Intrepid Travel has launched a series of exclusive small-group food adventures in Asia, curated and hosted by renowned chefs Luke Nguyen and Brendan Pang.
Building on the success of Luke’s 2025 guided food tours with Intrepid, the refreshed Luke Nguyen Vietnam Food Adventure takes travellers on a nine-day journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, showcasing Vietnam’s food culture through street eats, Michelin-starred dining, and hands-on cooking experiences. Highlights include multiple market and street food tours, a private cooking class with Luke focused on classic Vietnamese dishes, and dining at his iconic restaurant’s – Tran Dynasty in Hanoi and Vietnam House in Ho Chi Minh City.
Luke Nguyen says: “Food is such a powerful way to connect with a place and its people. I’ve been travelling back to Vietnam for more than 15 years and partnering with Intrepid lets me share that side of the country in an authentic way, through my favourite language: food.”
The Brendan Pang Taiwan Food Adventure is a brand-new itinerary that takes travellers on a ten-day journey through Taiwan, from the energy of Taipei to the island’s quieter mountain regions. Led by Brendan alongside a local Intrepid leader, the experience immerses travellers in Taiwan’s vibrant food scene through bustling night markets, hands-on cooking classes with Brendan on Taiwanese dishes, and meals that highlight regional flavours. Balancing food with culture and nature, the itinerary also includes scenic walks through misty forests and visits to peaceful temples, offering a deeper connection to Taiwan beyond the plate.
Brendan Pang says: “Taiwan has a very special place in my heart, as living there deepened my love for bold flavours and authentic street-food culture. I’m so excited to be returning and sharing my favourite local markets, hidden gems and restaurants with Intrepid travellers. This trip is all about eating like a local, meeting the people behind the food, and experiencing Taiwan in a way you just can’t do on your own.”
Yvette Thompson, ANZ GM Intrepid Travel says: “We’re thrilled to be teaming up with Luke and Brendan on these exclusive food adventures. This partnership is an exciting example of the travel and hospitality industry coming together to create the unique experiences that travellers are craving. It’s the perfect blend of food, travel and connection – the kind of trip that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.”
Luke Nguyen Vietnam Food Adventure
Details
Departure Dates:
- 1 June to 9 June
- 2 June to 10 June
- 3 June to 11 June
Price: From AUD $6,410 per person in a twin share room
Bookings: Contact Intrepid Travel’s Tailor-Made team via:
- Website: complete booking form on trip page
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 1300 854 439
Inclusions
- Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
- Start: Hanoi Finish: Ho Chi Minh City
- Meals: 8 breakfasts, 8 dinners
- Transport: Air-conditioned vehicle transfers throughout, domestic flight, boat
- Accommodation: Hotel (8 nights)
- Airport transfers: Arrival and departure included on an individual basis
- Cost: From AUD 6,410 per person per twin share
Highlights
- Dine at Luke Nguyen’s Exclusive Restaurants: Enjoy a multi-course welcome dinner with Luke at his brand-new restaurant Tran Dynasty in Hanoi, as well as a farewell dinner at his iconic Vietnam House restaurant in downtown Ho Chi Minh City.
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: Join Luke on a curated journey through Hanoi’s hidden alleyways and vibrant markets.
- Cook with Luke in Hoi An: Luke will guide guests through the art of combining flavors to create authentic Vietnamese dishes.
- Ho Chi Minh City by Vespa: Scooter through the city’s vibrant neighborhoods making delicious stops at authentic spots only locals know how to find.
Brendan Pang Taiwan Food Adventure
Details
Departure Dates:
- 9 October to 18 October 2026
Price: From AUD 6,500 per person in a twin share room
Bookings: Contact Intrepid Travel’s Tailor-Made team via:
- Website: complete booking form on trip page
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 1300 854 439
Inclusions
- Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
- Start: Taipei Finish: Taipei
- Meals: 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
- Transport: Private bus, metro, public bus, bike
- Accommodation: Hotel (9 nights)
- Airport transfers: Arrival and departure included on an individual basis
Highlights
- Learn culinary skills from Brendan: A hands-on experience with Brendan learning how he blends traditional Taiwanese flavours with his modern creative techniques.
- Cook with a local chef using ingredients from traditional markets: Acclaimed local chef and author of ‘Made in Taiwan’, Ivy Chen, will guide clients through the lively market stalls to gather ingredients to make a classic Taiwanese lunch.
- Ooolong Tea experience: Spend a night in Taiwan’s high mountains taking in stunning views while learning about Alishan’s world-famous oolong tea.
- Bike ride through the historic Anping area: Experience one of Taiwan’s oldest regions by bike.
