Cuisine and Culture of Vietnam

Day 1 Hanoi (Lunch: Koto Restaurant Dinner: Anh Tuyet Restaurant )
Arrival in Hanoi
Transfer
Sightseeing in Hanoi
Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, Hanoi still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries. Narrow lanes and traditional shop houses invite an exciting exploration by walking, while it’s many beautiful public spaces
lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments
give the city an air of elegance and harmony with nature unique among Asian capitals.
Sightseeing around West Lake (Ho Tay) with electric car (private, possible to stop en route)
Take an electric car ride along the West Lake passing many relic sites and beautiful sceneries around the West Lake such as Tran Quoc pagoda, Ho Tay temple, Tao Sach pagoda or Vong Thi, Quan Thanh and Co Le temples and Ly Tu Trong flower garden. If time permit, enjoy quick stop to visit some of the relic site.
Experience market visit and street food tour with culinary expert
Mrs Anh Tuyet
Meet Mrs Anh Tuyet, a famous chef in Hanoi. Using cooking techniques passed down from her mother and grandmother she is well known for cooking up truly authentic Vietnamese dishes. The famous US chef and TV personality, Anthony Bourdain, visited her restaurant, and in his subsequent TV show praised her grilled honey chicken as the best Vietnamese dish he had ever tasted. Together with Ms Anh Tuyet take a walk through the narrow streets for an introduction to the street food culture of Hanoi. Pass by steaming noodle stalls and aromatic outdoor grills. Stop to sample some mouthwatering local delicacies such as bun cha which is rice vermicelli with grilled pork patties. Also try the famous Vietnamese pho made with chicken or beef, fresh green papaya salad, and a decadently sweet dessert – Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2 Hanoi (Breakfast: Hotel )
Sightseeing in Hanoi
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum be viewed from the outside only)
Start the exploration of the vast Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex with a stroll past the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which contains the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh (closed Mondays, Fridays, and from 15 June to 15 August). View the outside of the Presidential Palace and then walk through the park to the Ho Chi Minh Stilt House where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1958 until his final days in 1969. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows. Continue to the miniature 11th century One Pillar Pagoda which was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954.
Visit the Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature has a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and this monument is one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam’s first university. In one courtyard, giant stone tortoises bear stele on their backs, listing the accomplishments of graduating scholars.
Enjoy Bun Cha (Vermicelli with grilled pork) at local food stall in Hanoi
Hanoi cuisine features a wide variety of dishes with vermicelli. Among them, bun cha (vermicelli with grilled pork and fresh herbs) delights, with its seductive taste and aroma. Nothing is better than savouring bun cha at a small food stand in summer, while the intriguing scent of grilled pork surrounds you. Bun cha is one of the characteristic Hanoi dishes long adored by locals.
Visit the Old Quarter by cyclo
Discover the Old Quarter of Hanoi by cyclo. This fascinating network of narrow alleys and shop houses is also known as The 36 Streets, each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics to crafts to medicines to tombstones. Drop off to visit Ngoc Son temple & Hoan Kiem lake.
Enjoy coffee like locals in Hanoi
Hanoi remains one of the centres of cafe culture in Vietnam. While modern-style coffee shops have grown in popularity, traditional sidewalk cafes still fill up from morning to night with drinkers of all ages, who linger for hours over a single glass. Stop at a small coffee stall en route, try yourself with a strong and flavourful coffee cup amongst locals to discover the very special style of Vietnamese coffee with variations that make use of yoghurt, eggs and even fruit.
Hanoi Street Eats and Market Visit
Visit the bustling Chau Long market located just off Truc Bach Lake. Walk along the narrow and busy passageways through crowds of stalls displaying a variety of unusual groceries and foodstuffs. Take some photos next to the colourful spices and vegetables. Venture into the exotic section to find kicking frogs, eels and silkworms. Feel the energy in the air as the locals barter and haggle for the ingredients for that evening’s meal. Follow the crowds to find some interesting street food stalls. Try tasty muscovy duck or chicken vermicelli. Continue your culinary exploration with some creative variations of the popular “pho”. Finally rest your legs at an old caf� that has been handed down through the generations. Sip a delicious cup of aromatic coffee made with the family’s special brewing technique. – Overnight in Hanoi

