Day 1: Arrival Hanoi
Transfer to hotel. After lunch, we’ll explore the Hom Market with its aromatic and visually stunning offerings of spices and herbs. This evening, our guide will escort you to dinner at The Indochine.
(D)
Day 2: Hanoi
This late morning we will explore Hanoi’s old quarter with a morning cyclo ride before enjoying lunch at Cha Ca La Vong, is a special food of Hanoi, it is reputed to be 200 years old. It is a white fish, served in boneless chunks, smothered in greens and saffron-infused oil. It comes out right in the frying pan it is cooked in, you will get an unlimited amount of rice noodles on the side and with all the oil and greens - it makes a tasty accompaniment. Wash it all down with one of Vietnam's best bottled beers, Ha Noi. This brew is not as watery as most of the country's concoctions and actually has some hop bitterness that goes well with the spicy fish.
We have a free afternoon before a Dinner and Wine tasting session at the infamous Press Club.
(B,L,D)
Day 3: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay
After breakfast we take a 3 hour drive to Halong Bay. With more than a thousand limestone peaks rising up from its crystalline emerald waters this area is rightly viewed as one of the natural wonders of Vietnam and is one of five World Heritage-listed sites. Here we will enjoy a sumptuous seafood lunch before relaxing on the tanning deck, swim in the clear aqua blue waters and enjoy the best cuisine available in the bay. Drive back to Hanoi late afternoon.
(B, L, D)
Day 4: Hanoi
Getting to know the food is also the great way of getting to know the country. Vietnamese food is healthy, simple to cook and delicious. This half day tour gives you a hands-on lesson on how to shop and cook authentic Vietnamese food.
The class is held at Old Hanoi - one of the very fine local restaurants in Hanoi – it is a culinary institution amongst locals, travelers and expatriates.
The day begins at 9.15am a guided walk around the famous Hang Be Street market, deep in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Here we learn more about our ingredients and Vietnamese herbs and spices.
At 10.00am we start our cooking class. A professional chef’s jacket and hat is provided – to give you added confidence. The class is held in small groups to enhance interactivity with the head chef and you will have your own cooking station for your hands-on lesson.
At 12:00 midday we will sit down and enjoy the fruits of our efforts – there are several menus to choose from and each menu consists of 4 dishes to prepare.
Late evening we’ll board the Reunification Express for an overnight train to the ancient imperial capital of Hue.
(B,L)
Day 5: Hue
Regarded by many as the culinary capital of Vietnam, Hue takes its cues from its royal heritage. After lunch we explore the Citadel and the Imperial City. (D)
Day 6: Hue
The morning begins with a hands-on cooking class at Tinh Gia Vien restaurant, highlighting the regal flavors of Hue cuisine as we prepare our own midday meal. After lunch, we’ll take a cruise along the romantic Perfume River. In the evening you may wish to stay at your hotel and attend an imperial dinner, wearing the traditional clothes of the emperors.
(B,L)
Day 7: Hue - Hoi An
We continue south by road towards the riverside town of Hoi An. In the afternoon we take a walking tour around this once-thriving port and visit the famed old quarter. Come evening, we’ll dine at the Café des Amis along the river. (B,D)
Day 8: Hoi An
Free morning until meeting for lunch at the Pho Cu restaurant. We’ll shop at Hoi An’s riverside market, always a hive of activity, for our dinner ingredients before spending the morning in a cooking demonstration with Miss Vi of the White Lantern restaurant. Here we will dine, followed by an after-dinner stroll and nightcap at one of Hoi An’s many lively bars.
(B,D)
Day 9: Hoi An – Mekong Delta :
This morning we’ll head for Danang to take our one-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon),where we transfer directly to the Mekong Delta. We’ll stop in My Tho for coffee, and there, we’ll have our first taste of life in this amazing Delta. Arrive in Can Tho in the afternoon and visit a popular nearby pagoda. In the evening we can enjoy a Vietnamese dinner especially prepared for us by the Victoria chef. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City
We’ll depart the Victoria Hotel at 6:30 this morning from the jetty of the hotel. We’ll enjoy a delectable breakfast buffet onboard the Lady Hau as we cruise the Mekong to visit the floating market of Cai Rang. We follow this with a cooking demonstration. In the afternoon we return to Ho Chi Minh City.
(B)
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City
This morning we have a half day city tour including Cholon, the War Remnants Museum, and the Reunification Palace. Cholon, home to Saigon's substantial Chinese population, is also the site of the largest market in Vietnam, the Binh Tay market. Free afternoon, before a deluxe farewell dinner at the Mandarine restaurant. A culinary delight in Ho Chi Minh city.
(B,D)
Day 12: Depart Ho Chi Minh City
Today you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
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