The Culture and Cuisine of Vietnam

Duration: 10 days 9 night

Destination: Ho Chi Minh - Danang - Hoi An - Hue - Hanoi - Halong Bay

From US $569 Tour Enquiry
Along with exploring new cultures, one of the great joys of travel is the discovery of new cuisines. Those unfamiliar with Vietnamese food are in for a treat, as the national cuisine is flavorful, colorful and extremely healthy. We are experts in cooking tours and our packages range from half-day gourmet tour samplings to 16-day tours which introduce you to the finest cuisine Vietnam has to offer. In this brochure, we introduce you a cooking class focusing on the cuisine of each of Vietnam’s three regions.
On this 10 days tour, we are taking you around Vietnam, from the South (starting in Ho Chi Minh City), to Central Vietnam (with the highlights of Hue and Hoian) and ending in the North (Hanoi). It is said that Vietnamese culture expresses itself differently in these three parts of the country.  This is clearly reflected in the culinary life of local residents in each area. During the tour, travelers will discover the fascinating landscape and taste traditional Vietnamese food in the best authentic restaurants.

Tour brief


Day 1    : Ho Chi Minh arrival
Day 2    : Ho Chi Minh city - Street Food Eat (B,L)
Day 3    : Ho Chi Minh – Danang – Hoi An (B)
Day 4    : Hoi An cooking tour (B,L)
Day 5    : Hoi An – Hue (B,L)
Day 6    : Hue – Hanoi - Street Food Eat (B,D)
Day 7    : Good morning Hanoi excursion (B)
Day 8    : Hanoi – Halong Bay (B,L,D)
Day 9    : Halong Bay – Hanoi (B,L)
Day 10  : Hanoi departure (B)
 

PRICE AND BOOKING

Tours & Packages2 pax3 - 4 pax5 - 6 paxover 7 paxs 
Superior Package Tour
2 pax$689
3 - 4 pax$629
5 - 6 pax$589
over 7 paxs$569
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Deluxe Package Tour
2 pax$819
3 - 4 pax$769
5 - 6 pax$729
over 7 paxs$709
Tour Enquiry

Itinerary

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh Arrival
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 2: Ho Chi Minh city and Street Food Eat (B,L)
Today our tour guide pick you up at the hotel by motorbike and we take a half-day city excursion to see the best of Saigon including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office built between 1877 and 1883 by renowned designer Gustav Eiffel. The cathedral still remains an active church with services each day and is favoured backdrop for Vietnamese wedding photographs.

From the cathedral, take a short stroll along Dong Khoi Street to the Opera House. From a bomb shelter to housing the parliamentary Lower House, the Opera House has had an interesting history. Restored in 1995 the Opera House has returned to its roots and is once again a theatre.

Head to Cholon the city’s Chinatown and Thien Hau Pagoda which is dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. With intricate friezes, carved tableaus and impressive incense coils make for some great photos. Then observe street life with a cyclo ride through the narrow streets to Binh Tay market that sells everything from hats to dried squid!

During this excursion, gastronomic adventure around Saigon’s streets and back alleys, we’ll show you what the locals eat as we leave the tourist area behind and experience the real Vietnam. Eating on the streets of Saigon is a truly rewarding experience. Not only will your taste buds be jumping with joy but you will also experience the heart and soul of food culture whilst eating and laughing along with the locals. As we sit down at any of the countless street food stalls we will be met with delicious food and friendly smiles. Some of the more popular street food dishes in Saigon include Banh xeo (large rice pancake filled with vegetables, shrimps and pork), Com Tam (broken rice), Hu Tiu Nam Vang (pork and crab noodle soup), and Banh Mi (Vietnamese-style sandwiches). Of course a street food tour is not complete without sampling some of the refreshing local draught beer known as Bia Hoi which is mostly found in small bars and on street corners. This light and tasty beer is brewed daily as local vendor receive a fresh batch delivered every day in plastic jugs. You’ll quickly learn how to drink bia hoi like the locals as soon as you hear their friendly local cheer – Mot, Hai, Ba – YO!! Transfer back to your hotel in the evening.

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh – Fly to Danang – Hoi An (B)

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, which is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. 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 local restaurant in Hoi An. Overnight at hotel in Hoi An.

Day 4: Hoi An cooking tour (B,L)

We start the day (8:45am) with a drink at Hai Scout Cafe as our meeting point. Visit Hoi An's colourful market, 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. We board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. This is a chance to view local river life, so make sure your camera is handy. On arrival, we have a chance to explore the cooking school's herb and vegetable garden, before learning about some of Hoi An's and Vietnam's well-known dishes. The cooking class is an interesting and fun way to learn about the local cuisine - the class runs for about an hour and 15 minutes, and includes demonstrations from the school's chefs as well as the chance for us to help prepare some dishes. Included in the demonstration is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). 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 5: Hoi An – Hue (B)
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.
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 6: Hue – Fly to Hanoi - Street Food Eat (B,D)

Free time in the morning and fly to Hanoi in the early afternoon.
On arrival at Noi Bai airport, get transfered to the hotel for a short rest.

