Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Destinations

Loosen your belt and get ready for the culinary treat of a lifetime! This 14-day Vietnamese Culinary Journey itinerary is more than just a delight for your tastebuds. Visit Saigon, Mui Ne, Hoi An, Hue and Hanoi for a full exploration of beautiful Vietnam. Chat with locals and enjoy Vietnam’s unique culture and cuisine. Learn about the Vietnam War from within the country where it took place. Try savory dishes unique to each region of Vietnam.Take your experience home to your friends and family as you learn to cook the exotic dishes yourself!

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Culinary Arts: Learn how to cook quintessential Vietnamese dishes in Saigon under the guidance of a top chef.
  • Diverse Dining: Experiences for the taste buds include a vegetarian meal prepared by monks, dinner with a family in their Hue home, as well as fine dining in some of the country's most critically-acclaimed restaurants.
  • Catch of the Day: The fishing town of Mui Ne is renowned for its fresh seafood. Watch the fishermen at work, then select dinner from the live tanks at a local restaurant.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Saigon

Arrive in Vietnam’s largest city - Saigon. You are met by your driver at the airport, where you will be transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city. Enjoy the shopping the city is so well-known for - wander along the boutique-lined Dong Khoi Street looking for one-of-a-kind finds. Relax and take it easy as the next day you will enjoy a full tour of the city.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: This elegant property is centrally located, mere steps from heritage museums, iconic landmarks, charming cafes, and contemporary art galleries.

Design: The Reverie’s over the top lavish design makes an attention-grabbing statement in a rapidly developing city.

Food: The Reverie brings world-class fare to the plate, serving artful culinary work, from casual to sophisticated, that caters to all diners.

See Hotel
The Reverie Saigon Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Saigon

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. After breakfast, your guide will show you the city. Pay a visit to the famous sights of the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum and the Post Office. Check out and sample Vietnamese local snacks at the Ben Thanh Market and the Bin Tay Market in Chinatown. Stock up on unusual goods at the Binh Tay Market, the city’s main wholesale center. Savor a delicious, local market lunch. That evening, peruse the Ben Thanh night market - which has a completely different atmosphere from the market during the day. There are tons of fresh dishes to choose from at the several food stalls.

Saigon
Saigon

Day 3

Saigon

Learn to cook authentic Vietnamese food yourself! Your friends and family at home will be impressed with your skills after you take a Saigon cooking class. You will tour a local market with your chef, who will show you the ingredients you will be using. You will learn how to cook three different Vietnamese dishes - after which you have the reward of eating your scrumptious creations. This evening, enjoy an incredible street food tour like the locals do - from the back of a scooter!

Day 4

Mui Ne

After breakfast at the hotel, you will take either a drive or a train to Mui Ne - the resort capital of Vietnam, around 4 hours' drive from Saigon. The coastal town became a hotspot in 1995, after travelers came to the city for an incredible view of the total solar eclipse. Enjoy relaxing by the crystal blue water of the South China Sea. Stay at a beachside resort of your choice.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

· Location: Just outside Vietnam’s largest fishing port, Phan Thiet, on the southeast coast, the hotel is secluded and peaceful, with excellent transfer services from Ho Chi Minh City airport.

· Service: The welcoming and friendly team of staff speak a range of languages and are on hand 24 hours a day to offer first-class service befitting of a five-star resort.

· Relaxation: Comprised of just 46 suites and set along a private beach, plus the addition of a calming oasis provided by the comprehensive spa, the Azerai Ke Ga Bay is the perfect place to unwind, looking out to the ocean.

See Hotel
Azerai Ke Ga Bay Preferred Hotel
About

Set in the perfect location, right on the beach in charming Mui Ne, the Anantara is in close proximity to local activities, while being perfectly secluded and relaxing. Guests can visit the nearby attractions of Mui Ne’s pleasant fishing village, fish sauce factory, ancient Cham towers, or spend an exciting day on the beach with a range of watersports available.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 5

Mui Ne

After a lavish breakfast, walk up to the Mui Ne fishing village. Watch as the local fishers pull in the morning’s fresh catch. Wander through the busy market. Next, go see the stunning Red Sand Dunes, White Sand Dunes and Lotus Lake. That evening, enjoy dinner at the popular Cay Bang Seafood restaurant. You get to pick your dinner live from the restaurant’s many tanks!

