12 Days Vietnam Foodie Tour
Duration
Destinations
Airfares
Accommodation
Validity until
Meals
Tour Guides
Group Size
Highlights
- Kick off your journey in Hanoi with authentic local flavors, starting with a delicious bowl of Pho.
- Explore the capital’s rich culture on a full-day city tour and savor the iconic Cha Ca for lunch.
- Cruise through the breathtaking limestone islands of Halong Bay on an overnight cruise.
- Discover the imperial charm of Hue with a city tour and an exciting street food adventure.
- Experience the timeless beauty of Hoi An and join a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class.
- Dive into the vibrant rhythm of Ho Chi Minh City with a thrilling motorbike street food tour.
- Enjoy relaxing free days woven throughout your journey for the perfect balance of exploration and leisure.
Itinerary
Day 01: Hanoi - Arrival (No Meal)
Xin Chao! Welcome to Hanoi – The capital of Vietnam.
A warm greeting awaits at Noi Bai’s International Airport. Your private guide and driver will meet you OUTSIDE the arrivals lounge and transfer you to your hotel in the city centre. Please look for your tour guide who holds up your names on a welcome signboard.
While every effort is made to have your room available upon arrival, the check-in time is 14.00; your room may or may not be ready before this time. You can leave your luggage at the hotel reception or hotel’s store luggage room and then head to a local restaurant for breakfast on your own (if you arrive early).
The morning is free for you to explore nearby attractions or simply relax in the hotel lobby until check-in time at approximately 14.00.
Upon your arrival, you are free at leisure.
- Overnight: in Hanoi.
- Meal Included: No Meal.
- Accommodation: 3, 4, 5 stars hotels as mentioned or similar.
Day 02: Hanoi City Tour (Pho for Lunch) (Breakfast / Dinner)
Start your day with a guided exploration of Hanoi, a city where centuries-old heritage blends seamlessly with modern energy.
Morning: Historical Landmarks
Your guide will meet you at the hotel and take you to visit the key highlights of the capital:
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex – Explore the Presidential Palace (outside), Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda. This area reflects Vietnam’s political history and honors the country’s beloved leader.
- Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university, built in the 11th century, showcasing traditional Vietnamese architecture and dedicated to Confucius and scholars.
- West Lake & Tran Quoc Pagoda – The oldest Buddhist pagoda in Hanoi, beautifully located on a small island in West Lake.
Enjoy your special Lunch with Pho (Rice Noodle):
the famed Hanoi dish with Pho for Lunch or dinner, a Vietnamese Noodle shop. Some of the local people call this world-famous Noodle soup “Mac-Noodles” since it is as popular here as MacDonalds is in other parts of the world!At the restaurant, your tour guide will explain the routine during Vietnamese mealtimes and tell you which special ingredients are needed for you. You can choose beef noodles or chicken noodles.
Some local restaurants with the traditional flavour and taste which is recommended by Michelin guide, you can choose one of them:
Afternoon: Culture & Local Life
Continue your city exploration with:
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (or Fine Arts Museum on Mondays) – A fascinating museum showcasing 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam through artifacts, traditional houses, and interactive displays.
- Hoan Kiem Lake – Visit the peaceful lake in the heart of Hanoi and learn the legend of the Returned Sword.
- Old Quarter Walking Tour – Wander through the bustling 36 streets of the Old Quarter, each historically dedicated to a specific craft or trade.
(Optional: Enjoy a cup of Vietnamese egg coffee or try local snacks – Own expense)
Your tour concludes with a transfer back to your hotel.
- Overnight: in Hanoi.
- Meal Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch of Pho at the local restaurant.
- Accommodation: 3, 4, 5 stars hotels as mentioned or similar.
Day 03: Hanoi - Halong Bay, Overnight on Cruise (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and around 08.00 AM, you are picked up to go to Halong Bay.
