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Days
12
Price from
1596EUR
Map of Vietnam Food Explorer including Vietnam

Salty, spicy, tangy, fresh — fire up the taste buds in delicious Vietnam.

Satisfy the hunger for adventure on this authentic food exploration of Vietnam. Taste your way from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and fill the eyes with amazing sights, the stomach with delicious food and the heart with unforgettable experiences. The soul of Vietnam can be found in its cuisine and you will find it in the pho of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the bun bo of Hue, the cao lau soup of Hoi An and the broken rice of Ho Chi Minh City. Explore the markets of Hanoi, enjoy a candle-lit dinner in Halong Bay, cook like a local in central Vietnam and pick up some contemporary twists on classic dishes with a passionate young chef. Taste the country’s history in recipes handed down over generations, and experience it in the old streets, colonial buildings, temples and imperial ruins.

Start
Hanoi, Vietnam
Finish
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Destination
Vietnam
Style
Peregrine
Theme
Food Collection
Code
PAGF
Physical rating
Trip rating
21 reviews
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Sample street food alongside the locals. Your expert guide will know all of the delicious spots off the tourist trail so you can enjoy some authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

  • Feasting beneath the stars while cruising Halong Bay is an experience to remember. With limestone karsts and emerald green waters surrounding you, this is a dining location that's hard to top.

  • There is perhaps no greater insight into a food culture than sitting down to dine with a local family in their home, and in historic Hue, you’ll share in this special experience.

  • Visit the aromatic vegetable and herb gardens of Tra Que village, where you’ll source local ingredients for a cooking class in nearby Hoi An.

  • Meet a passionate young chef in Ho Chi Minh City and take a personal cooking class of family recipes being passed down the generations.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip aims to give you an exciting, diverse and well-rounded experience of a country’s cuisine. While we endeavour to cater for specific dietary requirements, some meals and food activities are set in advance and may be difficult to adjust. Please be aware that in many countries dietary restrictions are not common or well understood. If you have dietary requirements, simply contact your agent at the time of booking for further information on how this may impact on your ability to take part in included activities and meals. Come with an open mind and open mouth, and you won’t be disappointed!

  • The facilities on the overnight boat on Halong Bay and at the Mekong Delta homestay are simple, but the rewards of such a true local experience are immeasurable.

Vietnam insights with Peregrine Adventures: Sample local food at a street market
Vietnam Food Explorer with Peregrine Adventures: freshly caught fish on the Mekong
Vietnam Food Explorer with Peregrine Adventures: Market stall food
Vietnam Food Explorer with Peregrine Adventures: Eat local delicacies in Hanoi
Vietnam insights with Peregrine Adventures: Sample local food at a street market
Vietnam Food Explorer with Peregrine Adventures: Rice wine tasting
Vietnam insights with Peregrine Adventures: Make friends on your small group adventure

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 Jan 2020 to 31 Dec 2020.
 View the 2019 itinerary

