VIETNAM MICHELIN BIB GOURMAND FOODIE TOUR
Five Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants, two cooking classes, and the stunning highlights of Vietnam
Visit: Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) – Hoi An – Hanoi - Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay
12 days / 11 nights
12 days / 11 nights
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For this 12-day tour, we will take you to some of the best restaurants recommended in the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand list, newly updated for 2024!
Visit and experience the highlights of Northern Vietnam, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, with meals focused on great food, local food including several Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants and cooking classes in different regions of Vietnam. They’re not expensive, not luxury, however these are places you can “eat” all of Vietnam and savor so many of its various tastes. |
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“Contrary to popular belief, the restaurants recommended within the MICHELIN Guides aren’t all about expensive ‘fine dining’. From luxurious restaurants to village pubs, and trendy bistros to street food stands, the MICHELIN Guides offer something for everyone, for every occasion and in every price bracket? – Michelin Guide
We plan and book all the details of your itinerary, including lodging, in-tour flights and transportation, activities and admission, and all meals noted. Choose this itinerary, or use it for ideas to pick and choose from and plan your own unique guided journey.
We plan and book all the details of your itinerary, including lodging, in-tour flights and transportation, activities and admission, and all meals noted. Choose this itinerary, or use it for ideas to pick and choose from and plan your own unique guided journey.
The Foodie Tour Itinerary
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Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (former Saigon), you will be welcomed by our guide and transferred to your hotel in the city center to check in (Hotel regular check-in time: 14:00. Early check-in is not included). Refresh after a long-haul-flight. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City for the first of 3 nights. |
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Day 2:
Rickshaw ride & Lunch with the Bib Gourmand restaurants (B/L)
After breakfast, take a cyclo (rickshaw) ride to explore Ho Chi Minh City’s highlights including the Reunification Palace (outside only), Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Centre Post Office and Ben Thanh market.
Rickshaw ride & Lunch with the Bib Gourmand restaurants (B/L)
After breakfast, take a cyclo (rickshaw) ride to explore Ho Chi Minh City’s highlights including the Reunification Palace (outside only), Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Centre Post Office and Ben Thanh market.
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After visiting the local highlights, our car will take you to the first Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand selection Banh Xeo 46A. You will taste their special dish called Banh Xeo. Banh Xeo 46A has been serving this famous Vietnamese street food for over seven decades, where regulars return for their huge Vietnamese signature savory crêpes stuffed with mung beans, bean sprouts, pork and shrimp. |
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Lunch continues at Bo Kho Ganh (a favorite since 1975 and new entry to the Bib Gourmand list) to enjoy their famous beef stew known as Bò Kho. The stew is served with beef, carrots, onion, lemongrass and spices paired with Vietnamese bread. The broth is sweet and tasty with a robust meaty flavor.
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In the afternoon take in more of Vietnam’s capital, in particular the bustling Chinatown where you’ll visit Thien Hau Pagoda, Fito Chinese Medicine Museum, and walk around its narrow & energetic streets to the vibrant Binh Tay Market.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 3:
Ho Chi Minh City – Half day joined Cooking Class & Street food tour (B/L/D)
After breakfast, your guide will take you to a meeting point with Chef for your first Vietnamese cooking class. Start by visiting a colorful local food market with Chef to learn about their approach to culinary aspects and the culture of Vietnamese gastronomy. You will explore local Vietnamese ingredients of all kinds--meats, produce, fruits, and spices--throughout the market and learn about Vietnamese food. After the market, you’ll move indoors to the kitchen where our Chef will introduce you to the dishes you will prepare and the ingredients which will be used. Don your apron and everyone will get hands-on cutting and chopping, preparing the ingredients for cooking!
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Throughout the course, you’ll have the opportunity to observe all of Chef’s skills and learn tricks to tackle any recipe, even those which seem the most difficult.
However, only observing would not be enough. After watching the master prepare the dish, you can practice what you learned and prepare the dish yourself, with Chef as your guide. Then watch and learn fruit or vegetable carving by Chef to beautify your dish and elevate your presentation! Having worked up an appetite, it’s time to sit down and savor your own creation. Enjoy this moment, sharing the experience with Chef. |
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At the end of your class, you’ll receive a "Certificate of Recognition" and a book of recipes to so you can continue to build your Vietnamese cooking skills while preparing delicious Vietnamese dishes for your friends and family back home. Return to your hotel to relax, refresh and avoid the mid-day heat.
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Mid-afternoon, meet your guide again and drive to Ho Thi Ky Flower market, the biggest flower market in the city. Basking in the beauty of hundreds of different types of local flowers, this bustling local market is a fascinating cultural experience. Strolling through the market, enjoy the beauty and scents of hundreds of flowers. It is also home for nearly 100 street food vendors and stalls.
