Day 1, HANOI Arrive and transfer to your hotel. 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. (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. We also explore Hanoi’s old quarter on foot. In the evening we gather for a hands-on cooking demonstration. (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 bought straight from the local fishermen. You can swim, kayak or simply relax and sip your drink on the deck of the boat. (BLD)
Day 4, HANOI Another opportunity for swimming and kayaking before we return to Hanoi. Overnight train to Hue. (BL)
Day 5, HUE On arrival we transfer to our hotel in Hue. 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. (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. Afternoon free time. This evening we will be dining at a local restaurant where they specialise in ‘Royal’ cuisine. (BD)
Day 7, HOI AN We drive across the spectacular Hai Van Pass, stopping at Danang’s fascinating Cham Museum and China Beach before we continue to the town of Hoi An. At a riverside restaurant we are treated to a cooking demonstration by a resident expert, followed by dinner. (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. (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 and in the evening there is the chance to experience one of our favourite restaurants in Vietnam. 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. (BLD)
Day 13, SAIGON We return to Saigon. Our final evening’s dinner will be on a traditional junk on the Saigon River. (BD)
