If you’re dreaming of a flavor-packed adventure through one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant culinary landscapes, look no further than this Vietnam Foodie’s Paradise in 10 Days.
From street-side pho in Hanoi to a floating seafood feast in Halong Bay and bánh mì in Saigon’s bustling alleys, this Vietnam culinary tour is the perfect mix of savory discoveries and cultural immersion.
With each day designed to highlight a new regional specialty, you’ll eat your way from the north to the south of Vietnam, sampling iconic dishes, exploring historical neighborhoods, and uncovering the local secrets behind each bowl and bite.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler with a deep love for Vietnamese food, this 10-day Vietnamese food journey offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience through flavors, stories, and scenic settings.
🍜 What is a Food Tour?
A food tour is a guided experience that blends culinary tastings with cultural storytelling and local exploration.
In Vietnam, that means wandering through lively markets, stopping at tiny street vendors, sipping traditional drinks, and learning the background of each dish—from how it’s made to why it’s significant.
Tours include walking explorations through cities, cooking classes, floating markets, night food tours, and even food cruises.
Types of food tours in Vietnam include:
- Walking tours through Old Quarters and ancient towns
- Scooter food tours (yes, you ride pillion through traffic!)
- Market-to-table cooking experiences
- Progressive dinners that hop between multiple restaurants
- Halong Bay food cruises that offer seafood dining on water
Each style gives you a new perspective on Vietnamese culture and cuisine.
⭐ What Makes This Food Tour Special?
What makes this 10-day Vietnamese food tour truly stand out is how it blends Vietnam’s regional diversity into one unforgettable journey.
Rather than focusing on a single city or cuisine, you’ll travel through the country’s culinary heartlands—north, central, and south—each with its own distinct flavors, ingredients, and stories.
This isn’t just a tasting experience—it’s a full immersion into the way food shapes identity, community, and daily life in Vietnam.
You’ll be guided by local experts who offer not just knowledge, but genuine connection to the dishes and the people who make them.
Whether you’re slurping soup at a tiny Hanoi stall, learning to cook herbs straight from a garden in Hoi An, or enjoying fresh crab while cruising the emerald waters of Halong Bay, every moment reveals something new, unexpected, and deeply authentic.
Featured local dishes include:
- Pho Bo (beef noodle soup) in Hanoi
- Bún chả grilled pork with noodles
- Bánh xèo sizzling crepes in Da Nang
- Cao lầu noodles in Hoi An
- Gỏi cuốn fresh spring rolls in Saigon
- Chả cá turmeric fish with dill
Unique highlights:
- Cooking class in Hoi An with a visit to the organic Tra Que herb village
- Halong Bay food cruise with fresh-caught seafood
- Motorbike street food tour in Saigon
- Hidden market tasting in Hue with royal court cuisine
- Evening beer-and-snacks crawl through Hanoi’s train street
Each activity connects you deeply with Vietnam’s local traditions and hidden culinary gems.
Tripadvisor Links:
💰 How Much Do Food Tours Cost?
Food tour prices in Vietnam range depending on the city and experience type.
- Walking or street food tours: $25–$45 per person
- Cooking classes: $30–$70
- Motorbike tours: $50–$90 (often includes drinks)
- Halong Bay overnight food cruises: $120–$300+ per night
Included in most tours:
- All food and drink samples
- English-speaking local guide
- Cultural and historical insights
- Small group sizes (6–12 people)
Optional upgrades:
- Private tours
- Additional tastings
- Boat rentals or special chef demonstrations
⏱️ How Long is the Tour?
This itinerary runs over 10 full days, with food tours each day averaging between:
🕒 2–4 hours for city food walks
🕒 5–6 hours for combined market and cooking classes
🕒 24–48 hours for Halong Bay food cruises
You’ll walk anywhere from 2 to 5 kilometers per tour, depending on the city and layout.
📢 Most guides appreciate being notified of dietary restrictions or mobility issues in advance so they can personalize your experience.
📅 Do You Need to Book in Advance?
