Explore Culinary Delights in Vietnam & Thailand

Experience the best of Vietnam and Thailand on a 15-day culinary voyage. Journey from the north to the south, tracing the origins of their most beloved flavors, mastering the art of local cuisine, and exploring enchanting destinations that will leave a lasting impression on your palate and senses.
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Highlights

  • Tasting your way through the narrow street-food filled alleys of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
  • Enjoying traditional Vietnamese food surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Halong Bay.
  • Preparing central Vietnamese cuisine alongside a local chef in the historical ambiance of Hoi An.
  • Exploring the “Rice Bowl” of Vietnam and the rich culinary heritage of Saigon and the Mekong Delta.
  • Learning the secrets of traditional Thai cuisine from one of Bangkok’s most acclaimed cooking schools.
  • Joining a local host family in Chiang Mai for dinner on a unique experience that’s equal parts cultural and culinary.
  • Wrapping your taste buds around southern Thai cuisine while exploring Phuket, and visiting a Thai rum distillery.

What's Included:

  • Carefully selected accommodation with breakfast
  • Other meals listed in the itinerary
  • Expert English-speaking local guide
  • Tours as mentioned and air-conditioned transfers
  • Sightseeing and permit fees during guided times
  • Boat cruises and rides while on tour
  • Flights to tour destinations (Economy Class)
  • Service charges and government VAT tax

Detailed itinerary ideas

  • 1

    Start your food adventure in Vietnam’s capital. Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter with a guide, sampling local delights and sipping on Vietnam’s signature beer. End the day with ice cream at a popular spot before heading back to your hotel.

  • 2

    Start your day early by visiting Chau Long Market in Hanoi. Explore the stalls filled with fresh produce and local ingredients that capture the essence of the city. With your guide leading the way, discover unique Vietnamese herbs and vegetables used to enhance local flavors.

    Continue to the Hanoi Cooking Centre for a hands-on cooking class with an experienced chef. Learn about Vietnamese cuisine’s focus on fresh ingredients and herbs before trying your hand at creating traditional dishes. Enjoy tasting your creations and receive recipe cards to take home with you.

    After the cooking class, hop on a cyclo for a leisurely tour of Hanoi’s historic sites. Admire the French colonial buildings, visit The Northern Gate of Ancient Citadel, Cua Bac Church, and Quan Thanh Temple. Explore picturesque spots like West Lake and indulge in local delights along the way.

    Experience Hanoi’s culture at Chau Long Market, then stroll along Nguyen Truong To Street for sweet treats. Explore Wedding Cake Street to learn about Hanoian wedding traditions and observe mat weaving on Hang Cot Street. End your day with traditional Vietnamese coffee before returning to your hotel for a restful night before your journey to Halong Bay.

  • 3

    Depart early to Halong City by shuttle van and board a traditional junk boat to cruise through the stunning Halong Bay. Marvel at the karst limestone formations as you visit Dau Tung Lam Bay and enjoy a delicious Vietnamese meal. Explore Ga Choi Island and Paradise Cave before relaxing on the boat’s deck, savoring the sea breeze. Return to Tuan Chau Marina, transfer back to Hanoi in the evening, and prepare for your flight to Hoi An the next morning.

  • 4

    Meet your guide early in the morning and head to the airport for your flight to Hoi An. Upon arrival, your guide will transfer you to your hotel for a quick refresh. Join a walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, known for its diverse architectural influences from past trading eras. Explore the streets lined with flowers, visit landmarks like Chua Ong Pagoda, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, Jinshang Temple, Tan Ky Ancestral House, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the Thu Bon River, observing daily life along the way. Return to your hotel for a peaceful evening by the riverside.

  • 5

    After a restful night, start your day by visiting the local produce market in Central Vietnam to see fresh ingredients. Cruise along the Thu Bon River to Red Bridge Cooking School, where you’ll explore herb gardens and learn secrets of local cuisine. Your chef will guide you in preparing traditional dishes like Cao Lau and Mi Quang, followed by tasting your creations with a glass of wine or local beer. Return to your hotel to relax before the next culinary adventure.

    In the afternoon, join a food tour in Hoi An with a local guide to taste the town’s unique dishes. Begin at a restaurant known for white rose dumplings, where you can even try making a few of your own. Move on to sample banh can crackers, grilled pork satay, spring rolls, fried wonton, and finish with Cao Lau or chicken rice. End the tour at Sky Coffee Bar for a refreshing drink before resting at your hotel for the night.

  • 6

    Start your day early by meeting your guide and taking a shuttle van to the mouth of the Thu Bon River. Cruise on a shared boat to see the local fishing fleet returning at sunrise, experience the local fishing market, and learn how to paddle a Vietnamese bamboo basket boat. Enjoy a traditional fisherman’s breakfast on the boat before returning to your hotel to get ready for your journey to Ho Chi Minh City.