Mui Ne
Mui Ne

Day 6

Mui Ne

After breakfast, unwind seaside. Go for a swim and soak in the sun’s warm rays. Around lunchtime, make your way to the Mui Ne Cooking School. This laid back beachside school will teach you the secrets of the local specialties. After cooking, relish your own creations for lunch! Enjoy the rest of the day in a food-coma-induced haze by the sea.

Day 7

Saigon

Spend the morning relaxing before checking out of your hotel to return to Saigon by car or train. That afternoon, spend the day wandering through Saigon, revisiting your favorite memorials or markets from your tour earlier in the trip. Next, your driver will take you to the best Saigon seafood restaurant - Hong Hai. Hong Hai has a wide variety of fresh seafood cooked in the traditional Nha Trang Style. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: This elegant property is centrally located, mere steps from heritage museums, iconic landmarks, charming cafes, and contemporary art galleries.

Design: The Reverie’s over the top lavish design makes an attention-grabbing statement in a rapidly developing city.

Food: The Reverie brings world-class fare to the plate, serving artful culinary work, from casual to sophisticated, that caters to all diners.

See Hotel
The Reverie Saigon Preferred Hotel

Day 8

Hoi An

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and catch a flight to Danang. Once you arrive, you will be transferred to the well-preserved, ancient town of Hoi An. Wander through the charming town until evening time, when you have the treat of visiting Mango Rooms. Mango Rooms is a unique dining experience where you can watch the top chef and owner Mr. Duc, cook up an incredible fusion meal. The restaurant’s kitchen is completely open.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel
  • Uniqueness: 100 chic, contemporary villas and 3 outstanding pools
  • Scenic Beauty: Situated on the idyllic China Beach
  • Culture: Witness tradition and historic architecture in the ancient trading port of Hoi An just 10 minutes away
See Hotel
Four Seasons Resort the Nam Hai Preferred Hotel
Hoi An & Danang
Hoi An & Danang

Day 9

Hoi An

Familiarize yourself with the stunning UNESCO world heritage site of Hoi An as you enjoy a full tour of the area. Cruise down the Thu Bon river and watch the local fishermen deep in their work. Savor a local lunch at the Central Food Market. Try the traditional Hoi An noodle dish, Cao Lau, along with White Rose wantons and chicken rice. Enjoy a delicious dinner at the elegant Cargo Club. There is a large variety of both local and international dishes sure to fit whatever your stomach and taste buds desire.

Day 10

Hoi An

Now that you’ve sampled many of the local favorites, it’s time to learn to make them yourself! This morning, your cooking class instructor will take you to the local market to show you the ingredients you will be using to cook Hoi An favorites. She will welcome you into her home, where you will learn to cook and then of course, eat local dishes. After sunset, stroll through the charming city and retire at your leisure in your lavish beachside resort.

Day 11

Hue

Feel as though you are traveling back in time as you take the road to Hue, Vietnam’s ancient imperial capital (around 3 hours away). Relax at the luxurious, modern La Residence Hotel & Spa. Next, breathe in the fresh air as you take a cyclo tour of the citadel. Wander through the complex on foot. You will visit the famous sites of Ngo Mon Gate, Supreme Royal Court Palace, 12 Nguyen Kings altars, Forbidden City, Royal Theatre, and the Royal Library. After freshening up at your hotel, enjoy the special cultural experience of dining at a local family’s home. You will enjoy a true Hue-style meal.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: This property is positioned on the bank of the Perfume River, with views over the Imperial Citadel.

History: A former French governor’s residence, this 1930’s art deco building remains a beautiful tribute to Hue’s colonial heritage.

Service: Attentive and professional staff provide round the clock care to guests of Le Residence, befitting its colonial elegance.

