Vietnam Food Adventure

12 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
premier

Health Safety +

USTOA

Cancellation Policy
Small Group Tour
A culinary journey through Vietnam that reveals a deceptive simplicity to a cuisine renowned for its fresh, natural ingredients, aromatic appeal and delicate balance of flavours. From savouring the freshest seafood in Halong Bay, sitting with the locals while sampling the best of street snacks in Hoi An, cycling through the herb gardens of Tra Que village...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Sunrise walk around lake in Hanoi to join the locals for Tai Chi and a Pho breakfast
    • For a memorable coffee experience, taste the locally loved 'egg coffee'
    • Multiple cooking classes to master each local cuisine including a final dinner and class with a renowned Vietnamese chef!
    • Guided market visits to learn about and taste local fresh ingredients
    • Visit one of Hanoi's tea houses for a tea ceremony
    • Candlelit seafood dinner while cruising the spectacular Halong Bay
    • Journey by bicycle to vast herb gardens
    • Overnight stay with a local family in the fruit orchards of the Mekong Delta

What's this trip about?

    A culinary journey through Vietnam that reveals a deceptive simplicity to a cuisine renowned for its fresh, natural ingredients, aromatic appeal and delicate balance of flavours. From savouring the freshest seafood in Halong Bay, sitting with the locals while sampling the best of street snacks in Hoi An, cycling through the herb gardens of Tra Que village, joining a family for a night spent on the Mekong Delta, to trying your hand at mastering a variety of regional dishes, this trip ensures that you make the most of this food lovers paradise. Each day is packed with culinary-based experiences that are best rewarded with a bia-hoi (local fresh beer) and a perch on the street-side bars to absorb the fascinating culture of this gastronomical land. A culinary journey through Vietnam, experiencing a variety of delicacies from the freshest seafood in Halong Bay to the best street snacks in Hanoi.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityHanoi
End CitySaigon

Travel Themes

  • Culinary & Wine
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Activities

  • Nature

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • All accommodation
    • 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 dinners
    • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Arrival & departure transfers

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map
Flight Inclusive

Day 1 Depart London

Depart London

Day 2 Arrive Hanoi

The day is free to recover from the flight or stroll amongst broad tree-lined avenues dating from the French period. There is a faded colonial charm where baguettes and good coffee are sold from doorways of grand buildings of a past era. There will be a welcome br...

Day 3 Sunrise walk around Hoan Kiem; lakeside breakfast. Market visit and evening cooking class

Today is a jam-packed day of culinary-based activities. We start our day with a sunrise walk around the Hoam Kiem lake in the middle of Hanoi. We’ll join the throngs of locals as they come together for a daily morning activity – this could be laughing yoga, Tai Ch...

Day 4 To Halong Bay; overnight on boat with candlelight seafood dinner on top deck

We make an early start for the approximate 4 hour journey to Halong Bay. This is one of the most stunningly beautiful sights in South East Asia with roughly 3,000 limestone peaks rising directly from the clear emerald sea. We cruise amongst this amazing karst scen...

Day 5 Return to Hanoi; fly to Hoi An, an atmospheric town of Chinese temples and crumbling colonial architecture

We continue to cruise around Halong Bay this morning before returning to port. We then drive back to Hanoi pausing for lunch before heading straight to the airport for a flight to Da Nang. We then transfer (approx. 1 hour) to Hoi An, our resting place for the next...

Day 6 Walking tour of Hoi An; Banh Vac (white rose dumpling) experience with lunch included

This morning will include a walking tour of Hoi An, the original European trading port in Vietnam dating back to the mid-16th century. It is now a living museum, with attractive wooden merchant's houses and pagoda-style temples with Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese a...

Day 7 Leisurely cycle ride to Tra Que herb village; cooking class

Today is a real hands-on day. We set off early by bicycle to the Tra Que Village, famed for its avenues of herbs, so fragrant you can smell them before you see them. Here, we’ll take a walk around the gardens to learn more about the farmer’s daily lives before vis...

Day 8 Fly to Saigon; city tour. Optional dinner in a converted colonial villa

We drive to Da Nang and then fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), an exciting and absorbing city where scooters pack the streets and temples stand defiantly alongside modern developments. Devastated by the Vietnam War, it is now a bustling free market city where anyt...

Day 9 Mekong Delta boat ride; overnight in homestay guesthouse, dinner with the family

In the morning we drive to Vinh Long in the Mekong Delta, known as the 'rice bowl' of Vietnam. This region produces most of Vietnam's fruit, sugar cane and coconuts. We take a boat trip on the mighty Mekong River to Cai Be. En route we pass many orchards and frien...

Day 10 Return to Saigon; afternoon cookery class and dinner with a renowned Vietnamese chef

An early start today as we head to the floating market of Cai Be. Recently, Cai Be floating market is becoming less crowded and smaller as fruit trading is mostly now done by trucks due to the bridge being built. However, this is still a great opportunity to see a...

Day 11 Depart Saigon

For those on group flights these depart late in the evening so there will be a full free day at leisure to continue exploring the frenetic city of Ho Chi Minh. There will be some optional acitivies for those who would like to partake; you may wish to admire the vi...

Day 12 Arrive London

Arrive London

Land Only

Day 1 Start Hanoi

Today is free to stroll amongst broad tree-lined avenues dating from the French period. There is a faded colonial charm where baguettes and good coffee are sold from doorways of grand buildings of a past era. There will be a welcome briefing this evening with your...

