Vietnam

Unique, Life-Changing Adventure

Vietnamese Cooking Classes

Learn how to cook classic Vietnamese dishes including Spring Rolls, Cao Lầu, Phở and Salt Coffee. Experience a farm-to-table adventure.

Exploration of Food

Enjoy walking food tours and home-cooked meals. Challenge your senses with a 'Dine in the Dark' meal and tours of local farmers' markets.

Culture & Heritage

Explore ancient temples and monuments, discover what life is like in rural villages and learn about Vietnam's history at the Cu Chi Tunnels and more.

Spectacular Locations

From the ancient cities of Hue, Hanoi and Ho Chi Min City to the stunning scenery of Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh and the Mekong Delta.

Chris Lord

Tour Leader

Inspirational Food Educator

Chris Lord spent 20 years as a food educator before founding his social enterprise, dedicated to helping communities thrive through food. During his 10-year teaching spell in Hong Kong, Chris led several student trips to Vietnam. He has also travelled extensively throughout the country with his family. His deep knowledge and passion for Vietnamese cuisine and culture make him the ideal chaperone for this journey.

He has personally selected many of the cooking schools, farms, markets, and restaurants based on his prior visits. Even more inspiring, Chris was diagnosed with a rare optic nerve condition at 23, which led to his visual impairment and sparked his career in food education. Together with our experienced local guides, he will ensure that this adventure offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience, exploring some of Vietnam's best ethical and sustainable food destinations.

Food plays a critical role in sustainability, shaping the way we interact with the environment and local communities.

On this Vietnam trip, we emphasise the importance of sustainable food practices, from sourcing ingredients responsibly to reducing food waste and supporting local, small-scale farmers. By promoting farm-to-table dining, preserving traditional culinary methods, and encouraging responsible consumption, we hope participants will learn to contribute to the health of ecosystems and the livelihoods of those who depend on them.

Sustainability Focus

Dining in the Dark

At Noir. Dining in the Dark, it is more than just a meal. It is a sensory journey that will make you re-evaluate your perception of taste and smell. You will also be inspired by how they support visually impaired employees and the wider visually impaired community.

Sustainable Dining and Market Visits:

Throughout the trip, the focus on consuming locally sourced food, participating in food waste reduction initiatives, and visiting ethical markets aligns with responsible consumption and production practices. We also engage with initiatives promoting the sustainability of food supply chains.

Supporting Local Businesses and Communities

By partnering with local guides, chefs, and small businesses, the trip provides fair employment opportunities and contributes to sustainable economic growth in rural and urban areas of Vietnam. From Mr Khoe's Salt Coffee Roastary to KOTO, the social enterprise training disadvantaged youth in the hospitality industry.

Day 1 - Arrival Day - Ho Chi Min City - Welcome dinner

Day 2 - Mekong Delta - Boat tour - Local Food Markets - Dining in the Dark

Day 3 - Spice Garden - Cooking class - Cu Chi Tunnels

Day 4 - Transfer to Hoi An - Ancient town walking & street food tours

Day 5 - Cao Lau cooking class - Green Youth recycling - Field Restaurant dinner

Day 6 - Hue - Hai Van Pass transfer - Salt Coffee roaster - Local home dinner

Day 7 - Heritage tour in Hue, Imperial City - Overnight train to Ninh Binh

Day 8 - Ninh Binh - Hoa Li Temple - Trang An boat trip

Day 9 - Halong Bay - Boat cruise - Spring roll cooking lesson - squid fishing

Day 10 -Halong Bay - caves and cruise - Hanoi return - Street food tour

Day 11 - Hanoi - Market & cooking class - Ethnology Museum - KOTO dinner

Day 12 -Departure Day - Hanoi International Airport

Overview

Detailed Itinerary

Please note that the final itinerary is subject to change. Specific details such as flights and hotels will be confirmed at a later date. The itinerary may also change due to health and safety reasons during the trip.

Cooking Classes

Street Food Tours

Farms & Markets

Dining Experiences

Food Glorious Food

Enjoy hands-on cooking experiences, where you’ll learn the secrets behind iconic Vietnamese dishes from local chefs, with a fusion twist from Chris.

Explore the vibrant street food scene with guided walking tours. Savour iconic local dishes and experience the authentic flavours that define the country’s culinary culture.

Indulge in unforgettable dining experiences from family-run eateries to fine dining. Each meal tells a story of tradition, local ingredients, and diversity.