See Hotel
Azerai La Residence, Hue Preferred Hotel
Hue
Hue

Day 12

Hanoi

Around 7:30 this morning, your guide will take you to the fabled Perfume River. Enjoy a boat trip down the gorgeous waterway. Stop by the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda. The holy atmosphere is a unique cultural experience. Next stop is the King Tombs of Tu Duc. Tu Duc was a beloved poet in the Nguyen Dynasty during the early 19th century. Next, visit a local Buddhist temple to try a vegetarian meal prepared fresh by Monks. Try meditation before your meal to experience a special side of the Buddhist theory. After lunch, visit the local orphanage. Take a Xe Om to visit the outskirts of the town full of rolling hills and lush green paddies. Chat with locals to learn about their everyday life. Hop on a plane to Hanoi, where you’ll be transported to your hotel.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel
  • Theatrical Splendor: This glamorous hotel turns a stay into an experience. Over a thousand pieces of operatic memorabilia and thematic interiors ensconce guests in Bill Bensley’s vision of opera’s golden days passed.
  • Location: Just a mere steps away from the iconic Hanoi Opera House, the Capella Hanoi sits in the prestigious Hoan Kiem quarter, offering guests convenient access to cultural highlights, shopping, and restaurants.
  • Curated Culture: Capella Hotel Group’s focus on cultural experiences is a cornerstone at each of its properties. From intertwining local culture in the property design to bringing local cuisine to its house restaurant and bar menus, Capella’s Culturists further enhance guests’ stays with complimentary Rituals and Programming curated to furture explore the local culture.
See Hotel
Capella Hanoi Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

History: The hotel has its own bomb shelter used in the American War (1964-1975) with a complimentary path of history tour offered daily for in-house guests.

Relaxation: Enjoy complimentary tai chi and yoga classes.

Food: A wide range of dining choices from seafood buffets to French fine dining, European rustic menu and Vietnamese modern cuisine.

See Hotel
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Preferred Hotel

Day 13

Hanoi

It’s time to extend your cooking repertoire once again. After breakfast (keep it light!), the local market a visit with your chef who will teach you to select local ingredients. You will learn to cook Northern specialties. Enjoy your own creations for lunch. Your guide will then take you for a half-day walking tour of the city’s charming Old Quarter. For dinner, take a seat at the famous Highway 4 restaurant. If you’re feeling adventurous, try buffalo, snake or locust. You can also sample a potent local rice wine.

Day 14

Departure

After a leisurely breakfast in your hotel, go for a stroll through the city. Stock up on local spices and souvenirs on your last day of your adventure. Grab any last authentic bites at the local market that you can’t find at home. Depart for the airport and your onward flight in the evening.

Suggested Hotel For Days 1–3

The Reverie Saigon
Preferred Hotel

The Reverie Saigon

The Reverie Saigon commands the upper and lower floors of the iconic and modern 39-storey Times Square development in Ho Chi Minh City. With unreserved grandeur that epitomizes the best of Italian design, the hotel transcends expectations of space to deliver a modern-day exploration of classically inspired splendor. And the striking visuals of the hotel interiors are complemented by the expansive and arresting views of the metropolitan skyline, including the colonial French architecture on the streets and the dramatic twists of the Saigon River. From its many opulent rooms and suites to the cutting edge design of the restaurants, bars and extravagant public areas, The Reverie Saigon bears the indelible mark of being created by some of the best craftsmen, designers and artists in the world.

See Hotel

Suggested Hotels For Days 4–6

Azerai Ke Ga Bay
Preferred Hotel

Azerai Ke Ga Bay

Azerai Ke Ga Bay sits on a stretch of secluded white-sand coastline, on the shores of the East Sea, in Binh Thuan province. The property is comprised of 46 accommodations over two room categories; Deluxe Suites and Pool Suites, the latter of which boast private pools. All are decorated in a casual contemporary style, with whites and neutral tones echoing sand and stone, plus comfortable furnishings emulating the laidback beach setting. Elegant pavilions open out into outdoor terraces and lush gardens. With views out to the ocean, overlooking a 100-year-old French Lighthouse, this exclusive villa-only resort combines post-colonial elegance with luxury, boutique chic. Surrounded by natural beauty, the resort is the perfect base from which to enjoy the ocean, mountains, and swathes of rippling sand dunes, not to mention world-class golf courses. In terms of facilities, there are two restaurants and a spa. Azerai Ke Ga Bay is around four hours by car from Saigon.

