Vietnam Gourmet Experience - Northbound

After breakfast, embark on an exhilarating cyclo ride to discover the highlights of Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City. Your first destination is the War Remnants Museum, where you'll explore exhibits and documents chronicling the Indochina Wars. Next, visit iconic landmarks like the Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Central Post Office, each offering unique insights into the city's rich history and architectural heritage. Ride along Dong Khoi street, once Rue Catinat, immortalized in the book "The Quiet American" by Graham Greene. Perhaps and perhaps, take a seat under the veranda of Hotel Continental and sip café au lait while watching people go by.Later, take a leisurely stroll through Ben Thanh Market and indulge in local delicacies for lunch, including the renowned 'Banh My'.
Return to your hotel for a mid day retreat.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in a hands-on cooking class to delve into the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine, with a focus on southern flavors. Under the guidance of expert chefs, learn to prepare traditional dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Then, enjoy a delicious dinner featuring the dishes you've created, savoring the authentic tastes of Vietnam.
Back to the hotel and free at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Cyclo ride & sightseeing

Cooking class

Breakfast & dinner

Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Depart Saigon for a picturesque two-hour journey to the Mekong Delta. En route, make stops to visit Caodaism church, renowned for its eclectic architectural fusion of various faiths, and the historic Vinh Trang Pagoda.
Known as the 'rice bowl of Vietnam', the Mekong River Delta has been shaped by the currents of one of the world's longest and largest rivers over millennia. This expansive region features a intricate network of waterways, lush rice paddies, vibrant orchards, and picturesque rural landscapes, where life unfolds harmoniously under the tropical sun.
Upon arrival, embark on a boat cruise along the Mekong River's branches, where you'll witness local activities like fishing and water transfering, and visit cottage industries such as coconut candy processing, sleeping mat weaving, salt making, and pottery making. Explore tropical orchards, sample freshly harvested fruits, and enjoy a traditional lunch showcasing regional specialties.
Afterwards, take an exhilarating motor cart or bicycle ride through coconut forests and rice fields to immerse yourself further in local life. Conclude your delta adventure with a serene sampan rowing excursion along meandering canals.
This evening you will take a short transfer to the train station for overnight train to Nha Trang.

Summary of inclusions

Private vehicle

Cruise Mekong River

Motor cart ride

Breakfast & lunch

O/N train

Upon arriving in Nha Trang in the morning, you'll be transferred to the hotel for breakfast and check-in.
Today is free at your leisure unwind and rejuvenate on the beach, basking in the comforting embrace of the warm sunshine and gentle sea breeze.
You may opt for an optional tour to discover the cultural and historical treasures of Nha Trang, such as the towering white Buddha statue at Long Son Pagoda, the bustling Dam Market, and the ancient Ponagar Cham Tower. Alternatively, indulge in a leisurely activity by pampering yourself with a therapeutic mud bath at the Thap Ba hot spring.
Accommodation in hotel in Nha Trang

Summary of inclusions

Private transfer

Internal flight

Beach relax

Breakfast

Hotel in Nha Trang

Today, you'll embark on a boat excursion to explore the stunning Nha Trang Bay and its pristine islands, nestled within protected marine areas. Take the opportunity to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters and admire the vibrant underwater world teeming with colorful coral reefs and marine creatures.
Afterward,enjoy a delicious seafood lunch onboard the boat. Then, head to one of Nha Trang's island beaches for a relaxing afternoon of sunbathing, leisurely strolls, and perhaps some beach sports. In the late afternoon, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure..

Summary of inclusions

Boat cruise Nha Trang

Snorkeling

Beach relax

Breakfast & lunch

Hotel in Nha Trang

Get transferred to the airport for a short flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, get picked up and transferred to a hotel in Hoi An. In the afternoon, take a walking tour to uncover the treasures of this enchanting ancient town. Explore Hoi An's lively market, well-preserved merchant houses dating back to the 17th and 19th centuries, vibrant Chinese assembly halls, the iconic Japanese covered bridge, and so on.
This is also a food tasting tour, so during your stroll, you will have opportunities to savor a variety of Hoi An delicacies, including Cao Lau, Quang noodles, white rose dumplings, Vac cakes, fried wontons, and savory chicken rice.
The rest of the evening is yours to wander and explore the town at your own pace. As Hoi An is renowned for its tailor-made clothing and abundant souvenirs, make sure not to miss the opportunity to make some good deals.

