Culinary Tour of Vietnam

Settle into your comfortable ensuite cabins as you sail into the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay. Glide past picturesque islets and the magnificent limestone formations as you head to Trinh Nu Cave. Stroll around the sunlight-filled cave marveling at the stalagmites and stalactites within. You could then enjoy a refreshing swim or soak in the sun on the pristine beach before returning to the cruiser. Back on board, enjoy squid fishing, fruit carving demonstrations, and a cooking competition. At mealtimes, feast on authentic Vietnamese cuisine and international delicacies. Savor the gorgeous sunset from the deck as you sip on an exotic cocktail from the open bar while the boat drops anchor for the night. Early next morning, participate in a rejuvenating Tai Chi class as the sun rises over the spectacular landscape. Afterward, step ashore to tour the bay’s most famous attraction Sung Sot Cave with its two chambers vast enough to accommodate thousands of people at a time! Disembark in the mid-morning to continue on your onward journey. (2 Days/1 Night; All Meals Included; Shared Activity & Private Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Experience the scenic beauty of the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay on this overnight cruise. At the scheduled time, drive to Tuan Chau Island, check into Paradise Suites Hotel and transfer to the cruise boat by electric cart. Set sail as you listen to a short briefing about your itinerary and the safety regulations. After lunch onboard, go ashore at Titov Island. You could enjoy swimming in the cool waters and also climb up 400 stone steps to the highest point on the island for panoramic views. Next, travel in a kayak or a bamboo boat to Luon Cave and get a closer look at the limestone mountain with its natural rock formations. Return to the cruise boat and unwind with your favorite drink as you take in a beautiful sunset. Watch a demonstration of Vietnamese cooking and then relish dinner at the restaurant onboard. You could try your hand at squid fishing before turning in for the night. Start your morning with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck. After, hop into a kayak or a bamboo boat and head to Sung Sot Cave, the largest cave in Halong Bay. Check out the numerous stalactites and stalagmites, and savor panoramic views from the cliffside location. Return to the cruise boat and sail past Thien Cung and Dau Go caves, and Fighting Cock Islet. Checkout and disembark at Tuan Chau Marina to continue your onward journey. (Duration: 2 days/1 night; Check-in time: 1100 hrs; Checkout time: 1030 hrs; Shared activity; Travel time to activity: 3.5 – 4 hrs drive each way (from and to Hanoi); Meals included: yes; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Entry fees included; The itinerary may change depending on cruising conditions)

Hop onto a boat for a short ride across the river from Hoi An. Upon arrival pedal off on a leisurely 4km bike ride to Hoi An’s rural outskirts for an organic herb village visit with local farmers. Tra Que vegetable village is named after the sweet scented herb that is used to flavor Vietnamese specialties, such as Cao Lau noodles. From your host family you will learn about the village history and customs as enjoy a hands-on experience in the garden learning their traditional methods. Head to Cam Thanh and pass through paddy fields, idyllic canals and shrimp raising ponds. Learn how to make traditional rice paper at the village, which you can then grilled over a charcoal fire and eaten as a crunchy snack. (Best Time to Visit: Morning ;Total Duration: 4 hours;Travel Time to Activity Type :;Timings: 8:30hrs , Private Activity. Cycling 20 kms).

For the adventurous palates, visit Red Bridge cooking school – a highlight of Hoi An’s culinary scene. Meet your chef at Hai Café in the old town for an introduction and welcome drink. Then explore the central market with him, learning about the quintessential ingredients of Vietnamese cuisine. Enjoy photographic moments on the 20min cruise to the school, with glimpses of local river life. Visit the school’s herb garden and enjoy hands-on cooking class. Savor what you have created. (Best Time to Visit: All Year; Total Duration: 4- hrs; Timings: Two slots: 08:00 hrs and 11:00 hrs;only non vegetarian cuisine offered;shared activity)

Accompany your local expert through the narrow lanes of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An, which served as a prosperous trading port from the 15th century to the 19th century. Stroll through the pedestrian-only streets of this well-preserved architectural heritage passing by various buildings, temples, merchant houses, and pagodas showcasing French, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Walk across the 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge over the stream as your guide narrates its history. Head on to the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation for a closer look at the intricate wood carvings on the walls and beams. Explore the vibrant local market, past stalls displaying colorful wares, spices, and exotic fruits, that is particularly famous for its locally produced silk and tailors who even have a section of the market dedicated to them. (Fixed Time: Yes; Time of Day: 0900/1400; Duration: 2 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy.The Hoi An entrance ticket is valid for entry to 5 sightseeing spots in Hoi An including merchant houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge, museums, pagodas and assembly halls for 24 hours. Please keep the entrance ticket with you at all times should you independently visit Hoi An later in the evening or on another day)