Enjoy the landscape of the countryside and a short break on the way. Embark on the cruise followed by a short cruise briefing. Savour a delectable lunch as you cruise among the limestone islands. Take a small sampan among the hidden bays around the Luon Cave. Cruise to Ti Top Island, go swimming or relaxing at the beach or climb up to the top of the island for a panorama view of Halong Bay. Enjoy the sunset with dinner. After dinner, fish for squid or just laze around.
Please note:
– Depending on cruising conditions, itineraries may change without prior notice.
– Wi-Fi is available at the restaurant/Piano Lounge areas, however, Internet connectivity may be intermittently interrupted due to the geographical condition of the bay.
– Detail program of each cruise is different, it will be confirmed later by each booking.- Overnight: in Halong Bay.
- Meal Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner on Cruise.
- Accommodation: 3, 4, 5 stars hotels as mentioned or similar.
Day 04: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Flight to Danang - Hoi An (Breakfast / Brunch)
Start your day with Tai Chi class and breakfast at sunrise. Explore the amazing Sung Sot Cave – the nicest cave in Halong Bay. Continue your cruise exploring Ba Hang fishing village, Dog Islet and more. While heading back to the harbour, watch the cooking demonstration before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
After the cruise, you are picked up & transferred to the airport for your flight to Danang.
Upon arrival at Da Nang International Airport, you will be picked up by your new private driver and tour guide and taken to your hotel in Hoi An – The Ancient City of Colorful Lanterns.
- Overnight: in Hoi An.
- Meal Included: Light early Breakfast, Brunch on Cruise.
- Accommodation: 3, 4, 5 stars hotels as mentioned or similar.
Day 05: Hoi An - Cooking Class (Breakfast / Lunch)
This trip will take you to join a cooking class and share your great experience to go to the local market for buying fresh ingredients and cook Vietnamese traditional dishes. Besides, you will feel peaceful when visiting the beautiful vegetables gardens, having an opportunity to ride a bike or take the boat trip to discover and experience rural life.
Leave your hotel around 09.00am in the morning, you will conquer the street along the Thu Bon River and visit Hoi An colourful market to choose ingredients and make dishes with them. Finish buying ingredients at the market, embark on a small boat to ride along the Thu Bon River (or cycle 15 minutes) for about 25 minutes to catch the cooking school on the other side of the river.
Today’s activities end at around 13.00pm and departure to your hotel. The rest of the day is your leisure time.
- Overnight: in Hoi An.
- Meal Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch at Cooking Class.
- Accommodation: 3, 4, 5 stars hotels as mentioned or similar.
Day 06: Hoi An - Free Day at Leisure (Breakfast)
Today you are free for your own exploration in Hoi An.
- Overnight: in Hoi An.
- Meal Included: Breakfast at hotel.
- Accommodation: 3, 4, 5 stars hotels as mentioned or similar.
Optional ToursBa Na HillSIC Price: AUD $90 per person.Private Price:A group of 2 pax: AUD $140 per person.A group of 3 – 4 pax: AUD $130 per person.
Day 07: Hoi An - Danang - Hue (Breakfast)
After breakfast at the hotel, depart from Hoi An and transfer toward Danang.
Along the way, you will pass My Khe Beach, one of the most stunning beaches on earth.
Upon arrival in Danang, visit two major cultural and natural highlights:
- Cham Museum – home to the world’s largest collection of Cham sculpture and artifacts, offering deep insight into the Cham civilization.
- Marble Mountains – a cluster of five limestone and marble hills, famous for their natural caves, pagodas, panoramic viewpoints, and stone-carving villages.
Continue driving north along the scenic coastal road toward Hue, crossing the majestic Hai Van Pass, which offers breathtaking views over the mountains and the sea.
You will also stop at Lang Co Beach, voted as one of the most beautiful bays in the world, where you can enjoy a refreshment break and admire the tranquil turquoise waters.
Arrive in Hue in the afternoon and check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure.
- Overnight: in Hue.
- Meal Included: Breakfast at hotel.
- Accommodation: 3, 4, 5 stars hotels as mentioned or similar.
