Foodie Discover in Vietnam and Thailand 16 days

Xin Chao!

Vietland Travel Tour will welcome you at  Noi Bai international airport and  pick you up to Central of Ha Noi Capital for the Hotel check-in. We will have a shortly meeting.  We'll be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you bring these details to provide to your leader.

Located in the centre of the Northern Delta with a population of 6.2 million people and an area of 3,398 square km Hanoi is an ancient city which had been established and developed for over 1,000 years since 1010. Even though some relics have not survived through wars and time, the city still has many interesting cultural and historic monuments for visitors and residents alike. Historians liken the life-giving Red River with its banks crowded with green rice paddies and farms to the Tigris and Euphrates rivers; a cradle of civilization.

Hotel rooms may not be ready until 14:00 hrs but an early check-in would be guaranteed with a surcharge. The rest of the day is at leisure. Subject to your arrival time, you may want to venture out to explore the city on your own or join one of our wonderful optional excursions in and around Hanoi, such as a walking tour through Hanoi's Old Quarter for you first impression of Vietnam's capital city.

Enjoy the Old Quarter’s unique and bustling ambiance as you sample your way through a range of local delicacies. Wash them down with a classic “bia hoi” –Vietnam’s famous local brew which traces its roots to eastern Europe. Then, pull up a tiny plastic stool and dine as locals do while enjoying the flame-grilled glory of Vietnamese barbecue. Top it all off with a sweet end to your night at one of Hanoi’s most popular ice-cream parlours.

Back to your hotel for a good sleep.

Having breakfast at your hotel.

Starting bright and early in the morning, head to the famous local Market. Peruse through endless rows of stalls selling everything from farm-plucked garlic to pounded tapioca flour. Hanoi is famous for the vibrancy of its local markets. The memorable sights, sounds and smells of this unique environment are the perfect way to get in tune with the “real” Hanoi. With your guide showing you the way, discover local herbs, vegetables and salad greens unique to Vietnamese cuisine and learn how they’re used to accentuate its riotous flavours.

Next, head to the Hanoi Cooking Centre, a restored building at the edge of Old Quarter. Meet with your instructor over a welcome tea. An experienced chef and cookbook author, the instructor is a fountain of knowledge with regard to Vietnamese cuisine. Learn about the emphasis on fresh herbs, spices and greens before heading to your workstation to put your knowledge to the test. After following your instructor’s lead, head to the dining room and sample some of your creations along with a well-deserved beer or glass of wine. Afterwards, receive a selection of recipe cards to help jog your memory when you get home.

Next, embark on a tour of Hanoi’s historic highlights on-board a cyclo –the city’s traditional mode of transportation. These traditional bicycle rickshaws are a staple of the city and allow you to get along at a leisurely pace that’s perfect for taking photos while sightseeing. As your driver weaves through some of Old Quarter’s busiest streets, pass by French colonial houses, cafes and shop houses en-route to The Northern Gate of Ancient Citadel. This gargantuan fortress in the heart of the city dates back over a thousand years and is as imposing as it is impressive.

Next, head to Cua Bac Church, a beautiful remnant of the French and Catholic influence still present in the city. Then, head to Quan Thanh Temple. This 11th century Taoist temple is one of the oldest and most culturally significant in the city. Afterwards, head towards the picturesque West Lake, stopping at the historic Pho Cuon Restaurant for a quick bite to eat along the way.

Then, take a closer look at Hanoian culture at Chau Long Market and explore the countless stalls there before heading to Nguyen Truong To Street or “Dessert Street”. After satiating your sweet tooth, head to Hang Than Street. Also known as “Wedding Cake Street”, here you’ll learn about the unique wedding culture in Hanoi before heading off to Hang Cot Street where you’ll get an up-close look at how mats are woven out of reeds. Wrap up your street tour with a traditional Vietnamese coffee and head back to your hotel for a good night’s rest before departing for Halong Bay.

