Authentic Vietnam: The Fresh Flavors

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Meeting with our guide at the hotel reception at 08:30 AM.

The day is dedicated to discovering the city of Hanoi, beginning with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, which includes: the Mausoleum (exterior only; closed on Mondays and Fridays), the Presidential Palace, Uncle Ho’s House on Stilts, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Built of wood in 1049, the pagoda rests on a single pillar and represents the purity of the lotus flower. The first day’s tour continues with a visit to West Lake—the largest natural lake in the city—and the Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on the eastern shore of the lake. Next is the unmissable Temple of Literature, the ancient university built in 1070 in honor of Confucius to pay homage to scholars and men of letters.

In the afternoon, you will take a walk toward O Quan Chuong—one of the ancient gates to the city of Hanoi—and then reach the bustling Dong Xuan Market, the largest indoor market in the capital. Along its perimeter, dozens of street vendors offer a wide variety of products, from fresh seafood to the most exotic tropical fruits.

Our guide will provide interesting insights into the history of Northern Vietnam’s signature dishes, explaining the art of combining ingredients according to the Yin & Yang balance, and the influence of Chinese and French cuisines on local gastronomy.

Walking through the numerous streets named “Hang”—each linked to an ancient trade—the guide will tell you the story of each street before inviting you to taste authentic specialties such as:

Trứng vịt lộn (fertilized duck egg)

French-inspired snacks sold from street carts

Hanoi’s famous pancake: Bánh cuốn

During the tour, you can savor these dishes while listening to the guide explain the recipes and small secrets of Vietnamese street food.

We will continue with a tasting of Pho, the iconic dish of Hanoi, and conclude the gastronomic portion with traditional desserts called “Che,” such as:

Chè Bà Cốt

Chè Hoa Cau

Finally, we will accompany you to one of the hidden cafes with a splendid view of Hoan Kiem Lake. Here you can enjoy two local specialties: the famous egg coffee. Alternatively, you can replace the egg coffee with an ice-cold craft beer on Ta Hien Street, one of the liveliest streets in the historic center, to enjoy a craft beer in an authentically local atmosphere surrounded by lights, music, and locals.

Departure for Halong by cruise company shuttle bus or private car.

A fascinating and majestic place: words alone cannot do justice to this natural wonder that is Halong Bay. The bay is considered one of the new seven wonders of the world. It features thousands of limestone pillars and islets, making it a highly picturesque location that draws thousands of travelers from all over the globe every year.

The journey to Halong takes about 4 hours and includes a brief stop. Arrival in Halong around noon; boarding and check-in on a boat for the bay cruise. Follow the cruise itinerary. Seafood-based meals served on board. Overnight stay on board the junk in a private cabin (with air conditioning and shower).

Notes:

• Lunch and dinner with seafood tasting on board the junk (included – drinks not included).
• Overnight stay on board in a private deluxe cabin (with AC and shower).
• The cruise program may vary without prior notice based on weather conditions or local authority decisions.
• There is only one English-speaking guide on the junk, provided by the cruise company.

Breakfast on the sundeck of the junk, where you can admire the splendid bay at sunrise while sipping your coffee.

Spend the morning relaxing on the cruise amidst the magical landscapes of Halong Bay.

Brunch on board. Disembarkation and return to Hanoi. Transfer by our vehicles to Hanoi airport for the flight to Hue. Arrival in Hue, welcome (without guide), and transfer to the hotel. Check-in and overnight stay at the hotel.

The city of Hue stands along the banks of the Perfume River and was founded in 1687 under the name Phu Xuan. It became the capital of the southern part of Vietnam in 1744 and maintained this role from 1802 to 1945, under the reign of the 13 emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. Hue is an almost mandatory stop for anyone visiting Vietnam. Not only was it the nation’s political and cultural capital for nearly 150 years, but it also preserves spectacular imperial tombs, pagodas, and temples—not to mention the culinary aspect: Hue is the refined gastronomic capital of the country.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Meeting with the guide at the hotel reception at 08:30 AM.

The day begins with a visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda – the city’s symbol, whose name means “Heavenly Lady.” You will then continue to the must-see Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City located within it. A special lunch will be served at the Dong Thuyen Pagoda, carefully prepared by Buddhist devotees. In the afternoon, the tour continues with the Tomb of Minh Mang: this complex reflects a perfect balance between architecture, nature, and Confucian spirituality. After the visits, return to the hotel. In the evening, meet your guide and driver for a transfer to a local family in Hue to discover authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Sharing meals is a deeply rooted local tradition, especially at dinner when all members gather. Dining with a family represents the true symbol of family unity in Vietnam; during this convivial gathering, you can discover what and how Vietnamese people eat within their homes. 

Accommodation and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Meeting with our guide at the hotel reception at 08:30 AM.

Departure for Hoi An, with a stop at the Lang Co fishing village and the Cloud Pass (Hai Van Pass). Upon arrival in Hoi An, the rest of the day is dedicated to visiting the town of lanterns.

The first stop is Cam Pho—one of the oldest communal houses in Hoi An. It was built following traditional Chinese architecture, serving as a center for worship, trade negotiations, and cultural exchange between locals and Chinese and Japanese merchants. Take a short walk to the symbol of Hoi An—the Chua Cau or the Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 17th century to provide access to the Japanese quarter from the Chinese quarters.

Continue toward the Quan Thang Ancient House—one of the most authentic ancient houses in Hoi An. Its lively and refined architecture and sculptures were crafted by artisans from the famous Kim Bong carpentry village in an Oriental style. The house offers a glimpse into the daily life of a Hoi An family. Conclude the day at the Phuc Kien (Fujian) Assembly Hall; built in the 17th century, it serves as a meeting place for residents, traders, and visitors from the specific area of China called Fujian.