Explore local farms and markets, where you’ll discover fresh ingredients, and experience the journey of food from farm to table in the heart of the countryside.

Ancient Cities

Rural Life

Vietnamese History

Life on Water

Culture & Heritage

Explore Vietnam’s ancient cities, from the bustling Old Quarter of Hanoi to the historic imperial town of Hue, where centuries-old traditions and architecture bring the country's rich heritage to life.

Journey through the lush countryside, visit local farms, and savour authentic flavours straight from the source, immersing yourself in the heart of traditional Vietnamese cuisine and culture.

Cruise the Mekong Delta’s vibrant floating markets and the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, where daily life and breathtaking landscapes blend in a stunning display of Vietnam’s natural beauty and cultural richness.

Uncover Vietnam’s rich history with visits to the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Museum of Ethnology, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of this country's resilience and unity.

Why join this adventure?

On this incredible adventure, you will build lifelong friendships and create unforgettable memories that can inspire and shape your future. As well as making a positive impact on the places you visit, there are significant personal growth benefits to a Red Kite Adventure. The active, outdoor itinerary complements the purposeful nature of the adventure, providing significant boosts for your well-being. Below are some of the learning outcomes you can expect when you join the trip.

Knowledge

• Vietnamese and sustainable food

• Cultural awareness

Skills

• Vietnamese cooking skills

• Teamwork and leadership

• Global citizenship & responsibility

• Personal health & resilience

Attitudes

Fully Escorted

You will be supported by expert leaders throughout the adventure, including Chris and our local guides.

Small Groups

There will only be between 10 and 16 participants on the trip.

Fully Supported

We provide pre-trip support and 24-hour support during the adventure.

Who is this adventure for?

Young Food Enthusiasts: Those aged 18-24 with a passion for trying new cuisines and cooking techniques.

Cultural Explorers: Travellers eager to immerse themselves in local customs, history, and traditions.

Eco-Conscious Adventurers: Individuals interested in sustainable travel and ethical food practices.

Socially Minded Travellers: Those who enjoy supporting local communities and businesses during their travels.

Adventure Seekers: Young adults looking for unique experiences, such as cooking classes, farm visits, and outdoor activities.

Solo Travellers: Young individuals looking to connect with like-minded peers on a guided trip.

School Leavers/Gap Year Students: Young individuals looking to have an adventure before heading to university.

University Students: Those studying culinary arts, hospitality, or cultural studies who want hands-on experiences.

Food Bloggers/Vloggers: Creatives wanting to document their culinary adventures and share experiences with their audience.

Wellness Seekers: Individuals interested in the holistic aspects of food and culture, including farm-to-table dining and healthy cooking practices.

Research

• Complete the inquiry form so that we can send you more detailed information and an application form.

• We then encourage you to get in touch to ask any questions.

Apply

• Complete the application form.

• Have an online meeting with us to make sure the trip is right for you.

• We do reserve the right to refuse applications to ensure a safe, enjoyable trip for every participant.

Booking Confirmation

• Once your application is approved you will be sent a final proposal, payment schedule and deposit invoice.

• You will then need to pay the deposit and accept the proposal.

• We will send a booking confirmation, deposit receipt and ATOL certificate.

How to Book

Eco Tours 2025

18 -24 Year Olds

Trip Inquiry Form

Vietnam for All

If you like what you see but want to take a trip as a family or an individual then we can help!

We can also arrange bespoke group tours for any organisations or groups of friends or families.

Red Kite Adventures can arrange an amazing Vietnam experience for everyone. If you want to travel individually, as a family or as part of a group, let us make all of the arrangements. We can sort everything including flights, accommodation and an incredible selection of sights and activities to suit everyone. Our chosen partner operators not only bring outstanding service through their staff, support and trips, they are also fully committed to sustainable tourism.

Here are just some of the possibilities we can arrange for you...

• Food Tour

• Sustainability Tours

• Adventure Activities

• Cycling Adventures

Our 100% financial protection applies to all bookings.

If you would like to find out more then please do get in touch. Give us a call or submit an inquiry below.

We are members of the Travel Trust Association, number X7370, a trade association of Travel Agents, Tour Operators and Travel Organisers that operate trust accounts in order to provide financial protection for the consumer. Through our membership of the Travel Trust Association we are able to offer you the security of complete protection for your funds. You can verify our membership here.

This flight inclusive package is protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk.