Vietnam Luxury Food and Heritage Tour
Travel with Endemic Explorer on a privately arranged journey through Vietnam, created for families and travellers who prefer depth over pace.
Slow travel with local dishes, cooking, culture, and nature crafted for families and mindful travellers.
12 Days
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This 12-day journey through Vietnam is designed for families and travellers who prefer depth and comfort. It begins in Hanoi with personalised airport service and a welcome dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Explore the city’s historic landmarks before cooking with a Master Chef Vietnam finalist. Travel to Ninh Binh for river boat rides and mountain views, then cruise through Ha Long Bay’s limestone islands. In Hoi An, visit craft villages, cycle through the countryside, and learn to cook local dishes in village homes. Enjoy a free day to rest before flying to Ho Chi Minh City for market visits, war history, and rural life in Cu Chi. The trip ends in the Mekong Delta, where rivers, farms and homestays offer a close view of daily life.
Dine in Hanoi at a Michelin-starred restaurant showcasing refined Vietnamese culinary traditions.
Prepare authentic dishes in a local home kitchen with a Master Chef Vietnam finalist.
Sail past limestone islands, explore floating villages, and dine under the evening sky.
Join organic farmers, try traditional tools, and cook a village meal from fresh ingredients.
Walk through farmland, visit a dairy, and explore wartime tunnels used by resistance fighters..
Row quiet canals, cycle backroads, and share lunch at a peaceful island family home.
Taste of Vietnam by Endemic Explorer
This Tailormade Journey is just the beginning of a beautiful adventure, ready to be customized by you. Choose the hotels you want to stay in, enhance your journey with extra experiences, and tell us where else you want to go.
All our private tours are highly customizable. Share your travel goals, and we’ll create a compelling itinerary together
DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL – VIP FAST TRACK SERVICE & DINNER AT MICHELIN-STARRED RESTAURANT
Arrival in Hanoi
Welcome to Vietnam, where your culinary journey begins in Hanoi, the vibrant capital in the north known for its deep-rooted food traditions. Here, food is more than a meal; it is part of daily life. Upon arrival at Hanoi International Airport (HAN), a representative will meet you at the gate and assist you through immigration and customs. You will then be transferred to your hotel.
In the evening, meet your guide at 18:00 for a short orientation, setting the tone for the days ahead. At 19:00, the journey begins with a welcome dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Enjoy a carefully curated menu of traditional Vietnamese dishes, each plate reflecting regional flavours and culinary heritage.
You will spend the night at the elegant Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi ( Premium room).
Meals Included: Dinner
DAY 2: HANOI’S HISTORIC TREASURES AND A CULINARY JOURNEY WITH A MASTER CHEF
A Day with the Master Chef
Start your morning with a stroll through Hanoi’s tree-lined boulevards and ochre-hued colonial buildings, leading into the charming Old Quarter. Pause at a historic coffee shop to enjoy a local brew while your guide shares stories about everyday Hanoian life. Continue to explore key cultural sites, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, and Ho Chi Minh’s simple stilt house, gaining insight into Vietnam’s rich traditions. Visit the Temple of Literature, a beautifully preserved symbol of ancient Vietnamese architecture.
Savour an authentic Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel for a brief rest.
At 4:00 PM, dive deep into Hanoi’s culinary soul on a street food tour led by renowned food blogger Mr Van Cong Tu. Stroll through Thanh Ha and Dong Xuan markets, sampling must-try dishes like pho tiu, bun dau, and seasonal fruits. Along the way, discover traditional food practices, ceremonial cakes, and French-influenced desserts. End the tour with a cup of local coffee at one of the Old Quarter’s bustling cafés before returning to your hotel, full of flavour and new knowledge.
Overnight at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hanoi city tour starts at 08:30; duration: 6.5 hours
Street food tour starts at 16:00; duration: 3 hours
Notes:
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed every Monday and Friday, and during the mornings from 15 June to 15 August. The street food menu is subject to change.
Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi ( Premium Room).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3: DISCOVER THE NATURAL MARVELS OF NINH BINH
Explore Rural Vietnam
Escape the bustle of Hanoi and journey west to Ba Vi, a peaceful mountainous region known for its stunning landscapes and welcoming communities. After breakfast, drive to Ba Vi and arrive at Ri Village, where your host will greet you with a refreshing local drink. Meet Mr. Duoc, a Vietnam War veteran and passionate tea farmer, who will share captivating stories of his past. Wander through his lush tea plantation, learn to handpick the finest leaves, and discover the traditional methods of tea production at his small, rustic workshop. Continue to Moc Village with a short drive, where Mrs. Chin will invite you into her home for an authentic Vietnamese cooking class. Prepare and savor regional dishes, then stroll through the village to visit local families to see what they are doing for livign. You can see how they make tofu or conical hats and more.
