The tour begins in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) on February 7, 2020. It is strongly advised that you arrive one day early to allow for possible missed international connections, and to allow additional time to adjust to jet lag. Early arrival nights at our hotel in Saigon can be arranged.

Wine-Knows can arrange a transfer to the airport for you, or you can stay extra days in Hanoi. (Like Saigon, extra days at our hotel can be arranged for you).

Group airfare has purposefully not been included to allow maximum flexibility in arrival & departure options. You may go early & stay over after the trip concludes. Wine-Knows Travel, Inc. provides land only arrangements and does not provide airfare.

Our groups are composed of people from diverse occupations, singles & couples, men & women, a mix of young & old, well-seasoned international travelers, as well as novices. All have a common interest in food & wine. The majority of participants on our tours are repeat clients. In addition, each tour participant is a non-smoker.

The following properties will be used:

Saigon: a 4 star modern property featuring a wonderful spa. Located in the epicenter of the city, it offers all of the creature comforts of the 21st century including well-outfitted marble bathrooms, lovely linens, a rooftop swimming pool with a 360 panorama of the city, & WIFI.

Hoi An: this inn is one of the few upscale hotels located within walking distance of Vietnam’s most charming city. With 4 stars, the 100 room property boasts very comfortable rooms with WIFI, a spa, an outdoor pool, a gym, and free bicycles to explore the local area. Service at this hotel is sublime.

Hue: 5 star boutique resort located in a tropical oasis in the peaceful countryside just outside the busy city. This property oozes character, tranquility and privacy. Featuring 139 rooms (many are bungalows), there are 2 outdoor pools, a full service spa, as well as a fitness center.

Hanoi: one of the highest rated hotels in the city, this 50 room modern property is perfectly situated in the heart of the city in the Old Quarter. The hotel features a sumptuous buffet breakfast of Vietnam’s traditional dishes, along with a huge array of exotic fruits and made-to-order western breakfasts. There’s also an impressive spa.

Dining experiences have been mindfully selected and will offer a variety of experiences. We will dine in several family homes, all the way from residences of middle-class professionals to luxurious countryside villas belonging to Vietnam’s former royalty. There will be everything from a “street food tour” on the back-streets of both Saigon & Hanoi (offering completely different regional cooking) to a high-end cooking class at a professionally run culinary school.

Restaurants will also offer a wide range, varying from Vietnam’s poshest and finest, to simple places where locals dine. All feature the best in their respective categories of what Vietnam has to offer the food-lover.

The tour will be casual dress. Layers are essential. Keep in mind the weather can vary from hot tropical in the south, to cool/cold in the north. We’ll also spend 2 nights on a yacht, so layers are important.

There will be walking tours through cobblestoned streets and through mountain villages so pack a pair of appropriate shoes. Also, don’t forget to bring a swimsuit for the beach and hotel swimming pools.

Consider the following 3 rules of thumb to minimize the amount of clothing required: (1) Bring layers. (2) Use the mix-and-match principal (i.e. if it doesn’t mix or match, leave it at home.) (3) Use accessories to change the look versus bringing additional clothing.

Daytime temperatures in Saigon can be hot as this is the tropical southern part of the country. Saigon can be 80-90+ degrees with humidity.

In central Vietnam we will be on the sea where temperatures are milder.

Northern Vietnam, on the other hand, is much cooler and daytime temperatures can be 60-70. We’ll have two days in the north on a private yacht. While we’ll be in Ha Long Bay (rather than the open sea), the climate can still be cool. Layers are the best strategy for these significant differences in weather.

As with most travels, it never hurts to bring an umbrella.

The price is based upon double occupancy. Should you wish to share a room, every attempt will be made to find you a roommate (most of the time we have been quite successful in doing so). However if we are unable to find you a roommate, you will need to pay the single supplement of $1,090US.

We have provided free time as detailed in the itinerary. Furthermore, it is not mandatory that you attend all of the planned experiences, although most of our clients do! This is your trip—if you would rather sleep in, shop, or simply chill at the pool, then do it!

Yes. We accept payment through PayPal (PayPal.com). Since PayPal charges us a fee, this fee must added to the cost of the trip.