In the morning, meet the celebrated gastronomy artisan and multi-hyphenate Nhu Huy, who will guide you through Hue’s culinary history and distinct flavors. Visit the local market to soak in the sights and sounds of Hue’s daily life, and the region’s fresh produce. Learn about Hue’s imperial and folk cuisines, a melting pot of the best food from across Vietnam, conserved by women who have passed down recipes through generations. Pick up a few tips on gathering diverse ingredients that go into the delicate preparations and presentations of these harmonious dishes. Later, hopping between Hue’s village neighborhoods, taste a variety of its popular dishes including mussel rice, rice cakes, and sweet soups. Next up, you can try local specialties such as Banh Uot and grilled pork at Huyen Anh, a popular eatery. Heading back to Nhu Huy’s home, listen to her regale stories of her royal heritage and food culture while sampling an assortment of local foods, before dispersing. (Half Day; Time: 0800 hrs; Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Lunch included; Fitness level: Easy)

Immerse yourself in the royal charm of Hue. Take a cyclo to the Imperial Citadel, within the protected Complex of Hue Monuments. Listen to historical events of this former royal court. Next door, at the Long An Palace, is the Museum of Royal Antiquities that showcases the life and style of the Nguyen Dynasty. Later, drive to the 17th century Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic seven-storied monument perched on a hilltop overlooking the Perfume River. In the afternoon, explore the hillside Khai Dinh Royal Tomb that has Vietnamese and European influences in its architecture. Past the carved and blackened exteriors, admire the intricate ceramic mosaics inside. Continue to the Tu Duc Royal Tomb that features pleasure pavilions, lakes, an island and a palace. Finally, ascend the Vong Canh hill to enjoy the sunset over a drink. Covered in pine forests, daisies and ancient relics, it offers panoramic vistas of the Perfume River and the lush mountains beyond. (Duration: 7hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Meals Not Included; Fitness Level: Easy)

Discover the history and culture of Ho Chi Minh City on a Vespa tour. Hop onto the back of the scooter and enjoy a ride through the city, formerly known as Saigon, as your guide drives you around.Travel through the city streets while your guide shares interesting details about the landmarks that you pass by. Make your way to the colorful fresh flower and fabric markets, where you can take some great photographs. Next, ride to the vibrant Chinese district to shop for traditional items including herbs and poultices. Your guide will show you popular attractions as well as hidden gems in the Chinese district before taking you to the city center. Here, zip past iconic landmarks including the Saigon Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral before ending the tour at the Independence Palace. (Duration: half day; Time: 0800 hrs/1300 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: nil; ; Helmet included; Fitness level: easy; Best time to travel: Oct-March)

Sample a slice of history and some delicious local food in this hands-on cooking class in the historic home of Henry Cabot Lodge Jr., former American Ambassador to South Vietnam. Discover his villa, which has been fully restored to its former glory, a beautiful mix of Vietnamese, French and American architecture. Begin your tour with a trip to iconic Ben Thanh Market to purchase fresh ingredients needed for your private cooking demonstration. Head to Cabot’s residence and while the chef preps ingredients, take a tour of this beautiful home. Pick up interesting tips as you watch the cooking demonstration featuring typical Southern Vietnamese cuisine. Learn how to present each dish before the meal and then savor your own culinary creations. ( Duration: 3 hrs; Time of the Day: Morning or Afternoon, 0900/1330; Shared Activity; Distance to the Activity: 10-min drive from downtown Saigon)

Explore Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam’s largest and busiest city, as you walk past boulevards lined by colonial French buildings. Discover fine examples of French architecture such as the iconic Saigon Opera House, CIA building, and the Central Post Office designed by architect Gustav Eiffel of the Eiffel Tower fame. Admire the neo-Romanesque features of Notre Dame Cathedral nearby before you stroll through lush gardens and secret rooms of the Independence Palace. Hop over to Nam Ky Khoi Nghia street and pass by the regal Supreme Court building. Walk through the colorful Ben Thanh market, stopping for coffee at a small cafe. Admire the boat-shaped Nguyen Van Hao’s building built by a rich businessman in 1933 pausing to click pictures. Stop by the Maison Marou for a little history lesson and a tasting session of the best Vietnamese chocolate. Stroll through Le Thi Hong Gam Street, the Fine Arts Museum, and Le Cong Kieu Street browsing through antique shops. After the walk, unwind with a craft beer at the Pasteur Street Brewing Company, or with traditional tea at Villa Downtown Royal Antique, or local lunch at a hidden restaurant. (Duration : 4 hours from 0830 hrs or 1330hrs, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Notre Dame Cathedral permits outside visits only due to renovation until 2023; Chocolate tasting at Maison Marou only on Saturday on own account; Fine Arts Museum is closed on Monday)