Vietnam Foodie Adventure in 10 Days – Departure from Ho Chi Minh

Traveling through Vietnam with a focus on its incredible cuisine offers a unique way to understand the country’s culture, traditions, and daily life. This 10-day tour, offered by Realistic Asia, promises a mix of culinary delights, scenic boat trips, bustling markets, and vibrant city streets — ideal for food lovers and curious explorers alike.

What we appreciate most about this experience is how it balances authentic food tastings with cultural insights, all delivered through knowledgeable guides. We love the opportunity to visit local markets and hidden spots that aren’t on typical tourist routes. The inclusion of scenic cruises and visits to iconic landmarks adds a well-rounded touch. A potential consideration is that flights between cities are not included, so travelers should plan and book their own transportation accordingly.

This tour will suit travelers who love seeing local flavors, enjoy a mix of urban and rural sights, and appreciate well-organized, small-group experiences. Whether you’re a solo traveler, foodie, or cultural enthusiast, this journey offers authentic moments and delicious memories.

Key Points

• Authentic Food Experiences: Tasting Vietnamese staples from street stalls to local markets.
• Cultural Insights: Visits to temples, traditional neighborhoods, and local markets give a genuine perspective on Vietnamese life.
• Scenic Highlights: Mekong River cruise, Hanoi’s Old Quarter, and Halong Bay provide beautiful, unforgettable views.
• Expert Guides: Friendly, knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with local stories and tips.
• Well-Organized Itinerary: A balanced mix of sightseeing, eating, and relaxing with clear logistics.
• Value for Money: At $1,211 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive look at Vietnam’s food and culture, with included flights and accommodations.

Starting in Ho Chi Minh City: A Vibrant Introduction

Your journey begins in Ho Chi Minh, where a private driver greets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel. After a long flight, this is the perfect chance to unwind or explore nearby on your own. The city’s energy is palpable, with bustling streets, street vendors, and vivid sights waiting just outside your hotel.

Exploring Local Neighborhoods and Markets

On the second day, the tour kicks off with a walk through Nguyen Thien Thuat Apartment Buildings, a lively backstreet filled with Vietnamese guitar stores and eateries. Walking past these 1960s-era buildings gives you a glimpse into everyday life in Saigon. Ending at Ban Co market, you get to sample chè, a beloved Vietnamese dessert made of beans, sticky rice, and coconut milk. Reviewers praise guides for sharing interesting facts about the city’s lifestyle, making these walks both fun and educational.

Chinese Medicine Street and Thien Hau Temple

Next, the tour takes you into Chinatown, exploring Hai Thuong Lan Ong & Trieu Quang Phuc streets, which are lined with herbal medicine shops and traditional clinics. The fragrant herbs, busy shop owners, and lively atmosphere make this a sensory experience. Visiting Thien Hau Temple adds a spiritual dimension, with Chinese worship practices and vibrant temple architecture.

Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine

Lunch is at a local restaurant, where you’ll try authentic Vietnamese dishes. Many travelers mention the quality and flavor of the food, emphasizing how these meals give you a true taste of local ingredients and cooking styles. This mix of street food, local markets, and temple visits captures the essence of Ho Chi Minh’s cultural mosaic.

Mekong Delta Adventure: Scenic and Tasty Discoveries

Day 3 takes you out of the city to My Tho, a picturesque town on the Mekong River. The journey is about 2 hours and 15 minutes, but the scenery along the Red River Delta makes it worthwhile. Once there, a sampan cruise whisks you along the waterways, offering views of floating markets, lush islands, and rural villages.

Visiting Unicorn Island and Fruit Tastings

At Unicorn Island, you’ll stroll through orchards, tasting fresh tropical fruits—something many reviewers rave about. The chance to see Vietnamese folk music performances adds cultural flavor to the experience. The highlight here is how the tour combines scenic beauty with authentic food and local hospitality.

Honey, Coconut Candy, and Village Life

On the way back, visits to honey-bee farms and coconut candy workshops allow you to sample fresh honey tea and homemade sweets. The afternoon features optional cycling around Tan Thach village, giving you a glimpse into daily farm life. For those less inclined to cycle, relaxing in a hammock is a peaceful way to soak in the countryside.

Return to Ho Chi Minh

By late afternoon, you’re back in the city, with plenty of memories and new tastes to savor.

Transitioning to Central Vietnam: From Hoi An to Hanoi

Travel logistics are straightforward but require some planning, as flights are not included. The tour allows flexibility for you to choose flights between Ho Chi Minh and Da Nang, then from Da Nang to Hanoi. Once in Hoi An, you’re free to relax or explore at your pace.