After breakfast, leave Hanoi for Halong Bay, one of the most magnificent scenic environments in the world. Covering 577 square miles, this vast bay is filled with more than 3,000 limestone “peaks” or karsts that jut from the deep blue water as far as the eye can see. We will spend a day and a half, including an overnight with dinner and breakfast onboard, exploring this overwhelming seascape from the decks of a traditional Vietnamese boat. Comfortable and intimate, your boat features hand-crafted wooden interiors including a dining room and pleasant air-conditioned cabins with private baths. Since we’re overnight on the water, we’ll be able to explore Ha Long Bay’s most beautiful spots with time to swim and even visit some of the largest rock formations and caves.

This promises to be one of your most memorable travel experiences in Asia.

Stay overnight on Boat.

Rising to the sound of lapping bay waters, we have time for an early morning dip followed by breakfast. Sitting on the upper deck, you can relax while taking in the breath-taking beauty of the rocky islands rising from the emerald water of the bay. After breakfast, explore Sung Sot cave, swim and relax. Cruises back to the jetty while brunch is served while you are cruising through the bay, along the way seeing more of the fascinating formations.

Cruise check-out.

Rejoin car drive back to Hanoi.

Arrive Hanoi at 3:00pm.

Check in hotel & free time to go sightseeing in.

Enjoy breakfast and relax by yoursefl until time we are transferred to airport for flight  to Da Nang  City.

Vietland Travel tour guide and vehicle will welcome and transfer to hotel in Hoian for checking.

Begin a walking tour of the historic Hoi An Ancient Town. As a former trading port for Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants between the 16th and 18th centuries, Hoi An Ancient Town is unique for the diverseness of its architectural influences. Following your guide’s lead, make your way through the charming flower-lined pedestrian streets where expert tailors, homemade silk producers ploy their trade. Stop at some of the famous landmarks in the town such as Chua Ong Pagoda, which was built in honour of Chinese general Quan Cong in 1653 and is today worshipped as a symbol of loyalty and justice. Next, stop by the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall and take a look at Jinshang Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess of the sea and protector of sailors. Then, walk to the 200-year old Tan Ky Ancestral House. Wind down your highlights walking tour of Hoi An at the 17th century Japanese Covered Bridge. This beautifully constructed bridge doubles as a temple and is easily the most photographed landmark of Hoi An. As the sun approaches the horizon, then set off on a relaxing boat ride up the Thu Bon River and get a glimpse at the ebb and flow of life along this picturesque tributary. Afterwards, head back to your hotel for an early night in or continue enjoying the riverside vibe.

Relax and overnight in Hoi An.

After a refreshing night’s sleep, pay a visit to the local produce market for a look at all of the fresh ingredients used in Central Vietnamese cuisine before cruising along the Thu Bon River to the famous Cooking School. Here you will tour the school’s herb gardens to learn more about the ingredients involved in creating the dramatic flavours involved with local cuisine. Your chef and instructor will then walk you through some of the closely-guarded secrets on how to create traditional Hoi An food. Then, put your newfound knowledge and skills to the test whilst attempting to recreate traditional favourites such as Cao Lau, a medley of a yellow noodles, pork slices and pickled hot peppers, and Mi Quang, a noodle dish featuring boiled quails eggs and chunks of baked rice cakes. Then, enjoy the fruits of your labour and enjoy your own cooking alongside a glass of wine or local beer. Afterwards, head back to your hotel and enjoy your food coma before embarking on yet another food adventure.

Starting late in the afternoon set off on a culinary adventure in Hoi An to discover the flavours and dishes that make this coastal town unique. Alongside an expert local guide, your journey introduces you to the stories behind Hoi An’s most iconic dishes at the town’s most famous eateries.

Start your tour at a local restaurant famous for white rose dumplings, found exclusively in Hoi An. Sit back and enjoy the wonder of the locals working here, who churn out up to 6000 of these dumplings every day! Your visit here includes a chance to try making a few of your own dumplings before sampling a few.

Down a nearby alley, depart the dumpling shop and head onward to another local specialty: banh can crackers. Served with quail eggs, pork and a tasty salad, this dish is a highlight of Hoi An street food culture. Pull a small street-side stool and enjoy with your guide.

Continue onward to sample grilled pork satay and spring roll at a local restaurant. Next up is fried wonton - lovingly referred to as “Hoi An pizza” - and finally famous Cao Lau noodle or chicken rice. Wrap up the tour with a stop at Sky Coffee Bar, a local favourite haunt within the Hoi An Museum. Chat with your guide over a beverage here before heading back to your hotel.