See Hotel
Anantara Mui Ne

Anantara Mui Ne


Set in the perfect location, right on the beach in charming Mui Ne, the Anantara is in close proximity to local activities, while being perfectly secluded and relaxing. Guests can visit the nearby attractions of Mui Ne’s pleasant fishing village, fish sauce factory, ancient Cham towers, or spend an exciting day on the beach with a range of watersports available. With 89 rooms, suites and pool villas, the Anantara has accommodation configurations for all and the bright, light and spacious rooms will be a welcome retreat after an action packed day. Food-lovers will be delighted by the range of options, from delicious French-inspired dishes served in elegant surroundings, to seafood on the beach and cocktails by the pool. Meanwhile, the leisure facilities are top-notch, with a spacious beachfront swimming pool, tour guides available on request for excursions and an endless menu of indulgent treatments in the spa. 


Suggested Hotel For Day 7

The Reverie Saigon
Preferred Hotel

The Reverie Saigon

The Reverie Saigon commands the upper and lower floors of the iconic and modern 39-storey Times Square development in Ho Chi Minh City. With unreserved grandeur that epitomizes the best of Italian design, the hotel transcends expectations of space to deliver a modern-day exploration of classically inspired splendor. And the striking visuals of the hotel interiors are complemented by the expansive and arresting views of the metropolitan skyline, including the colonial French architecture on the streets and the dramatic twists of the Saigon River. From its many opulent rooms and suites to the cutting edge design of the restaurants, bars and extravagant public areas, The Reverie Saigon bears the indelible mark of being created by some of the best craftsmen, designers and artists in the world.

See Hotel

Suggested Hotel For Days 8–10

Four Seasons Resort the Nam Hai
Preferred Hotel

Four Seasons Resort the Nam Hai

Stretching along the white sands of China Beach are Four Seasons Resort the Nam Hai's villas and hotel, with unspoiled views of the South China Sea and the Cham Islands. There are 60 one-bedroom villas, and 40 pool villas with courtyard entrances and private pools. High ceilings and hardwood floors are complemented with lavish hues of brown and gray and softly draping canopies over four-poster beds. The Nam Hai Spa is set around a lagoon just off the beach, where you can have a customized spa treatment. Each of the eight private spa villas has an individual steam room. The gym is equipped with state-of-the-art treadmills and ellipticals. There are three pools on plateaus that lower away from the pool house and flow towards the beach, and the lowest disappears into the horizon that leads in to the South China Sea. The business center has up-to-the-minute audio/visual equipment, and there is wi-fi in each of the rooms. The property is located 30 minutes from Da Nang International Airport (DAD).

See Hotel

Suggested Hotel For Day 11

Azerai La Residence, Hue
Preferred Hotel

Azerai La Residence, Hue

On the banks of the Perfume River, the boutique Azerai - La Residence Hotel and Spa occupies the former residence of Hue's governor. The hotel is surrounded by lush lawns and looks towards the Imperial Citadel, a picturesque sight in hues of green, red and yellow. The 122 rooms and suites have the spacious feel of a colonial villa, with richly colored art-deco furniture and a river-view terrace. The lavish spa is equipped with Italian products from Comfort Zone. Azerai - La Residence Hue is only 10 miles from the airport (HUI) and is outfitted with a sauna, pool, fitness center, tennis court, and business center. Wi-fi is available everywhere in the hotel.

See Hotel

Suggested Hotels For Days 12–13

Capella Hanoi
Preferred Hotel

Capella Hanoi

Designed by "staritect" du jour Bill Bensley and inspired by the Hanoi Opera House, the new Capella Hanoi will incorporate the capital's historic and opulent colonial-era architecture. Located within Hanoi's Hoan Kiem district, the property is comprised of 47 palatial-style guest rooms, lavishly decorated in contrasting dark and light tones with lashings of color, signature of Bensley's aesthetic.
See Hotel
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Preferred Hotel

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

This richly historic 358-room French colonial masterpiece opened in 1901 and is one of Vietnam's finest hotels, with luxuriously appointed rooms, attentive staff and gracious service. It is ideally located in central Hanoi and houses a beautiful interior garden. Excellent French cuisine is served at Le Beaulieu, and Hanoi specialties are offered at Spice Garden. The hotel has a well-equipped fitness center with cardio machines and weights, as well as a swimming pool and spa offering massage treatments. All of the guest rooms have broadband Internet access and are decorated in an opulent, neo-classical style.