Hoi An Foodie Delights

On day 5, the adventure shifts to Hoi An’s renowned street food scene. Meeting at your hotel around 5 pm, your guide takes you to a local bakery famous for its banh mi, a Vietnamese sandwich with a history stretching over 20 years. Then, you’ll sample BBQ pork wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs—an absolute must for food lovers, according to reviewers.

Market Stalls and Local Eateries

Your walk through the central market reveals a vibrant scene of hawkers and fresh produce, offering a true insider’s view of daily life. Many visitors appreciate these intimate food tastings, which reveal regional specialties you might miss exploring alone.

Free Time in Hoi An

The evening offers flexibility, allowing you to soak in the city’s charm or try more street snacks on your own.

North Vietnam: Hanoi and the Majestic Bay

From Hoi An, the journey continues north to Hanoi, where a blend of historic sights and lively street food awaits.

Evening City Tour

In the evening, around 5:45 pm, a guide takes you through the Old Quarter, sampling street foods along the way. Stops include crossing West Lake—where you can enjoy street food and local drinks—and riding past iconic spots like Long Bien Bridge, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Opera House. Reviewers highlight how engaging and friendly guides like Evelyn make these outings memorable.

Exploring Hanoi’s Charm

The next morning, you’ll visit Hanoi’s attractions, including the Ho Chi Minh Complex and traditional neighborhoods. The mix of sightseeing and tasting local delicacies ensures you get a well-rounded experience of Vietnam’s capital.

Scenic Drive to Halong Bay

Later, a scenic 5-hour drive takes you across the Red River Delta to Halong Bay. This UNESCO site is a standout, with limestone karsts and caves inspiring awe. The cruise offers opportunities for kayaking, swimming, and exploring floating villages, making this part of the tour particularly cherished by reviewers.

Cruise and Cave Exploration

Overnight on the boat, travelers enjoy fresh seafood and stunning views, with many describing the cruise as a highlight. Early morning Tai Chi and visits to limestone caves add peaceful, memorable moments.

Final Days: Relaxation and Reflection

The last day involves a relaxed breakfast and some free time for souvenir shopping or exploring Hanoi’s markets before heading home. The tour’s design ensures you finish with a sense of fulfillment and new culinary and cultural insights.

Why This Tour Works for You

This 10-day adventure is perfect for those who want a comprehensive taste of Vietnam’s food and culture in a well-organized package. The inclusion of local guides, market visits, scenic boat trips, and authentic meals makes it ideal for curious travelers eager to connect with Vietnamese life beyond the usual tourist spots. The small group size (maximum 15 travelers) means more personalized attention and the chance to form genuine connections.

The price of $1,211 per person might seem steep, but considering the flights, accommodations, activities, and expert guides included, it offers excellent value for those seeking a deep dive into Vietnamese cuisine and scenery.

The Sum Up

This tour offers an immersive, authentic experience that highlights Vietnam’s culinary diversity and vibrant culture. The combination of city explorations, rural trips, scenic cruises, and food tastings creates a rich tapestry that’s both fun and educational. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy food-centric adventures, cultural encounters, and well-organized itineraries.

If you’re looking for a trip that goes beyond the typical tourist trail—introducing you to local markets, traditional neighborhoods, and scenic waterways—this experience is likely to leave you with lasting memories and a full stomach.

However, keep in mind that you’ll need to handle your own flight arrangements, and some days can be busy, especially the travel days between cities. But for those eager to taste the real Vietnam on a manageable schedule, this tour offers a truly rewarding journey.

FAQ

Are flights between cities included?
No, the tour includes flights from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An and from Hoi An to Hanoi, but travelers need to book these separately.

What kind of accommodations can I expect?
The tour stays in comfortable 3-star hotels, ensuring a good balance of comfort and local charm.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Reviewers mention that guides and drivers make solo travelers feel well cared for, and small group sizes foster a friendly atmosphere.

How much free time will I have?
You’ll have some evenings free in Hoi An and Hanoi to explore on your own or relax, giving flexibility to your schedule.

What kind of food will I taste?
Expect a mix of street food, market snacks, and local specialties like banh mi, BBQ pork, coconut candies, and fresh fruits.

Are vegetarian options available?
While not explicitly mentioned, given the focus on authentic Vietnamese cuisine, you might find suitable options or request special meals.

Is this experience family-friendly?
Most activities involve walking, boat trips, and market visits, which are generally suitable for families, but check with the supplier regarding specific age restrictions.

This 10-day Vietnam Foodie Adventure provides a carefully curated, authentic journey filled with flavorful dishes, scenic beauty, and cultural insights—perfect for those eager to taste and see Vietnam’s true colors.