Later, cycle past serene paddy fields, greeting farmers and absorbing the rhythm of rural life. End your day with a soothing Muong-style herbal foot bath, a traditional remedy to ease your journey. Return to your hotel.
Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi (Premium Room).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4: CRUISE THE NATURAL WONDERS OF HA LONG BAY
Ha Long Bay Cruise
After an early breakfast, depart Hanoi for a scenic journey to the breathtaking coastline of Ha Long Bay. En route, enjoy a brief stop at a local charity-run souvenir shop. Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Marina, board your elegant cruise ship and settle into your cabin before a safety briefing with the crew. As the cruise begins, savor a delicious lunch while gliding through Ha Long Bay’s mesmerizing emerald waters, dotted with towering limestone karsts, jungle-clad islets, hidden coves, and floating villages. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a stunning display of nature’s artistry, with dramatic rock formations shaped over millennia.
Spend the day exploring enchanting caves, remote beaches, and floating farmsalongside your guides. As the sun sets, the boat anchors in a tranquil bay, offering a magical evening under the starlit sky — far from the city’s lights, the stars here shine brilliantly.
Ginger Cruise (Signature Suite)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: SUNRISE ON HA LONG BAY AND JOURNEY TO HOI AN
Arrival in Hoi An
Greet the day on the sundeck with fresh tea and coffee, surrounded by the calm waters of Ha Long Bay. Take part in a gentle tai chi session as the sun rises over the limestone peaks. After breakfast, return to Tuan Chau Marina and continue by coach to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. On the way, stop to enjoy a traditional bowl of pho, a staple breakfast in Vietnam.
Board your short flight to Danang and take in the changing landscapes below. On arrival, a short drive brings you to the riverside town of Hoi An, known for its historic streets and quiet setting. The evening is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace.
Accommodation: Namia River Retreat (Nipa Pool Villa).
Meals Included: Breakfast or Brunch
DAY 6: DRIFTWOOD VILLAGE & HOI AN WALKING TOUR
Explore Culture, Food and Nature of Rural Vietnam
This morning, immerse yourself in the authentic spirit of Hoi An with a visit to the 500-year-old Kim Bong Carpentry Village. Discover the artistry behind traditional
Vietnamese woodworking traditions continue in a quiet corner of Hoi An, where driftwood from nearby rivers is shaped into meaningful creations. Set within the peaceful Tra Que vegetable village, the Driftwood Village workshop provides a calm, natural space to explore this craft. Under expert guidance, you will create your own handmade piece.
After lunch at a local restaurant, spend the afternoon exploring Hoi An Ancient Town. Located a short walk from your hotel, this UNESCO-listed district reflects a blend of Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese influences. Walk through narrow lanes lined with lanterns, merchant houses and food stalls serving local favourites such as sticky rice and iced coffee.
In the evening, gather for dinner at Reu Restaurant, known for its focus on regional flavours and organic ingredients.
Accommodation: Namia River Retreat (Nipa Pool Villa)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7: FREE DAY IN HOI AN
A Day For Yourself
Enjoy a full day at leisure to rest and recharge in the calm setting of Namia Retreat. Begin with a 60-minute massage at the hotel spa. Advance booking is recommended, as the spa is a popular choice for guests seeking quiet and comfort. Spend the day as you wish—by the pool, in a quiet corner of the garden, or with a short walk to the nearby beach where the sound of the sea adds to the calm.
In the evening, enjoy an hour of complimentary cocktails at the hotel’s speakeasy-style bar. The relaxed atmosphere and thoughtful service make it an easy place to unwind. Whether you focus on wellness or simply take the day slow, this is time set aside for you.
Accommodation: Namia River Retreat (Nipa Pool Villa).
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 8: CYCLING, BOATING AND COOKING IN THE COUNTRYSIDE
A Day for Organic farming experinces
Begin the morning with a guided tour of one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant local markets. Chef Duc Tran, owner of Mango Mango restaurant, is known for his inventive approach to Vietnamese cuisine shaped by his global experience. With deep roots in Hoi An’s food culture, Duc offers insight into the flavours and ingredients that define the region.
Walk with him through Hoi An Market, where he introduces the local vendors who supply his kitchen with fresh produce, herbs and seafood. Then, head to his boutique restaurant for a hands-on cooking session. Prepare a selection of dishes under his guidance and enjoy a well-earned meal at the end of the class.
