Luxury Vietnam Culinary Tour of Flavor & Culture
Taste of Vietnam
Hanoi — Halong Bay — Hoi An — HCM City
Places Where You'll Stay
Vietnam Through Flavor — Markets, Kitchens & Culinary Traditions
Travel through Vietnam by following its flavors, where recipes carry memory and every region expresses its identity through food. This privately guided luxury culinary journey reveals the country through bustling markets, intimate kitchens, and tables shaped by centuries of tradition—inviting you not just to taste Vietnam, but to understand it.
Pull up a low stool beside locals for steaming bowls of phở, savor the famed Bún Chả Hương Liên—where President Obama once dined—and wander herb-scented markets alongside expert chefs. Hands-on cooking experiences unfold in garden settings and riverside villas, transforming fresh-picked ingredients into dishes that tell the story of place. Each moment encourages participation rather than observation, turning meals into meaningful cultural exchange.
Vietnam’s natural beauty accompanies the culinary narrative. Sail among Halong Bay’s limestone karsts aboard an elegant luxury vessel, where chef-led dining follows days spent kayaking quiet waters and exploring fishing villages. In lantern-lit Hoi An, browse vibrant markets before crafting regional specialties, then linger over dinners influenced by centuries of maritime trade. Leisurely interludes—from gentle river cruises to time by the sea—provide space to absorb each experience.
In the south, modern creativity meets deep-rooted tradition. Taste your way through Saigon on a guided street food adventure, dine in complete darkness at Noir, and journey into the Mekong Delta by private cruise, observing floating markets and riverside communities sustained by enduring foodways.
Designed for travelers who experience the world through taste, this private luxury Vietnam culinary tour offers more than remarkable meals—it delivers a deeper connection to culture, landscape, and everyday life.
What Makes This Tour Unique
Vietnam, Experienced Through Flavor: Trace the country from north to south through its defining dishes, regional techniques, and evolving food traditions—revealing culture through cuisine at every stop.
Market-to-Kitchen Immersion: Wander vibrant markets with culinary experts, source seasonal ingredients, and step into garden villas and local kitchens for hands-on cooking shaped by place and heritage.
Culinary Travel, Elevated: Sail Halong Bay with chef-led dining, stay in character-rich boutique hotels, and enjoy refined meals that reflect Vietnam’s culinary depth without losing authenticity.
Dining That Engages the Senses: From lantern-lit river settings in Hoi An to Saigon’s acclaimed Noir restaurant, memorable tables transform meals into immersive, story-rich experiences.
Why Choose This Tour
- For Travelers Who Follow Flavor – Ideal for those who choose destinations as much for what they will taste as for what they will see.
- For Curious, Experience-Oriented Travelers – Designed for guests who want to engage directly with culture through cooking, markets, and conversation rather than traditional sightseeing alone.
- For Those Who Prefer Participation Over Observation – Hands-on culinary experiences invite genuine interaction, turning meals into meaningful cultural exchange.
- For Travelers Who Value Seamless Exploration – Private guiding, thoughtful pacing, and refined accommodations allow you to focus entirely on discovery without logistical distraction.
TOUR INCLUDES:
- All in-country flights per itinerary
- Private ground transportation throughout
- 10 nights Deluxe & Premium hotel accommodations of your choice
- Hotel breakfasts daily
- Two Private Vietnamese Cooking Lessons
- Exquisite “Dining in the Dark” experience at Noir Saigon
- Privately guided excursions by expert guides with private car & chauffeur
- Carefree travel with 24/7 support
TOUR ITINERARY:
Day 1-2: Hanoi – A Capital of Heritage & Street Food Soul
Your journey begins in Vietnam’s thousand-year-old capital, where French-colonial facades mingle with ancient temples and the hum of scooters fills the air. Hanoi is a city of contrasts: scholarly courtyards beside bustling alleyways, rickshaws weaving through markets, and evenings alive with the aromas of sizzling street food.
Day 1 (Welcome to Vietnam): Arrive in Vietnam’s capital, where you’ll be met by your private guide and transferred to your luxury hotel for a two-night stay. Settle in and enjoy the lively energy of the city at your doorstep.
Day 2 (History, Culture & Flavor): This morning, delve into Hanoi’s layered heritage at the Temple of Literature, pause at the lotus-shaped One Pillar Pagoda, and reflect on poignant wartime history at Hoa Lo Prison, where the late John McCain was held captive for 5 years during the Vietnam War.
In the afternoon, shift from history to flavor. Stroll through Tay Ho district, where steaming bowls of phở, delicate bánh cuốn (rice rolls), and rich Vietnamese coffee await. A simple but delicious lunch will be served at Bún Chả Hương Liên, a.k.a. Bún Chả Obama, forever remembered as the place where President Obama and Anthony Bourdain shared a casual Hanoi meal. As evening falls, enjoy a refined dinner at Ngon Villa, where traditional recipes are reimagined in an elegant setting. (B,L,D)
Day 3 (Markets & Culinary Secrets): Begin with a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter, its narrow streets alive with vendors, laughter, and the aromas of sizzling street fare. Arrive at Dong Xuan Market, a vibrant hive where locals bargain for herbs, spices, and produce, offering an authentic glimpse into daily life.