Day 2 Sunrise walk around Hoan Kiem; lakeside breakfast. Market visit and evening cooking class

Today is a jam-packed day of culinary-based activities. We start our day with a sunrise walk around the Hoam Kiem lake in the middle of Hanoi. We’ll join the throngs of locals as they come together for a daily morning activity – this could be laughing yoga, Tai Ch...

Day 3 To Halong Bay; overnight on boat with candlelight seafood dinner on top deck

We make an early start for the approximate 4 hour journey to Halong Bay. This is one of the most stunningly beautiful sights in South East Asia with roughly 3,000 limestone peaks rising directly from the clear emerald sea. We cruise amongst this amazing karst scen...

Day 4 Return to Hanoi; fly to Hoi An, an atmospheric town of Chinese temples and crumbling colonial architecture

We continue to cruise around Halong Bay this morning before returning to port. We then drive back to Hanoi pausing for lunch before heading straight to the airport for a flight to Da Nang. We then transfer (approx. 1 hour) to Hoi An, our resting place for the next...

Day 5 Walking tour of Hoi An; Banh Vac (white rose dumpling) experience with lunch included

This morning will include a walking tour of Hoi An, the original European trading port in Vietnam dating back to the mid-16th century. It is now a living museum, with attractive wooden merchant's houses and pagoda-style temples with Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese a...

Day 6 Leisurely cycle ride to Tra Que herb village; cooking class

Today is a real hands-on day. We set off early by bicycle to the Tra Que Village, famed for its avenues of herbs, so fragrant you can smell them before you see them. Here, we’ll take a walk around the gardens to learn more about the farmer’s daily lives before vis...

Day 7 Fly to Saigon; city tour. Optional dinner in a converted colonial villa

We drive to Da Nang and then fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), an exciting and absorbing city where scooters pack the streets and temples stand defiantly alongside modern developments. Devastated by the Vietnam War, it is now a bustling free market city where anyt...

Day 8 Mekong Delta boat ride; overnight in homestay guesthouse, dinner with the family

In the morning we drive to Vinh Long in the Mekong Delta, known as the 'rice bowl' of Vietnam. This region produces most of Vietnam's fruit, sugar cane and coconuts. We take a boat trip on the mighty Mekong River to Cai Be. En route we pass many orchards and frien...

Day 9 Return to Saigon; afternoon cookery class and dinner with a renowned Vietnamese chef

An early start today as we head to the floating market of Cai Be. Recently, Cai Be floating market is becoming less crowded and smaller as fruit trading is mostly now done by trucks due to the bridge being built. However, this is still a great opportunity to see a...

Day 10 End Saigon

For land only clients, the trip ends this morning after breakfast. For those on group flights these depart late in the evening so there will be a full free day at leisure to continue exploring the frenetic city of Ho Chi Minh. There will be some optional acitivies...

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $1,949
Price per day$162
Last Updated: 3/19/2020

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,310
Great
3,258
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
187
A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Vietnam - Food Adventure

Just returned from this amazing holiday! Wonderful country with lovely people. Our guide, Phi, was brilliant - he was so knowledgeable about his country and enthus...

A

Anonymous

Mar 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

Vietnam Food Adventure

This was my first time visiting Vietnam (visited March 2017) and based on my first experience I would definately visit again. I can honestly say the whole group of p...

A

Anonymous

Mar 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

Vietnam Food Adventure

Just come back from Vietnam.I had been there twice before and this trip proved to be a new way of looking at the country. We loved walking through the markets in Han...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

Vietnam Food Adventure

First time the trip had run, but everyone in the group enjoyed it. The cooking lessons were well run and great fun. The weather was unexpectedly cold and very wet ...

Write a Review

Other Exodus Travels Reviews

A

Annie O'Reilly Hughes

Nov 2024

Written on

Patient and knowledgeable operative

Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident t...

T

Trevor Butler

Nov 2024

Written on

Very professional organisation

Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...

S

Sarah R

Nov 2024

Written on

India, the Tropical South

An excellent trip, we really enjoyed it and would highly recommend. Our guide Biju deserves a special thank you for being brilliant, he really adds to the experience...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

premier
View Profile

It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel Insurance
    • Single accommodation - GBP130
    • Visas and vaccinations
    • Airport transfers for Land Only

Accommodation

Travel by private minibus and boat plus 2 internal flights Group normally 5 to 16 plus leader. Min age 16 yrs 7 nights hotels, 1 night boat and 1 night homestay 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 dinners included
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
Dinner: 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 dinners are included. Thanks to the tropical climate, the long coast and the gigantic range of mountains, Vietnam is blessed with numerous varieties of culinary offerings and consequently maintains its reputation as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world that still packs a punch with delicious, fresh and fiery flavours. Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a whole myriad of verdant herbs and spices; lemongrass, ginger, basil and lime all play an important role in the cuisine. The Chinese and French influence is felt throughout the country where you are just as likely to be offered a Banh Mi (stuffed baguette) as you are a hot steaming bowl of Pho (noodle soup). Each dish is prepared with the Asian principle of Wu Xing in mind (the five elements); meaning that the perfect combination of spicy, sour, bitter, salty and sweet is the ultimate aim. Be sure to also seek out the national beverages; Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk, a real sugar and caffeine hit, and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is served on most street corners in the North out of large plastic jugs that are perfect for sharing. Food is cheap in Vietnam and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish. Western food is readily available almost everywhere, with the exception of the night in the Mekong Delta. Vegetarian food is widely available, however the offering will be fairly similar in most places. Please advise at time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • Travel by private minibus and boat plus 2 internal flights
  • Group normally 4 to 16 plus leader
  • 7 nights hotels, 1 night boat and 1 night homestay guesthouse
Trip ID
exodus-ALC

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >