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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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!