You will learn all about Vietnam’s people and traditions from the vantage point of her kitchens on this culinary tour-deforce. Each region of Vietnam has something special to offer, from bun cha and pho in the north to bun bo, banh khoai and other Nguyen Dynasty delicacies in the centre, to the spicy, French infused flavours of the south. No two meals are alike, and both your appetite and your quest to learn will be well satiated by journey’s end.

Highlights:

• Hanoi
• Halong Bay
• Hue
• Hoi An
• Saigon
• Mekong Delta & Fun
• Informative Cooking Classes

Package Includes:

• 9 nights accommodation
• 1 overnight stay on a boat
• Breakfast daily, six lunches and two dinners
• Three cooking classes
• Two domestic flights
• All sightseeing as specified including entrance fees
• Expert Western tour leader (group size seven minimum) and local guides throughout
• Tour arrival and departure transfers

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Hanoi

Upon arrival in Hanoi you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight meet your tour leader (or local guide) for welcome drinks and a tour briefing, followed by dinner at one of our favourite local restaurants.

Two nights MAISON D’HANOI HANOVA HOTEL

Day 2 – Hanoi

Enjoy your first Vietnamese cooking class before discovering historic Ba Dinh Square, the Hanoi Hilton Prison and the peaceful Temple of Literature.

Day 3 – Hanoi to Halong Bay

Spend a magical night onboard your private boat in Halong Bay.

One night OVERNIGHT BOAT

Day 4 – Halong Bay to Hanoi

Disembark this afternoon and drive back to Hanoi. This evening you fly to Vietnam’s former imperial capital, Hue.

Two nights HUONG GIANG HOTEL

Day 5 – Hue

Visit some of the tombs of the Nguyen Emperors, wander the last empire’s Forbidden City, the Citadel, as well as the banks of the Perfume River.

Day 6 – Hue to Hoi An

Drive south along the dramatic coastal road at Hai Van Pass to Hoi An. Visit a local brewery and investigate the creation of a key ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine, ‘Nuoc Mam’ or fish sauce. Enjoy the architecture, local delicacies and friendly locals that make Hoi An a true Vietnam highlight.

Two nights HOI AN HOTEL

Day 7 – Hoi An

Experience your second cooking class at the famous Red Bridge cooking school. Reflect upon the differences in Northern & Central cuisine while soaking up the ambiance of the river front location.

Day 8 – Hoi An to Saigon

This morning is at your leisure before an afternoon flight to Saigon.

Three nights METROPOLE HOTEL

Day 9 – Mekong Delta

Visit the busy market streets and temples of Cholon; the city’s Chinatown district before heading out of the city to explore the Mekong Delta’s canals, orchards and towns by boat.

Day 10 – Saigon

Enjoy your final cooking class and explore Saigon and see the sights of old and new Saigon in the central ‘French quarter’.

Day 11 – Depart Saigon

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

2010 Departures:
24 April, 22 May, 19 June, 17 July, 14 August, 11 September, 09 October, 06 November & 04 December.

Maximum Group Size: 15 Passengers