    In Ho Chi Minh City, visit the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral, both iconic landmarks with impressive architecture. Walk along Dong Khoi Street to see the Saigon River and the historic Saigon Opera House. Explore the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam’s history. In the evening, join a culinary tour to taste unique Vietnamese dishes like rice paper pizza, banh beo, fresh snail dishes, banh xeo, and sweet soups. End the night by enjoying the vibrant nightlife of the city or returning to your hotel.

  • 7

    After a restful night, begin your day by departing from your hotel and driving for around two hours to Ben Tre. Board a small boat to explore the waterways of the Mekong Delta, also known as the rice bowl of Vietnam due to its rice production and diverse activities like aquaculture and fruit tree cultivation.

    During the tour, visit a brick factory, a coconut processing plant, and observe local mat weavers in a village. Enjoy a ride on a delta tuk-tuk along country roads before boarding the Le Jarai teak boat for a river cruise. Join a Vietnamese cooking demonstration and indulge in a delicious three-course lunch of Mekong specialties on board. Relax on the boat’s top deck and admire the scenery before returning to Ben Tre. Then, head back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving in the late afternoon. You can spend the evening exploring the city’s nightlife or unwinding at your hotel.

  • 8

    In the morning, meet your guide and head to the airport for your flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, your guide will provide a private transfer to your hotel. Take some time to relax before exploring the city.

    Later, start your culinary adventure with a tuk-tuk ride from BTS National Stadium Station. Sample street foods like skewered sausages and Thai-style grilled meat at Phetchburi Soi 10. Visit Saphan Khao Market for fried fish-paste balls, then taste Thai-Indian cuisine on Phra Athit Road. Enjoy Pad Thai at a renowned restaurant before visiting Wat Pho to see the illuminated Reclining Buddha. Sip a cocktail at Eagle Nest Bar for river views, stroll through Pak Klong Talat flower market, and end the night with mango sticky rice. Return to your hotel in a tuk-tuk and rest up for the exciting day ahead.

  • 9

    Start your day early with a taste of hot congee, a popular breakfast among Chinese immigrants in Thailand. Visit the magnificent Wat Traimit to see the Golden Buddha and learn about Chinese migration history. Explore Chinatown’s Yaowarat Road, sampling traditional Chinese foods like moon cake and chestnuts and visit the important Wat Mangkon Kamalawat temple.

    Next, attend a cooking class at Bang Pai Thai Cooking school to learn how to prepare iconic Thai dishes like Green Chicken Curry, Tom Yum Kung, and Pad Thai in a traditional setting. Enjoy a hands-on workshop and savor your creations before taking home a recipe book. Return to your hotel with a satisfied appetite and then spend the rest of the day at your leisure, either relaxing or exploring independently.

  • 10

    After a good night’s sleep, leave Bangkok early to visit the Maeklong Railway Market, a market set on a railway track! Explore stalls with fresh produce, souvenirs, and accessories. Watch as a train slowly passes through the market, just inches from the goods. It’s a unique and memorable sight.

    Next, head to the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as you explore by foot and boat. Afterward, return to Bangkok, grab your things, and go to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai.

    Evening in Chiang Mai

    Upon arriving in Chiang Mai, meet your guide and go to your hotel. After a short rest, start your evening culinary tour. Visit food stalls loved by locals and try dishes like Thai curry fish cake, sticky rice with pork, and crispy snacks.

    Walk to a quieter area and get a fruit shake. Visit Wat Chedi Luang, a beautiful 15th-century stupa, and taste famous Thai noodles. Continue to another food street for pork skewers, pork leg with rice, and coconut desserts.

    Finally, ride a local truck to a hidden bar, popular with locals. Enjoy a drink and chat with your guide before returning to your hotel for a good night’s rest.

  • 11

    Start your day early and head to Patara Elephant Farm for a day of mahout training. Change into a mahout outfit and learn about elephant care and farm management. Meet the elephants, practice approaching them, and take them to the river for their morning bath. Then, enjoy a jungle trek on the elephants, visit waterfalls and a local temple, and have a picnic lunch. Swim with the elephants under a waterfall before returning to camp. Say goodbye to your new elephant friend and head back to your hotel in Chiang Mai.

    Evening with a Host Family

    After a break, dive into authentic Thai cuisine with a host family. In the late afternoon, get picked up from your hotel and travel to San Ton Pao Village. Meet your host family through the Home Hosted Meals program. Start with a refreshing herbal juice and then help prepare a traditional northern Thai meal, served on a “Khantoke” tray. Enjoy the meal with your host family, learning about their daily life and culture. After a heartwarming evening of delicious food and new friends, return to your hotel and relax for the night.

  • 12

    Start early and meet your guide at Tha Pae Gate to explore Chiang Mai by traditional rickshaw. Enjoy a leisurely ride through narrow streets to Wat Puak Tam Community, where artisans create beautiful brass ornaments and golden parasols. Visit a unique restaurant at the Chiang Mai Woman Correctional Institution, where female prisoners serve Thai snacks while learning new skills. Then, head to Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai’s oldest temple, to admire its Buddhist art. Finish your tour with a walk through Waroros Market and a fruit tasting before returning to your hotel.

