VIETNAM VEGAN TOUR

Xin chào Việt Nam! Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) – Vietnam’s southern metropolis, a vibrant blend of tradition, transformation, and tropical energy. Formerly known as Saigon, this dynamic city sits on the banks of the Saigon River and has long been a cultural and economic crossroad – first as part of the ancient Khmer Empire, then under Vietnamese rule, and later shaped by French colonialists, Chinese merchants, and American influence during the 20th century. The result is a captivating urban mosaic of colonial-era architecture, incense-filled temples, bustling motorbike-packed streets, and a rapidly growing vegan movement rooted in centuries-old religious tradition.

Our home for the next three nights is located right in the heart of District 1 —the perfect base to begin our Vietnamese adventure. After a refreshing rest, we’ll gather for our first taste of Vietnam, where we’ll take a deep dive into the unique relationship between veganism and religion in Vietnam while we enjoy a delicious vegan buffet and learn as we eat about how Mahayana Buddhist principles continue to inspire plant-based lifestyles among millions of followers, so that many eateries serve “chay” food on certain days of the lunar calendar as part of spiritual practices. After lunch, we’ll have our Orientation Meeting where you’ll be introduced to Vietnamese cultural etiquette, dos and don’ts, a quick overview of the region’s history, and your first introduction to the Vietnamese language with our daily words of the day.

We’ll then head out to explore 3 remarkable places of worship that each tell a different story of Vietnam’s spiritual diversity: the colorful syncretic Cao Dai Temple with its fascinating fusion of global faiths, the centuries-old Chùa Bà Thiên Hậu built by Chinese immigrants in honor of the sea goddess, and the modern, peaceful grounds of Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda – one of the largest Mahayana Buddhist temples in the city. At the 3rd stop of this Temple Walk, we’ll meet with a local monk to gain insight into the meaning and practice of Vietnamese Buddhist veganism – a way of life deeply tied to compassion, karma, and community.

As the sun sets over HCMC, we’ll wrap up our day with a vegan hotpot dinner (lẩu chay) at Naro – a popular vegan hotpot – where you’ll meet local vegans in Vietnam to exchange stories and ideas across cultures and kitchens.

Highlights of the Day:

• Welcome Vegan Buffet Lunch – a flavor-filled introduction to Vietnam’s colorful vegan cuisine.

• Detailed Orientation Meeting where you’ll learn about local Vietnamese cultures, traditions, etiquette, language, dos and don’ts, veganism, and much more as we enjoy local snacks and get to know our fellow travelers and adventure leaders.

• Guided Temple Walk to explore 3 distinct faith traditions coexisting in Saigon: Cao Dai, Folk religion, and Buddhism.

• Conversation with a local monk about Buddhist values and personal practice from the Vietnamese perspective, which is the heart of why many people are vegan in the country, and how Vietnamese communities approach on vegan living.

• Vegan Hotpot Dinner and Local Meet-Up – sharing stories with members of Vietnam’s vegan community.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Lunch and Dinner

Waking up in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, we’ll enjoy a traditional Vietnamese vegan breakfast before heading off to explore one of Vietnam’s most delicious cultural expressions: street food. In the late afternoon, we’ll set out on a vegan street food walking experience through the bustling backstreets of District 1, District 3, and District 5. Prepare yourself (and your appetite) for a sensory journey through sizzling woks, aromatic herbs, and colorful dishes that define everyday eating in Vietnam. From the iconic bánh mì chay and golset den chả giò chay (vegan spring rolls) to hearty hủ tiếu noodles, every bite tells a story of balance, simplicity, and tradition.

We’ll finish the evening with a peaceful walk along Nguyen Hue Walking Street and Bach Dang riverside park, where families, students, and elders gather nightly to unwind, dance, sing, and simply enjoy the rhythm of the city.

Highlights of the Day:

• Vegan Vietnamese breakfast featuring local morning staples.