Day 08: Hue City Tour - Street Food Tour (Breakfast / Lunch)
In the morning, you will take a visit to the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang (1791-1841), built between 1841 and 1843. The emperor’s mausoleum complex consists of 40 constructions (palaces, temples, pavilions etc.) designed on a symmetrical axis. Later visit the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City, created in the 19th century for the Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Enjoy some “retail therapy” at Dong Ba Market before transferring for an exciting Hue Street Food Tour by cyclo, discovering the unique flavors of the ancient capital.
Street food highlights include:
- Bún Bò Huế (Hue-style beef noodle soup) – A must-try specialty rich in lemongrass and shrimp paste, served with beef, pork, meatballs, fresh herbs, and chili.
- Bánh Khoái – A crispy rice and egg crepe filled with shrimp, grilled beef, pork fat, bean sprouts, and spring onions, served with a special secret sauce unique to Hue.
- Nem Lụi (Grilled pork skewers) – Rolled in rice paper with herbs, pineapple, banana, and bean sprouts, then dipped in a flavorful peanut–liver–coconut sauce made from dozens of ingredients.
- Bánh Bèo / Bloating Fern-shaped Cake – Steamed rice flour topped with shrimp, pork cracklings, dried tiny shrimp, and scallion oil, served with fish sauce.
- Fresh fruit mix, juice, and local beer at the night walking street.
After the tour, you are free to explore Hue at your own pace.
- Overnight: in Hue.
- Meal Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch at local restaurant – street food.
- Accommodation: 3, 4, 5 stars hotels as mentioned or similar.
Day 09: Hue - Flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Breakfast)
There is some free time for your own exploration in Hue or enjoy your optional tour until we transfer to airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Then you are free, Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Overnight: in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Meal Included: Breakfast at hotel.
- Accommodation: 3, 4, 5 stars hotels as mentioned or similar.
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City - Street Food Tour by Walking or Motorbike (Breakfast / Dinner)
The whole day today will be free for relaxing at the hotel, strolling or shopping in the town or whatever takes your fancy.
When the sun goes down, you may choose to explore the street food scene either by walking or by motorbike.
Option 1: By Motorbike
Hop on the back of a motorbike and zoom through lively streets as the city lights come alive. Visit a local restaurant for dinner and enjoy signature dishes such as beef noodle soup, sugarcane juice, and grilled beef in betel leaves.
Continue to Nguyen Thien Thuat Street, famous for its diverse street food stalls, before exploring a vibrant flower market and savoring Vietnamese pancakes.
Ride along Nguyen Trai Street for shopping opportunities, then stop at Nguyen Van Cu Bridge to take in the panoramic night views. Your adventure continues into District 4, known for its lively local life, where you will enjoy a BBQ seafood feast featuring fresh seafood and local favorites.
Afterward, your guide will drive you back to your hotel.Option 2: By Walking
If you prefer a slower pace, take a guided walking food tour through local neighborhoods. Your guide will lead you through atmospheric alleyways and bustling streets where you can taste authentic dishes such as beef noodle soup, banh xeo, grilled beef wrapped in betel leaves, and more.
You’ll walk through lively local markets, observe everyday life, and enjoy the chance to interact with vendors while discovering hidden food gems.
The tour ends with delicious seafood and street-food tasting in District 4 before returning to your hotel by car.Please note:
– Please inform your local guide about any food allergies you may have.
– It is recommended that you leave your handbags, passports and jewellery at your hotel for safekeeping.
– A camera is always encouraged. Please take extra care of your camera to avoid theft.
– We recommend that you should wear something comfortable and cool. Shorts, T-shirts and light pants are also suitable.- Overnight: in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Meal Included: Breakfast at hotel, Street-food Dinner.
- Accommodation: 3, 4, 5 stars hotels as mentioned or similar.
