A Taste of Vietnam

from USD 2175 for 14 days

Visiting: Vietnam

There is more to Vietnamese food than seafood and crisp fresh vegetables, delicately flavored with herbs and spices. The Vietnamese are very proud of the way their food is prepared, and we will be in the thick of the action as often as possible, buying our ingredients from a range of sources. These might be the small rowing boats that pull alongside our traditional junk in Halong Bay, or the bustling local markets found in every city. From north to south, this trip will give you a true taste of Vietnam.

Brief Description Show detailed

Day 1 - HANOI

Hanoi provides the perfect introduction to Vietnam’s varied culinary heritage. Transfer to our downtown hotel to meet your tour leader and fellow travellers for a tour briefing. Later, our welcome dinner at Quan An Ngon is the ideal place to start our Vietnamese Culinary experience. Here, there are different food stalls where the food is prepared in a traditional style representing a particular region. We can begin to sample local delicacies such as bun cha and pho. (D)

Day 2 - HANOI

After breakfast we visit the vegetable markets with our chef to learn about different local produce, and to purchase the fresh vegetables for tonight’s dinner. After this we explore Hanoi’s old quarter on foot. There is the opportunity to sample ‘Cha Ca’ (Hanoi’s famous fish restaurant) or cross the road to the café opposite, ‘Baguette and Chocolate’, which provides vocational training for street children. In the evening we gather for a hands-on cooking demonstration, and afterwards the food will of course be served for dinner. (BD)

Day 3 - HALONG BAY

Today we head out to the beautiful world heritage site of Halong Bay. We cruise on a traditional junk, the “Jewel of the Bay” amongst the spectacular islands of karst limestone. We will then be treated to perhaps one of the most delicious meals of the trip consisting of fresh sea food brought straight from the local fishermen. You can swim, kayak or simply relax and sip your drink on the deck of the boat. Approx. 3 1/2 hours drive.(BLD)

Day 4 - HANOI

Another opportunity for swimming and kayaking. Then, after our farewell lunch we drive back to Hanoi. Relax by Hoan Kiem Lake, wander the Old Quarter or take in a traditional performance at the Waterpuppet Theatre before we transfer to the station to board our overnight train to Hue. Approx 12 1/2 hours train journey. (BL)

Day 5 - HUE

On arrival we transfer to our hotel in Hue, the former capital of the Ngyuen emperors and home to their amazing imperial cuisine. We visit the Imperial City and Dong Ba market by cyclo, then in the evening we venture out to a small but very famous restaurant known as ‘Lac Thien’ run by a local family who have been serving traditional Hue cuisine for many years. The family will be pleased to join us and explain about the different food and spices that they use. We can sample bun bo, ‘banh khoai’ (Hue pancakes) and other specialties of this area. (BD)

Day 6 - HUE

This morning we head out on a Dragon Boat along the Perfume River to visit the famous Heavenly Lady Pagoda and the tomb of Ngyuen Emperor Minh Mang. In the afternoon we have free time to cycle around this beautiful city or relax by the hotel pool. This evening we will be dining at a local restaurant where they specialize in ‘Royal’ cuisine, the lavish dishes enjoyed by the Nguyen Emperors. (BD)

Day 7 - HOI AN

We drive across the spectacular Hai Van Pass, stopping at Danang’s fascinating Cham Museum and China Beach. Then we continue to the town of Hoi An, where we wander ancient narrow lanes and visit markets, historic houses and temples. At a riverside restaurant we are treated to a cooking demonstration by a resident expert, followed by dinner. There is the chance to sample famous local cuisine like Cau Lao and grilled tuna cooked in banana leaf. Approx. 4 hours driving. (BD)

Day 8 - HOI AN

Today is a free day to shop, sample the local food or sit in one of the cafés and watch the day to day life in this elegant place. This evening we will dine at ‘Mango Rooms’, one of the best fusion restaurants in town. The chef has designed his own distinctive menu using his many years of experience, which blends together the best of east and west to form unique and mouth watering delicacies. (BD)

Day 9 - WHALE ISLAND

Fly to Nha Trang and transfer to this beautiful eco-resort in Nha Trang Bay. Whale Island is French/Vietnamese owned and the management train their own chefs to create an amazing assortment of delightful fusion dishes. They also have a great selection of international wines in their bar, located right by the sea. (BD)

Day 10 - WHALE ISLAND

A relaxing day on the island. There is the opportunity to wander the trails to explore the more secluded parts of the island, or to swim and relax. Just make sure that you are back in time for dinner! (BLD)

Day 11 - SAIGON

We return to Nha Trang and fly to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Later, we’ll take a walking tour of the major sites within District 1, and in the evening there is the chance to experience one of our favourite restaurants in Vietnam, Bo Tung Xeo. Here you can barbeque your marinated beef right on the table. There are also other very local delicacies such as scorpions, rat, deer and snake to sample if you dare. (BD)

Day 12 - MEKONG DELTA

This morning we drive to the Mekong Delta, where we spend a wonderful day visiting different cottage industries. A mouth watering lunch will be prepared for us by a local family in their house and served in the spacious courtyard. This evening we stay with a local family and enjoy their traditional hospitality. There is the opportunity to join our hosts in preparing dinner, wander the gardens or simply relax in a hammock. Approx. 3 1/2 hours driving. (BLD)

Day 13 - SAIGON

We pay a visit to another curiosity of this area, the floating market, before returning to Saigon. Our final evening’s dinner will be on a traditional junk on the Saigon River. From the top deck of the boat, we enjoy the charm of this colonial city and a final taste of Vietnam’s amazing food. (BD)