Overview
Flavors of Vietnam: Tasting Hanoi to Saigon
Asia
10 days
9 nights
12 people
Moderate
Food & Drink
Explore the rich culinary heritage of Vietnam on a sweet and spicy nine-day cross-country food-themed extravaganza. Traverse spectacular landscapes and immerse yourself in the country’s profound history and culture. Savor iconic dishes like banh mi, pho, and banh cuon, and discover the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine with hands-on cooking classes and demonstrations from passionate local chefs and food producers. At the end of your flavor-filled gastronomic odyssey you’ll understand why Anthony Bourdain once called Vietnam “one of my favorite places on earth.”
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Highlights
- Taste some of the world’s best street food in the markets of Hanoi, Hoi An & Ho Chi Minh City.
- Try iconic Vietnamese dishes like bun cha, pho, banh mi, cao lau soup & egg coffee.
- Learn the secrets of your favorite Vietnamese dishes during a hands-on cooking class.
- Dine out in some of Vietnam’s top restaurants.
- See the magnificent Royal Tombs of Huế.
Eating your way from North to South in Vietnam.
Day 1
Welcome to Hanoi
Xin chào! A private transfer from the airport will take you to your hotel in the heart of Hanoi’s buzzing Old Quarter. Visit the oldest Buddhist temple in the city with your local guide before celebrating your arrival in style with a cocktail, at one of the best rooftop bars in Hanoi. Enjoy a lavish welcome dinner at one of the capital’s finest restaurants, which boasts spectacular views over Hoan Kiem Lake. Finish your first day with a wander around the Old Quarter’s iconic night market, an enthralling introduction to the many street food delights of Vietnam.
Welcome to Hanoi
Xin chào! A private transfer from the airport will take you to your hotel in the heart of Hanoi’s buzzing Old Quarter. Visit the oldest Buddhist temple in the city with your local guide before celebrating your arrival in style with a cocktail, at one of the best rooftop bars in Hanoi. Enjoy a lavish welcome dinner at one of the capital’s finest restaurants, which boasts spectacular views over Hoan Kiem Lake. Finish your first day with a wander around the Old Quarter’s iconic night market, an enthralling introduction to the many street food delights of Vietnam.
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May De Ville Luxury Hotel, or similar, Hanoi
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Welcome Dinner
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May De Ville Luxury Hotel, or similar, Hanoi
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Welcome Dinner
Day 2
Rural Villages & Rice Wine
Head out of the city today to explore the spectacular Vietnamese countryside and the beautiful landscapes of the Mai Chau River Valley. Learn about the art of rice wine making in a local village. Later, watch a traditional local folk dance accompanied by a glass of local rice wine before heading back to your eco-lodge accommodation for dinner, a fusion of Vietnamese traditional food and Thai tribal food served with vegetables and herbs grown in the hotel’s vegetable garden.
Rural Villages & Rice Wine
Head out of the city today to explore the spectacular Vietnamese countryside and the beautiful landscapes of the Mai Chau River Valley. Learn about the art of rice wine making in a local village. Later, watch a traditional local folk dance accompanied by a glass of local rice wine before heading back to your eco-lodge accommodation for dinner, a fusion of Vietnamese traditional food and Thai tribal food served with vegetables and herbs grown in the hotel’s vegetable garden.
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Mai Chau Eco-Lodge or similar, Mai Chau River Valley
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Mai Chau Eco-Lodge or similar, Mai Chau River Valley
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Memories of the Vietnam War
Check out the Mai Chau Valley’s local food & handicrafts market before returning to Hanoi for a fun afternoon cyclo tour, taking in sights such as Ngoc Son Temple, Dong Xuan Market, the Opera House, and St. Joseph's Cathedral. Later, discuss the impact of the American war over a delicious dinner with a Vietnamese former fighter pilot, and PBS journalist, and hear about their experiences of the war.
Memories of the Vietnam War
Check out the Mai Chau Valley’s local food & handicrafts market before returning to Hanoi for a fun afternoon cyclo tour, taking in sights such as Ngoc Son Temple, Dong Xuan Market, the Opera House, and St. Joseph's Cathedral. Later, discuss the impact of the American war over a delicious dinner with a Vietnamese former fighter pilot, and PBS journalist, and hear about their experiences of the war.
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May De Ville Luxury Hotel or similar, Hanoi
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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May De Ville Luxury Hotel or similar, Hanoi
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Huế & The Perfume River
Work up an appetite for breakfast this morning with a walk around picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, before making a stop at one of our favorite local cafes for a pho and a traditional egg coffee - a sweet, frothy, and distinctly Hanoian beverage made of egg yolk and condensed milk. A short flight will then transport you to the old imperial capital of Huế, one of Asia’s most captivating cities. Join a luxury sunset boat trip on the Perfume River, accompanied by a refreshing Tra Bach herbal tea and pastries, and glide past spectacular historic landmarks such as Thien Mu Pagoda and Minh Mang Tomb. Devour renowned Vietnamese fusion cuisine for dinner tonight, in the delightful countryside setting of your hotel.