Day 3 Hanoi – Halong – cabin / onboard (Vietnam) (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Paradise Luxury Cruise/ Restaurant / Dinner: Paradise Luxury Cruise/ Restaurant )
By vehicle from Hanoi (city) to Halong Bay
Stop en-route for stretch your legs and use the restroom at one of the souvenir shop for charity.
Transfer to/from Tuan Chau Marina Port
Cruise aboard the Paradise Luxury Cruise through Halong Bay, day 1 of 2 (English speaking guide is included) * No local guide *
Arrive at Tuan Chau Island. Transfer to cruise ship. Welcome drink – cruise briefing, safety instructions, check-in cabins. Depart to Halong Bay – cruise and programme commence. Enjoy lunch while the cruise sails passing by magnificent sceneries of the World Heritage site. In the afternoon, explore Sung Sot cave, hiking up and down 600 steps to the magnificent limestone formations of the biggest and most marvelous cave in Halong bay or enjoy kayaking (with supplement) around the islets. Back to the vessel and participate in cooking demonstration with cruise’s chef. Dinner on board. Overnight on board – Overnight in cabin / onboard (Vietnam)

Day 4 cabin / onboard (Vietnam) – Halong – Hanoi – Danang – Hoi An (Breakfast: Hotel / Dinner: Mango Mango Restaurant )
Cruise aboard the Paradise Luxury Cruise through Halong Bay, day 2 of 2 (English speaking guide is included on board) * No local guide *
Join an early morning Tai Chi session on the sundeck while tea, coffee and assorted pastries are being served. Relax on board or go visit Titov island. Back on board enjoy breakfast, check out and return to Tuan Chau Island. End of the program.
By vehicle from Halong to Hanoi (Noi Bai Airport)
Flight from Hanoi to Danang
By vehicle from Danang airport to Hoi An
Transfer to/from restaurant
– Overnight in Hoi An

Day 5 Hoi An (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Meals incl. in itinerary (Vietnam) )
Tra Nhieu fishing village
You will be collected at your hotel lobby. Ride bicycle along the peaceful paths along Thu Bon river to the southeast of town to the peaceful Cam Kim village. Start cycling 10km through the winding village roads and you can enjoy fresh air with poetic scenery to Tra Nhieu village which has a wide range of lifestyles such as farming, fishing, livestock breeding and mattress making. Meet the local people and visit their home. After that, you will be taken in a small sampan with local fisherman to learn how to cast a net, catch fish, shrimp, crap� Have lunch with special dishes at the local house. Bid farewell to the local fishermen. Take a big boat back to Hoi An ancient town and hop on your bikes again to cycle back to your hotel – Overnight in Hoi An

Day 6 Hoi An (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Meals incl. in itinerary (Vietnam) )
Experience farming activities at Thanh Dong organic farm and cooking class
Local guide will meet you at the hotel’s lobby. Take a bicycle trip to Thanh Dong Organic farm. Take a short stroll around the vegetable garden while listening to the life-changing story of the villagers, since they have been introduced with organic farming method. Afterwards we join the farmers and do some gardening activities like preparing and applying organic manure to the land, raking the ground, sowing, watering and picking vegetables. You will then take the boat through the wonderful water coconut forest to The Field restaurant. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome drink before taking part in a hands-on, entertaining cooking class. Afterwards, enjoy the fruits of your labor in a bamboo house, surrounded by the sights of the river and rice paddies. Transfer back to hotel. End of tour – Overnight in Hoi An

Day 7 Hoi An – Danang – Saigon – Cai Be (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Cuc Gach Quan Restaurant / Dinner: Meals incl. in itinerary (Vietnam) )
By vehicle from Hoi An to Danang airport
Flight from Danang to Saigon
By vehicle from Saigon (city) to Cai Be
Sightseeing in Cai Be with boat trip and overnight at Mekong Lodge, day 1 of 2 (early check in before 2pm, incl. cooking demo)
Arriving in Cai Be with check in at Mekong Lodge. Having lunch. From 3pm you have an experience with cycling tour to Tan Phong island, go to one of the orchard along village paths, in passing 3 wooden ferries in about 2 hours. In the evening, get some hands on culinary experience by joining our Vietnamese cooking demo. The chefs will instruct you to prepare the Mekong Lodge signature dishes. Have fun and some interesting recipes to take home with. Enjoy dinner in a cozy atmosphere – Overnight in Cai Be

Day 8 Local Village (Vietnam) – Cai Be – Saigon (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Meals incl. in itinerary (Vietnam) )
Sightseeing in Cai Be with boat trip and overnight at Mekong Lodge, day 2 of 2 (late check in before 2pm)
Visit handicraft villages and the local land market at Cai Be. Have lunch at hotel. Boat transfer to Cai Be harbor.
By vehicle from Cai Be to Saigon (city)
– Overnight in Saigon

