DISCOVER THE HEART AND SOUL OF VIETNAM!
Discover the heart and soul of Vietnam through a captivating 13-day journey that transcends the ordinary. Beyond being just a culinary exploration, this meticulously crafted tour takes you on a profound voyage through the cultural tapestry of this enchanting country. From the lively streets of Hanoi to the serene landscapes of Halong Bay, the imperial allure of Hue, the captivating town of Hoi An, and the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City, every step unveils a new facet of Vietnam’s rich heritage.
Retreat to the comfort of 4-star hotels, cruise through the iconic limestone karsts of Halong Bay, traverse the historic Hai Van Pass, and cycle through the herb gardens of Tra Que Village. Engage in local life through unique experiences, including a countryside motorbike tour in Hue, a traditional cooking class in Hoi An, and a homestay in the Mekong Delta.
Conclude your adventure with a memorable farewell dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Saigon, reflecting the exceptional quality that defines this entire journey.
Join us for a comprehensive exploration of Vietnam’s essence, where every experience is a piece of a much larger, vibrant story.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS TRIP
- Culinary Odyssey: Delve into Vietnam’s dynamic culinary world as you traverse through Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City.
- Halong Bay Delights: Sail through the majestic Halong Bay on an overnight boat, relishing in kayaking adventures and a sunset party complemented by captivating cooking demonstrations.
- Royal Hue Exploration: Embark on a thrilling motorbike excursion to savor the regal cuisine of Hue, immersing yourself in countryside vistas and culminating in a special vegetarian luncheon at a serene monastery.
- Hoi An Charm: Pedal through the aromatic herb gardens of Tra Que Village and partake in a hands-on cooking class in enchanting Hoi An.
- Leisure in Hoi An: Unwind and explore at your own pace in Hoi An, with the option to delve into the local culture with a visit to a bustling fish market.
- Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City for a captivating guided tour, encompassing poignant visits to the War Remnants Museum and the bustling Ben Thanh Market.
- Mekong Delta Adventure: Immerse yourself in the heart of the Mekong Delta with a homestay experience, where you’ll partake in a serene sampan cruise and engage in a delightful cooking session.
- Grand Finale: Conclude your journey with an extraordinary farewell dinner at a prestigious Michelin-starred restaurant, savoring the epitome of culinary excellence amidst a backdrop of cherished memories.
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 endeavor 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.
This trip involves some long stints of travel, including a 12-hour overnight train to Hue. Although conditions are basic, overnight trains are a true Intrepid experience and the best way to travel long distances, meet locals and maximize time at your destinations. Occasionally passengers of different genders will be required to share a compartment and/or you’ll be sharing with locals or travelers from other groups.
In Hue, one day is spent touring the sights on the back of a motorbike. The bikes are great fun and are driven safely by professionals, but alternative transportation can be arranged upon request for those who don’t wish to ride on a motorbike.
The weather in Vietnam can be hot and sticky, particularly during the monsoon seasons, so ensure that you pack accordingly. Please also wear sunscreen and a hat, especially when out on a boat in Halong Bay and in the Mekong Delta. It is also recommended to bring warm clothes for Halong Bay, as it can get quite cool on the water in the evenings.
Facilities at the Mekong Delta homestay are quite basic. But an authentic, heart-warming experience of local Mekong life should more than make up for the lack of creature comforts.
Confidence on a bicycle is great, but not absolutely essential. If you would rather not participate in the cycling tour of Hoi An’s Tra Que Village, you can explore the local market on foot instead.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
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Welcome Meeting followed by a heartwarming dinner at a charitable restaurant supporting young Vietnamese talents.
Day 2: Hanoi
- Start your day with the iconic Beef Pho soup, rated by Michelin.
- Immerse in northern Vietnamese cuisine at a Hidden Cooking Center.
- As night falls, explore Hanoi’s vibrant street food scene and enjoy panoramic views from the city’s highest rooftop bar.
Day 3: Ninh Binh – Vietnamese Ancient Capital
- Experience rural life in Ninh Binh, exploring picturesque villages and rice fields.
- Indulge in traditional lunch with a local family and learn the art of crafting cơm cháy.
Day 4: Halong Bay
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Private overnight cruise in Halong Bay, featuring kayaking, cruising, and a seafood feast.
Day 5: Hanoi – Hue
- Explore the Dark and Bright caves in Halong Bay before returning to Hanoi.
- Evening overnight train journey to Hue.
Day 6: Hue
- Discover the enchanting city of Hue on the back of a motorbike.
