Connecting destinations through cuisine in Quang Nam

Summer is a peak season for food tours, as localities take advantage of their rich cuisine to boost revenue.

Pierre, an American tourist to Hoi An, said his most memorable moments on this trip were meals shared with a family in Cam Thanh- a service offered by Duy Nhat Hoi An Tourism Company.

The “homemeals” offer more than food. They provide cultural connection, insight into daily life, and a peaceful village atmosphere.

Instead of dining at restaurants, more travellers, especially foreigners, are choosing to cook, eat, and chat with local families. This hands-on approach helps travellers experience Hoi An through the kitchen.

According to Oxford Economics, food and drink are significant factors for 70% of travellers selecting Vietnam as a destination, with international visitors allocating 25–35% of their travel budget specifically to food. This signals major potential for culinary tourism.

Though cuisine, homemeals have existed informally for years in villages like Tra Que and Thanh Ha, most have lacked training in hygiene, food safety, and hospitality.

Experts say that with proper support and integration into the local tourism system, these personalised, immersive food experiences could flourish, especially as travellers increasingly seek authentic, slower travel.

Short and quality tours that include shopping, cooking, and dining with local families are now seen as strategic offerings. Central Vietnam’s culinary diversity, with hundreds of distinctive dishes, makes it especially appealing.

Events like international food festivals have helped turn cuisine into a core tourism product in Quang Nam.

A proposed administrative merger between Quang Nam and Da Nang could further elevate food tourism. Quang Nam’s cultural heritage, combined with Da Nang’s modern infrastructure, provides ideal conditions to create vibrant culinary tours that link both destinations.