Walk and taste all different kinds of local street foods including: Nhat Quynh mixed rice paper (a local Saigon specialty dish), green papaya salad, snail rice noodle soup, grilled beef on lemongrass stick, Ho Thi Ky crab soup… Don’t forget to try some local desserts too: steamed pumpkin soup, Hue cake, Vietnamese stuffed pancake etc. Try as much as you can! Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. |
Day 4:
Ho Chi Minh City – fly to Danang – Hoi An – Walking Tour (B)
Breakfast at your hotel, then be free at your leisure until meeting your guide to be transferred to the airport for a flight to Danang to spend 3 nights in Hoi An. Upon landing, you’ll be met by your next guide and transferred to your hotel to check in (regular check-in time: 14:00).
In the afternoon, take a guided walking tour around Hoi An Ancient Town. Hoi An is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century, now a destination not only with a fascinating history but also a special place with a unique culture expressed through ancient architecture, distinctive festivals and unique cuisine.
Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese Assembly Hall, and the local market. There are numerous art galleries, souvenir and tailor shops where you can get some express made-to-order clothes if you like! Explore the town until it’s time to return to your hotel.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 5:
Hoi An – Joined cooking class (B/L)
After breakfast, gather at the Hai Scout Café in Hoi An’s old streets to meet the Chef for your next Vietnamese cooking class where you will learn about and prepare some of Hoi An’s specialty dishes. Start again by visiting the local market to buy the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later.
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With your ingredients in hand, board a boat for a leisurely cruise along the Thu Bon River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. Upon arrival, explore the school’s herb and vegetable garden before learning about some of Hoi An and Vietnam’s well-known dishes—a mix of Vietnamese and Chinese cuisines. The cooking lesson lasts about 2 hours. Each dish is first demonstrated by Red Bridge’s chef before you prepare the same dish by yourself. The class also contains another brief introduction to Vietnamese food carvings (plate decoration).
After the lesson, we sit down and taste what we have cooked. What better way to enjoy Hoi An’s specialty dishes than to have cooked them ourselves! |
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After your class and meal, return to Hoi An town via the boat or our car. You will be free for the remainder of the day to relax at your hotel or continue to explore Hoi An town. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 6:
Hoi An – Biking to Tra Que Village ½ day (B/L)
Hoi An – Biking to Tra Que Village ½ day (B/L)
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Breakfast at your hotel and it’s time to see the town like a local! Ride a bicycle along small paths to Tra Que Vegetable Village. Walk around a vegetable garden and join the farmers in preparing the land, fertilizing it with seaweeds from the local lake, raking, sowing, watering greens, picking greens and many more garden activities.
Enjoy a foot massage and then spend the rest of the time to learn how to cook ‘Tam Huu’ spring rolls & rice pancake with your host. Have lunch with the family. Return to the town by bicycle and have the rest of the evening free. Overnight in Hoi An. |
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Day 7:
Hoi An – Danang airport – fly to Hanoi (B)
After breakfast, enjoy free time in the morning until it’s time to depart for Hanoi in Northern Vietnam for 4 nights. Our guide will transport you to the airport to board a flight to Hanoi.
Hanoi offers visitors a rich tapestry of experiences. Centuries of French and Chinese influence creates Hanoi’s layered history in a city that’s wholly, and proudly, Vietnamese. The capital city is known for its atmospheric night markets, historic temples, well preserved pagodas, distinctive museums, bustling old quarter, sleek cocktail bars and an evolving culinary scene.
Upon landing, you’ll be greeted by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Relax or explore at your own pace on your first night here. Overnight in Hanoi.
Hoi An – Danang airport – fly to Hanoi (B)
After breakfast, enjoy free time in the morning until it’s time to depart for Hanoi in Northern Vietnam for 4 nights. Our guide will transport you to the airport to board a flight to Hanoi.
Hanoi offers visitors a rich tapestry of experiences. Centuries of French and Chinese influence creates Hanoi’s layered history in a city that’s wholly, and proudly, Vietnamese. The capital city is known for its atmospheric night markets, historic temples, well preserved pagodas, distinctive museums, bustling old quarter, sleek cocktail bars and an evolving culinary scene.
