With your guide, explore the city's top attractions: War Remnants Museum, with photos and artifacts from the past, Reunification Palace, the former residence of the Indochina Governor-General and later of the President of the Republic of Southern, Notre Dame Cathedral, a red-brick structure with twin spires modeled after the original in Paris, Central Post Office, designed by Gustav Eiffel before he built the Eiffel Tower. Unwind in a coffee shop that was once used as a safe haven and weapon chamber by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

Notes:

• Tour Duration: Half day (08.00-13.30)

 

Late afternoon, embark on a street food tour via cyclo (traditional three-wheel bicycle). The spiciness, sweetness, sourness, and fish-sauciness of Vietnamese food are all expertly balanced. Experience the delight of a mouthful of authentic Vietnamese cuisine as we cycle through Saigon's busy streets, markets, and back alleys in search of the city's best street eats. Discover the delicious variety of tastings, simplicity, and why the Saigon street food experience has become so popular in recent years by sampling a wide range of street fare while also learning about the unique significance of each dish.

 

Notes:

• Tour duration: 2.5-3 hours (16.30-19.30), combinable with the city tour

 

Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

Ben Tre, once known as "the paradise of coconut trees," is typical of the Mekong Delta, known as "the rice bowl of Vietnam," where people live close to the peaceful waterways and farmlands. 
 

This day trip takes you to Ben Tre, which is considered to be one of the gateways to the Mekong Delta. As you make your way out of the bustling central business district, take in the rice paddies and fruit farms that are located along the route. Join us on a relaxing cruise down the Mekong River aboard the lovely Apricot boat, which is a newly-designed river barge inspired by local traditions. 
 

Be amazed by the bustling coconut trading scene, which provides significant photo opportunities. While taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of a local market, your guide will explain how to select the freshest, highest-quality products for a hands-on cooking lesson at a tranquil restaurant along the river.

 

Notes:

• Tour duration: Full day (07.30-18.00)

 

Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

Have a hearty breakfast at the hotel before catching a quick flight to Danang City. After meeting you at the airport, our local guide will drive you the remaining 40 minutes to Hoi An's Ancient Town. 
 

Visit the Old Japanese covered bridge, the Chinese assembly hall, and the local market, where you can meet and chat with stall holders about their food as you stroll through the town.  Wander down both well-trafficked thoroughfares and fairly quiet side streets in search of the hidden shops and vendors who make and sell the exotic foods that are the highlight of our trip.  Indulge yourself in Hoi An's night food safari. Stroll through Hoi An's winding lanes to get a feel for the city's real neighborhoods and to sample some of the city's best cuisine at restaurants that have been serving up local specialties for generations. White rose, bread, banana sweet soup, and coconut pancakes are among the foods you will sample. Finally, gather at a local house for a home-hosted dinner and stroll to the heart of Hoi An's ancient town, sit on a local boat as it cruises along Hoai River, and watch as floating lanterns are released into the night sky.

 

Notes:

• Tour duration: Full day (14.30-21.00)

Spend this memorable morning exploring an off the beaten track rural corner of Hoi An like a local on the back of the local motorbike. Crossing a bridge over the Thu Bon River takes you to a quiet island village surrounded by the picturesque fields of corn, aubergine, sweet potato, cucumbers, and herbs. Stop at the 100-year-old ancestral house where you can chat with the owner to learn about the outstanding architecture. The ride leds you along winding village roads to enjoy the idyllic countryside scenery of rice paddies and farmland, making stops along the way to learn from friendly local families about their livelihoods including the art of mat weaving, farming and making “banh dap” (rice crackers).
 

Continue our scooter adventure to a neighborhood café, where you will fuel up on freshly brewed drip coffee and gain insight into the process of coffee roasting. Travel to the Thu Bon river mouth on the coast, passing by Casuarina Pine and Cashew Nut Tree-lined roads to reach a local fish market and the a village market to engage with local shoppers and vendors.

 

Notes:

• Tour duration: Half day (08.00-12.00)

 

Overnight stay in Hoi An

Travel to the Hai Van pass to see lush mountains, blue skies, and Lang Co beach. From the peak of the mountain, Lang Co beach looks absolutely stunning with its verdant trees, clear waters, and cloud-covered mountains. The fishing village surrounded by deep mountains and endless sky and ocean, itself offers excellent opportunities for photography including fishermen unloading fish; old women laying fish out in the sun to dry.
 

Spend this afternoon exploring the highlight of Hue City:  Imperial Citadel at the centre of the Complex of Hue Monuments inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, King Tu Duc's royal tomb, a peaceful resting place surrounded by walls with pine woods and a lakeside pavilion with lotus blossoms where the emperor used to stay in the past for fishing, listening to music, and writing poetry. 
 

Embark on a culinary adventure with Hue's most renowned chef. She has been honored with a number of Vietnam's highest honors for talent, she is a professor, cookbook author, and food TV host in both Vietnam and Europe. What is better than having meal prepared by herself at her private home? She has an abundance of anecdotal stories to share about herculinary art life and career. 

 

Notes:

• Tour duration: Full day (0830-17.00) for transfer and sightseeing and 2 hours for home hosted dinner

• Venue location for home hosted dinner: 5-minute drive from downtown

• Capacity for home hosted dinner: Max 12 pax

 

Overnight stay in Hue

Hue retains much of its former gastronomic glory as the feudal capital. Hue royal cuisine is distinguished by its diverse ingredients, delicate preparation, and artistic presentation. Prepare for a culinary adventure with the "Heiress of Hue Royal Cuisine," a passionate and talented chef. She learned the craft of Hue royal cuisine from her aunts, who were wives of Nguyen dynasty officials, while growing up within the walls of the Imperial Citadel. What better way to experience an incredible journey tour than with a market tour led by a royal descendant chef to enjoy the tantalizing sights, smells, and flavors of local produce? Proceed to her private venue, which is perched in a lush bonsai garden representing harmony, peace, and prosperity, and learn how to prepare some royal main dishes. 