Day 9 Saigon (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Nha Hang Ngon )
Sightseeing in Saigon
A vibrant metropolis, Saigon teems with energy, activity and motion. Everywhere you look, you see the convergence of traditional and modern life. Begin the trip into modern history with a tour of the Reunification Palace. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style building was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates.
Afterwards, drive to the historic centre to visit the Emperor of Jade Pagoda, one of Saigon’s most interesting pagodas. Proceed to pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Pass by the classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside). Finally, end up at the central Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste.
Old Saigon Walking Tour
Take a walk through the city streets to unearth the secrets of Saigon.
Set off from your hotel to a thriving local market to see how these bustling and vibrant markets play a major role in the daily lives of Vietnamese people. From here stroll through the colourful back alleyways lined with flower shops and breathe in the aromas of the freshly cut blooms.
Pass through another street where mechanics specialise in restoring vintage Vespa scooters. Take in the scenes of local life as you wander these narrow lanes. Stop for a refreshing traditional iced coffee in a hidden cafe frequented by locals. The oldest coffee shop in Saigon, this old fashioned establishment has a colourful history stretching back over seven decades. Continue the walk through some other back lanes the go along to another famous street filled with shops selling locally-made guitars.
Continue on foot through adjacent blocks with some old yet lively apartment compound and where one will encounter authentic life scenes of the urban working class. Walk toward an interesting museum which displays an amazing collection of more than 3,000 artifacts relating to the history of Vietnamese traditional medicine. After the visit, hop on the vehicle and drive back to your hotel – Overnight in Saigon

Day 10 Saigon (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Meals incl. in itinerary (Vietnam) )
Excursion by speedboat to Cu Chi Tunnels (private)
Pick up at your hotel and transfer to the pier for the boat trip. Enjoy a light snack while heading to Cu Chi Tunnels. Arrive at Cu Chi and start the tour. The Cu Chi Tunnels were an important Vietcong base during the American War. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapon factories. Today, walk through the area and learn about the day-to-day life of the VC, see the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps, and even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate tourists.
Afternoon at leisure
– Overnight in Saigon

Day 11 Saigon (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Meals incl. in itinerary (Vietnam) / Dinner: Meals incl. in itinerary (Vietnam) )
Cooking Class with visit market at Hoa Tuc Restaurant (SIC)
Accompany the Chef to the Ben Thanh Market to buy the necessary ingredients and then enjoy a hands-on cooking class.
Afternoon at leisure
Saigon at Night by Vespa * No local guide *
Saigon really comes alive after dark, and what better way to explore this dynamic city than riding pillion on a vintage Vespa. Start the evening with drinks at the popular Zoom Cafe and get to know the drivers of your stylish scooters. Then hop on the comfortable backseats and set off through the busy streets and alleys of old Saigon to see the city by street lamp. Smell the aromas wafting out from street side restaurants and pass by important sites such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Post Office and the City Hall. Stop in local eateries for seafood appetisers and drinks followed by a delicious barbeque dinner with Southern rice pancakes and fresh spring rolls. Finish the evening in several hidden cafes and bars that are popular hangouts for the Vietnamese. Listen to the sounds of live unplugged music while you immerse yourself in the local nightlife scene – Overnight in Saigon

Day 12 Saigon (Breakfast: Hotel )
Transfer

Cuisine and Culture of Vietnam

INCLUDED SERVICES:
– Program is based on English speaking guide. For other languages a supplement charge will apply.
– accommodation as mentioned above or equivalent.
– where very early morning flights are scheduled, a breakfast box may replace the standard ABF.
– meals according to itinerary / Breakfast box in lieu of ABF when early morning flight.
– flight ticket(s), in economy class unless otherwise specified, according to the itinerary.
Flight from Danang to Saigon
Flight from Hanoi to Danang
– Porter fees at the airport where guide service is booked.
– Current fuel surcharges are included, however, these are subject to change prior to tour start date.
– ground transportation in private A/C vehicle.
– 1 complimentary bottle of drinking water and 1 cold towel per person per half day tour/ 2 bottles of water and 2 cold towels per person per full day tour.
– sightseeing incl. admission fees according to itinerary.
– International and domestic airport taxes in Vietnam are automatically included in ticket.
– International and domestic airport taxes in Myanmar are automatically included in ticket.

EXCLUDED SERVICES:
– visa fees, drinks, personal expenses. ** Visa Procedures: Vietnam
For bookings of round-trip or module packages, we will confirm one of the hotels mentioned above according to the selected category.Please note that compulsory gala dinners and peak season surcharges may apply during peak periods surrounding the public holidays of Christmas and New Year and Lunar New Year (TET Festival) – these surcharges will be confirmed at the time of booking.