Taste the Nation: Vietnam’s Culinary Soul in 10 Days with Nerida

-Touch down in Vietnam’s capital and embrace the immense charm of Hanoi – a city where centuries-old tradition meets modern day buzz. Take your group transfer from the airport to your luxury hotel where you’ll relax and enjoy free time to settle in.

-In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner at Tam Vi Restaurant, known for its elegant ambiance and refined take on northern Vietnamese cuisine. It’s the perfect introduction to the country’s deep-rooted food culture and the flavours that will define your days ahead.

-We will head out on a half-day guided tour of Hanoi. One of the first stops is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, dating back to 1070.

-In the afternoon, dive headfirst into Hanoi’s vibrant street food culture with a guided culinary walk through the Old Quarter. We will kick things off at Dong Xuan Market, (Hanoi’s largest covered marketplace), bustling with vendors selling everything from live seafood to tropical fruits and fragrant spices. Weaving through the streets, we’ll sample signature northern dishes like banh mi, banh cuon, and the iconic bun cha and watch local chefs in action getting an insider’s take on Vietnam’s food traditions, ingredients, and history. We’ll finish the walk with a stop at a tucked-away café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake – one of the few places in the city still serving the beloved egg coffee.

-As the sun sets, we’ll head to one of Hanoi’s premier rooftop lounges for a curated cocktail tasting.

-We will depart Hanoi for a day trip to the UNESCO-listed wonder of Halong Bay. The early morning drive winds through Vietnam’s glorious countryside.

-Arriving at the harbor, we’ll board a traditional-style boat and set sail across the bay’s iconic seascape, where dramatic limestone karsts rise from emerald-green waters.

-Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on board as we drift past hidden coves, floating fishing villages, and towering rock formations. Mid-cruise, step off to explore one of the bay’s atmospheric caves – massive limestone chambers sculpted by nature over millions of years.

-Return to Hanoi by early evening. The rest of the night is yours to explore at your own pace or relax at the hotel after a day of nature, flavour, and unforgettable sights.

-After breakfast and hotel checkout, transfer to the airport for a short flight south to Hue – the former imperial capital of Vietnam.

-Upon arrival, we will meet our local guide and head straight to the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site that once served as the political and cultural heart of the Nguyen Dynasty. Within the citadel lies the Forbidden Purple City, once reserved for royalty, now a poignant reminder of the city’s turbulent history.

-Following lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll check in at the hotel and relax.

-In the evening, we will get to experience the cultural soul of Hue with dinner and a traditional music performance at Ben Xuan Garden House Theatre. Set along the Perfume River, this intimate venue showcases Hue’s refined architecture, royal heritage, and timeless melodies in a setting that feels both historic and deeply personal.

-We will embark on a wonderful guided local market tour with a chef, exploring stalls rich with fresh herbs, exotic produce, and vibrant street life. After selecting our ingredients, we will head to An Nhien Garden – a peaceful home kitchen tucked away from the city bustle – for a hands-on cooking class, where we will learn to make authentic Vietnamese dishes and enjoy our creations over lunch in a serene garden setting.

-In the afternoon, we will visit Thien Mu Pagoda, perched above the Perfume River, then step into the poetic grounds of Emperor Tu Duc’s Royal Tomb.

-As evening falls, we will sit down for a cozy, home-cooked dinner with a local family. Shared around a traditional tray, this intimate meal offers a deeper look into Hue’s culture – simple, flavorful, and rooted in community.

-After breakfast and checkout, we will depart Hue by bus for a scenic four-hour drive along the coast to Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed town, famed for its preserved architecture and laid-back charm.

-Check in at our luxury hotel, then refuel with lunch at a local restaurant.

-Then, we set out on a gentle guided walking tour through Hoi An’s atmospheric Ancient Town. Wander past ochre-colored buildings, lantern-lined alleys, and centuries-old merchant houses that reflect a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences.

-The evening is yours to relax at the resort, browse Hoi An’s night market, or find your own street food favorite among the glowing lanterns.

-Enjoy a full day to explore Hoi An however you like. Wander the Ancient Town’s quiet alleys, shop for custom-tailored clothing, enjoy a relaxing day spa treatment or take in the riverside views with a Vietnamese iced coffee in hand.

-Breakfast and checkout start our morning, followed by a transfer to the airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

-Upon landing, our local driver will take us straight to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where we will enjoy casual lunch at one of the city’s most iconic spots, amidst stalls offering everything from fresh produce to street eats.

-In the afternoon, we will take a guided city tour to explore Saigon’s layered history - Visiting the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and explore the lesser-known Saigon Commandos Museum for a fascinating look at the covert operations that shaped wartime resistance.

-After check-in and some free time to relax, we will enjoy a stunning plant-based dinner at Hum Garden Restaurant, known for its tranquil setting and creative takes on Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine.

-Set out for a full-day journey into the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s agricultural heartland. We’ll board a private boat in My Tho and cruise past lush coconut gardens and stilted river homes. We’ll have the opportunity to stop at a local family’s house to sample tropical fruits and homemade coconut jams, then hop into a sampan for a peaceful paddle through narrow waterways lined with swaying palms.

-Then, we will continue our exploration by tuk-tuk, riding through quiet villages and learning about the Delta’s cottage industries.

-Break for lunch at a riverside restaurant, where we will try regional specialties like elephant ear fish, served fresh and bursting with flavour.

-In the evening, there will an optional farewell dinner at Anan Saigon, a modern Vietnamese restaurant awarded a Michelin star. For those joining, it’s a chance to dress up, share memories, and toast to an unforgettable journey over bold, creative takes on traditional Vietnamese dishes. (See add-ons for pricing and more information.)

-We will enjoy our final breakfast at the hotel before checking out.

-A group transfer will take us to the airport for departing flights. As our Vietnam journey comes to a close, our hearts, minds and bellies will be full, and we will go home bursting to share our stories and photos of unforgettable experiences from our trip. We will leave Vietnam so much richer than when we arrived.