Free lunch at a local restaurant during the visits. Check-in at the hotel. Free dinner at a local restaurant and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Meeting with our guide at the hotel reception at 08:30 AM.

Transfer to Cam Thanh village, where you will take a bicycle ride and a basket boat trip through the Bay Mau nipa palm forest. Located in Cam Thanh village, just 7 km from the city center, this forest is an unmissable destination for anyone wishing to explore the natural beauty of Vietnam. The name “Bay Mau” comes from the fact that this coconut forest originally covered only seven acres.

Next, transfer to Tra Que village, located about 3 km from the city center, to discover rural life in an organic horticultural village with over 300 years of history. Upon arrival at a local family home, you will have the opportunity to refresh and relax before beginning your cooking class.

Together with our Family Chef, you will learn traditional Vietnamese cooking methods passed down through generations. You will prepare some of the most iconic dishes of the Vietnamese culinary tradition, which you will then enjoy together during a convivial lunch.

Lunch included at the family restaurant.

The day concludes with a traditional lantern-making course, a fascinating activity that takes you to the heart of Vietnamese craftsmanship. Guided by local experts, you will learn to handcraft a colorful lantern—a symbol of luck and harmony—to take home as a special memento of your trip.

Return to the hotel. Free dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

“The most beautiful country in the world” might seem like an ambitious claim, at least until you have set foot in the stunning countryside of Hoi An and the village of Tra Que.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Transfer to Danang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Upon arrival in Saigon, welcome by your guide.

Afterward, you will visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Located about 30 km from Saigon, Cu Chi is the district that was most heavily devastated, deforested, razed to the ground, bombed, and poisoned with all possible chemical agents, including Agent Orange, during the war. In the 1940s, to escape mandatory conscription and French attacks, and to stay in contact between villages, they began digging underground tunnels. In the 1960s, the Viet Cong extended the underground network to more than 250 km, at which point it became legendary during the American War. The network extended across different layers, up to 5–6 meters deep, housing dormitories, kitchens, schools, hospitals, and weapons factories; further down was the guerrilla level, with tunnels often equipped with traps in case adversaries managed to penetrate. During the excursion, you will visit a large section of the tunnels to experience the sensations of underground life.

Return to your hotel in Saigon.

Free dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Meeting with our guide at the hotel reception at 08:30 AM.

Meet the chef at a local restaurant and depart for a guided tour of the city’s main markets. You will visit three local markets, where the chef will show you how to select the best fresh ingredients, revealing the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine starting from the shopping process.

Following this, a cooking lesson in a restaurant, guided by an expert chef. Together, you will prepare a traditional menu rich in flavor:

Bun Bo Hue – typical rice noodles from the city of Hue

Goi Cuon – fresh spring rolls (salad rolls)

Ca Nuong La Chuoi – grilled fish in banana leaves

Ga Nuong Ngu Vi – five-spice grilled chicken

Traditional Vietnamese dessert, created in collaboration with the kitchen staff

At the end of the course, you will dine on the dishes you prepared, concluding this authentic and engaging culinary experience.

In the afternoon, visit the city of Saigon: the Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Chinatown district with the Thien Hau Pagoda.

After the visits, return to the hotel. Free dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Prima colazione in hotel. 

Incontro con la nostra guida alla reception dell’albergo alle 08:30.

Mattinata di viaggio alla volta di Ben Tre, una bellissima regione del delta del Mekong, famosa per la produzione di caramelle al cocco. Arrivo al Ponte di Phong Nam per una gita in barca sul fiume Ben Tre per scoprire la vita quotidiana locale. Sosta in una fornace per osservare la lavorazione tradizionale dei mattoni. Visiterete, lungo il canale, uno dei numerosi laboratori per la lavorazione della noce di cocco, dove potrete assaggiare il cocco fresco e vedere come ogni singola parte di questo frutto venga trasformata nei suoi prodotti derivati. Continuerete la vostra gita in barca su un canale fino al villaggio di Nhon Thanh, dove avrete l’occasione di assaggiare la frutta fresca. Farete un giro in bicicletta (o Tuk-tuk) su un piccolo sentiero attraverso i villaggi, godendovi la vista sugli alberi di cocco, le risaie e gli orti.

Pranzo libero in un ristorantino locale (non incluso).

Una breve passeggiata vi aiuterà a scoprire la vita locale più da vicino. Segue un giro in barca sul piccolo canale ombreggiato dalle palme selvatiche. Trasferimento a Cho Lach, check-in presso il Jardin du Mekong, e un po’ di riposo prima della visita del villaggio a piedi. Visiterete il frutteto e potrete pescare o raccogliere verdure per la lezione di cucina. Per concludere la giornata, avrete la possibilità di cucinare e mangiare, insieme al padrone di casa, il famoso “Rice Pancake” (Bánh Xèo).

Cena inclusa e pernottamento in homestay.

Breakfast at the homestay. 

Meeting with our guide at the homestay reception at 08:30 AM.

You will begin the day with a bicycle or walking tour to visit the “Cho Lach” Market and the local villages, immersed in Vietnam’s nature and traditional culture. You will travel along rural paths surrounded by rice paddies, tropical orchards, coconut palms, and small waterways.

Return to Saigon. Check-in and accommodation at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Free time in the city (guide, tickets, and hotel transfers not included). Welcome and transfer to the airport for your return flight, concluding the “Vietnamese Cuisine al dente” journey. We wish you a safe trip home!!!

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