Overnight at Hoi An.

After an early breakfast, meet with your guide and head to the mouth of the Thu Bon River by shuttle van. Upon arrival you’ll board a shared boat and cruise to the confluence of the river and the Cua Dai Sea. Here you’ll witness the daily ritual of the local fishing fleet returning at sun rise. With traditions passed down from through generations of fishing, it’s the perfect opportunity to witness traditional Vietnamese coastal culture –and also a great opportunity to take amazing photos! Afterwards, visit a local fishing market and help local fishermen take fish out of their nets. Then, take part in a unique experience while learning how to paddle a strange and unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat known as thung chai. Wrapping up an early and eventful morning, get back onto your boat and enjoy a coffee and complimentary traditional fisherman’s breakfast prepared by the captain of the boat. Then, head back to your hotel to freshen up and pack your things before setting off to the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City!

After arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, your guide will take you to your hotel. Take this chance to drop off your things and relax a bit before heading off again. Your guide will meet you at your hotel take you to the city’s Central Post Office for the start of your city tour. One of the city’s most famous landmarks, the Central Post Office was designed by the renowned French architect Gustav Eiffel. Afterwards, head to the Notre Dame Cathedral, an iconic landmark built between 1863 and 1880 by the same architect. Admired for the grandness of its neo-Romanesque architecture, the cathedral is a popular backdrop for local wedding photographers.

Next, stroll toward the Saigon River along Dong Khoi Street, which figured prominently in Graham Greene’s famous Vietnam novel, The Quiet American. After enjoying the scenery, arrive at the Saigon Opera House, a commanding and iconic building completed in 1901. Shelled during World War II, it was used to shelter French citizens fleeing North Vietnam in 1954, the year Vietnam won independence from France.

The tour continues with a stop at the Reunification Palace, where a North Vietnamese tank crashed through the gates in 1975 to end a war that killed an estimated 58,000 Americans and three million Vietnamese. You will also visit the War Remnants Museum, where Vietnam’s government has assembled presentations - some of them graphic - of wartime hardships and atrocities that serve as a cautionary tale about the tribulations of war.

After exploring the architectural highlights of the city, the tour takes a culinary turn early in the evening. Head to the downtown area and dive into the heart of the city’s culinary scene. Walk along small alleys, and see the streets come alive at night. With the help of our guide, try some weird and wonderful foods and also see how they’re made. Pull up a stool and taste a selection of different Vietnamese favourites. Begin with a unique rice paper pizza, then enjoy some banh beo or water from cakes, try some fresh snail dishes, and savour a Vietnamese pancake known as banh xeo. End the night with dessert from one of Saigon’s little places for sweet soups before either heading back to your hotel or exploring some of the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Vietland holidays tour guide take you to My Tho, the capital of Tien Giang Province. Situated on the Mekong River, 75 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, the city is surrounded by orchards and rice fields, which produce grain for almost the entire country. Visit one or two of the islands that produce traditional handcrafts, coconut candy and bee farms. Visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, the oldest one in the delta on your boat trip on the Mekong River.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Check in hotel & stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meet with your guide in the morning and be transferred to the airport for your flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival your guide will meet you at the airport and give you a private transfer to your hotel. After checking in, take some time to relax at your hotel before heading out to explore the city.

After meeting with your guide, embark from BTS National Stadium Station on an exciting tuk tuk ride through Bangkok’s vibrant streets. Stroll along Phetchburi Soi 10, where food carts spring up as the day turns from evening to night, and sample delicious street eats such as skewered sausages and Thai-style grilled meat. From there, continue via tuk tuk to Saphan Khao Market, where you can sample from the vast array of fried fish-paste balls. Travel next to Phra Athit Road to encounter Bangkok’s Roti expert and sample incredible Thai-Indian cuisine, from freshly-baked Roti to uniquely flavourful curries. Indulge your taste buds at Bangkok’s most famous Pad Thai restaurant, enjoying the explosion of spicy and savoury flavours and the amazing variety of textures from the delicate noodles and crunchy peanuts. Take a short break from eating to visit the majestic Wat Pho after dark, where you can enjoy the temple’s sparkling golden towers beautifully lit up and marvel at the sight of the magnificent Reclining Buddha. Sip on a refreshing cocktail at the Eagle Nest Bar in Sala Arun Hotel as you take in splendid views of the Chao Phraya River. Later, stroll through Pak Klong Talat, Thailand’s largest flower market, which only operates overnight. End the night on a sweet note with mango sticky rice before the tuk tuk carries you back to your hotel. Be sure to get a good night’s rest to prepare you for the eventful day ahead.