• Late-afternoon Vegan Street Food Walking Tour featuring popular dishes like bánh mì chay, chả giò, hủ tiếu, and more 

• Discover the rhythm of the city with a relaxed evening stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street and the Saigon riverside at Bach Dang Park.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

After two days of rich cultural and historical exploration, today is all about connection through cuisine – one of the most engaging and joyful ways to understand a culture. We’ll begin our morning with a vegan culinary workshop at a local culinary school right here in the city. But this isn’t just any class – we’ll be joining with Vietnamese culinary students, exchanging stories, tips, and flavors. Expect to laugh, taste, and maybe learn a few phrases in Vietnamese as we whip up vibrant dishes full of herbs, umami, and heart.

After freshening up, we’ll head to the leafy, artistic neighborhood of Thao Dien – a riverside district known for its creative cafes, artisan shops, and expat-local blend. Here, we’ll get to try the city’s gem: Kashew Cheese – a Saigon-born vegan cheese brand that’s leading the market. You’ll enjoy a beautifully presented vegan cheese board featuring cashew-based creations aged, smoked, and spiced to perfection, served alongside local jams, fruits, and homemade sourdough.

As the sun sets, we’ll turn up the vibe with a light-hearted evening “pub crawl” through Thao Dien’s quirky cafes and bars, many with personality-packed menus. It’s a playful way to end our day – relaxed, curious, and with plenty of space to laugh, sip something creative (including local beers, cocktails, and mocktails, and creative non-alcoholic mixed juice concoctions), and enjoy the energy of Saigon after dark.

Highlights of the Day:

• Vegan cooking workshop at a local culinary school alongside Vietnamese students and sharing food philosophies and fun.

• Journey to the creative district of Thao Dien for a Kashew Cheese tasting board – a delicious exploration of Vietnam’s leading artisanal vegan cheese brand.

• Evening pub crawl through Thảo Điền’s whimsical cafes and bars, soaking up the creative, humorous spirit of Saigon’s alternative scene.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

Xin chào and welcome to Hoi An – the most poetic town of Vietnam. Once a busy international port, Hoi An is a place where time seems to slow down. With its golden ochre walls, wooden shuttered shop houses, moss-covered tile roofs, and timeless temples, the Ancient Town is a sensory patchwork of history, trade, and living heritage. Step into its quiet alleyways, and you will feel the scent of incense mingle with fresh herbs, and a soft lantern glow bathes the streets in nostalgia. After an early morning flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, we’ll wander through this UNESCO-listed old town, taking in its serene pagodas, colorful merchant houses, and quiet corners of everyday life. Along the way, we’ll join in a lantern-making workshop with local artisans, learning how this cherished symbol of luck and warmth has lit the spirit of Hoi An for centuries. As dusk falls, we’ll sit down for an illuminating local performance highlighting the cultures and history of Hoi An. 

Highlights of the Day:

• Explore the iconic lantern-lit streets and hidden corners of the Ancient Town, learning about the rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage Town.

• Hands-on lantern-making workshop with local artisans, learning about symbolism and tradition.

• Visually stunning local performance highlighting the cultures and history of Hoi An. 

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Wake up to the sounds of old Hoi An waking up and the scent of morning incense – today is about seeing sustainability not as a theory, but in action. We’ll start the day at the Recycled Art House (Xưởng Tái Sinh) – a repurposed space where everyday waste becomes wild creativity. Part art gallery, part social project, and part eco hub, this is where we’ll see how Hoi An’s creative youth are turning discarded bottles, scrap metal, and plastic into sculptures, lamps, and messages of hope. Next, we’ll journey to a local kitchen run by a small family of tofu makers on the outskirts of town. Here, we will dive into the surprisingly intricate process of making vegan tofu cheese – soft, aged, smoked, and even fermented varieties await your taste buds. Lunch today will be shared family style, with dishes that honor Hoi An’s plant-based heritage, full of bold herbs, rice noodles, and depth of flavor.

In the late afternoon, we’ll cool down with a peaceful boat trip through the palm-fringed canals of a coconut forest. As we cruise gently past water coconuts, we’ll approach the edge of Hoi An’s old town just in time for sunset over the river – a moment of stillness and reflection amid our full journey.