Upon landing, you’ll be greeted by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Relax or explore at your own pace on your first night here. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 8:
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Hanoi – City Tour and Bib Gourmand list restaurants (B/L)
After breakfast, we’ll head out to visit the highlights of Hanoi. We’ll start at Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum before exploring his house on stilts and lush garden. A short walk from the mausoleum is one of the great symbols of Hanoi, the One Pillar Pagoda, an 11th-century wooden temple built on a single stone pillar in the water. It was designed to resemble a blooming lotus. Pass by the Presidential Palace on the way to the West Lake where you will visit one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam named Tran Quoc, meaning “protecting the country”. Visit the venerable Temple of Literature built in 1077 – Vietnam’s first university. |
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At lunch time, your first culinary stop will be for a very special dish which is loved by not only Vietnamese people, but also foreigners: Bun Cha at Bun Cha Ta restaurant, a Bib Gourmand recommended local eatery for multiple years now. The classic Bun Cha features tender, smoky grilled pork, well-seasoned meat patties and smooth rice noodles with a balanced soup base. If you are still hungry, we’ll continue on to another Michelin guide recommended restaurant for some traditional Beef Pho. Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su offers several types of beef pho to choose from, hearty and supremely refreshing with tender pieces of beef that melt in the mouth. |
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In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Museum of Ethnology displaying artifacts of 54 minority groups throughout Vietnam. Then in the late afternoon, we’ll walk to the charming and lively Old Quarter of Hanoi for a cyclo ride around the Old Streets which were named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. We’ll also stop at Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple to learn about legend of the lake. The day ends with a Water Puppet Show.
Overnight in Hanoi. |
Day 9:
Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu –Tam Coc – Bich Dong – Hanoi (B/L)
Rise and shine. Breakfast will be at your hotel before departing for a 2-hour drive to Ninh Binh Province. Ninh Binh is a beautiful region of majestic natural wonders offering breathtaking and inspiring landscapes. Our first visit is to Hoa Lu - Vietnam’s former capital before it was moved to Thang Long-Hanoi in the year 1010 and the remains of Dinh & Le Kings’ Temples.
We will board small rowing boats to travel along the canals amid local villages, green fields and limestone mountains. Enjoy the beauty of Tam Coc (3 caves) which is also known as “Ha Long Bay on land”. Wander through the caves, then board the boat to row back to the quay
Lunch will be at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, ride a bicycle along a countryside road and rice field to Bich Dong, 2 km from Tam Coc which was conferred by a King the title “Vietnam’s second most beautiful grotto”. Climb up Ngu Nhac Son (Buddha’s Palm Mountain), and be charmed by the marvelous scenery offered by the mountains, rivers and pagodas.
Continue by bicycle to Mua Cave, where you can climb to the top of the mountain and take in a panoramic view of the Tam Coc area. This is the best point to see an expansive view of the area “from bird eyes” including the Tam Coc canals and mountains.
Return to Hanoi in the afternoon and overnight in Hanoi.
Continue by bicycle to Mua Cave, where you can climb to the top of the mountain and take in a panoramic view of the Tam Coc area. This is the best point to see an expansive view of the area “from bird eyes” including the Tam Coc canals and mountains.
Return to Hanoi in the afternoon and overnight in Hanoi.
Day 10:
Hanoi - Ha Long Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay (B/L/D)
After breakfast, take a 2.5-hour drive to Ha Long Bay, one of the World Natural Heritages recognized by UNESCO with over 3,000 spectacular limestone islands rising from the clear, emerald sea in the Gulf of Tonkin for a luxurious Ha Long Bay cruise with Signature Cruise the best luxury wooden cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay. Here's your cruise itinerary:
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11:30: Ready at Signature check-in lounge
12:00: You will be taken on their tender from the wharf, making your way out onto the bay to board the luxurious Signature Cruise. You will be welcome aboard and greeted with a complimentary drink. After a compulsory safety procedures session, you are free to check into your cabin and freshen up. Take some time to have a look around the vessel or enjoy the magical landscape. 13:15: As we begin to cruise through the bay, a special lunch of fresh seafood and appetizing favorites will be served. Dining on a luxury “junk” (traditional sailing ship) with fine food and drinks doesn’t come much better than this. 15:00: After lunch we set sail for Bai Tu Long Bay passing the towns of Hon Gai and Cam Pha, with extraordinary limestone karst landscapes. Explore Vung Vieng fishing village, disembarking from the junk and boarding local rowing boats to discover the interesting daily lives of its inhabitants. 16:30: Back on board Signature Cruise Halong Bay’s main craft, we will drop anchor for our overnight stay surrounded by an incredible landscape. 17:30 – 18:30: Happy hour with special drink menu (Buy one get another one for free). 17:30: Before dinner, we will have a Vietnamese cooking demonstration--a great way to learn how to prepare delicious appetizers and their staff will guide you through the process. 19:15: Relish in a special Signature Dinner in the ship’s restaurant. 20:45 – 12:00: Your free time to relax with an exotic cocktail or whatever takes your fancy. The bar has a wide range or wines, beers and liquors and is always a welcome sight for guests after a day on Halong Bay. You may order a specialized massage in your room (additional cost) or choose among other activities included with your boat cruise such as watching documentary movies, squid fishing or simply relaxing on the roof top deck under the cover of a star filled sky. |
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Day 11:
Bai Tu Long Bay – Hanoi (B/L/D) 6:30am: The nicest time of the day on Halong Bay is the morning. Head to the upper deck to participate in daily Tai Chi sessions. Relax with an early morning cup of tea, coffee or juice anywhere you wish on the boat and watch the never ending miraculous scenery unfold before you. 7:00: Light breakfast will be served in the restaurant (pastries, tea, coffee). 7:30 – 8:30: Enjoy the last stage of your trip in Thien Canh Son cave and islets, which is a wild and mysterious beauty in the middle of the World Heritage. 9:30: Time to check out of your cabin as we draw closer to the mainland. After an early brunch and a last goodbye from our crew at 11:15am, you will board a tender and head back to the wharf where you will be met by your guide and return to Hanoi. |
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When you return to your hotel, the late afternoon is yours to continue to explore the old quarter of Hanoi, shopping, souvenirs, or just relax before your flight home.