Huế & The Perfume River
Work up an appetite for breakfast this morning with a walk around picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, before making a stop at one of our favorite local cafes for a pho and a traditional egg coffee - a sweet, frothy, and distinctly Hanoian beverage made of egg yolk and condensed milk. A short flight will then transport you to the old imperial capital of Huế, one of Asia’s most captivating cities. Join a luxury sunset boat trip on the Perfume River, accompanied by a refreshing Tra Bach herbal tea and pastries, and glide past spectacular historic landmarks such as Thien Mu Pagoda and Minh Mang Tomb. Devour renowned Vietnamese fusion cuisine for dinner tonight, in the delightful countryside setting of your hotel.
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Pilgrimage Village or similar, Huế
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Pilgrimage Village or similar, Huế
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Tombs, Markets & Food Fit For A Royal
Begin your day with a lesson in Vietnamese imperial history with a visit to the majestic royal tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh’s burial chamber. Take a scenic dragon boat ride back to Huế, where you’ll soak up the serenity of a Buddhist monastery, and wander around the vast imperial citadel. Your culinary senses will be delighted at Dong Ba market, where you'll taste an exciting assortment of street snacks, including the addictive sesame sweat treat known as me xung, alongside a Vietnamese coffee. Spend the rest of the day at Ben Xuan Résidence, nestled in stunningly beautiful gardens overlooking the Perfume River. Indulge in a serving of cake and green tea, followed by a private concert by a group of extraordinary musicians. To conclude this memorable day, a sumptuous meal of local dishes will be served.
Tombs, Markets & Food Fit For A Royal
Begin your day with a lesson in Vietnamese imperial history with a visit to the majestic royal tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh’s burial chamber. Take a scenic dragon boat ride back to Huế, where you’ll soak up the serenity of a Buddhist monastery, and wander around the vast imperial citadel. Your culinary senses will be delighted at Dong Ba market, where you'll taste an exciting assortment of street snacks, including the addictive sesame sweat treat known as me xung, alongside a Vietnamese coffee. Spend the rest of the day at Ben Xuan Résidence, nestled in stunningly beautiful gardens overlooking the Perfume River. Indulge in a serving of cake and green tea, followed by a private concert by a group of extraordinary musicians. To conclude this memorable day, a sumptuous meal of local dishes will be served.
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Pilgrimage Village or similar, Huế
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Pilgrimage Village or similar, Huế
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Rose Dumplings in Hoi An
Embark on an early morning journey to picturesque Hoi An, traveling along one of Vietnam's most scenic routes. Your evening will be dedicated to exploring the highlights of Hoi An. Let your guide lead you to some of the city’s best street food stalls, and try local delights like cao lau noodles and white rose dumplings. As night falls indulge in a memorable dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in the country.
Rose Dumplings in Hoi An
Embark on an early morning journey to picturesque Hoi An, traveling along one of Vietnam's most scenic routes. Your evening will be dedicated to exploring the highlights of Hoi An. Let your guide lead you to some of the city’s best street food stalls, and try local delights like cao lau noodles and white rose dumplings. As night falls indulge in a memorable dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in the country.
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Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa or similar, Hoi An
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa or similar, Hoi An
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Secrets of Vietnamese Cuisine
We'll start the day with a private cooking class. Under the guidance of a skilled local chef, unlock the secrets behind beloved Vietnamese dishes and gorge yourself on your sweet and spicy creations over lunch. Next, get a glimpse into the fascinating world of Vietnamese folk art as you visit a local artist's home for an opera mask drawing workshop. Enjoy some leisure time this afternoon before meeting up with your group for a delectable dinner along Hoi An’s pretty waterfront, treating your palate to a tantalizing array of out-of-this-world street eats.
Secrets of Vietnamese Cuisine
We'll start the day with a private cooking class. Under the guidance of a skilled local chef, unlock the secrets behind beloved Vietnamese dishes and gorge yourself on your sweet and spicy creations over lunch. Next, get a glimpse into the fascinating world of Vietnamese folk art as you visit a local artist's home for an opera mask drawing workshop. Enjoy some leisure time this afternoon before meeting up with your group for a delectable dinner along Hoi An’s pretty waterfront, treating your palate to a tantalizing array of out-of-this-world street eats.
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Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa, or similar, Hoi An
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa, or similar, Hoi An
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Saigon - Scooters & Street Food
It’s time to leave the tranquility of Hoi An behind as you journey south to the modern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City. Once known as Saigon, this up-and-coming city is famous for the eight million scooters that weave through its busy streets every day, as well as its excellent street food pedigree. Hop on the back of a vintage Vespa to tour the city streets before getting down to some serious street food snacking with the help of your guide.