Summary of inclusions

Private transfer

Internal flight

Sightseeing & food tasting

Breakfast & lunch

Hotel in Hoi An

After breakfast, start an eco-cycling adventure along scenic paths that wind through rice paddies, farms, and charming villages. Along the way, you'll encounter buffaloes, locals working in the fields with traditional tools, and cheerful children waving as you pass by.
Explore Tra Que organic vegetable village, where local farmers tend to their crops using traditional methods like hoeing soil, preparing beds, fertilizing with seaweed, transplanting, and watering vegetables. After the farming experience, visit a farmer's house for a welcome drink then enjoy a relaxing foot massage using medicinal herbs.
Join a local chef to learn and prepare traditional dishes such as Banana Flower Salad, Spring Rolls, and Rice Pancakes (Banh Xeo), using fresh ingredients sourced from the village. Enjoy the delicious meal you've prepared for lunch.. Afterward, continue your journey through picturesque rice paddies, shrimp farms, and duck farms, following hidden country paths and visiting local homes for interactions. Conclude your day with a scenic round bamboo boat ride through the water coconut forest.
Return to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Country cycling

Farming exerience

Cooking class

Breakfast & lunch

Hotel in Hoi An

Today, you have the day to unwind and soak up the sun, sea, and sand on the nearby beach or indulge in some leisurely shopping. Optional tours are also available, such as exploring the ruins of My Son, kayaking on the Thu Bon River, or visiting the enchanting Ba Na Hills. In the evening, don't miss the opportunity to attend a captivating show.
Overnight in hotel.

Summary of inclusions

Breakfast

Hotel in Hoi An

After breakfast, depart from Hoi An for a scenic drive along rice paddies, lush mountains, and stunning beaches to Hue.
Located in the heart of Vietnam, Hue holds immense historical significance as the former imperial capital of the country from 1802 to 1945.
In the afternoon, you will take a guided tour to explore the Imperial Citadel and discover the remnants of the Purple Forbidden City.
Constructed between 1804 and 1833, the citadel spans over 6 square kilometers and is surrounded by massive brick walls. Inside, you'll find numerous buildings meticulously arranged according to Fengshui principles. Though most of them were destroyed by consecutive wars, the remaining structures still showcase the grandeur of the last feudal dynasty.
During the walking tour, visit prominent sites such as the Noon Gate, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, and the Royal Theatre.
In the evening, indulge in a unique dining experience with a Royal Banquet-style dinner at one of Hue's premier restaurants, adorned in regal decor. Here, you'll have the opportunity to wear traditional dragon robes and crowns while enjoying decorative dishes accompanied by a royal music performance.

Summary of inclusions

Private transfer

Royal Citadel visit

Breakfast & Royal style dinner

Hotel in Hue

After breakfast, embark on an exciting day tour to discover the royal landmarks, rural landscapes, and natural beauty of Hue.
Hop on a motorbike (or opt for a car drive) and journey through quaint village paths where time appears to stand still. Explore a local market set amidst picturesque countryside, the historic Thanh Toan covered bridge, and a farming exhibition house. Continue your exploration through hidden alleys, uncovering traditional handicraft villages renowned for making conical hats, paper, and incense. Next, delve into the rich history of Hue with a visit to one of the Emperor Mausoleums, admiring the majestic architecture crafted for eternal repose. Later, enjoy a delectable vegetarian feast at a pagoda, surrounded by a serene Zen ambiance.
In the afternoon, head to the Tiger-Elephant arena and embark on a picturesque dragon boat cruise along the peaceful Perfume River. Visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, a revered symbol of Hue's spiritual heritage.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Summary of inclusions

Country tour

Boat cruise

Breakfast & lunch

Hotel in Hue

Transfer to the airport for a brief flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
In the afternoon, embark on city tour of Hanoi, visiting some of its main highlights including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (viewed from the outside), the remnants of the ancient Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Temple of Literature - the country's first university built in 1076, and the Ngoc Son Temple located on the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake.
Later in the day, enjoy a leisurely walking tour of the Hanoi Old Quarter, a maze of streets offering numerous opportunities for photography. Experience the local street life, traditional guilds, bustling food markets, vibrant shopping areas, historic houses, and temples. As it is also a food tour so, during the walk, you will have the opportunities to indulge in some of Hanoi's specialties such as Bun Cha, Banh Goi (Pillow Cake), Nom Bo Kho (Beef Salad), Banh Cuon (Rice Paper Rolls), and so on. End your tour with a cup of Hanoi's famous egg coffee in a century-old coffee shop.

Summary of inclusions

Private vehicle

Internal flight

Sightseeing & Food tasting

Breakfast &dinner

Hotel in Hanoi

This morning at 9:00 AM, you'll be picked up from your hotel for a unique Hanoi cooking class experience.
Take a short transfer to a suburban village where you will be accompanied by local chef for a walking tour through the bustling local market. Here, you'll gain insights into daily life, Vietnamese cuisine, ingredients, spices, and local cooking methods. You'll also receive guidance on selecting the freshest ingredients for your cooking session. After exploring the market, make a brief visit to a village temple to learn about village culture, history, lifestyle, and beliefs. Then, stroll to a local home where the cooking class will take place. During the class, you'll learn to prepare several traditional Vietnamese dishes that represent the flavors of the Red River Delta area and northern Vietnam, including Bánh Cuon (fresh rice paper rolls steamed on a hot bed), Spring Rolls, and a Salad of fresh rice noodles with beef and sweet-sour sauce. Finally, savor the delicious meal you've prepared and conclude the class around 1:00 PM. Bid farewell to the chef and family before being transferred back to your hotel.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Private transfer

Cooking class

Breakfast & lunch

Hotel in Hanoi

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and prepare for pickup at approximately 8:30 AM. Depart from Hanoi and make your way to Halong pier, where your exciting cruise through the stunning Halong Bay awaits. Renowned worldwide for its breathtaking natural beauty, Halong Bay rfeatures thousands of limestone islands emerging dramatically from the emerald waters, presenting a great variety of forms and sizes. With its pristine beaches, floating villages, spectacular caves, and magnificent scenery, Halong Bay is an essential stop for anyone exploring Vietnam.
Upon arrival at the pier around noon, board your cruise ship and enjoy a delicious lunch as you navigate through the heart of the bay, surrounded by the captivating limestone formations. In the afternoon, venture into a natural cave and later, opt for kayaking amidst the towering karsts or enjoy a refreshing swim at one of the secluded beaches.
As the sun begins to dip, join a sunset party on deck while the cruise glides towards its overnight anchorage.
Enjoy dinner and spend the night onboard, surrounded by the enchanting atmosphere of the islands under the shimmering night sky.

Summary of inclusions

Bus transfer

Halong Bay cruise

Beakfast & lunch & dinner

O/N on board

Early risers will have the chance to witness the stunning sunrise over the Bay's magnificent scenery. Following a light breakfast, embark on a rowing boat tour to explore a natural lagoon, tunnel, and floating village. Later, continue cruising to another area of the bay while enjoying lunch onboard. Disembark from the boat in the early afternoon (around 11:00 - 11:30, depending on boat and tide) and commence the journey back to Hanoi. Since tonight marks your final night in Hanoi and Vietnam, seize the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife around Hoan Kiem Lake, and perhaps enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar.

Summary of inclusions

Halong Bay cruise

Boat rowing

Breakfast & lunch

Hotel in Hanoi

Today is free for you to enjoy at your leisure until it's time to transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels and look forward to seeing you again soon!

Summary of inclusions

Breakfast

Private airport transfer