- Conclude the day with a special set royal dinner in a classic Hue heritage house.
Day 7: Hai Van Pass from Hue to Hoi An
- Discover Hue’s Imperial City experience a captivating cooking demonstration showcasing the flavors of Hue’s royal cuisine.
- Journey along the scenic Hai Van Pass from Hue to Hoi An.
Day 8: Hoi An
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Hoi an cooking class
Day 9: Hoi an
- Explore at your own paceTour Vietnam’s pioneering Rhum distillery
Day 10: Hoian – Saigon
- Flight from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City.
- Explore Saigon’s heritage and culture on a cyclo tour.
Day 11: Mekong 2D1N – Homestay
- Cruise along the Mekong River on a sampan
- Enjoy a homestay experience with a local family, learning southern Vietnamese dishes.
Day 12: Saigon
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Gather for a memorable farewell set dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant
Day 13: Departure
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Check-out and airport transfer.
TOUR INCLUSION
Meals: 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
Transport: Overnight sleeper train, Plane, Private vehicle, Taxi
Accommodation: Homestay (1 night), Hotel (8 nights), Overnight boat (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
OVER 600 5 STARS REVIEWS FROM GUESTS!
Can’t thank Brian enough for the perfect balance of eating, drinking, beautiful views, Hanoi cultural info, basic Vietnamese phrases... you name it, it was perfect! We did “one Night in Hanoi”, after such a great night we’ve just booked the “Craft Beer Tour”. So much laughing and great memories, just an amazing night!
– Allyson M. | TripAdvisor
I’m not fanatical nor a connoisseur of beer BUT OUR GUIDE BRIAN IS !! I do like the occasional nice craft beer though and this tour did not disappoint. We experienced four amazing tapped beer bars. The first two places the flights were accompanied by mouth watering tapas. I’m not going to bang on about this tour as the photos tell the story. In fact jump on and let your own taste buds do the talking. I can’t recommend this tour enough! My partner is not a huge fan of beer but she enjoyed the experience immensely. The venues, the food, the beer and a passionate guide made for an awesome and unforgettable experience.
– harrytrekking | TripAdvisor
Going on a tour with Brian is like having a drink with your best bud. The tour is relaxed, unpretentious and actually informative. The beers served were original and the food pairing worked well. I most definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a fun night out in Hanoi.
– gojoe2013 | TripAdvisor
I was in Hanoi for a little over a week and was overwhelmed with the amount of options there was for food tours. A taste of Hanoi caught my attention because of the craft beer stop included in the tour. The day of the tour I met with Brian who is one of the partners in the business. I was the only one on the tour and we had a great time. The food selections were amazing, his knowledge of Hanoi was surprising and the drinks were excellent. We had a Pho cocktail that really hit the spot. Brian was very down to earth and very personal. Don't miss this tour while in Hanoi, it's a must do.
– Daniel E. | TripAdvisor
Thoroughly enjoyed the beer tour under the very entertaining guidance of our host Brian. The pairing of beer with small dishes of food was brilliant, there is a good balance between interesting bits of knowledge and plenty bits of fun. Strongly recommend this tour or any other tour with taste of Hanoi (have done the food walking tour as well which was willy good)
– Fedor R. | TripAdvisor
Did the craft beer tour and gosh... we got access to some amazing beers. Meeting the brew masters was absolutely incredible. The first brewery stop was my absolute favorite for both food and drinks. I got to try licorice beer!! An absolute winner. And yes. Even my mum who usually does not drink loved it so that's two thumbs way up from her.
– Msteeteetee | TripAdvisor
We had a lot of fun doing the original craft beer tour with Brian on Thursday evening. As a cider drinker myself and not a beer drinker at all, Brian made extra effort for me to try different beers that had more of a sour taste. We got a couple of freebies on the tour which is always nice and the food snacks were made to complement the beers nicely! Highly recommended!
– BonHavenga | TripAdvisor
I signed up for this tour as a surprise treat for my wife, who loves craft beer. We know our beer and we were both extremely happy with the variety, quality, and quantity (we got drunk). The guide, Brian, knows his stuff and he has clearly spent a lot of time finding the best beer in Hanoi. En route, he peppers in fascinating bits of Vietnamese history with beer knowledge. Each stop has great food pairings that were delicious. As a home brewer well versed with beer, even I learned a lot! There was a tour of a brewery and we had some drinks with the head brewer, who was so fun to talk with. Great trip. Do it. Worth every penny.
– Keith S. | TripAdvisor