deep food culture knowledge
Note: Premium 4-star accommodations and professional cooking facilities included
VIETNAM FOOD TOUR DESCRIPTION
Authentic culinary immersion This Vietnam food tour provides carefully designed culinary experiences showcasing Vietnam’s rich regional dishes through master chef cooking classes in professional kitchens, insider street food Vietnam exploration with local experts navigating hidden alleyways, comprehensive market education with ingredient identification, and authentic local dining in family homes and traditional restaurants away from tourist areas.
Regional specialty focus Experience distinctive Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnamese flavors throughout this culinary journey, understanding how geography and history shape Vietnamese cuisine. From Hanoi’s iconic pho and bun cha to Hoi An’s cao lau and white rose dumplings, through Ho Chi Minh City’s sweet and spicy Southern specialties to Mekong Delta’s tropical fruit and coconut-based dishes.
Expert culinary education Learn authentic cooking techniques from renowned Vietnamese chefs during hands-on cooking classes, master essential skills including knife techniques and sauce making, gain deep ingredient knowledge identifying key Vietnamese herbs and spices, collect tested recipes adapted for international kitchens, and build confidence recreating authentic Vietnamese dishes independently.
VIETNAM FOOD TOUR IMPORTANT NOTES
- Pickup service: Airport transfer from Noi Bai International Airport included
- Departure: Daily departures available year-round for food enthusiasts
- Accommodation: Premium 4-star hotels in Old Quarter Hanoi, Hoi An Ancient Town, Ho Chi Minh City center included
- What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes for market visits and street food exploration, lightweight breathable clothing for tropical climate and kitchen environments, hand sanitizer for food safety, small notebook for recipes, camera for food photography, appetite and open mind for new flavors, optional digestive aids
- Best sime: November-March ideal temperatures for market exploration and outdoor dining; April-June abundant tropical fruits; July-October fresh ingredients with indoor cooking focus; Year-round varied dishes available
- Food safety: Drink only bottled water, choose busy vendors with high turnover, follow guide recommendations for safe authentic sources, communicate allergies clearly, start gradually with milder dishes, stay hydrated
- Culinary tipping kitty: Organized appreciation system – contribute $80-140 per person for culinary team throughout tour
- Fitness level: Moderate walking required for market tours and street food exploration
Itinerary
Hanoi Arrival - Evening Walking Street Food Tour
Today's Culinary Highlight: Authentic Hanoi Street Food Safari Upon arrival at Hanoi airport, settle into your accommodation before embarking on an unforgettable evening Vietnam food tour through the bustling Old Quarter. Your expert food guide leads you through hidden alleyways where locals gather for authentic Vietnamese dining experiences.
Evening Street Food Safari includes:
Pho Bo - Traditional beef noodle soup from a 3rd-generation vendor
Bun Cha - Grilled pork with vermicelli noodles, President Obama's favorite dish
Banh Mi - Vietnamese baguette sandwich with multiple filling options
Egg Coffee - Hanoi's famous creamy coffee invention
Bia Hoi - Fresh local beer at corner street establishments
Che - Traditional sweet dessert soup varieties
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter
Meals: An Authentic street food dinner tour is included
Culinary Experience: 6-stop food walking tour with local vendors
Duration: 3-4 hours, evening food exploration
Notes: Come hungry; comfortable walking shoes essential; vegetarian options available
Hanoi Market & Master Chef Experience (cooking class)
A memorable Vietnamese food tour starts as travelers are welcomed and taken to their centrally situated accommodation amidst the historic Old Quarter. Upon arrival, guests are escorted to lodging ideally positioned within the ancient capital's bustling heart.
An immersion into the metropolis's lively culinary culture is provided, where ancient streets are navigated and authentic local dishes, like traditional beef noodle soup, are discovered. Then, a significant marketplace is explored, where valuable insights are provided by specialists, highlighting fresh ingredients, typical kitchenware, and unique local seasonings. Hands-on experience in crafting bun cha, the globally renowned Hanoi specialty, is received during the first cooking session. A welcoming dinner featuring regional specialties, such as cao lau and nem nuong, is accompanied by local beer and rice wine and enjoyed during the evening.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (cooking class), included
Notes: Early market start; professional kitchen facilities; authentic family dining experience
Hanoi to Hoi An Culinary Transition
Da Nang is reached by an early flight, followed by a conveyance to ancient Hoi An, a UNESCO gem and Vietnam's famed food epicenter. After lodging registration, a profound culinary voyage is initiated, commencing via a chaperoned tour through Hoi An Central Market. Remarkable local attributes, like exceptional seasonings, botanicals, and grain-based wrappers, are brought to light.
Participation in a renowned cooking class is included, where iconic recipes, such as cao lau (a noodle creation crafted with ancient healthy water), banh bao vac (white rose dumplings), and locally inspired spring rolls, are taught.
Accommodation: 4-star boutique hotel in Hoi An Ancient Town
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (cooking class), dinner included
Notes: UNESCO World Heritage site; unique Central Vietnamese ingredients; cultural fusion cuisine
Hoi An Food Immersion Day
An immersive, full-day experience exploring Vietnamese gastronomy within Hoi An's vibrant culinary landscape is offered. A scenic bicycle journey to Tra Que Organic Village is undertaken during the early morning hours. Local farmers, responsible for supplying Hoi An's eateries, are observed, and involvement in herb gathering, alongside gaining insights into Vietnamese organic agricultural methods, is ensured. Immersive culinary experiences await, with intricate Central Vietnamese dishes like turmeric noodle soup, known as mi quang, and Hoi An's banh mi, being learned in a welcoming home. Delightful desserts, crafted from tropical fruits and coconut, are skillfully created as well. Later, Hoi An's esteemed tailoring shops and craft studios are visited, revealing time-honored methods used by talented locals in producing rice paper, sweets, and safeguarding culinary heritage. A unique exploration of Hoi An's bustling nighttime food culture at the Vietnamese market is featured in the evening, complete with sampling grilled seafood, local sweets, and traditional beverages.
Accommodation: 4-star boutique hotel in Hoi An Ancient Town
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (cooking class), dinner included
Notes: Bicycle tour included; organic farming experience; night market exploration
Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City Southern Flavors
Embark on a culinary escapade with air travel destined for Saigon, a vibrant Vietnamese city. Accommodation at a centrally positioned District 1 hotel has been arranged, paving the way for South Vietnam's delicious culinary landscape, enhanced via a thorough discovery inside Ben Thanh Marketplace. A diverse array of fresh produce, aromatic plants, plus flavorful seasonings, defining the unique, saccharine, yet spirited nature of Southern cuisine, can be expected. A comprehensive Vietnamese cooking course is presented, focusing on Southern classics such as pho ga, distinct banh mi preparations, including Southern-style summer rolls, paired alongside handcrafted condiments. An exciting, mid-day street food experience is being led across District 1's concealed lanes, during which famous Southern foods such as banh khot, hu tieu, and invigorating coconut juice, bought at the area's neighborhood vendors, are experienced firsthand. An exceptional dinner at a renowned Southern Vietnamese riverside restaurant, with live songs, is provided.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Ho Chi Minh City center
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (cooking class), dinner included
Notes: Urban food scene; tropical ingredients; spicy Southern flavors
Mekong Delta Adventure
An early departure is undertaken, venturing into the heart of Vietnam's Mekong Delta, also called the "rice bowl". A transformation in scenery is experienced, shifting from cityscapes to verdant rice fields and plentiful orchards. In My Tho, a traditional boat is boarded. A picturesque voyage is enjoyed through the "Nine Dragons" river network. Lively floating markets are visited, where local sellers trade fresh goods. A taste of distinct Vietnamese fruits, such as dragon fruit, is savored amidst flourishing gardens. A traditional coconut candy factory is explored, where the making of regional sweets is observed. Local hospitality is shared as an authentic Delta lunch is enjoyed. Authentic Delta life is experienced through gentle bicycle tours in timeless villages.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Ho Chi Minh City center
Meals: Breakfast, lunch included
Notes: Boat transportation; tropical fruit tasting; rural cooking experience
Culinary Farewell & Departure
Before departure, seek out unique Vietnamese ingredients and delectable mementos in dedicated marketplaces and specialty stores. Guidance on appropriate product choices can be provided, ensuring that authentic seasonings and utensils are obtained, enabling genuine meals to be prepared. Vietnam's unique coffee heritage is revealed through a local factory visit, where exceptional beans can be sourced. As a parting gesture, a concluding meal highlighting tour features is presented, where culinary know-how and acquaintances can be shared. Smooth airport transportation and checkout service are included, assuring remarkable abilities and treasured flavors are brought back to one's abode.
Accommodation: N/A
Meals: Breakfast, lunch included
Notes: Culinary shopping guidance; take-home recipes; international ingredient substitutions
Price & Bookings
| Grade tour | Price per person in US$ | Single supplement | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2- 3 pax | 4 pax | 6 pax | 8 - 10 pax | Single Sup. | ||
| PRICE FOR PER PAX IN USD | $932 | $859 | $808 | $782 | $217 | |
Language: Expert culinary guides with deep Vietnamese food culture knowledge
Culinary tipping kitty: $80-140 per person recommended for culinary team appreciation
Payment methods: Cash USD/VND, Credit Cards, Bank Transfer, PayPal
TOUR INCLUSIONS
Accommodation excellence
- Premium 4-star hotels throughout journey (6 nights)
- Hanoi Old Quarter location for street food access
- Hoi An Ancient Town boutique property
- Ho Chi Minh City center hotel near culinary districts
- All hotel breakfasts included
Professional culinary instruction
- Multiple hands-on cooking classes with master chefs
- Professional kitchen facilities and equipment
- Recipe booklets for all dishes learned
- Ingredient identification and sourcing education
- Cooking technique demonstrations and practice
Comprehensive food experiences
- Daily market tours with expert food guides
- Street food Vietnam exploration in three regions
- Night market food sampling in Hoi An
- Floating market boat tour in Mekong Delta
- Authentic family home dining experiences
- Farm-to-table organic village visit
- Traditional food craft workshops
- Coffee roastery and tasting experience
Transportation & transfers
- Airport pickup and drop-off included
- Domestic flights (Hanoi to Da Nang, Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City)
- Private air-conditioned vehicles for market tours
- Boat transportation in Mekong Delta
- Bicycle rentals for village tours
All meals specified
- 6 breakfasts at hotels
- 6 lunches (including cooking class meals)
- 5 dinners featuring regional specialties
- Street food sampling throughout
- Tropical fruit tastings
- Coffee and beverage tastings
Expert food guidance
- Passionate culinary guides throughout Vietnam food tour
- Local food experts in each region
- Professional chef instructors
- Market vendors and food artisan interactions
- Cultural food storytelling and history
TOUR EXCLUSIONS
- International flights to/from Vietnam
- Vietnamese visa fees and application costs
- Personal expenses and additional shopping
- Travel insurance beyond basic coverage
- Culinary tipping kitty (recommend $80-140 per person for team appreciation)
- Alcoholic beverages beyond specified meals
- Optional additional cooking classes or food tours
- Room service and hotel extras
- Laundry services
- Additional meals beyond specified
WHY CHOOSE OUR FOOD TOUR
Authentic culinary immersion This comprehensive Vietnam food tour delivers genuine food experiences through master chef cooking classes in professional kitchens, insider street food Vietnam exploration with local experts navigating hidden alleyways known only to locals, daily market education with ingredient identification, and authentic dining in family homes and traditional restaurants away from tourist areas throughout the journey.
Regional specialty expertise Experience the complete spectrum of Vietnamese cuisine understanding distinctive Northern, Central, and Southern flavors throughout this culinary journey. From Hanoi’s iconic pho and bun cha through Hoi An’s unique cao lau and white rose dumplings to Ho Chi Minh City’s sweet spicy Southern specialties and Mekong Delta’s tropical coconut-based dishes revealing how geography and history shape Vietnamese food culture.
Professional culinary education Learn authentic Vietnamese cooking techniques from renowned chefs through hands-on instruction, master essential skills including knife techniques and traditional sauce making, gain comprehensive ingredient knowledge identifying key Vietnamese herbs and spices, collect tested recipes adapted for international kitchens, and build lasting confidence recreating authentic Vietnamese dishes independently at home.
Complete North to South journey This Vietnam food tour covers Vietnam’s three distinct culinary regions providing comprehensive understanding of how Vietnamese cuisine evolved differently across geography. Experience Northern subtlety and balance in Hanoi, Central fusion and complexity in Hoi An, and Southern sweetness and abundance in Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta for the ultimate culinary education.
Perfect for food enthusiasts Whether professional chefs seeking authentic Asian culinary techniques, food bloggers documenting international cuisine, culinary school graduates expanding global knowledge, passionate home cooks wanting to master Vietnamese fundamentals, cultural food enthusiasts understanding cuisine’s role in Vietnamese society, or restaurant owners sourcing authentic menu inspiration – this Vietnam food tour delivers unforgettable culinary experiences.
Expert food culture guidance Passionate culinary professionals throughout this Vietnam food tour share generations of family recipes, advanced cooking techniques, in-depth Vietnamese food culture knowledge, ingredient sourcing wisdom, traditional cooking methods, and cultural storytelling ensuring comprehensive understanding of Vietnamese cuisine’s role in daily life, celebrations, and cultural identity.
Award-winning culinary tour operator 15+ years experience creating authentic Vietnam food tours, comprehensive local food culture knowledge, sustainable tourism supporting Vietnamese food artisans and family businesses, 24/7 customer support throughout culinary journey, flexible customization options, and complete satisfaction guarantee ensuring exceptional culinary adventure from first street food bite to final cooking class.
Book your Vietnam food tour 7 days today and embark on the ultimate culinary journey discovering authentic Vietnamese cuisine from North to South through expert-led cooking classes, intimate street food exploration, traditional market immersions, and genuine cultural exchanges creating lasting memories and culinary skills to treasure forever.
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