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In the evening, meet your guide again and be escorted to one more BIB Gourmand Restaurant for a farewell dinner. The East is newly listed as a BIB Gourmand recommendation this year. The small 2-story restaurant is located in Tong Duy Tan culinary street in Hanoi's Old Quarter, just a few steps to Hanoi train street (famous check-in place of young travelers). The East stands out from the crowd with its excellent Northern Vietnamese cuisine.
Start with crab spring rolls wrapped in a fine, crispy skin packed with savory filling. The Bún Cha Hanoi (grilled pork and rice vermicelli) is the signature dish here and a street food staple in the capital. The Vietnamese-style flan rounds off this dining experience. Overnight in Hanoi. |
Day 12:
Hanoi – Departure (B)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and be free at your leisure until it’s time to meet our guide who will transfer you to the airport in a good time to connect to your departure flight.
Hanoi – Departure (B)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and be free at your leisure until it’s time to meet our guide who will transfer you to the airport in a good time to connect to your departure flight.
PRICE STARTING FROM: $1,830 USD Per Person for the above itinerary staying in 4* Category Hotel. Includes 2 domestic flights.
OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Accommodation based on the room category of each selected hotel as mentioned below. Higher room grade can be arranged subject to availability and at an additional charge:
Destinations Superior 4* Hotels Room Type Nights
Ho Chi Minh City Eden Star Hotel – 4* Premium city view room 3
Hoi An Hoi An Delicacy Hotel – 4* Deluxe City View room 3
Hanoi Palago Boutique Hotel – 4* Signature room 4
Ha Long Bay Signature Cruise – 4* Junior Suite cabin 1
Hotel check-in time: 14:00. Hotel check-out time: 12:00.
:>> Our prices include:
> Breakfast and accommodation sharing a twin or double room
> Travel in an appropriate private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced safe driver
> The services of experienced local English-speaking guide throughout the tour (please note: guides will be on hand from pick-up until guests’ return to their hotel or reaching their destination)
> Where necessary, entry fees, boat fees and permission to enter border areas for all visits mentioned in the program
> Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available
> Joined cooking class in Ho Chi Minh City & Hoi An
> 2 Domestic flights: Ho Chi Minh City – Danang – Hanoi, including 23kg of checked baggage, Vietnam Airlines
> Bottled mineral waters and wet wipes during sightseeing and transfer
> VAT and other taxes
:>> Our prices do not include:
> International airfares and airport taxes
> Vietnamese Visa handling and stamp fee
> Dinners, except as specified above
> Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses
> Camera fees (if any)
> Insurance
> Breakfast and accommodation sharing a twin or double room
> Travel in an appropriate private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced safe driver
> The services of experienced local English-speaking guide throughout the tour (please note: guides will be on hand from pick-up until guests’ return to their hotel or reaching their destination)
> Where necessary, entry fees, boat fees and permission to enter border areas for all visits mentioned in the program
> Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available
> Joined cooking class in Ho Chi Minh City & Hoi An
> 2 Domestic flights: Ho Chi Minh City – Danang – Hanoi, including 23kg of checked baggage, Vietnam Airlines
> Bottled mineral waters and wet wipes during sightseeing and transfer
> VAT and other taxes
:>> Our prices do not include:
> International airfares and airport taxes
> Vietnamese Visa handling and stamp fee
> Dinners, except as specified above
> Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses
> Camera fees (if any)
> Insurance