Yes—popular food tours in Vietnam, especially in Hoi An, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City, tend to fill up fast.
✅ Spots are limited, often to small groups of 8–10 people.
✅ Book at least 1–2 weeks ahead, especially during peak travel seasons (Dec–Feb, June–August).
✅ Cancellation policies vary by provider but many offer 24- to 48-hour free cancellation.
Check Tripadvisor listings for real-time availability and policy details.
🎒 What Should You Bring?
For the most enjoyable experience, come prepared:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A hearty appetite
- Weather-appropriate items like a sun hat, poncho, or umbrella
- Some cash for optional purchases or tipping
🔍 How to Choose the Best Food Tour?
When picking a food tour in Vietnam, keep these tips in mind:
✅ Check guide reviews — local passion and food knowledge matter
✅ Look for diverse stops — a good tour offers a range of dishes and venues
✅ Smaller groups are better — avoid large buses or mega-groups
✅ Avoid overly touristy routes — seek experiences that include local favorites, not just Instagram spots
Tripadvisor ratings and traveler photos can be excellent indicators.
💡 Local Tips & Hidden Gems
If you’re the kind of traveler who craves the road less eaten, Vietnam is a treasure trove of culinary secrets just waiting to be discovered.
Beyond the well-trodden tourist favorites, local guides can take you to places that don’t appear on maps—quiet alleyways, unmarked food stalls, family-run eateries, and open-air markets where you’ll witness the true essence of Vietnamese street life.
These insider-only spots often serve the best versions of beloved dishes, untouched by commercial influence, and rich with heritage.
Here are some hidden food culture tips that only locals and in-the-know guides will reveal:
- Try “quán nhậu” joints — casual drinking spots with incredible snacks and a lively local vibe
- Visit tucked-away cafes in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Hoi An’s riverside for hidden egg coffee or avocado smoothies
- Ask for fermented favorites like nem chua (cured pork) or mắm nêm (anchovy sauce)—they’re intense, but beloved
- Slurp up regional noodle dishes that rarely make it into tourist guides (like mì Quảng or bún bò Huế)
- Join night markets in Da Nang or Can Tho for evening grilling sessions and unbeatable late-night eats
- Follow your guide’s advice and return to those humble stalls after your tour for round two
Vietnamese food culture is incredibly localized, with each region offering its own twist on national staples.
Some guides even introduce you to home chefs or secret supper clubs where travelers rarely get access.
After your tour, revisit your favorite discoveries in the evening or try branching off on your own food hunt, now equipped with the confidence and palate of a seasoned local.
🤔 What to Expect on a Food Tour?
Expect to:
- Walk through alleyways, street markets, and open kitchens
- Taste between 6 to 12 items — some full dishes, others small samples
- Learn the backstory behind each dish and how it fits into daily Vietnamese life
- Meet other food-loving travelers and locals along the way
The vibe is casual, flavorful, and fun—so come curious and come hungry.
🧭 How to Prepare for a Food Tour
Preparing is easy:
- Don’t eat much beforehand
- Wear weather-appropriate clothes
- Tell the guide about any allergies or restrictions in advance
- Bring a water bottle and maybe a small notebook if you like tracking food experiences
- Open your mind — some dishes may surprise you (in a good way!)
❓Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnam Foodie’s Paradise in 10 Days
✅ Is this Vietnam food tour suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, but it’s important to notify the tour operator in advance. Some regions have more veg-friendly options than others.
✅ Is it safe to eat street food in Vietnam?
Generally yes, especially when you’re guided by locals who know which vendors have the highest quality and cleanliness.
✅ Can I bring kids on this tour?
Yes! Most tours welcome families, though some may not be suitable for very young children. Look for kid-friendly cooking classes or shorter street food walks.
✅ What cities are included in this 10-day food tour?
You’ll visit Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City—each offering a unique slice of Vietnam’s culinary puzzle.
✅ How do I book the Vietnam Foodie’s Paradise 10-day tour?
Individual components can be booked on Tripadvisor, or you can work with a Vietnam-based travel agency to bundle it all.