Our dinner in Hoi An will be a flavorful spread of iconic vegan local dishes – including cao lầu chay, with its smoky noodles and crisp greens, and mì quảng chay, the turmeric-laced noodles beloved across the region. 

Highlights of the Day:

• Visit the Recycled Art House to see sustainability and creativity come alive.

• Explore the craft of tofu cheese making and enjoy a locally made vegan lunch.

• Boat through a coconut forest into the sunset, a slow and serene way to connect with the landscape.

• Dinner of classic vegan Hoi An dishes, served with a deeper understanding of their cultural and environmental significance.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

After 5 days of exploration and cultural discovery, this morning offers us a rare and welcome gift on any journey: time to simply be. This morning is dedicated to unwinding – heart, body, and mind. We begin with a slow vegan brunch in the breezy An Bang Beach, where the town’s quiet rhythm stretches wide and lazy beside the sea. This is not the place for crowds or chaos – instead, boats bob gently just offshore, families tend to lie napping under shades as the sun rises over the beach, and a chorus of waves keeps steady time. 

After our morning brunch, you’ll have time to relax, whether you’re floating in the shallows, meditating on the sand, or sipping some fresh coconuts while finishing your book, the time is yours to savor in whatever way you like. In the afternoon, we return to our hotel for a late check-out and then gather for an early dinner, enjoying one last Hoi An meal as the sun begins to fall behind the palms. At 5:00 PM, we say farewell to the Central Coast and journey to Da Nang Train Station, where our overnight train north awaits. As the train pulls out of the station at dusk, we’ll settle into our soft sleeper berths, with the rhythmic hum of the tracks becoming our lullaby as we cross into a new region, dreaming of misty mountains, limestone karsts, and the ancient echoes of Ninh Binh, our next destination which we will awake to in the morning.

Highlights of the Day:

• A tranquil vegan brunch with local flavors and slow conversations.

• Free time to relax at An Bang Beach – sun, sea, and stillness.

• A final Hoi An early vegan dinner before our night journey.

• Board the overnight train to Ninh Binh, rocked gently northward by rail.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Brunch, and Dinner

As dawn breaks and the train slows into the sleepy station of Ninh Binh, we step into a land that seems painted by myth. Towering limestone karsts rise like ancient guardians from the mist, their emerald peaks softened by time. This is Northern Vietnam’s sacred countryside – quieter than the tourist trails, but no less awe-inspiring. We begin with a warm vegan breakfast at a local countryside retreat, tucked between rice paddies and lotus ponds. There’s time to rest and refresh before we set off to explore the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex, a surreal world of karsts and caves carved by water and centuries. Onboard traditional sampan boats, we’ll glide along winding rivers that pass through echoing caverns, their ceilings dripping with stalactites like chandeliers of the Earth.

In the afternoon, we’ll ascend the 500 steps to the summit of Mua Cave, where, being in the mindful moment, each step is a heartbeat, each pause a reward, as the view stretches wide below to mesmerizing rice fields that lie in patchwork harmony with winding rivers reflecting the sky, and the silhouettes of mountains layered like paper cutouts fading into the distance.

As the sun slips low, we return to our tranquil, countryside retreat. Tonight, under the stars, as the countryside chorus of crickets, frogs, and the low hum of quietude starts up, we’ll enjoy a tasty dinner of local vegan dishes.

Highlights of the Day:

• Arrival by train and greeted by the mystical landscapes of Ninh Binh.

• Special traditional vegan breakfast in a peaceful countryside retreat.

• Boat journey through the caves and karsts of Trang An Complex.

• Hike to the top of Mua Cave for a sweeping panorama.