Saigon - Scooters & Street Food
It’s time to leave the tranquility of Hoi An behind as you journey south to the modern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City. Once known as Saigon, this up-and-coming city is famous for the eight million scooters that weave through its busy streets every day, as well as its excellent street food pedigree. Hop on the back of a vintage Vespa to tour the city streets before getting down to some serious street food snacking with the help of your guide.
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Rex Hotel Saigon, or similar, Ho Chi Minh City
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Breakfast, Dinner
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Rex Hotel Saigon, or similar, Ho Chi Minh City
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Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9
Cu Chi Tunnels & A Mouth-Watering Farewe
This morning you’ll visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels, a former Viet Cong stronghold that offers a profound insight into the resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people during the American War. Head back to the city for one last dose of Vietnamese street food before making your way to one of Ho Chi Minh City’s best rooftop bars for a farewell toast overlooking the bustling streets below. Enjoy a farewell dinner & night out on the town at a much-loved local restaurant.
Cu Chi Tunnels & A Mouth-Watering Farewe
This morning you’ll visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels, a former Viet Cong stronghold that offers a profound insight into the resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people during the American War. Head back to the city for one last dose of Vietnamese street food before making your way to one of Ho Chi Minh City’s best rooftop bars for a farewell toast overlooking the bustling streets below. Enjoy a farewell dinner & night out on the town at a much-loved local restaurant.
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Rex Hotel Saigon, or similar, Ho Chi Minh City
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Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
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Rex Hotel Saigon, or similar, Ho Chi Minh City
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Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
Day 10
Farewell & Departure
Your Vietnam foodie adventure comes to an end today. If you plan to extend your stay in Vietnam, check out the Atlas Obscura Guide to Vietnam for itinerary inspiration. Until our next adventure!
Farewell & Departure
Your Vietnam foodie adventure comes to an end today. If you plan to extend your stay in Vietnam, check out the Atlas Obscura Guide to Vietnam for itinerary inspiration. Until our next adventure!
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Breakfast
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Breakfast
What is included?
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Accommodations throughout the trip.
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Most meals (as described in the itinerary).
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Transportation (as described in the itinerary), including airport transfers.
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Admission/entry to activities (as described in the itinerary).
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AO Trip Leader throughout the trip.
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Special access to AO places and experiences (as described in the itinerary).
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All gratuities (not including AO Trip Leader).
What is not included?
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Flights to and from destination.
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Pre/Post trip accommodations.
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Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
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Visas and passport fees.
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Meals outside of those described (including most alcoholic beverages).
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AO Trip Leader tip.
Additional info
Pricing & Trip Deposit
Deposit to book your trip: $250 USD.
Balance due 90 days prior to departure.
The listed price of the trip is per person based on double occupancy.
Pricing & Trip Deposit
Deposit to book your trip: $250 USD.
Balance due 90 days prior to departure.
The listed price of the trip is per person based on double occupancy.
Traveling solo?
You’re in good company.
Opt for a Private Room to yourself, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost of $670 USD.
Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip.
If you don’t opt for a Private Room, you'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Traveling solo?
You’re in good company.
Opt for a Private Room to yourself, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost of $670 USD.
Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip.
If you don’t opt for a Private Room, you'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Activity Level
This trip is fairly active; travelers should feel comfortable walking three to five miles over the course of each day, and remaining on their feet for long periods of time. Several parts of the tour involve some longer walks, including up and down stairs and on uneven ground. There will also be an optional cycling opportunity in the countryside.
Activity Level
This trip is fairly active; travelers should feel comfortable walking three to five miles over the course of each day, and remaining on their feet for long periods of time. Several parts of the tour involve some longer walks, including up and down stairs and on uneven ground. There will also be an optional cycling opportunity in the countryside.
Arrival & Departure
You should plan to arrive by 1 p.m. on Day 1, and depart anytime on Day 9. Hanoi International Airport (HAN) connects to a range of flight hubs in Asia. The best flight connections to Hanoi are offered by Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines and Cathay Pacific.
*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
Arrival & Departure
You should plan to arrive by 1 p.m. on Day 1, and depart anytime on Day 9. Hanoi International Airport (HAN) connects to a range of flight hubs in Asia. The best flight connections to Hanoi are offered by Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines and Cathay Pacific.
*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
Have more questions?
Check out the Essential Trip Information for this trip or our general FAQs.
Any questions about this trip? Don't hesitate to reach out
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Call us at +1 833-919-9154
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Send us a
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Trip inquiry
Have a question for us about Flavors of Vietnam: Tasting Hanoi to Saigon? We're here to help!
-
Call us at +1 833-919-9154
-
Check out our FAQ
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.