Next, retreat to Thom Culinary School, a garden sanctuary in the city. Stroll past lotus ponds and herb beds before a private hands-on class with expert chefs. Prepare Vietnamese classics, then savor your creations with homemade desserts, herbal infusions, and rice wine. This intimate experience blends flavor with storytelling, leaving you with recipes and memories to carry home. Return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. (B,L)
**For guests staying at the Sofitel Legend Metropole, you are invited to an exclusive The Path of History Tour that features the historic hotel’s underground bomb shelter, unearthed in 2011.
Discover More of Hanoi
At once graceful and chaotic, Hanoi is a city where time layers itself in vivid detail — ancient temples tucked beside colonial villas, markets spilling into narrow alleys...
Enhance your Hanoi Experience with add-ons
Day 4-5: Halong Bay – A Journey Through Vietnam’s Iconic Seascape
Sail into a dreamscape of emerald waters and limestone towers at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where luxury and scenery converge—stay aboard a luxury cruise with gourmet meals, unparalleled service, and excursions to kayak hidden lagoons and mystical caves.
Day 4 (From Colonial Charm to Dreamy Seascape): This morning, set out on a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Halong Bay, renowned for its emerald waters and nearly 2,000 limestone karst islands rising dramatically from the sea. Upon arrival, step aboard your intimate luxury vessel and ease into a day of serenity and discovery. Cruise through enchanting waterways framed by soaring cliffs and secluded coves, each turn unveiling new vistas of breathtaking beauty.
Enjoy shore excursions to picturesque islands and ancient caverns, with opportunities to kayak or swim in tranquil lagoons. Onboard, savor freshly prepared lunch and dinner featuring regional flavors, accompanied by sweeping views of the bay. As evening falls, the calm waters and gentle rhythm of the ship set the stage for romance and quiet relaxation. (B,L,D)
Note: Cruise routing and shore excursions vary slightly by vessel, though experiences remain equally captivating.
Day 5 (From Emerald Waters to Ancient Alleyways): For the early riser, join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck while tea, coffee and assorted pastries are served. Later, enjoy a final chance to kayak or simply relax on deck before savoring brunch on board. Disembark and transfer to Hanoi Airport for your afternoon flight to Danang, then continue by private transfer to Hoi An, where its air of timeless charm and sophisticated vibrancy welcome you for the next three nights. (B)
Discover More of Halong Bay
A UNESCO World Heritage wonder, Halong Bay is a seascape where nearly 2,000 limestone karsts rise like ancient sentinels from emerald-green waters....
Day 5-7 Hoi An – Lanterns, Crafts and Small Town Charm
Hoi An invites you to slow down and savor Vietnam’s artistry and traditions. This riverside town enchants with colorful lanterns, lively markets, and intimate hands-on encounters that bring culture to life in fun, memorable ways.
Day 5 (From Emerald Waters to Ancient Town): Your overland drive and 90-minute flight bring you to Danang, where your private guide and car will meet you for a transfer to Hoi An in the late afternoon. The balance of the day is free to explore the cultural and culinary delights of Hoi An’s Old Town, or simply unwind at your boutique hotel, where you’ll spend the next three nights. (B)
Day 6 (Hoi An – A Living Museum): This morning, take a guided walking tour of Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Free of most motorized traffic, the town invites you to stroll along lantern-draped lanes lined with merchant houses, temples, and bustling markets. Visit the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Bridge and the colorful waterfront where fishing boats bob gently on the Thu Bon River. Along the way, sample local specialties such as green leaf cakes, and pause at a local tea house before returning to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to relax, dine, or continue exploring at leisure. (B)
Day 7 (Cooking Fun in the Countryside): Today, choose your epicurean adventure from two immersive journeys into Vietnam’s culinary heart.
Option 1: Culinary Fun at Red Bridge Cooking School: Begin amid the colors and aromas of Hoi An’s lively market, where locals trade herbs, spices, and produce in a daily rhythm unchanged for generations. A gentle cruise along the Thu Bon River brings you to the renowned Red Bridge Cooking School, where fragrant gardens frame your hands-on class. Guided by expert chefs, prepare regional dishes step by step before savoring your creations over a leisurely countryside lunch. (B,L)
Option 2: Farm-to-Table at an Organic Farm: Awaken your senses with a cup of traditional Cà Phê Sữa Đá, then weave through a bustling local market alive with chatter and vibrant produce. Drift onward by boat to Tra Que vegetable village, where herb gardens flourish beside tranquil waterways. Here, connect with age-old traditions: try light farming, indulge in a soothing herbal foot soak, and join a chef in creating Vietnamese favorites. Share laughter in the kitchen, then gather for a farm-to-table feast, celebrating flavors rooted in the land itself. (B,L)
Discover More of Hoi An
Gracefully set along the Thu Bon River, Hoi An is a town where time seems to pause — lantern-lit, storied, and endlessly enchanting. Once a bustling trading port, it still wears the marks of its history....