Beginning early in the morning, start your day with a sampling hot congee, a favourite breakfast long enjoyed by Chinese immigrants to Thailand. Then, visit the architecturally stunning Wat Traimit and the glistening Golden Buddha within, and encounter the fascinating history behind Chinese migration to Thailand. Discover local Chinese businesses, shops and temples as you trek along Yaowarat Road, through Bangkok’s centuries-old Chinatown neighbourhood. Along the route, enliven your senses with tastes of traditional foods brought by the Chinese, including moon cake and chestnuts. Enjoy the colourful buildings and rich history found at Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, the most important Chinese Buddhist temple in Bangkok.

After a good night's rest, make an early-morning escape from Bangkok in search of the peculiar 'Maeklong Railway Market', a market that makes its home right on a railway! Explore stalls stocked with fresh produce, souvenirs and accessories for shopping - although this is not what makes this market unique. The train rolls slowly through eight times per day, just inches away from the goods for sale on the ground. It makes for an interesting and photogenic spectacle that you will not soon forget!

Afterwards, hit the road again for the day's second market - this time not on the train tracks - but on the water. Damnoen Saduak is one of the most famous floating markets in Thailand. Take in the vibrant sights, sounds and smells of this iconic place as you explore it by the food and longtail boat.   Then, head back Bangkok, grab your things, and be transferred to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai is a unique culinary experience. On an evening journey blending cultural and culinary discovery, get a taste of northern Thailand's unique flavors. Chiang Mai's culinary heart, stopping first at a collection of food stalls frequented by hungry locals after the sun set. Thai curry fish cake, sticky rice with pork and crispy fried munch! After getting your fill, follow the guide into a small nearby alley leading to a sleepier residential area, and pick up a refreshing fruit shake along the way.

Wander further on until arriving at Wat Chedi Luang, a 15th Century stupa that looks its mysterious and beautiful bridge in the moonlight. Some famous Thai noodles here before heading to another of Chiang Mai's most famous street food, this time for a taste of pork skewers, pork leg with rice and coconut desserts. Afterwards, hop on board a local truck and zip off to a hidden bar that is well-known with local night owls. Wrap up your culinary journey with a refreshing drink and a chat with your guide before heading to your hotel for a good night's rest.

Next, head to Bang Pai Thai Cooking school for a culinary learning experience. Thailand's most iconic dishes such as Green Chicken Curry, Tom Yum Kung, Pad Thai and much more during a fun and hands-on workshop in a traditional Thai house. Considered to be one of the best cooking schools in Bangkok, here your cooking skills will be encouraged with a hands-on experience that incorporates traditional techniques and essential knowledge of Thai cuisine all together. After sitting down to sample some of your own creations, be sure to pick up a book recipe on your way out just in case you forget anything you learn.

Afterwards, head back to your hotel with a full stomach and spend the rest of the day at your leisure: either relax at your hotel or head out for some independent exploration.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Departing from your hotel early in the morning, make your way to Patara Elephant Farm for a day of mahout training and bonding with the resident elephants. Change into your mahout outfit and enjoy a brief presentation about elephant care and how best to interact with elephants. Learn about elephant farm management and Patara Farm’s breeding program before having a chance to meet the elephants themselves! Practice approaching the elephants and take them to the river for their morning bath before enjoying a trek aboard the elephants through the jungle. Visit pristine waterfalls and a local temple, all while getting a feel of the environment that your new pachyderm friend calls home. Feast on a delicious picnic lunch and enjoy a swim with the elephants beneath a waterfall before returning to camp. Then, bid farewell to your lumbering friend before being transferred back to your hotel in Chiang Mai.