In the late afternoon, take a 3-hour Street Food tour (06.00 – 09.00 PM). With food stalls on every corner, Hanoi is famous for its street food cuisine. This local street eats walking tour has been designed to enable you to enjoy some of the very best of Vietnam’s street food. You’ll be guided through the narrow, chaotic streets of the Old Quarter stopping along the way to sample some of the many local delicacies on offer. Spend overnight in Hanoi.

Day 7: Good morning Hanoi excursion (B)

In the early morning (04.30 AM), from the hotel we will travel by car to where all the life is in Hanoi. First we travel to the famous flower market where hundreds of different kinds of flowers are being sold in bulk to the flower shop keepers. From there we transfer to Long Bien bridge where, underneath is one of the biggest and busiest fruit markets in the country. Both these markets are only seen in the early morning!
Next we will travel on foot and see the Old Quarter begin to wake up. You will see street side markets preparing for the morning. We’ll also make our way to Hoan Kiem Lake to witness, and maybe even take part in, people, young and old, exercising, doing tai chi, and jogging. As the sun rises, and the light becomes perfect, take every opportunity to snap some of the best photos of your trip!
A short break for a traditional Hanoi breakfast of Pho Bo or Banh Cuon.

After that, we visit the Temple of Literature, peaceful West Lake with lovers street Thanh Nien, the sedate Tran Quoc Pagoda.
Head back to your hotel to rest for the day ahead around 10:00 AM.
Balance of the day is free time.
Spend overnight in Hanoi.



Day 8: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B,L,D)

9:00 : Pick up at your hotel in Hanoi, 2,5 hour Transfer to Halong Bay by Car.
12:00: Upon arrival at the harbor, the staffs of Sealife Cruise welcomes the guests at the waiting room. Embark on the cruise, and check in cabin. Enjoy welcome drink, followed by a feast on a delicious lunch while the Cruise slowly sailing among beautiful of islets. Take a short rest after lunch.
15:00: Explore the area of Hon Co Island and Thien Canh Son Cave (also know as Co Cave - Grass Cave). After exploring the cave, tourists can relax on the long white sandy beach of the island, enjoy swimming and revel in the breathtaking view of Bai Tu Long Bay. Go back to Sealife Cruise, the junk will sail to Cong Do sleeping area. Relax then enjoy the dinner on board.
Enjoy Happy Hour with special menu from 16:30 to 19:00. You will get discount with all of the drinks: cocktail, mock tail and mixed drinks. On board, attend chef’s cooking demonstration and try making spring rolls. Then Gala Elegant set dinner is served on board. Evening activities: relax at leisure; watch movie, board games or massage & spa services, squid fishing or chatting... (Massage and spa fee is not included in the price)


Day 9: Halong Bay – Hanoi (B,L)

  6: 00. Wake up early to join tai-chi class on the sundeck at the break of dawn on Bai Tu Long Bay.
Breakfast is served with cookies and tea, café at dinning room of the junk.
Next, tender transfer guests to Vung Vieng Village - see the pearl farms and fisheries. Back to the cruise, arrange the luggage and check out. Then enjoy an early lunch (brunch) while cruising back to main land.
12: 00 Our car driver will transfer you back to your hotel in Hanoi
15h00 : Arrive at your hotel, check in, free time

Day 10: Hanoi departure (B)

Free time until transfer to the airport for your departure flight

 

Inclusions

    • All sharing double/twin accommodation on tour
    • Full transportation with A/C as per tour
    • Private car pick up and drop off service
    • All meals as mentioned as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch,D=Dinner
    • Tour guide speaking English
    • Entrance fees
    • Cooking demostration, market visit
    • 24/7 support online

     

Exclusions

    • Flight tickets
    • Meal not mentioned on tour
    • Tip or other personal expense
    • Beverage

Hotels

 Hotels for Superior Packages
 Ho Chi Minh       : Elios Hotel (Deluxe room)
 Hoi An                  : Lotus Hotel (Superior room)
 Hue                      : Asia hotel (Deluxe room)
 Hanoi                   : Golden Silk Boutique (Superior room)
 Ha Long               : Ha Long Phoenix Cruiser (Deluxe cabin)

 Hotels fo Deluxe Packages

 Ho Chi Minh          : Eden Star Saigon (Deluxe room)
 Hoi An                     : Hoi An Ancient Village Resort  (Deluxe Garden view room)
 Hue                         : Eldora Hotel  (Deluxe room)
 Hanoi                      : Silk Path hotel (Superior room)
 Ha Long                  : Sealife Cruise (Superior cabin)

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