Arrive in Hanoi, where you'll be met by a Peregrine representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel. There are no activities planned until an important group meeting in the evening, usually at 6 pm. After this briefing, head out for your first taste of the city's dining scene at an atmospheric local eatery specializing in old-style Hanoi cuisine.
Accommodation
  • Lan Vien Hotel, or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hanoi - Welcome dinner
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Start your day with a sunrise walk around Hoan Kiem lake. This is the best way to see the city come to life. Enjoy a truly authentic Hanoi breakfast of pho. This iconic dish has its origins in a village not far from the city and is designed to awaken the senses and prepare you for the day. Embark on a guided half-day tour of Hanoi, visiting the major sights, including the Temple of Literature and One Pillar Pagoda. Sample authentic Vietnamese tea at one of Hanoi’s hidden teahouses – tea plays a major role in Vietnamese culinary culture, and the locals tend to favour light, flower-infused varieties. Afterwards, visit a local Xo community where an expert winemaker will lead a tasting of local Vietnamese varieties. You’ll walk down alleyways lined with French colonial architecture, passing by artist collectives, pottery workshops and back-alley fashion houses – you’re in the true heart of Hanoi now. Once arrived, head down into the basement of a 100-year-old French villa and into the world of Xo Liquid – an alcohol made of rice wine. Your expert wine maker will take you through his story and explain to you the process of making this traditional product – the knowledge and care for his craft is infectious.Your evening is free to explore and your leader can recommend local restaurants and specialties to try!
Accommodation
  • Lan Vien Hotel, or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hanoi - Temple of Literature
  • Hanoi - Hidden Tea House visit & tasting
  • Hanoi - Master Winemaker visit & tasting
  • Hanoi - Xo Community visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Drive to Halong Bay (approximately 3 hours). You can leave your luggage behind at the Hanoi hotel and pack an overnight bag. You will travel to Bai Chay (Halong City West) where you will board a boat for an exploration of the bay. The scenes of sailing junks navigating scattered limestone islands are quite spectacular. Visit one of the caves in the area where you’ll be able to explore. An onboard chef will prepare all your meals (both seafood and non-seafood options are available). A highlight of the cruise is a candlelit dinner under the stars on the top deck of the boat (weather permitting).
Accommodation
  • Overnight boat (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Halong Bay - Overnight boat cruise with seafood lunch and dinner
  • Halong Bay - Candle-lit Dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Your wooden junk-style boat has twin-share cabins with ensuite facilities and air-conditioning. Due to the limited cabins on board, the single supplement is excluded, and accommodation will be on a twin-share basis.

Local authorities only permit a limited number of boats to stay overnight in Halong Bay. To ensure all travellers can be accommodated on board available boats, on rare occasions you will stay on a larger boat (with up to 12 cabins) and share your boat with another group. Or your group may be split across different vessels, in which case a group leader will be present on each boat, and the route taken and inclusions on board will remain the same.

Swimming in parts of the bay from the boats is banned by the local authority. Kayaking is restricted to designated zones within the bay.

In the morning you will sail back to the port, disembark and drive to Hanoi. Collect your luggage then transfer to the airport to board a mid-afternoon flight bound for Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. After checking in at the hotel, your leader will take you on an evening orientation walk of the city. Afterwards, choose to relax at the hotel or explore the Hue dining scene. Your group leader will have a variety of options for dinner – be sure to ask them for their recommendations.
Accommodation
  • Cherish Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hue - City Tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Hue is the hub of Vietnam’s historic past. This former imperial capital is an eclectic mix of busy streets and peaceful beauty. Satisfy your hunger with a popular dish called bun bo Hue, which contains rice vermicelli (bun) and beef (bo) – this is a signature of the city. Next, take a boat cruise on the Perfume River and marvel at the Thien Mu Pagoda – the unofficial symbol of the city. The Pagoda is an active Buddhist monastery that dates back to 1601. We will enjoy a traditional Buddhist lunch here. You will also visit the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and its beautiful lake, frangipani and pine trees. This evening you are invited to share a meal with a local family in their home. It's a unique chance to partake in everyday local life, and perhaps leave with some secret family recipes.
Accommodation
  • Cherish Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hue - Perfume River cruise
  • Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda
  • Hue - Emperor Tu Duc's Tomb
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