• Special vegan dinner in countryside lodge.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

Today, we leave footprints with purpose. After a traditional breakfast surrounded by morning dew and the sound of the countryside coming to life in the distance, we journey into the lush embrace of Cuc Phuong National Park – Vietnam’s oldest and most biodiverse reserve. Dense forests unfold like living museums, each path lined with towering trees and stories as old as the hills. Tucked inside this green sanctuary is a very unique and important animal rescue and sanctuary, where sun bears and moon bears – once caged and exploited – now roam free, rediscovering life with dignity. Here, we don’t just observe. We listen, we learn, and we lend our hands to helping out. This is a unique and humbling opportunity to witness compassionate conservation in action. In the afternoon, we follow forest trails on a contemplative, relaxing forest trek, breathing deeply the scent of soil and leaf, with the sounds of the birds and flowing breeze through the trees, letting nature remind us of balance and belonging. Return to our peaceful base in Ninh Binh as dusk settles over the paddies, we’ll freshen up before settling down under the stars for a tasty dinner of local delicacies specially veganized for us. 

Highlights of the Day:

• Morning immersion in the ancient forest of Cuc Phuong National Park.

• Ethical visit to an important animal rescue and sanctuary, where we’ll learn from dedicated wildlife rescuers and help out where we can.

• Light forest trekking on a serene forest trail in the national park.

• Dinner and drinks of local delicacies specially veganized for us under the stars.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

As we leave the limestone lowlands behind, we’ll journey into the misty hills where time runs slower and the air smells like wild lemongrass. After a 4-hour scenic drive, we arrive in Pu Luong Nature Reserve, where patchwork rice terraces drape the mountainsides and wooden stilt houses rest peacefully above whispering streams. Our home for the next two nights is in traditional Tai Dam houses, a place where warmth comes not only from the heart but from every smile exchanged. Lunch is a celebration of the land – a vibrant, vegan spread made from organic farm ingredients, some harvested just steps away. In the afternoon, we’ll roll up our sleeves and feel the rhythm of rural life, joining the locals in harvesting vegetables, learning the subtle choreography of hands that coax life from soil as we gather together the day’s meals. Then, we’ll cool off with a gentle hike down the valley to Hieu waterfalls, whose crystal waters cascade like silver threads through the forest. As the sky turns gold, we return to the kitchen after freshening up, where food becomes a ritual – with stories stirred into steaming pots, and a little laughter echoes as rice wine is poured. Tonight’s farm-to-table dinner is not just about nourishment, but as our hosts say, it’s a conversation between the land and soul.

Highlights of the Day:

• Participate in seasonal farming activities and organic vegetable harvesting.

• Refresh in waterfalls and take in the cool mist and mountain breeze.

• Gather in the kitchen for storytelling and a traditional farm-to-table dinner.

• A special evening taking in the sounds of the forest in the Pu Luong National Reserve.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

Wake up to birdsongs and the hush of mountain fog lifting from the valley. After a simple but tasty vegan breakfast, we’ll lace up our walking shoes and begin today’s trek, which will thread through remote ethnic minority villages, golden rice fields, and bamboo forests, far removed from the city’s pulse. During our hike, we’ll learn about the co-existence between the communities and nature, including how seeds are saved, how rain is read in the wind, and how life is sustained by rhythm and relationship. This is sustainable, community-based tourism in its truest sense – mutual exchange, slow understanding. We finish the trek in the late afternoon with a dip beneath the fresh water of the natural stream, a reward for our journey. Cool water, tired legs, full hearts, we’ll freshen up before meeting in the evening, where we’ll once again gather around the kitchen fire for a seasonal vegan meal of bitter herbs, steamed roots, and jungle vegetables – each ingredient telling a story of this land. 

Highlights of the Day:

• Special local breakfast as we wake up to crisp mountain air and the scent of wood smoke cooking our vegan meal.

• Scenic trek through rice terraces, forests, and remote villages, learning about life in the countryside and the balance between the local communities and nature with which they coexist.

• Cooling off with a refreshing swim in natural, crystal-clear waterfalls.