Return to your hotel for a relaxed afternoon by the pool or spa.
Accommodation: Namia River Retreat (Nipa Pool Villa)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9: HOI AN – TRAVEL TO HO CHI MINH CITY – SAIGON SIGHTSEEING
Arrival in Ho Chi Minh
After breakfast at the hotel, prepare for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, check in and take some free time to rest or explore the city at your own pace. The city moves quickly. The roads are busy, the markets are lively, and the atmosphere blends energy with tradition. Coffee is part of daily life, and food stalls, shops and street corners offer something different to try or see.
In the evening, enjoy a meal at one of the city’s most respected restaurants. Anan Saigon holds a Michelin Star and was named among Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2023. The tasting menu takes you across Vietnam, from north to south, using fresh local ingredients, French methods and modern techniques to shape each dish into something thoughtful and memorable.
Hotel: Park Hyatt Saigon (Park King Garden View Room)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10: ORGANIC VILLAGE AND CU CHI TUNNELS
Explore Cu Chi Tunnels
This morning, depart at 09:00 for a guided walk through the layered history and daily rhythm of Saigon. Begin at the Saigon Central Post Office, a well-preserved example of French colonial architecture with vaulted ceilings and wrought-iron details. If available, take a moment to speak with Mr Duong, a local resident known for writing love letters on behalf of others.
Continue along Dong Khoi Street to the former Gia Long Palace, now the Ho Chi Minh City Museum. Walk through its exhibits to trace the city’s past. Stop at Le Loi Street to meet a traditional engraver and explore the nearby market. Visit a historic apartment block built in 1886, now home to cafés and small shops, and share a coffee with a long-time resident. End with a visit to the old Banque de l’Indochine, an example of early Indochinese architecture.
In the evening, set out on a Vespa street food tour. Start with a bánh mì from a well-known street stall, followed by local coffee in a quiet vintage café. Ride through narrow alleyways and busy night markets where the smells of seafood, grilled meats and sweet soups fill the air. Stop at a small eatery for fresh seafood, then visit a dessert shop serving handmade treats for over five decades. End the evening at a speakeasy-style bar, enjoyi
Hotel: Park Hyatt Saigon (Park King Garden View Room)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 11: MEKONG DELTA DISCOVERY
Visit Mekong Delta
Depart from Saigon for a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Ben Tre, located in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Leave behind the busy streets as the road opens to green rice paddies, quiet villages and fruit orchards. On arrival at the pier, board a motorboat and begin your journey along the waterways. Make a brief stop at Cai Be, then transfer to a rowing boat for a peaceful ride through narrow canals lined with palms and simple homes.
Cross a wide stretch of the Mekong River, passing fish farms and farmland on either side. Arrive at An Binh Island and walk to Ut Trinh Homestay, where a home-cooked lunch will be served in a relaxed garden setting. After the meal, enjoy fresh tea and traditional music in an old family home.
The afternoon includes visits to small local workshops where rice paper, coconut candy and pop-rice are made by hand. Taste a few treats with another cup of tea. Later, cycle through the village, passing fruit orchards, schools and family-run shops. Stop at the brick kilns, where skilled hands shape and fire each piece using age-old methods.
Hotel: Park Hyatt Saigon (Park King Garden View Room)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 12: DEPARTURE
Departure
After breakfast, enjoy free time at your hotel before your transfer to the airport. Reflect on the experiences, flavours, and landscapes that have made this journey through Vietnam so memorable.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tour Cost
Tour Cost Breakdown
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Special Notes
Included & Excluded
Inclusions
Door-to-door pick-up and drop-off services
All transportation as mentioned in the itinerary
Accommodation on a double or twin-share basis with daily breakfast (including 5% service charge and 10% VAT)
Experienced English-speaking guides
Meals as stated in the itinerary
All sightseeing tickets according to the itinerary
Tissues and drinking water during transfers
Service charges and government taxes
Pre-departure helpdesk, local in-country support team, and 24-hour emergency assistance
No hidden costs after service confirmation
Domestic flights in Vietnam (Hanoi–Danang, Danang–Ho Chi Minh City)
Exclusions
Beverages, personal expenses, tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
Public holiday surcharge (if applicable)
Compulsory Gala Dinner on 24 December and 31 December
Early check-in and late check-out (unless specified)
E-visa to Vietnam
Surcharge for airport transfers between 12:00 am and 5:00 am
Any services not mentioned in the itinerary
