In January 2026, National Geographic introduced12 immersive culinary experiencesavailable at hotels and other venues around the world, and selected a coffee tasting near Hoi An as one of them. This is not a ranking of Vietnamese coffee overall, but an editorial feature that includes accommodation-based experiences offered at specific properties. Writing "12 best food experiences in the world" alone would be too broad, so the content is described more precisely here.
The featured experience is near Hoi An
The experience highlighted in the article is a weekly coffee tasting held at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, described as an opportunity to learn about the origins of Vietnamese coffee, brewing customs, and regional differences while sampling five to six varieties. Opening days, prices, and whether non-guests may participate are subject to change, so please contact the property directly if you wish to attend.
Phin, condensed milk, eggs, and salt are not all the same "tradition"
Brewing slowly through a metal filter called a phin and combining it with condensed milk is a style that represents Vietnamese coffee. Egg coffee, on the other hand, is strongly associated with Hanoi, and salt coffee with Hue; the two differ in when they emerged and how they spread. Rather than grouping everything together as an ancient, nationwide tradition, appreciating each as a local innovation reveals more of what makes them interesting.
Travelers should choose based on what the experience actually involves
When choosing a workshop, find out whether it simply involves tasting several varieties or whether there is explanation covering bean origins, processing, roasting, and how to use a phin. If you will be sampling high-caffeine Robusta consecutively, it is also worth asking to adjust the quantities. For drinks containing dairy or eggs, inform staff of any allergies, and if you have concerns about ice or water, ask about how they are served.
For those who want to visit a farm,Buon Ma ThuotandDa Latand for those who want to enjoy coffee alongside the city's culture,Hanoi egg coffeeis a candidate. A phin and beans make a practicalsouvenirs, but also check that the grind size suits the size of your equipment.
Connecting the numbers to your own judgment
When I look at rankings or figures, I first check the surveying body, the period covered, the sample, the currency, and whether it is a calendar year or fiscal year. A national growth rate does not directly reflect the prices or crowds at the specific places you visit. For travel planning, it is more practical to treat statistics as background context and make final decisions based on fares, accommodation rates, and operating information on the days you plan to travel.
Sources
- National Geographic: 12 immersive culinary experiences
- National Geographic: Vietnamese coffee culture
Before using figures to make travel decisions
The meaning of rankings and monetary figures changes depending on the surveying body, the period covered, the sample, the currency, and whether a calendar year or fiscal year is used. Rather than simply copying headline numbers, check the title and notes of the primary source, the date of publication, and whether the figures are preliminary or final. It is also important not to apply national statistics directly to individual shop prices or crowd levels.
Also, consider separately who this article is suited for and who it is not. The best choice varies depending on time, budget, physical condition, language ability, and the ages of those traveling with you. Having one alternative plan ready means that if something sells out, the weather turns bad, a venue is closed, or there are delays, you can avoid pushing yourself too hard.