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City - Free Day at Leisure (Breakfast)
These days are your day to relax and enjoy Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace. Here are some simple suggestions for how you can make the most of your free time:
Enjoy the Food: Ho Chi Minh City has delicious street food. Try different local dishes like pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls. You can go on a food tour to taste a variety of Flavors.
Visit the Ben Thanh Market: Go to the Ben Thanh Market, where you can find a variety of items like clothes, crafts, spices, and souvenirs. Walk around and see what catches your eye.
Take a Relaxing Walk: Enjoy a peaceful stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street or by the Saigon River. Admire the buildings and watch the people going about their day. You can also find a cozy café to sit and relax.- Overnight: in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Meal Included: Breakfast at hotel.
- Accommodation: 3, 4, 5 stars hotels as mentioned or similar.
Or you can choose any below suggested optional tour for your trip:
Optional ToursMekong Delta One Day TourSIC Price: AUD $55 per person.Private Price:A group of 2 pax: AUD $110 per person.A group of 3 – 4 pax: AUD $90 per person.
Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day TourSIC Price: AUD $45 per person.Private Price (price per person):A group of 2 pax: AUD $60 per person.A group of 3 – 4 pax: AUD $45 per person.
Water Puppetry & Dinner On Saigon Princess Cruise (Private Tour)Private Price: AUD $140 per person (from 2 pax up).
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City - Departure (Breakfast)
After breakfast, enjoy free time at your own pace until checkout at 12:00PM (noon).
Your international flight to Australia departs around 9:00 PM, giving you approximately 9 hours of leisure time after checkout.
Your luggage will be safely stored at the hotel. You may explore the city freely until your driver picks you up for the airport transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
Suggested Leisure Activities (Optional)
With luggage stored at the hotel, guests can comfortably enjoy the following activities before the evening transfer:- Ben Thanh Market & Saigon Square
Ideal for last-minute souvenir shopping, handicrafts, clothing, and local snacks. - Relax at a Café or Rooftop Lounge
Enjoy a drink at one of Ho Chi Minh City’s famous cafés or rooftop bars overlooking District 1. - Spa & Massage Experience
Indulge in foot massage or a full-body treatment at reputable spas - Dong Khoi Street & Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Perfect for a leisurely walk, photography, shopping, and enjoying the vibrant city atmosphere. - Local Lunch or Early Dinner
Choose from nearby Vietnamese restaurants for a final taste of local specialties before your flight.
Trip ends at the airport.
- Meal Included: Breakfast at hotel.
- Ben Thanh Market & Saigon Square
Tour Included
- Domestic airfares (Hanoi – Danang and Hue – Saigon)
- Complimentary Mobifone eSIM: 8GB 5G Data (24 Hour) + 10 Min Local Call Upon Arrival in Vietnam.
- 10 nights’ shared Accommodation in twin/double room with daily breakfast at the below indicated room types (see hotel category list below) (check in and check out around noontime)
- 01 night / 2 days on cruise in Halong Bay (share cruise/ shared cabin of twin or double)
- All transfers and transportation with air-con vehicles (types of vehicles depending on the number of pax)
- 10 – 12 pax: coach of 25-29 seats
- 13 – 15 pax: coach of 35 seats
- 16 – 30 pax: coach of 45 seats
- Local ENGLISH speaking guides
- Hanoi – Halong Bay: 01 guide.
- In Halong on cruise: use guide inhouse of cruise
- Hue – Danang – Hoi An: 01 guide
- Ho Chi Minh City: 01 guide
- Meals (B/L/D) (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) as indicated in the program (Vietnamese Local food):
- Daily breakfast at the hotel
- 01 Pho (rice noodle) for Lunch
- 01 lunch + 01 dinner + 1 brunch on cruise in Halong Bay
- 01 street food tour in Hue by Cyclo
- 01 lunch at cooking class in Hoi An
- Street food tour in Ho Chi Minh by motobike or walking
- 02 bottles of mineral water per person per day on bus on days of transfer and sightseeing only.
Tour Excluded
- International airfares to/ from Australia (quoted separatedly, if requested).