See Hotel

Similar Itineraries

All Itineraries
Multi Country
Ultra Luxe
Intrepid
Classic Vietnam

Classic Vietnam

Experience the best of Vietnam on this 13-day journey that takes you from north to south, tracing the country's stunning coastline to its must-see destinations. You’ll take a walking tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, see the famous Cu Chi tunnels in Saigon, and discover one of Vietnam's most active floating markets in Can Tho.

Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
From $12,000
See Itinerary
The Grandest Tour 2026

The Grandest Tour 2026 | Aman Jet Expeditions

The Grandest Tour returns in 2025 offering guests six Aman sanctuaries in seven different countries, in just one journey by private jet. 

Date
Apr 12–May 2, 2026
Price Per Person
$198,888
See Itinerary
Classic Southeast Asia

Classic Southeast Asia

This 20-day classic journey to Southeast Asia is a great way to experience the best of what this diverse region has to offer. With an extended trip, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the cities, villages, and beaches of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Duration
20 days / 19 nights
Price Per Person
From $21,000
See Itinerary
Enchanting Vietnam: From Dalat to Hue

Enchanting Vietnam: From Dalat to Hue

French-Asian fusion is a rare cultural find but comes to life in charming Dalat. Be a coffee connoisseur as you sample what has been named the world’s best coffee. This 8-day luxurious Vietnam vacation takes you through both historical fortresses and stunning natural sites such as the Dray Nur Waterfalls and Dray Sap. 

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $3,900
See Itinerary
Exploring the Best of Vietnam and Cambodia

Exploring the Best of Vietnam and Cambodia

Lap up the best of Vietnam and Cambodia on this 15-day luxury tour, taking you from Hanoi to Siem Reap. You’ll be mesmerized by Halong Bay’s limestone karsts, exchange cultural insights in the Black Tai villages, and step into the ancient Khmer Kingdom at Angkor Wat, while staying in some of the region’s best hotels.

Duration
15 days / 14 nights
Price Per Person
From $9,000
See Itinerary
Hilltribes & Rice Terraces: Hanoi to Sapa

Hilltribes & Rice Terraces: Hanoi to Sapa

Travel into the lush Vietnamese countryside and discover hilltribes with fascinating customs and traditions on this 6-day luxury trip. You’ll travel from Hanoi, where you’ll tour the city’s age-old landmarks, to high in the Sapa hills, where you’ll make friends with locals and learn about their unique way of life.

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
From $7,400
See Itinerary
Indochina's Heritage Sites by Air: Bangkok to Bagan

Indochina's Heritage Sites by Air: Bangkok to Bagan

On this 12-day luxury private jet adventure, stroll the streets of emperors in Vietnam, visit old-word temples scattered across Southeast Asia, and try your hand at bargaining with the locals at different fresh markets. This trip hits all of Southeast Asia’s must-see destinations, traveling from Thailand to Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar. See isolated cities and towns not frequented by the average traveler, made accessible by a private jet.

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $93,100
See Itinerary
Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.

Couple from New York

Couple from New York

The pre-planning by the Remote Lands team made sure our specific areas of interest were also covered...We are looking forward to our next journey!

Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam

Dennis & Jocelyn

Dennis & Jocelyn

Remote Lands provided us with a deep, emotional human experience and we felt as alive as we could feel. [...] You truly do not know what traveling is like until you have traveled with Remote Lands.

Vietnam

4 friends from Madrid and Monaco

4 friends from Madrid and Monaco

Sir Winston Churchill said: "we are not difficult to please, we are always happy with the best". And we are having the very, very best time, so we are very, very happy

Vietnam

More Testimonials
Press
Travel + Leisure
Financial Times
The Wall Street Journal
The New York Times
Departures magazine
Condé Nast Traveler