• Share another intimate dinner and storytelling session with your hosts, as we enjoy a tasty meal of fresh herbs, steamed roots, and jungle veggies.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinks

The mountains bid us farewell with misty parting veils as we journey to Hanoi, winding through green valleys and sleepy villages. A plentiful vegan lunch en route keeps us nourished and grounded, before we arrive in the hurried, at times chaotic, at times calm, full of history, rich in cultures, and where vibrant modernity meets decaying but very much alive historical heritage, that is unique to the capital of Hanoi. Arriving in the late afternoon, the capital welcomes us with both its buzz and beauty. But Hanoi is more than its traffic and temples – it’s a place where ancient recipes meet modern consciousness.

Highlights of the Day:

• Morning journey to Hanoi through the beautiful countryside.
• Unwind in our boutique hotel in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
• Discover the vibrant vegan culture tucked within Hanoi’s historic alleys as we sit down with local vegans in the evening.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinks

This morning, we’ll head out from the old quarter into the quiet edges of Hanoi’s outskirts. First stop: Thanh Luong Pagoda, where a brown-robed monk greets us with kindness and we join in a conversation about local religious practices, including meditation beneath the temple’s old roof.  We will be sharing a vegan meals as we continue our conversation exchange. Returning to the old quarter in the early afternoon, you’ll have the evening free to wander the lantern-lit streets, revisit a favorite café, or simply sit still and savor all you’ve seen in old Hanoi.

Highlights of the Day:

• Visit Thanh Luong Pagoda, learn meditation, and explore local Buddhist practices.

• Share tea and stories with a local monk.

• Return to Hanoi with a free evening to relax or explore independently.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast & Lunch 

As dawn gently lifts over Hanoi, we leave behind the city’s murmur and set off toward the coast. The landscape unfolds in layers – rice fields, rivers, villages – each mile bringing us closer to the edge of something timeless. By early afternoon, we arrive at the harbor where we board our boat for where we’ll spend the day and overnight, cruising Ha Long’s epic, stunning, and famous bay. Stepping aboard, we’ll settle into our cozy cabins and set out into the panoramic bay whose scenery stretches out as far as the eye can see, it seems, in all directions. As the boat drifts into a dreamscape of jade waters and towering limestone karsts, sculpted by wind and waves over millennia, we’ll settle down on deck for a vegan lunch as we glide past surreal formations. Today we’ll explore Ha Long Bay by boat, including taking kayaks and paddling beneath cathedral-like caves and ancient rock walls, while listening to the echo of silence. As twilight paints the sky in purples and blues, we’ll enjoy refreshing drinks and a delicious dinner of vegan delicacies reflective of our time in Vietnam together, on deck and under the stars of the bay on our last night in Vietnam. A farewell to the land, offered from both the land and sea, as so much of Vietnam’s history has been based around.

Highlights of the Day:

• Scenic drive from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

• Settle into a peaceful overnight cruise in the UNESCO-protected bay.

• Full course vegan lunch and dinner prepared with local produce and coastal herbs.

• Kayaking through hidden lagoons and exploring limestone caves

• Farewell dinner party complete with refreshing drinks and delicious local delicacies reflective of our time in the country, from south to north, under the stars on our last night in Vietnam together.

• Sleeping on calm waters in our cabins on our overnight cruise of the bay.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks 

Wake gently to the sound of water lapping against the hull. Step onto the deck for sunrise tai chi, as the bay blushes with first light and the sky stretches open above us. After a light breakfast, the cruise continues through the bay’s most scenic corners – each island a quiet guardian of myths and memory. It’s a slow return, a moment to breathe in the stillness, to hold the feeling of floating, before we reach the shore. By midday, we dock and head out for our last vegan feast together, then we begin our journey back to HCMC by flight together. Our journey officially ends on arrival back in HCMC, but the spirit of it – the stories, the flavors, the compassion – our friends in Vietnam hope your visit to their country will stay with you for a long time. Until we meet again!

Highlights of the Day:

• Sunrise tai chi on the cruise deck, surrounded by towering karsts.

• Leisurely sailing through the bay’s hidden gems

• Vegan feast for lunch.

• Flight back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast and Lunch