Culinary Tour of Vietnam

Highlights:
- Cai Be colourful floating market
- Street food tour and cooking class
- Hanoi's original gallery coffee shops

Day 1 - Arrive Ho Chi Minh City
Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, referred to locally as 'Saigon', you will be driven through the city to the Park Hyatt hotel for check-in.

Day 2 - Ho Chi Minh City
Let the cooking begin as you visit a local home to learn how true Saigonese live and cook. Start early at a busy suburban market with your host sharing their favourite dishes, and head back to the house to start cooking your lunch. In the afternoon discover the city's landmarks - the Reunification Hall, formerly the Presidential Palace towards which the Viet Cong tanks rolled in on the morning of April 30, 1975 as Saigon fell. A visit in Saigon would not be complete without a taste of its best ice cream at the quaint French parlour Fanny's serving every flavour from durian to lychee.

Day 3 - Ho Chi Minh City/Mekong Delta/Ho Chi Minh City
Drive to the town of Cai Be in the Mekong Delta (a journey of around 3½ hours) where you will board the exclusive Cai Be Princess boat that has been modelled after traditional sampans. This is the perfect way to see the Delta's colourful Cai Be floating market, local cottage industries such as the making of rice pop corn and coco candy, meandering rivers and the evergreen islands of Dong Phu and Anh Binh. Lunch awaits at a superb colonial style villa in a quaint village. After crossing the Co Chien River the boat will dock and you will return to the Park Hyatt hotel in Ho Chi Minh City by road.

Day 4 - Ho Chi Minh City/Danang/Hoi An
Fly this morning to Danang in central Vietnam, from where a short drive takes you to the ancient port town of Hoi An. Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the centre of Hoi An remains much the same as it was in its heyday. A walking tour is the best way to see this marvellous town - the former merchants' homes, 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colourful market. Don't forget to sample the town's delicate cuisine with lunch at the famed Brothers Café Restaurant on the banks of the Thu Bon River.  

Day 5 - Hoi An
Spend time with a local farming family to learn about their daily lifestyle and the flavors of fresh Vietnamese cuisine. Walk along shady lanes to the village of Tra Que and join the farmers as they work on their vegetable garden. You will be shown how to prepare the local delicacy tam huu. You may like to return to Hoi An by bicycle for lunch in the relaxing atmosphere of Mango Mango, one of Hoi An's most popular restaurants serving original cuisine that can only be described as Vietnam-Latin American-Japanese fusion. The afternoon is yours to relax on the beach or browse for souvenirs in Hoi An's art galleries and silk shops.
 
Day 6 - Hoi An/Hue
The scenic route you will take to Hue (a journey of around 3 hours) passes through Danang where you will visit the Cham museum that exhibits the finest collection of Cham statues. Continue the drive over the Pass of Ocean Clouds dropping down to the fishing village of Lang Co before arriving in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. The 'royal cuisine' of Hue originated in the days of the Nguyen Dynasty as is regarded as the best in the country today. The delicious flavours and exquisite presentation continue to tempt modern palettes. You may also like to visit the Imperial Citadel and take a cycle tour through the streets where locals can be seen going about their everyday lives. Stay at La Residence Hotel & Spa.

Day 7 - Hue
Enjoy a cooking class today at a private 'garden house' known locally as 'nha vuon'. This traditional style house is set in a large formal garden and has connections with the Royal Imperial Court. The traditional architecture has long been associated with the natural environment and the ancient belief of feng-shui. The lady of the house will teach you how to prepare an extraordinary Vietnamese meal served privately in the private gardens of her home. Enjoy the facilities and acclaimed spa of La Residence Hotel this afternoon.

Day 8 - Hue/Hanoi
This morning transfer to the airport for a short flight to Vietnam's capital Hanoi where you will be driven to the Sofitel Metropole hotel. After settling in, take an insider's walking tour of the old quarter to witness the vibrant life of the Vietnamese who live and work in this ancient area. Visit 'traditional medicine street' with your specialist guide - your senses will come alive with the variety of traditional medicinal herbs and spices. Enjoy lunch at the specialty fish restaurant Cha Ca La Vong that has been serving the same dish for the past 3 decades. The street where the restaurant is located is named after the dish itself. After dinner, enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee in one of the city's original gallery coffee shops and a visit of the unique presentation of articles and dress used in daily life at the Ethnology Museum.

Day 9 - Hanoi
Today hit the streets of Hanoi for a full day street food tour and cooking class with American chef, culinary instructor and food writer, Daniel Hoyer. During a breakfast of Hanoi's celebrated beef and rice noodle soup, Pho, Daniel will give an overview of Hanoi's food scene. During the day, taste some of the local ingredients at a local market, try a Vietnamese ca phe (coffee) or tra (tea) with the locals at one of the many sidewalk cafes in the historic French Quarter, and have lunch at one of the great restaurants.

This afternoon enjoy a cooking session with Daniel and a local Vietnamese cook, guided through the steps of preparing a Vietnamese appetizer dish with ingredients purchased this morning in the market, enjoying the fruits of your labour and a printed recipe so you can make the dishes again and again. Your final stop of the day is at one of Hanoi's renowned Bia Hoi, favorite social gathering spots serving fresh draft beer and tasty snacks.

Day 10 - Hanoi/Halong Bay
Your journey this morning takes you through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta. Arrive in Halong and step back in time to French Indochina as you board the Emeraude Café, a wonderful replica of one of the classic steamships of the era. Enjoy lunch as you leave the harbour and cruise through limestone karsts and clear waters among the hundreds of unspoilt islets and grottos of Halong Bay. Several options are available for the afternoon - swim off the boat's platform, make use of the on-board kayaks, or take part in a Vietnamese spring roll cooking demonstration on the sundeck. After the sun sets, enjoy a Vietnamese buffet dinner and the award-winning Indochine will be screened on the sundeck should you desire to watch a movie before retiring to your cabin.

Day 11 - Halong Bay/Hanoi
For early risers, complimentary tea and coffee are served on the sundeck followed by a Tai Chi class. Enjoy a wholesome breakfast as your boat weaves through strangely shaped limestone rock formations on the return to Halong City. Upon disembarkation, your driver will transfer you back to the Sofitel Metropole in Hanoi. Your farewell dinner will be held in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter in the home of a true Hanoian who leant her culinary skills from her grandmother - a cook for the French elite in the 1930s.

Day 12 - Depart Hanoi
Enjoy a few hours for last purchases or relax before your transfer to Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport for your onward flight.