11 Days - Culinary tour of Vietnam

Day 01:  Arrival Saigon
Our representative/tour guide will meet and greet you at the airport in Ho Chi Minh City, which is formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a sprawling metropolis that is home to over 5 million people and a fast-paced city full of contrasts as street vendors selling fruit and vegetables can be seen next to glitzy western-style bars and boutiques. Saigon’s history is only 300 years old. Overnight at hotel in Saigon.

Day 02: Saigon Cooking Class & City Sightseeing (Meals: B/L/D)
Today you will meet a special person whom you will learn history & culture of Vietnamese cuisine from. The talented Master Chef Ms. Nguyen Dzoan Cam Van has made great contributions to glorifying Vietnamese culinary culture In the morning, start the trip visiting a local market. Learn about and taste some of the ingredients used in the local cuisine and watch the buying and selling rituals of a Vietnamese market. So far Cam Van has published nearly 40 culinary books, and been invited to introduce Vietnamese cuisine to many countries around the world. After the market, drive to her little home in Saigon to enjoy an authentic hands-on cooking class in the peaceful setting. Learning to cook is great fun but enjoying the food that you cook is even better. Chance to share her interesting stories for travelling several times around different States of the US to present Vietnamese cuisine. 

In the afternoon, you will visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the best examples of classic French colonial architecture and where every single stone used to build it has amazingly travelled from France! You will also have the chance to see the countries largest Post Office, another fine example of French Colonial architecture. Next. you will visit Hau Temple devoted to the Goddess of Mothers and Newborn Babies, the most attractive feature is the roof packed with figurines. The tour concludes with a visit to the vibrant atmosphere of Ben Thanh Market. Here you can find a wide selection of goods ranging from fake Nike trainers to beautiful silk Ao Dais. Back to the hotel. Dinner at Lemon Grass restaurant in the city. Overnight in Saigon

Day 03: Saigon - Danang - Hoi An (Meals: B, L, D)
At Leisure and then you will be taken to the airport to take 1 hour flight to Danang City. Pick up upon arrival and transfer to Hoi An. Hoi An Ancient Town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site. Enjoy a walking tour through the Old Quarters to see the town's landmarks of Japanese Covered Bridge, ancient Assembly Hall, Phuc Kien Temple and then we take a river trip and you will enjoy the scenery along the Thu Bon River and the general view of Hoi An Ancient Town. Hoi An is also famous for its large number of tailor shops, so if you want to have a new wardrobe made up, this is the time to do it. Dinner at Full Moon restaurant in Hoi An. Overnight at hotel in Hoi An.

Day 4: Hoi An Cooking Tour (Meals: B/L/D)
In the morning, we will start a day with a market tour with Chef, and experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market. We will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and purchase some of the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later. Back to the The Morning Glory cooking school, it has garnered a well-deserved reputation over the years for its classes and was the first cooking school established in Hoi An. Owner and founder Ms Trinh Diem Vy is a third generation chef and native of Hoi An whose cooking classes have featured in various publications around the world. A highly passionate individual, Ms Vy has created six cooking class programs to suit all types of interested gastronomes; from beginner, to amateur, to professional. Free at leisure by your own to explore the ancient town of Hoi An or shopping at tailor shops. Overnight at hotel in Hoi An

Day 05: Hoi An - Hue (Meals: B/L/D)
This morning we drive to Hue, we will cross Hai Van Pass where you will have magnificent view of the Eastern Sea. Arrive in Hue at around 11:00 am. Check-in hotel and relax for a while. Hue city served as Vietnam's capital under the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945 and the city’s regal past can still be seen inside the walls of the Citadel and the Imperial City. Both were heavily damaged during the Tet Offensive of 1968 when the Hue served as Vietnam's capital under the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945 and the city’s regal past can still be seen inside the walls of the Citadel and the Imperial City. In the afternoon. we will tour the ancient Imperial Citadel and visit Thien  Mu, a beautiful pagoda located right on the bank of Perfume River. Then we will drive through countryside to visit Tu Duc and Khai Dinh Royal tombs. Back to Hotel and the rest of time at your own leisure. Overnight in Hue

Day 06: Hue Cooking Tour (Meals: B/L)
In the morning, you will visit a local market with our chef to buy ingredients. Attending a cooking class in Hue Tourism College - a wonderful opportunity to learn the Art of Vietnamese cooking. It is a great experience and must do for tourists who look for variety, something new and a little bit different for their trips in Hue city.The cooking class is an interesting, helpful and relaxable course that helps you get knowledge about our cuisine. Moreover, you will have a chance to explore different kinds of local herbs and vegetables before learning how to cook some specialities of Hue city and of Vietnam. The course in kitchen, lasts in about 2 hours, includes brief introductions, instruction and demonstration by the school’s chefs as well as your practical moment.

