10 Day Culinary Explorations and Beach Relaxation Tour In Vietnam

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City - Arrival

Pick-up at the Airport. Transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City - Free day - Food Tour by Motorbike

Free time all day to explore Ho Chi Minh City on your own or take an optional tour with Hoi An Express.

In the evening, most of the Vietnamese transportation in Vietnam's daily life are motorcycles and scooters. Step into the bustling streets of Vietnam, and as you sit on the back of the tour guide's motorcycle, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feel a mix of excitement and safety while navigating the chaotic traffic. Experience the famous local street foods along the way.

You will go to an old park to taste "Banh Trang Tron" - Vietnamese Rice Paper Salad, a magical mix of crispy textures that’s incredibly refreshing and fun to eat as well as "Bo Bia", a fresh type of spring roll packed with vegetables. Continuing to another busy area, you will try"Banh Xeo" - a crispy Vietnamese Pancake (also known as sizzling cake), which are widely believed to have originated during the French occupation of Vietnam. You will also sample "Trung Vit Lon" - half-hatched duck eggs, considered a delicacy by many Vietnamese.

Next, you will stop to try some of Sai Gon’s famous "Oc" - steamed and roasted snails - paired with local beer. It's common for Vietnamese, particularly men, to go for drinks with clients or friends after work. Locals typically enjoy their beer poured into a mug with ice, rather than directly from a cold bottle.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels - Da Nang - Hoi An - by flight - 1 hour

Check out for a half-day tour to Cu Chi Tunnels before flying to Da Nang. The Cu Chi Tunnels, a network stretching over 250 kilometers, are one of the most famous and historically significant aspects of the Vietnam War. Originally created in 1948 to support the Viet Minh in their fight for independence from the French, the digging and construction of tunnels continued for the next 25 years. The result was an underground city complete with living areas, kitchens, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers. These tunnels could accommodate thousands of people who lived almost entirely underground for years, leading relatively normal lives, including getting married and raising children.

During the American War, the entire Cu Chi area was designated as a free-fire zone and faced heavy attacks and bombings. In 1988, two sections of the tunnels were opened to visitors. Now, you have the chance to enjoy this wonderful and informative experience. Constructed with “moving parts”, these structures were designed to be livable for long periods of time.

For those interested, there is an opportunity to fire rounds from a war-era M16 or AK47 at the nearby firing range. (This activity is optional; firing range fees are not included).

After the trip, transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport to go to Hoi An. Upon arrival at Da Nang Airport, transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Hoi An

Day 4: Hoi An Foodie Tour in the morning

Discover Hoi An’s countryside and unique local cuisine by bicycle. Hoi An’s dishes are well-known and loved by tourists, with food stalls and restaurants lining the streets. These dishes are not only popular but are also cultural symbols, offering visitors a true taste of the local life.

The journey begins with a bike ride through the picturesque countryside to Tra Que Village, famous for its fresh vegetables, which are supplied to many local restaurants. These vegetables are essential for making Hoi An’s signature dish, Cao Lau, with its perfect blend of flavors.

You then return to town, where you will learn how to make the famous “white rose” dumplings with a local family and enjoy tasting your handmade creations. Afterward, you head to a renowned local restaurant to try Cao Lau, a traditional dish featuring local noodles, pork, fresh herbs, and crispy rice paper. The noodles are made using water from Ba Le Well, the oldest well in Hoi An, believed to provide the perfect taste.

Lastly, we cycle to Cam Nam to enjoy local specialties such as Banh Dap (cracked rice pancake) and Che Bap (corn and coconut sweet soup), offering a delightful balance of flavors.

Have free time in the afternoon. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 5: Hoi An - Free day

Free time all day to explore Hoi An on your own or take an optional tour with Hoi An Express. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 6: Hoi An - Da Nang - Nha Trang - by train - 11 hours

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the train station in Da Nang to go to Nha Trang. Upon arrival at the train station, pick up and transfer to your hotel. Check in and relax. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 7: Nha Trang - Free day

Free time all day to explore Nha Trang on your own or take an optional tour with Hoi An Express. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 8: Nha Trang - Free time - Food tour in the evening

Free time all day to explore Nha Trang on your own or take an optional tour with Hoi An Express. Have food tour in the evening.

For those looking to immerse themselves in local culture, Nha Trang will not disappoint. This vibrant city boasts a variety of cultural spaces and delicious local foods, available in both restaurants and on the bustling streets. One of the best ways to experience the city is by riding on the back of a motorcycle, navigating the lively streets while soaking in the sights and sounds.

You will begin your culinary journey by trying "Nem Nuong Ninh Hoa" - Ninh Hoa Grilled Fermented Pork Rolls - at a popular local restaurant. Here, you can enjoy this traditional dish surrounded by locals, truly eating like a resident. Next, you will visit a famous street stall to sample "Banh Xeo Muc," a unique Nha Trang pancake made with squid instead of the typical pork and shrimp found in other cities.

You will also have the chance to savor "Bo Nuong Lac Canh" - Lac Canh Grilled Beef - at a well-known 40-year-old specialty restaurant. This dish is a must-try, not only for its exceptional flavor but also for the fun of cooking it yourself, adding an exciting twist to your dining experience.

Finally, you will stroll down the city’s vibrant night-time ‘Walking Street’ and enjoy fresh seafood along the beach, known as Bo Ke. To wrap up the tour, unwind while sipping drinks and enjoying the beautiful beach view. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 9: Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City - by flight - 1 hour

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Nha Trang Airport to go to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, pick up and transfer to your hotel. Check in and relax. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City - Departure

Have breakfast at the hotel and relax until the time of transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight.