Food & Fun in Vietnam - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi, Explore

Welcome to Vietnam! The nation's capital of Hanoi has a long and storied history, as this area has been a regional capital since around the third century BCE. Since then, it has seen the rise of everything from empires to communist revolutions. Upon arrival at the airport, a personal driver will take you to your hotel in the city center.

Once you've settled in, feel free to head out on a self-guided tour. Spend the afternoon exploring the labyrinthine streets of the Old Quarter by foot or on a traditional three-wheeled cyclo, as you pass temples, French-colonial buildings, and Vietnamese "tube houses." These space-saving buildings can be as narrow as 6 feet (2 m) wide and 12 stories high. Later, perhaps head to the Pan Pacific Hotel's rooftop bar and sip cocktails amid spectacular sunset views over Tày Ho (West Lake).

Day 2: Day Trip to Ba Vi Countryside & Cooking Class

In the morning, you'll head west out of Hanoi on a full-day guided eco-tour of the beautiful Ba Vi countryside. Your first stop is Ri Village, where you'll enjoy welcome drinks and snacks with Mr. Duoc, a Vietnam War veteran and tea plantation owner. Listen to Mr. Duoc's stories about life during the war and visit his workshop and tea plantation, where you'll learn how to pick the best leaves.

Next, take a short drive to Moc Village, where Mrs. Chin will teach you how to cook Vietnamese dishes you'll enjoy for lunch in her tropical garden. Join Mrs. Chin for a walk around the village to visit families and learn how to make tofu, conical hats, and other regional products. Finish with an easy cycle through Vietnam's iconic rice paddies, followed by a Muong herbal foot bath, before returning to Hanoi.

Day 3: Transfer to Ha Long Bay, Overnight Cruise, Master Cooking Class

Your driver will pick you up today for the three-hour drive to the coast and Ha Long Bay. Located on the Gulf of Tonkin, over 1,500 karst islets rise above jade waters and resemble the spine of some mythological creature ("ha long" actually translates to "descending dragon"). The unique beauty of this region is unlike anywhere else and thus has been bestowed with UNESCO World Heritage status.

Upon arrival at the marina, you'll board a multi-level cruise ship for an overnight tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After settling into your cabin, head up to the deck, where a delicious seafood lunch awaits. Then, you can spend hours relaxing on the sun deck as the ship sails across glassy emerald waters to the most secluded corners of the bay. Later that afternoon, you'll stop at a secret cove for a swim and a kayak trip to explore hidden beaches and grottoes.

Return to the ship just in time to participate in a cooking masterclass offered by the onboard expert chef. During the workshop, you'll learn to make traditional specialties like nem (Vietnamese fried spring rolls) and enjoy them for dinner. Spend the remainder of the evening relaxing, or head out on a small boat for a bit of night fishing with the locals.

Day 4: Morning Cruise, Transfer to Hoi An

Wake up early and head to the deck for a sunrise tai chi session. Then sit down and enjoy breakfast in the open air as you cruise around towering karst islets. There will be a stop to explore another magnificent limestone sea cave before returning to port.

From there, transfer back to Hanoi and catch a 1.5-hour flight to the central coast and Hoi An. Sitting on the Thu Bon River, this historic city was a major trading port with the West from the 15th through the 19th centuries, attracting merchants from around the globe. Its international legacy is represented in the assortment of architectural styles in Hoi An's Ancient Town. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel and will have the rest of the night free.

Day 5: Day Trip to Cam Thanh Village

Early in the morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel, and the two of you'll embark on a bicycle ride to the country and along the riverbanks outside Hoi An. During this half-day excursion, you'll meander around farms and villages, stopping to chat with locals along the way.

 

You'll eventually arrive at the Tra Que Vegetable Village, which is something of a legend in the area. Here, over 100 farmers tend to gardens that produce the finest herbs and vegetables in the region. The kicker is that not only is all the produce grown organically, but the farmers do so using the same traditional methods they have for centuries. Once at the village, you'll meet the locals, take photos, and maybe join in gardening activities like sowing seeds and picking vegetables.

 

Continue the bike ride to the waterfront region of Cam Thanh, where you'll hop in a Vietnamese circular basket boat (called a thung chai) for a ride along the nipa palm forests of the Thu Bon River. You'll even get to try your hand at traditional net fishing. Afterward, have lunch on the waterfront before returning to your hotel in Hoi An.

Day 6: Hoi An City & Food Tour

Today, you get to enjoy a half-day guided city tour that combines Hoi An's historic highlights with its delectable cuisine. It's a foodie's dream, as the tour kicks off with breakfast from a local street food vendor followed by a leisurely stroll around Hoi An's Ancient Town. Here, you'll see some of the most impressive architectural landmarks in the city, including the arched Japanese Covered Bridge and the 19th-century Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation.

 

After all that walking, you'll no doubt have worked up an appetite. That's why next up is the Central Market, one of the busiest municipal markets in the city. At its food court, you can order delicious and cheap eats like fruit smoothies and noodle dishes. Be sure to try cao lao, a regional specialty. Within the market itself are vendors selling everything from fresh produce and crafts to toys and clothing. After browsing the market, you'll finish the experience by kicking your feet up and enjoying a welcome foot massage. Then you'll return to your hotel.

Day 7: Hoi An Free Day

Today is yours to enjoy Hoi An however you like. Take a leisurely walk or rent a bicycle for a ride along the quiet streets (motorized vehicles are banned in the city). Later, perhaps get measured for a custom-made outfit (Hoi An is famous for its expert tailors) or head to one of the city's nearby white-sand beaches. For dinner, try local dishes such as com hen (sauteed clams), nem lui (ground pork), and cao lau (pork and greens).

Day 8: Transfer to Da Nang, Depart

Your brisk but action-packed holiday in Vietnam has unfortunately come to an end. In the morning, your driver will pick you up for the 30-minute ride north to the airport in Da Nang, where you'll catch your flight home. Until next time!

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Vietnam? Check out these other Vietnam itineraries, explore more ways to spend eight days in Vietnam, or discover the best time to visit Vietnam.