Vietnam Foodies Paradise - 10 Days

Begin your adventure in Vietnam with a warm welcome at the airport by your private driver. We will transport you directly to your hotel, where you can check in and relax after your journey.

Once refreshed, you're invited to explore the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City at your leisure. Discover its historic charm and architectural wonders, and browse the diverse array of local products on offer. After soaking in the city's atmosphere, return to the hotel to unwind for a restful night’s sleep.

We begin our tour at Nguyen Thien Thuat backstreet, an area that captures the vibrant spirit of Saigon. As we explore this typical city street, you'll notice buildings from the 1960s and a variety of Vietnamese guitar makers' shops, some renowned for their outstanding quality. The street is also lined with intriguing eateries.

In the surrounding backstreets, you'll find bustling residential apartment buildings. This route offers a genuine glimpse into Saigon's lively atmosphere, ideal for street photography. Our walk takes us from Nguyen Thien Thuat Street to Ban Co Market, where you are encouraged to sample traditional Vietnamese "chè," delectable desserts made with beans, sticky rice, and coconut milk.

We continue to Districts 10 and 5 to explore more residential apartment buildings. This area vividly showcases Saigon's unique lifestyle, with vibrant street scenes, local shops, food stalls, and passing rickshaws.

Our walk proceeds along Hai Thuong Lan Ong and Trieu Quang Phuc streets, renowned for their traditional medicine shops in Chinatown. Here, you'll encounter a concentration of herbal clinics and stores, where the aroma of medicinal herbs fills the air. Visit the Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the worship of the Heavenly Queen, a significant figure in Chinese culture.

We will have lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel around 1:00 PM.

Please note: If you prefer not to travel by scooter, we can arrange a walking option. Please contact your travel advisor for arrangements.

Pick-up from your hotel. Enjoy a hearty breakfast before we set off for the Mekong Delta, heading to My Tho, a town situated on the left bank of the Mekong River.

Upon arrival, we board a sampan and cruise along the river, passing the picturesque Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands. Our first stop is Unicorn Island, where we take a walk along the country lanes, explore orchards, and savour tropical fruits while listening to traditional folk music performed by locals. We'll also visit a fruit plantation.

We then navigate the Thoi Son canal on a hand-rowed sampan to appreciate the serene countryside. A stop at a family business includes a visit to a honey-bee farm, where you can sample honey tea, and see a coconut candy workshop in action. Lunch is at a local restaurant, followed by a break.

In the afternoon, we cycle around Tan Thach village, an excellent opportunity to meet local villagers and experience daily life in the Mekong Delta. Alternatively, you can relax in a hammock and enjoy the cooling breeze if you prefer not to cycle. Afterwards, we return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, you'll have some free time to explore or relax until your private cab arrives to take you to the airport for your flight to Hoi An. Upon arrival, settle in for an overnight stay in this beautifully preserved ancient town.

Experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine by exploring hidden gems known for their local specialities and street food. We will immerse ourselves in the genuine atmosphere of a local night out, indulging in food and drink while mingling with residents. Through these culinary delights and interactive experiences, you'll gain insight into Vietnamese culture.

Our evening continues with a picturesque boat trip on the Hoai River, where you'll have the chance to release flower lanterns—a traditional activity symbolising hope and good fortune. You'll also join in traditional bingo games, a fun way to further connect with the local culture.

As we wander through the charming, lesser-known alleyways of Hoi An's old town, you'll discover its unique charm and history. This enchanting city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its well-preserved architecture and vibrant heritage.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we catch a flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, we will check in to our hotel. You will then have free time to relax and recharge.

We will collect you from your hotel. Begin the tour with an introduction to our itinerary. Experience the vibrancy of Hanoi as we drive through the 36 ancient streets of the Old Quarter, sampling a range of delicious street foods.

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex for a brief sightseeing stop. Then, head to West Lake for a taste of local street food and refreshments, appreciating this serene part of Hanoi.

Ride past the iconic Long Bien Bridge, offering a picturesque view and photo opportunities. Continue the tour around Hanoi’s Old Quarter, making brief stops at notable landmarks such as the Opera House, the historic Metropole Legend Hotel, Hoan Kiem Lake, and St. Joseph’s Cathedral.

Conclude the evening at a local coffee shop where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese coffee.

Please note: If you would prefer not to tour by scooter, we can arrange a walking option. Please get in touch with your travel advisor to make any necessary arrangements.

In the morning, we check out from the hotel and are collected by the cruise, embarking on a scenic journey through the Red River Delta. As we travel, admire the vast emerald rice paddies that define the landscape. Upon arrival at Halong Bay, we set sail on a cruise to explore the breathtaking limestone rocks and karst grottoes.

Following our exploration, we enjoy a delicious seafood lunch. Afterwards, we visit a renowned limestone cave in Halong Bay, where you can choose to kayak or swim, offering a closer look at the floating villages and local shops.

In the evening, we return to the boat for an early dinner. You then have the leisure to relax or participate in various onboard activities. We overnight on the boat in Halong Bay, experiencing this stunning location in the twilight hours.

Start your day with an early morning Tai Chi lesson or simply savour a hearty breakfast on board. As we journey back to the port, we'll visit the Limestone Cave, renowned for its impressive stalagmites and stalactites. We'll continue sailing smoothly to the main harbour, aiming to reach Hanoi by 17:00. In the evening, enjoy free time to explore Hanoi at your own pace.

Begin your final day with a wholesome breakfast. After checking out of the hotel, you'll have the opportunity to explore the local markets at your leisure, perfect for picking up souvenirs for family and friends. Later, we will head to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!