 

Notes:

• Tour duration: Half day (08.00-12.30)

• Capacity: 15pax

 

This afternoon, visit the renowned Dong Ba Market that offers most of Hue's delicious dishes in a high-quality setting.  Sample a variety of regional dishes, including Banh beo, Banh nam, Banh loc, Nem Lui, Banh Khoai, Bun Thit Nuong (rice noodles with grilled pork and vegetables), and Che (sweet soup with many flavor).

 

Overnight stay in Hue

After breakfast, take a short morning flight to Hanoi – Capital city of Vietnam. Upon arrival, you’re greeted and transferred to the City central by your private vehicle.
 

Drive to one of Ha Noi’s most prominent family-run restaurants that proudly prepared a delightful dinner of flavorful grilled pork in fish sauce served with noodles for Barack Obama - the 44th U.S President. Chill out at a local coffee shop, nested at a busy corner of the Old Quarter, where HRH Prince William enjoyed a cup of Vietnamese coffee during his visit to Hanoi.
 

Visit the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam. Constructed in the 11th Century, this stunning temple constitutes a rare example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote. Stroll through the "36 streets of 36 wares" of the Old Quarter. Follow your guide to a small alley to get an idea of a typical “tube houses” of Hanoi.

 

Notes:

• Tour duration: Half day (13.00 - 17.00)

 

One of the most well-known dishes in all of North Vietnam, Cha Ca La Vong, will be served tonight (grilled fish). Fish is marinated in turmeric and then stir-fried with dill and green onion for a flavorful dish. Relax with a cold glass of Bia Hoi, the local draught beer, at a corner bar in Hanoi's Old Quarter and observe the bustling nightlife. If you are less interested in beer, then our local guide will take you to a little shop selling many different types of traditional Northern cakes such as Com cake (young rice) which is considered to be a part of every Hanoians’ childhood, then a local coffee shop for a brief demonstration of egg coffee. 

 

Notes:

• Tour duration: 2.5 - 3 hours (18.00 - 21.00)

 

Overnight stay in Hanoi 

Today, drive 30 minutes through rural Hanoi to the countryside. Taste and pick out some of the most important ingredients used in the regional cuisine as you explore a local market with your host. In Northern Vietnam, "Banh Cuon” is a famous traditional Vietnamese cake made from a thin, wide sheet of steam rice rolled and filled with pork, minced wood ear mushroom, and minced shallots. After witnessing the bustle of the market, follow your host through the village's winding lanes to reach her home, where she will show you some secret technics to present these tasty dishes. Savor your creations in the tranquil setting of a garden and fish pond before heading back to downtown Hanoi.

 

Notes:

• Tour duration: Half day (09.00-14.00)

• Capacity: Max 40pax

 

In general, Pho is simply the name given to any dish using the rice noodle “pho” as the key ingredient. The most popular dish with “pho” is the noodle soup served in a large bowl. The broth is made by slow-cooking cow's bone with spices for at least 48 hours.  This evening, embark on a unique culinary adventure to learn about the mysterious ingredient "Pho," which turns up in dishes and drinks you've never heard of before. The only thing you need to make sure when joining this food trail is to remember to bring your appetite! 

 

Notes:

• Tour Duration: 3 hours (18.30-21.30)

• Accessibility: All vehicle types

• The experience can be done by scooter to zigzag through the small alleys to witness the night life of downtown Ha Noi 

 

Overnight stay in Hanoi 

After breakfast, meet our driver and travel by road to Ha Long Bay, a place of outstanding natural beauty that is a World Heritage Site with its 3,000 islands rising from the clear, emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Make the journey through the rich farmlands of the Delta of the Red River, with its rice fields, water buffalo, and Vietnamese village life. Arrival in Halong and embarkation on the cruise, accompanied by lunch on board. Enjoy tours and/or activities (depending on the schedule of each vessel) as the cruises on emerald green waters among thousands of rugged islands and incredible limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, stopping at spectacular caves through which you can wander, viewing impressive, centuries-old formations or just relax on board. 

Overnight on board of a luxury cruise, which introduces an open kitchen with live cooking for an unforgettable lifestyle experience. 

Note: Cruise itinerary is subject to change due to weather and operation conditions.

Start the day with a demonstration of Tai Chi that combines deep breathing and relaxation with slow and gentle movements. Breakfast consists of coffee, tea, and pastries served in a dining room with a view of the bay's landscape. Enjoy breakfast in the fresh air of Ha Long Bay as the boat continues cruising around the bay, passing the most beautiful and peaceful areas as it makes its way to the wharf.

The vehicle is ready awaiting your disembarkation at approximately 1030 for driving back to Ha Noi.

Overnight stay in Hanoi 

Leisure and private transfer to the airport for your departure flight

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Accommodation bases on lowest room category of each hotel. Higher room grade can be arranged subject to availability and additional charges

 

• Hanoi: City Sofitel Metropol Hotel - Premium

• Halong: Indochine Premium Cruise – Junior Suite

• Hue: Arezai La Residence Hue – Superior Standard

• Hoian: Anantara Hoian – Deluxe Balcony

• Ho Chi Minh: Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel - Park Room City View