In the afternoon, we will experience countryside tour - Touring the countryside around Hue is a great way to discover the "real" Vietnam. The cultural, religious, and educational centre of Vietnam, Hue has a lot of historic sites waiting to be discovered. Visit the 500-year old village of Phuoc Tich with its worship halls and communal houses for a taste of ancient Vietnam. And stop at the historic Thanh Toan Bridge, one of two covered bridges remaining in the country and then we will drive to visit handicraft village of Phu Cam - the one of the best-known places for making conical hats for hundreds years. This guided tour will teach you more about these hidden gems and their legacy, as nearly all of them have direct links with the old Imperial Court. The houses are not only attractive, but they also are a great way to learn about the traditional beliefs and rituals of the Vietnamese people. Back to hotel. Overnight in Hue city.

Day 07: Hue - Hanoi (Meals: B/L/D)
At leisure and we will transfer you to the airport in Danang city  for flight to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is an elegant city located on the banks of the Red River. You will be transferred to your hotel in the city center to refresh. Tonight, we will experience a cuisine delights at Cha Ca La Vong restaurant or simply grilled fish. is the famous restaurant to many Hanoians as well as visitors from all over the world. Ambience atmosphere, simple meals but it was truly experience. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi City.

Day 08: Hanoi Cooking Tour (Meals: B/L/D)
Morning cooking class: Today’s class begins with a walk, accompanied by the Chef to the local market, where participants get a chance to learn all about Vietnamese ingredients. After that, everyone rolls up their sleeves in the kitchen to prepare a proper Vietnamese meal. After the class lunch will be served to sample all the different dishes prepared during the class. This afternoon you will discover Hanoi to visit essential sites with an English speaking guide. Part of your tour will include sightseeing by cyclo, by which you’ll discover the Old Quarter made up of the so called "36 streets," most of which are named after the crafts or merchandise traditionally sold there. Dinner tonight at another of Hanoi’s fine restaurants. Afterwards enjoy a performance of a traditional water puppet show. This fantastic art form originated in northern Vietnam and is best seen in Hanoi. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi City.

Day 09:  Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hanoi (Meals: B/L/D)
Morning depart for Halong Bay, we go through the scenic countryside. The wondrous Halong Bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. Heading out of the town we embark on a boat for an exploration of the legendary Halong Bay. This exciting five hour cruise will provide us a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karsts formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. Back to Hanoi and dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Day 10:  Hanoi - Inland Halong Bay - Hanoi (Meals: B/L/-)
We leave Hanoi at 08.00 and head south for the two hour drive along Highway One. We spend one hour visiting the Dinh and Le sanctuaries. These are the two remaining temples of the ancient citadel of Hoa Lu. The first is dedicated to Dinh Tien Hoang (also known as Dinh Bo Linh), an Emperor from the Dinh Dynasty. The second commemorates the rulers of the Le Dynasty. Dinh Bo Linh successfully conquered Vietnam’s first independent rulers, the Ngo Dynasty. On his death in 980, General Le Hoan wisely married Dinh’s widow and established the Le Dynasty and enlarged the citadel.

We then move on to Tam Coc for a two and half hour boat trip along the Boi River. This area is rightly often referred to as the Ha Long Bay on land due to the similar topography.  We return back to Hanoi in the late afternoon.

Day 11:  Hanoi Departure (Meals: B)
Free at leisure until transferring to the airport to take departure flight for next destination.

What To Expect:
Vietnam Travel Tour Highlights
Vietnamese food is light and delicate, and its subtle nature is achieved through carefully chosen herbs and spices. This tour takes lovers of fine food and those curious to learn more about Vietnamese life and history to the country’s cultural and culinary highlights. The tour features a number of cooking classes, trips to local markets, and meals at the most elegant Vietnamese and French restaurants in the country. Start with four nights in vibrant Saigon, where you will indulge yourself at Vietnam’s finest restaurants, enjoy some cultural touring, and attend private classes to learn the art of southern Vietnamese cooking. Next, fly to Danang, where you will explore the charming town of Hoi An and take a private cooking class. Next, drive along the coast to Hue for city touring and another exceptional private cooking class that emphasizes renowned Hue-style cuisine. Fly to cosmopolitan Hanoi and absorb the sophistication of this northern city. Your trip will conclude with touring that includes visits to all the local sights, a morning market tour, and a performance of the famous water puppets. Food is one of the best, and certainly one of the most enjoyable, ways to understand and appreciate other cultures. We offer private, luxury culinary vacations to mouth-watering destinations throughout the world, and our clients tell us repeatedly that our foodie-focused journeys rank as some of their favorite trips. On our culinary travel tours, you’ll eat the best food you’ve ever had in your life