How to Plan the Ultimate Foodie Vacation in Vietnam

Hello, fellow food lover! Get ready to embark on a culinary odyssey through Vietnam, where every bite will transport you deeper into its rich culture. Planning the ultimate foodie vacation in Vietnam is a feast for both the eyes and the palate, promising delightful discoveries around every corner. Let’s dive into this delicious journey together!

Start in Vibrant Hanoi

Navigating the bustling streets of Hanoi, you’ll find the city alive with the clinking of chopsticks and sizzling sounds from street food vendors. Kick off your adventure with a Hanoi food tour. Must-try food in Vietnam starts here; enjoy succulent bun cha (grilled pork with noodles) at Bun Cha Huong Lien (24 Lê Văn Hưu, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội), famously known as the “Obama Bun Cha.” Also, indulge in the famous Vietnamese pho at Pho Gia Truyen (49 Bát Đàn, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội), where the rich, savory broth has made it a local legend. But Hanoi’s culinary delights go beyond just pho. Savor a banh cuon, steamed rice rolls filled with ground pork and mushrooms, at Banh Cuon Ba Hanh (26B Thọ Xương, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội), while soaking in the energetic vibe of this historic capital.

A bustling Hanoi street food tour with locals enjoying traditional dishes.

Hoi An’s Culinary Wonders

In the charming town of Hoi An, known for its ancient streets and colorful lanterns, food lovers are in for a treat. A Hoi An street food tour unveils hidden gems like cao lau, a unique noodle dish only found here, best enjoyed at Cao Lau Ba Le (45/3 Trần Hưng Đạo, Hội An). Don’t miss the delicate white rose dumplings at White Rose Restaurant (533 Hai Bà Trưng, Hội An). Take part in one of the many Hoi An food tours to learn how to cook these local specialties—it’s like carrying a piece of Vietnam back home with you!

Vibrant Hoi An market with colorful displays of fresh produce and local delicacies.

Explore Da Nang’s Coastal Delights

Da Nang, with its stunning beaches and vibrant food scene, offers a unique blend of fresh seafood and central Vietnamese cuisine. Dive into a bowl of mi quang, a turmeric-infused noodle dish topped with shrimp, pork, and crunchy rice crackers, at Mi Quang Ba Mua (19-21 Trần Bình Trọng, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng). Don’t miss the chance to experience the coastal city’s take on pho, known for its lighter broth and abundant use of fresh herbs, at Pho 75 (51 Nguyễn Văn Linh, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng).

A flavorful bowl of mi quang with fresh seafood in Da Nang.

The Flavours of Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City offers a gastronomic landscape bursting with flavors. The best pho in Ho Chi Minh can be found at Pho Le (413-415 Nguyễn Trãi, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City), where a steaming bowl of comfort with fragrant broth, perfect noodles, and tender beef awaits you. For the best banh mi in Ho Chi Minh City, head to Banh Mi Huynh Hoa(26 Lê Thị Riêng, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City), where the crispy baguette filled with savory pork, fresh vegetables, and cilantro is a must-try. Don’t miss out on a Ho Chi Minh food tour to discover southern gems like goi cuon (fresh spring rolls) and hu tieu, a versatile noodle soup that captures the essence of the region, available at Hu Tieu Nam Vang Lien Huong (381 Nguyễn Trãi, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City).

A steaming bowl of pho in Ho Chi Minh City, highlighted with fresh herbs and lime.

Delicious banh mi sandwich filled with pork, vegetables, and cilantro in Ho Chi Minh City.

Can Tho: The Heart of the Mekong Delta

Down in the Mekong Delta, Can Tho offers a different flavor profile altogether. The floating markets here are not only a sight to behold but also a place to try some of the most authentic dishes in Vietnam. Savor a bowl of pho ca (fish pho) at Pho Ca Dinh Cong (1 Trần Phú, Cái Khế, Ninh Kiều, Cần Thơ), or indulge in banh cong, a crispy shrimp and mung bean cake that is a local favorite, at Banh Cong Co Ut (86 Lý Tự Trọng, Ninh Kiều, Cần Thơ).

A steaming bowl of pho ca being prepared at a floating market in Can Tho.

Embark on a Vietnamese Street Food Tour

Traveling on a Vespa lets you glide effortlessly through narrow lanes, joining locals at humble stalls serving the best food in Hanoi. Whether it’s a bustling market in Saigon or a riverside vendor in Hoi An, every stop on your Vietnam food tour promises unique, flavor-packed bites. Top off your adventure with the top 10 Vietnam food experiences, like the crispy delight of banh xeo (savoury pancakes) and the spicy zest of bun bo Hue (beef noodle soup).

So, ready to embrace this culinary adventure? Vietnam’s diverse food scene is calling. Grab your Vespa and let’s get riding!

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