After taking a break, get to the heart of the true, authentic Thai cuisine by joining a host family for a traditional, home-cooked meal. In this evening tour, get picked up from your hotel in Chiang Mai in the late afternoon and transferred to San Ton Pao Village in the San Sai district. Here, meet your host family as part of the Home Hosted Meals program. This fantastic cultural exchange program turns strangers into friends over gourmet meals cooked by travellers and local hosts. Each gaining insight into the other’s culture as they share and enjoy meals together.

First, enjoy some herbal juice after your arrive. Upon arrival you’ll be greeted with some refreshing herbal juice. Then, the evening will commence with you providing assistance to host family as they prepare food. The meal you prepare together is authentically northern Thai and is served on a footed tray known as a “Khantoke.” Help prepare the area for dinner and then enjoy the tastes and smells of the freshly-cooked food with your host family. While you dine together, learn about the daily life, culture and traditions of your host family. This is a great opportunity to learn and interact with locals in an informal, relaxing way. After being made full of delicious food, new friends and heart-warming memories, head back to your hotel in Chiang Mai and enjoy the rest of the night at your leisure.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Beginning early in the morning  after having breakfast, meet with your guide and head to Tha Pae Gate to explore the charming city of Chiang Mai without leaving a carbon footprint - ride on a traditional Rickshaw, which has been used in Thailand for over 60 years. These three-wheeled bikes continue to be an useful mode of transportation in the city, used by visitors and locals alike. From the vantage point of a rickshaw, ride leisurely through the colourful narrow streets towards Wat Puak Tam Community. Walk around this unique artisan village, where they make beautiful brass ornaments and regalia. Look out for the detailed golden parasols found in many Southeast Asian temples. Learn the story behind a unique local restaurant also known as Chiang Mai Woman Correctional Institution. Enjoy a Thai snack served by female prisoners who use their time to learn skills that will improve their quality of life after being released. Then, head to Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in Chiang Mai and enjoy the spectacular Buddhist art found here. Afterwards, wander through the bustling local food stalls of Waroros Market and end the tour with fruit tasting at this lively spot before being transferred back to your hotel.

Freshen up and be transferred to the airport for your flight to Phuket. Upon arrival you’ll be brought to your hotel where you can drop your bags before heading out again.

Meet with your guide and get a taste of Phuket’s best street food fare on a whirlwind culinary primer of southern Thai food, stopping by foodie haunts only the locals know. With your local guide’s lead, follow a winding path through the city to stop for a selection of tasty snacks, street food stalls and famous local restaurants. Along the way, see some of the area’s cultural highlights by night - including the famous Khao Rang Hill Viewpoint and the LED-lit Talang Road! Your tour includes a sampling of items like coconut cake, pork or chicken skewers, boiled rice and mango sticky rice, among plenty of other local favourites! After filling up on local snacks, head back to your hotel and get a good night’s rest or take advantage of the next day’s late start and explore the famed nightlife of downtown Phuket.

Meet with your guide in the afternoon and head to Chalong Bay Rum Distillery. Tour the facility and learn from an expert rum distiller how award-winning natural rum is sustainably produced from Thai sugarcane. Check out the traditional French copper still and see the bottling plant in action. Then, sample the distillery’s signature ingredient, Chalong Bay Rum, and try your hand at bartending. Finally, learn how to make three impressive cocktails in a group bartending workshop before finally tasting your creations accompanied with sumptuous snack. Then, head back to your hotel for a relaxing night or head back out again to explore the island.

You can get up early to enjoy a full day in Phuket to explore the island at your leisure. Check out some of the island’s greatest temples on a Phuket City tour, stopping to take a photo at some of the island’s best view points. Sample some delicious street food and pop into the shops and cafes along the way. If you’re feeling really adventurous, stop in at a Thai cooking class, where you’ll be able to eat the traditional meals you make, take a fruit carving course or, if you like, do nothing at all and just relax by the edge of a pool!

After having breakfast at your hotel, meet with your guide in the morning and transfer from your hotel to Phuket Airport for your onward flight.

See you nest time!