    Afternoon and Evening in Phuket

    Freshen up and head to the airport for your flight to Phuket. Upon arrival, drop your bags at your hotel and meet your guide for a street food tour. Discover Phuket’s best street food, sampling coconut cake, skewers, boiled rice, and mango sticky rice. Visit cultural highlights like Khao Rang Hill Viewpoint and the LED-lit Talang Road. After filling up on local snacks, return to your hotel for a good night’s rest or explore Phuket’s nightlife.

  • 13

    Meet your guide in the afternoon and head to Chalong Bay Rum Distillery. Tour the facility and learn from an expert how award-winning rum is made from Thai sugarcane. See the traditional French copper still and the bottling plant. Sample Chalong Bay Rum and try your hand at bartending. Participate in a group workshop to make three cocktails and taste your creations with delicious snacks. Afterwards, return to your hotel for a relaxing night or explore the island further.

  • 14

    Sleep in or wake up early – it’s your choice! Spend a full day exploring Phuket at your own pace. Visit some of the island’s top temples on a city tour, snap photos at scenic viewpoints, and sample delicious street food. Wander through shops and cafes. For a more adventurous day, join a Thai cooking class and enjoy the meals you make, take a fruit carving course, or simply relax by the pool.

  • 15

    This is the end of your epic culinary adventure! Meet your guide in the morning for your transfer from the hotel to Phuket Airport, and fly back to Bangkok.

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What our clients say about us

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John

20 December 2024 ★★★★★

The guide was extremely knowledgeable about the Battle, had heaps of actual photos. Was very passionate about it, and extremely grateful for the help given by Australia to the local communities at the time.

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Jeremy

19 December 2024 ★★★★★

Stephen arranged a private tour to non-tourist locations that i wished to see. It included guides, drivers, air transportation, airport pickup and dropoff and hotel accommodations. The service was excellent and everything went extremely smooth. I was completely satisfied with the service he provided and I highly recommend him.

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Steven

21 November 2024 ★★★★★

Alex was an incredible tour guide for the Cu Chi tunnels trip myself and my friends took. He brought the good vibes and had excellent English. He taught us so much about the history of Saigon / Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnam War. 100% recommend this tour.

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Naad

26 December 2024 ★★★★★

Our group of 6 couples traveled from North to South Vietnam through many cities in 18- days tour. Stephen, from My Way Travel, provided quality service in the planning and organizing our trip, and he was very patient with our changes. The hotels were great; especially in Hoi An, Hanoi and Saigon, as we were within walking distance of the restaurants, shops, and markets. Our personal tour guides in every city were respectful, knowledgeable, and ensured our safety. They guided us through many beautiful places from caves in Halong Bay in the North, to the historical city of Hoi An in central Vietnam, to the picturesque Mekong Delta in the South. Furthermore, every guide recommended fantastic places for regional food specialties. This was a great and memorable experience! We highly recommend their service and will definitely contact Stephen for our next tour.

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Alex Boshoff

19 April 2024 ★★★★★

Our Thailand Vietnam Bike Tour was very well managed. The teams took great care of us, they support van was always available when needed. The food was excellent. We loved all the restaurent. The accommodations were great, offering a variety of options from resorts to boutique hotels to city hotels, all of which were comfortable. Biking on and off-road was enjoyable. The people in both countries are warm, welcoming & kind. The experience in the Mekong Delta was fantasic. We definitely recommend this trip.

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Erik

19 December 2024 ★★★★★

Absolutely amazing service that made our trip amazing. We traveled in Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. At all destinations we had amazing tour guides and plans for full days of fun and traveling. Every tour guide was nice, informative, and made our time in each destination amazing. Using Steven is a must if you plan to go to asia

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Scott

26 December 2024 ★★★★★

The host of our hotel in Saigon (Stephen from the My Way hotel) booked us a tailor-made stay in the Mekong Delta. We didn't worry about anything and the stay met our expectations. The first day we visited the Mekong Delta by boat (Ben Tre and Can Tho) with many tastings. We spent the night in a 4 star hotel with swimming pool in Can Tho. The next day we visited the floating market on the Mekong (coffee on a shopping boat and breakfast at the hotel). In the afternoon we were taken by taxi to a port near Soc Trang which allowed us to take the boat early the next day to go to the island of Con Dao. It is a magnificent island where we were able to hike and enjoy the beautiful views. A great stay, thank you Stephen

Explore Vietnam & Indochina with our multi-day adventures, perfect for riders of any skill level. Trust in our quality bikes, expert guides, and exceptional support for an amazing experience.

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    • Sothy
    • Asia Specialist
    • Emily
    • Thailand and Asia Specialist
    • Stephen
    • Vietnam Specialist

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