- Book a multi-city ticket with VN Holidays, your connections are protected.
- Need domestic Australia/ New Zealand connecting flights to join Vietnam Tours? Let us handle in “one booking” with special ADD ON fares and convenience.
- Visa to Vietnam (Clients can CLICK HERE to apply E-visa online or contact VN Holidays team to help with service fee.)
- Travel insurance (contact VN Holidays team to help with service fee.)
- Immigration Fast Track Service (contact VN Holidays team to help with service fee.)
- Entrance fee to Hoi An town.
- Kayak
- Optional tours.
- Surcharges for other language guides.
- Surcharges for Lunar New Year (TET) holiday.
- Personal expenditure, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, camera fees, communications, postage, gratuities etc.
- Meals and services other than mentioned in the program.
- Drinks with meals.
- Compulsory gala dinners during festive seasons and peak season surcharges which will be advised at the time of booking.
- Early check-in and late check-out at hotels, if not mentioned in the program.
Change of mind? Enjoy a full refund within a 7-day cooling-off period.
Tour Prices
Group Size (Min 2 Person) Standard Class (3*) Superior Class (4*) Deluxe Class (5*) Price Per Person From $ 1,979 $ 2,159 $ 2,599 Single Supplement $ 520 $ 690 $ 1,120 Departure Dates
Available Dates: Until 30 Nov 2026
List of Hotels (or Similar)
Standard Class (3⭐️)
City Hotel Room Type Hanoi Chalcedony Deluxe Halong Bay Oriental Sails Deluxe Cabin Hue Rosaleen Hotel Superior City View Hoi An Hoi An Rose Hotel Superior Balcony Saigon Acnos Deluxe Superior Class (4⭐️)
City Hotel Room Type Hanoi The Q Deluxe Halong Bay Calypso Cruise Deluxe Cabin Hue Midtown Hotel Deluxe City View Hoi An Lantern Boutique Hoi An Superior Garden View Saigon The Odys Hotel Deluxe Deluxe Class (5⭐️)
City Hotel Room Type Hanoi Pan Pacific Deluxe Halong Bay La Regina Grand Bai Tu Long Suite Hue Indochine Palace Palace Deluxe Hoi An Allegro Hoi An Junior Suite Saigon Grand Saigon Premium Deluxe Peak Season Surcharges
Holidays in Vietnam!
Time Holiday 22 – 25 Dec 2025 Christmas 29 Dec 2025 – 05 Jan 2026 New Year 16 – 26 Feb 2026 Tet Holiday 25 – 27 Apr 2026 Hung Kings’ Anniversary 30 Apr – 02 May 2026 Liberation & Labor Day 01 – 04 Sep 2026 Vietnam’s Independence Day School Holiday in Australia.
Changes
The itinerary can be changed due to weather, tide levels, and operating conditions.
Programmers, prices, services and conditions are based on those valid at the time of proposal submission and are subject to change thereafter without advance notice until all services have been paid in full.
Special Requests
Your special requests (diet, vegetarian,…) should be sent before your departure date.
VN Holidays' Responsibility
Certain parts of the tours on offer are provided by independent third parties, such as airlines, hotels, transport operators and local tourist offices.
VN Holidays is not responsible for any loss or theft, injury or damage caused thereby to the tourists, including those occurring outside of the normal touring programmers.
Additional expenses incurred due to delay, accident, natural disaster, political actions and unrest shall be borne by the tourists.
About Us
“Indochina is our home. See the soul of Vietnam with VN Holidays. For over 30 years, we’ve been crafting perfectly paired itineraries that showcase the true soul of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Our expertly designed tours include everything you need for a hassle-free journey, from flights and accommodation to meals and English-speaking guides.
Tailor-made trips: We create itineraries that fit your interests and desires. Expert guidance: Our team in Sydney and Vietnam are here to support you every step of the way from beginning, throughout your trip and after. Seamless travel: Relax with award-winning Vietnam Airlines (5-Star!) and their impressive on-time performance.”