Enhance your Hoi An Experience with add-ons
Discover the ruins of My Son
Countryside Excursion (Farm & Fishing Villages)
Catch the Teh Dar Show
Add a round of Golf
Day 8-10 Ho Chi Minh City – The Pulse & Charm of Modern Vietnam
Returning to the pulse of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City dazzles with its skyscrapers, rooftop bars, and boundless energy. Here, French-colonial landmarks meet buzzing markets, world-class cuisine, and an after-dark scene that defines Asia’s new cosmopolitan frontier.
Day 8 (From Heritage Town Charm to Big City Vibes): A short flight takes you to Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately called Saigon and long known as the “Paris of the East.” A city of striking contrasts, it combines timeless colonial architecture with cutting-edge towers, luxury hotels, and a vibrant street culture. Get acquainted with the city by visiting its iconic landmarks, including the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, City Hall, and the Fine Arts Museum. Enjoy time to relax by the pool or sip a cocktail atop the Caravelle Hotel’s iconic Saigon-Saigon rooftop Bar. This evening, dine at Noir, where every course is served in complete darkness. Guided by expert hosts, flavors, textures, and aromas intensify in a sensory journey unlike any other. (B,D)
Day 9 (Cruise The Mekong): The Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s fertile “rice bowl,” unfolds as a tapestry of winding rivers, coconut groves, and timeless traditions. From Saigon, journey into a world where daily life flows on water. Step aboard the Cai Be Princess, your private sampan, and drift between islands where villagers craft rice paper, weave hyacinth mats, and tend lush orchards much as their ancestors did. Pause to cycle shaded village paths or glide by sampan along quiet canals, waving to children on the banks. By midday, an elegant lunch awaits in a colonial-style villa surrounded by tropical gardens. Upon disembarkation, and before returning to modern Vietnam, wander through a bustling fish market, where locals haggle over the day’s freshest catch in a lively, colorful scene. (B,L)
Day 10 (Underground Tunnels by Day, Epicurean Adventure by Night): This morning, take a short drive outside the city to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels. This vast underground network grew into an elaborate 200-kilometer system stretching toward the Cambodian border. Serving as hiding places, communication posts, and even field hospitals during the Vietnam War, the tunnels remain one of Vietnam’s most extraordinary historic sites.
After a brief rest at the hotel, immerse yourself in Saigon’s legendary street food culture this evening. Join locals at bustling stalls, savor specialties like crispy bánh tráng nướng and the iconic bánh mì, then cap the night with cocktails and sweeping skyline views. (B,D)
Discover More of HCM City
Dynamic and unrestrained, Ho Chi Minh City is a metropolis that thrives on contrast — where French-colonial landmarks rise beside sleek skyscrapers, incense drifts from temples into neon-lit streets...
Enhance your Ho Chi Minh City Experience with add-ons
Day 11 (Farewell Vietnam): Your private transfer brings you to Tan Son Nhat airport, where your guide ensures a seamless departure for your flight—concluding a Vietnam culinary tour of comfort, discovery, and tantalizing experiences. (B)
PRICE CHART:
| 2026 Price Chart (Price valid through December 31, 2026) | ||||
Hotel | Twin Sharing | Single Supplement | ||
| LS | HS | LS | HS | |
| Deluxe | 5,075 | 5,575 | 1,725 | 2,125 |
| Premium | 7,125 | 8,075 | 3,675 | 4,575 |
| Tour requires 2 passengers to operate | ||||
- Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
- Prices include all entrance fees, domestic air taxes, hotels taxes & service charges
- Price excludes transpacific air (i.e. flights to/from Vietnam), personal expenses, beverages and gratuities to guides and drivers.
- Holiday surcharges and/or compulsory gala dinners at hotels apply between Dec. 20 – Jan. 05
- A visa is required for Vietnam. Not included in package. You may apply for your Vietnam E-Visa here.
- All flights, hotels and excursions are subject to availability at time of reservation
LOOKING FOR MORE INSPIRATION?
Check out some other trips you may like
Signature Vietnam
HCM City, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, Halong Bay
Vietnam’s essential journey—bringing together culture, cities, coastline, and heritage for travelers ready to experience the country beyond its culinary lens.
Majestic Vietnam
Hanoi, Pu Luong/Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Saigon
A quieter, landscape-led Vietnam journey where street food and café culture are woven into rural depth, low-density regions, and a slower rhythm of travel.
A Taste of Thailand
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket
A natural next chapter for food-focused travelers, exploring Thailand’s regional flavors, vibrant markets, and immersive cooking traditions.
Ready to embark on your adventure of a lifetime?
However you imagine Asia, our luxury travel specialists will bring it to life — flawlessly.