After breakfast, visit the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City. The latter was almost completely destroyed during the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War. Depart for Hoi An, passing through the beautiful Hai Van Pass – a mountainous stretch of highway with views across Lang Co beach. Continue on to Hoi An, arriving in the afternoon. Hoi An was originally a port town and has been influenced by traders from various cultures. There is a distinctly Chinese appearance to the pagodas and assembly halls scattered along the small streets. Today it is a delightful backwater town with a charming air about it, and the tranquillity of Hoi An, coupled with its low tiled houses, makes it one of the most delightful places to visit in Vietnam.
Accommodation
  • Atlas Hotel or similar (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hue - Imperial Citadel
Optional Activities
  • Hoi An - Street Food Tour - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning, embark on a walking tour which will take you around the major sites of Hoi An’s charming Old Town, including an historic house (formerly home to a prominent trader), the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum. Continue your day with a transfer to the expansive herb gardens located on the outskirts of the city at Tra Que culinary village. You’ll have time to discover the daily life of farmers in their trade here and will enjoy a traditional meal prepared by a village chef specializing in the cuisine of the Pho Hoi people.
Accommodation
  • Atlas Hotel or similar (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
  • Hoi An - Tra Que Culinary Village visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Today is free for you to continue exploring Hoi An and its surrounding areas. There is an optional fish market visit for early risers, as well as an optional fishing experience to learn more about the life and work of Hoi An’s fisherman. Alternatively, a great day trip is to cycle into the surrounding countryside to discover a world of verdant grasslands and fascinating scenes of daily rural life unfolding. In the evening, perhaps enjoy some seafood by the water, or take a boat ride out to a nearby island for a barbeque feast.
Accommodation
  • Atlas Hotel or similar (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Hoi An Fish Market - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After breakfast, take a short flight to Vietnam’s economic hub, Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 1 hour). Vietnam's largest city is a fascinating blend of old and new, East and West. The French influence is evident in the excellent baguettes and coffee on offer. For lunch today you will dine in a restaurant famed for its fantastic home-style Vietnamese cuisine. Next, take a short city tour that covers Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral. Along the way, you'll be able to admire the many beautiful French colonial buildings, such as the main post office and the former Hotel de Ville (city hall). Finish the day with a true highlight – a cooking class with the nephew of one of Vietnam’s most respected food personalities, Mrs Dzoan Van Cam. Learn about the distinct flavours and dishes of southern Vietnam that has been passed down the generations and enjoy the results of your cooking over dinner.
Accommodation
  • Millenium Hotel, or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum
  • HCMC - Cooking class and dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

After breakfast you will drive south for a boat cruise along the Mekong Delta (approximately 2–3 hours). The Mekong Delta is renowned for its fertile land – rich in tropical fruits, flowers and rice. For this reason, it is often referred to as the Rice Bowl of Vietnam. Visit some local cottage industries located along the river, then continue to a guesthouse surrounded by an orchard, which is your lodging this evening. Here you will enjoy a beautiful home-cooked meal of dishes distinct to the Mekong Delta region.
Accommodation
  • Mekong Delta Homestay (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mekong Delta - River cruise
  • Mekong Delta - Homestay & Home Cooked Meal
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Facilities at the guesthouse are simple. While the conditions are basic, this part of the trip is a fascinating insight into local life and a rewarding experience.

Rise early, as the locals do, and enjoy a delicious traditional breakfast. Afterwards, visit the bustling Cai Be floating market – a place awash with colour and a hive of activity. Mingle with the locals selling their produce and witness the chaotic rhythm of a floating market. Later on, return to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving early afternoon, and then head out with your travel pals in the evening for a special dinner at a countryside restaurant. This space was designed by an acclaimed Vietnamese architect whose desire was to match the traditional space in harmony with the fundamentals of Vietnamese cuisine. Admire a rooftop view of the city whilst indulging in the authentic flavours of Vietnam – a truly special experience to farewell your Food Explorer journey.
Accommodation
  • Millenium Hotel, or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Farewell Dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time after breakfast this morning. This doesn’t mean that your adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to spend some more time in Ho Chi Minh City, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 7 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Boat, Plane, Taxi, Bicycle (optional)

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (9 nts), Overnight boat (1 nt), Guesthouse (1 nt)

Included Activities

  • Hanoi - Welcome dinner
  • Hanoi - Temple of Literature
  • Hanoi - Hidden Tea House visit & tasting
  • Hanoi - Master Winemaker visit & tasting
  • Hanoi - Xo Community visit
  • Halong Bay - Overnight boat cruise with seafood lunch and dinner
  • Halong Bay - Candle-lit Dinner
  • Hue - City Tour
  • Hue - Perfume River cruise
  • Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda
  • Hue - Emperor Tu Duc's Tomb
  • Hue - Imperial Citadel
  • Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
  • Hoi An - Tra Que Culinary Village visit
  • Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum
  • HCMC - Cooking class and dinner
  • Mekong Delta - River cruise
  • Mekong Delta - Homestay & Home Cooked Meal
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Farewell Dinner

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is bookable on this trip with the exception of Day 3 (Halong Bay) and Day 10 (Mekong Delta).

2. This is a culinary journey, with a focus on exploring the different food and beverages of each region. There are more meals included on culinary trips than other trips, so please let us know if you have any allergies or dietary requirements.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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