Vietnam with Aaron Barnett

Day 1

Welcome to Hanoi, one of Asia’s most picturesque cities! Today is about catching up on its 1,000 years of history, beginning at Van Mieu, or the Temple of Literature, the country’s cultural heart. We’ll pass through its lush courtyards, pillared gates and incense-filled altars dedicated to Confucius. Our lunch today—Hanoi-style bun cha—is a crunchy minced pork served over vermicelli noodles with lemony fish sauce. It’s absolutely one of Hanoi’s most delicious street foods.

After some time to relax, we’ll kick off the evening with our own private cocktail event at Art Vietnam Gallery. Suzanne Lecht has been the voice and champion of Vietnamese art since the ’90s, and a drink at her home-turned-gallery is the perfect opportunity to check out some of the country’s finest contemporary pieces. Our final toast will be over dinner at a classic French villa, an architectural wonder with some of the city’s finest haute Vietnamese cuisine, before turning in for a much-deserved rest.

Day 2

We’ll jump into the day with an exploration of Hanoi’s ancient Old Quarter, all gorgeous crooked lanes still lined by centuries-old guildhalls. As we go, a local food blogger will lead us in sampling the best street foods Hanoi has to offer, including pho tiu (Vietnam’s original beef and noodle soup recipe) and cà phê trúng (their favorite creamy egg coffee). We’ll be stuffed, and more than ready for an afternoon of leisure (and possibly a nap).

In the evening we’ll see where Hanoi’s famed ‘street beer’, bia hoi, is brewed fresh daily and sold from humble sidewalk stands until it runs out. Our dinner is at one of the city’s most celebrated restaurants, where we’ll feast on French-Vietnamese fusion delights before capping off the night with a rooftop cocktail high above the kinetic city.

Day 3

Today, we fly south to Hue, the Imperial City. The former capital of the Nguyen Dynasty is home to palaces, shrines and awe-inspiring architecture. First, we’ll wander up the cement steps and courtyards of Khai Dinh Royal Tomb. It’s adorned with the largest dragons in the country and a colorful mosaic and mural-filled interior. Our private lunch today is s at the historic garden houses of Ngoc Son, former residence of Princess Ngoc Son and curated by the family for seven generations. It’s a beautiful escape to a bygone era.

After lunch, we’ll get chauffeured in cyclos (modern-day rickshaws) to the Imperial Citadel. Walk in the footsteps of former Emperors through the sprawling complex. From here we head to the market—but not just any; Dong Ba Market is the oldest of its kind in Hue, with rows and rows of locally crafted produce, clothing, souvenirs—and of course authentic Vietnamese cuisines like pho, banh khaoi omelettes and delicious fresh spring rolls. Fully stuffed, the evening is on our own to explore.

Day 4

Today is about diving deep into culture. We get a taste of rural life in the quiet and peaceful Than Toan Village, where local farmers and artisans will show us their traditional crafts and techniques, which haven’t changed much since the 16th century.

We say goodbye to Hue and make our way to Hoi An over the mighty Hai Van Pass. The name means ‘clouds over the sea,’ and it’s the literal highest pass in all of Vietnam with spectacular views of the coastline. 

This evening, we’ll convene for a foodie tour the only way to do it: on the back of our own fleet of Vespa scooters (don’t worry, no experience required). We’ll rev through the bustling streets like locals, sampling delicious dishes and plenty of refreshing cocktails and beers. After tearing up the streets, we’ll head out for a slow and easy cruise to a nearby island, a world away from the busy scene of Hoi An, to soak in the tropical, laid-back vibe and get us ready for dinner. We’ll channel our inner Aaron Barnetts at a local restaurant nestled in the rice paddies, cooking up barbecue DIY-style over a charcoal brazier. It’s a night you won’t forget.

Day 5

Vietnamese chefs have concocted nearly 2,000 dishes, most hailing from Central Vietnam. We’ll sample many today, as we immerse ourselves with Hoi An’s culinary delights. We’ll savor new ingredients and flavors, sights and sounds, at a few local markets. We’ll browse herbs, vegetables, seafood, even silkworms for sale. With ingredients gathered, we’ll be led by a local chef at a hands-on cooking class for lunch. Then, we’ll have some time to ourselves to visit the local tailor for custom handmade garments or relax poolside.

We convene later in the afternoon to head to the small village of Tra Que, known for being home to one of the oldest herb gardens in the region. Each family plot is meticulously manicured to support the agricultural community. Wafts of basil, lettuce, spring onion, perilla, Vietnamese mint and cilantro will guide us as we wander through and get our mouths watering for dinner. Right next store is local favorite eatery Joi Factory, where we’ll dine on a beautifully constructed meal by Aaron of fresh ingredients and toast one final time to an amazing experience together in Vietnam.

Day 6

After a jam-packed few days, we’ll take the morning off to explore Hoi An or just kick back poolside at the hotel. After lunch, we’ll visit Thanh Ha, a small village and potter’s paradise to check out some of the local pottery and see some of the incredible artisans in action. Their techniques and artistry have been passed down generations, with intricacies inherited by their ancestors.

We go on in style tonight, with a farewell dinner at An Bang Beach. This is an oceanside feast unlike anything we’ve experienced. We’ll feast on delectable prawns, scallops and more all grilled to perfection and paired appropriately with wine, beer and a sky full of twinkling stars.

Day 7

It’s our last day, but no doubt this trip will live on in memory. As we say goodbye to Aaron and our fellow travelers, we might have time to make a last dash to the market. Tam biet to Vietnam—until next time!