Vietnam Gourmet Experience - Southbound

This morning you will spend time to explore some main interesting sights of the city including:
Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex dedicated to the father of modern Vietnam, consisting of his Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Uncle Ho’s house on stilts; One Pillar Pagoda – an iconic symbol of the city that dated back from 1049; the ruin of the ancient Imperial Citadel of Thang Long; Temple of Literature, the first University of the country that built from 1076, where huge stone steles on turtle backs bear names of the country’s men who received Doctor Laureate through royal examinations.

Lunch with a famous Hanoi’s specialty: Cha Ca.

In the afternoon, enjoying a Water puppet show, a typical Vietnamese traditional art depicting scenes of traditional life and national history. Later, embark on a leisurely walking tour of the Hanoi Old Quarter, a maze of streets offering numerous photo opportunities. Along the way, you'll experience local street life, traditional guilds, food markets, shopping areas, ancient houses, and temples. Taste some Hanoi specialties such as Bun Cha, Banh Goi (Pillow cake), Nom bo kho (beef salad), Banh Cuon (rice paper rolls), and Snail with tamarind sauce. Finish your tour with a stop at a traditional coffee shop for a cup of Hanoi's special egg coffee in a hundred-year-old family-owned shop.

Summary of inclusions

Hue cyclo ride

Hanoi sightseeing & food tasting

Breakfast

Hotel in Hue

This morning at 9.00AM you will get picked up from hotel for your special Hanoi cooking class.
Meet up with the Chef and enjoy a walking tour through bustling local market. You will get an introduction about the daily life, the Vietnamese cuisine, food, ingredients, spices and local ways of cooking. Of course, you will also instructed how to choose and pick up the freshest food of the day for your cooking.  
After the market, take a short visit to village temple to learn more about village culture, history, lifestyle and beliefs before taking a walk a local home where the cooking course takes place.  
Today you will learn to cook some Vietnamese traditional dishes that are typical tastes of the Red River Delta area and north Vietnam, including: Banh Cuon – fresh rice paper on hot steamer bed, Spring rolls with fish, Salat of fresh rice noodle with beef and sweet-sour sauce…
Finally, enjoy the meal and finish the class about 13.00. Say goodbye to the chef and family and transferred back to the hotel.
Remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Private transfer

Hanoi home cooking class

Breakfast & lunch

Hotel in Hanoi

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and be ready for pickup around 8:30 AM.
Depart from Hanoi and head to Hon Gai pier for your cruise adventure on the magnificent Halong Bay & Bai Tu Long Bay.
Halong Bay is renowned as one of the world's most stunning natural wonders, boasting thousands of limestone islands rising majestically from the emerald waters. These islands, sculpted over millions of years by wind and water, display a diverse array of shapes and sizes. With its pristine beaches, floating villages, captivating caves, and awe-inspiring scenery, Halong Bay is a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Vietnam.

Upon arrival at the pier around noon, check in on board and enjoy a sumptuous lunch while cruising through the heart of the bay amidst the breathtaking limestone islands.
In the afternoon, explore a natural cave in Halong Bay and opt for kayaking among the karsts or swimming at one of the beaches. As the sun begins to set, savor a sunset party while the cruise sails to its overnight anchorage. Dine and spend the night on board, surrounded by the enchanting beauty of the islands and under the starlit sky.

Note: the cruise itinerary can be different depending on tide condition, boat and route assigned.

Summary of inclusions

Bus transfer

Halong Bay cruise

Cave visiting

Halong kayaking

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Private ensuite room on board

Early risers will have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Bay's magnificent landscape.
After a light breakfast, embark on a rowing boat tour to explore a natural lagoon, tunnel, and floating village. Later, continue cruising to another area of the bay while enjoying lunch on board. Disembark from the boat in the early afternoon (around 11:00 - 11:30, depending on boat and tide) and begin the journey back to Hanoi.

Upon returning to Hanoi, take advantage of your remaining time in the city for sightseeing or shopping before dinner. In the evening, you will be transferred to the train station to board an overnight train to Hue.

Summary of inclusions

Halong Bay cruise

Boat rowing

Breakfast & lunch

O/N train

Upon arrival in Hue in the morning, you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel.
After a short rest, hop on a cyclo ride to cross the Truong Tien Bridge to the old quarter, where you'll explore the Hue Citadel and Imperial City.
The citadel, built between 1804 and 1833, spans over 6 square kilometers, enclosed by massive brick walls and surrounded by a moat. Within its walls are numerous buildings meticulously arranged according to Fengshui principles, reflecting the grandeur of the last feudal dynasty. During the walking tour, visit notable sites like the Noon Gate, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, the Royal Theatre, and more.
In the afternoon, enjoy a vegetable and fruit carving class, a nod to Hue's royal culinary heritage. Learn the art of food decoration from your instructor, experiencing the intricate techniques used in Vietnamese cuisine.
Opt for an optional Royal Banquet in a dragon-painted room, complete with traditional music and decorative food serving, to fully immerse yourself in the royal experience.

Summary of inclusions

Hue cyclo ride

Royal Citadel explore

Fruit carving class

Breakfast

Hotel in Hue

After breakfast, embark on an exciting day tour to explore the royal monuments, countryside, and natural wonders of Hue.
Hop on a motorbike (or opt for a car drive) and journey along charming village paths where time seems to stand still. Visit a local market nestled in picturesque countryside, the ancient Thanh Toan covered bridge, and a farming exhibition house. Continue your adventure through hidden alleys, discovering traditional handicraft villages specializing in conical hats, paper, and incense making.
Next, visit a charming hillside pagoda and participate in preparing and cooking a meal in Hue Buddhist vegetarian style. Eating vegetarian is a growing trend worldwide, offering health benefits and reducing carbon emissions. Hue Buddhists, in particular, observe vegetarianism for religious reasons, elevating the art of vegetarian cooking to create visually appealing, flavorful, and nutritious dishes.
In the afternoon, explore one of the Emperor Mausoleums, marveling at the royal architecture designed for eternal rest and later, venture to the Tiger-Elephant arena, and embark on a scenic dragon boat cruise along the tranquil Perfume River. Visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, a symbol of Hue's spiritual legacy.
Overnight in hotel.

Summary of inclusions

Motorbike ride

Country explore

Vegetarian cooking class

Breakfast,& lunch

Hotel in Hue

Embark on a scenic drive through picturesque rice paddies, lush mountains, and breathtaking beaches to Hoi An, with a stop to admire the breathtaking scenery from the summit of Hai Van Pass..
Once a bustling trading post between the East and West, Hoi An is now a beloved tourist destination renowned for its charm and hospitality. 
In the afternoon, take a guided walking tour to uncover the treasures of this captivating ancient town. Explore Hoi An's vibrant market that displays full of fresh produce and the bustle of local life. Visit well-preserved merchant houses dating back to the 17th and 19th centuries, colorful Chinese assembly halls, the iconic Japanese covered bridge, a symbol of Hoi An's multicultural heritage, and so on.
During your walk, indulge in a variety of Hoi An specialties, including Cao Lau, Quang noodle, white rose, Vac cake, fried wonton, chicken rice, and so on. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the town at your leisure.
As Hoi An is a paradise for shopping enthusiasts, it's your chance to indulge in fantastic shopping for tailor-made clothes and souvenirs.

Summary of inclusions

Private vehicle

Hoi An walking tour

Breakfast & dinner

Hotel in Hoi An

After breakfast, embark on an eco-cycling adventure along scenic paths winding through rice paddies, farms, and quaint villages, where you'll encounter buffaloes, locals tending to their fields with traditional tools, and cheerful children waving along the way.
Explore Tra Que organic vegetable village, where you'll meet local farmers and engage in farming activities such as hoeing soil, bed preparation, seaweed-based fertilization, transplanting, and watering vegetables. After farming experience, visit a farmer’s house and enjoy welcome drink before you take a relaxing foot massage with medicinal herbs.
Join a local chef to learn and prepare traditional dishes like Banana Flower Salad, Spring Rolls, and Rice Pancakes (Banh Xeo), using fresh ingredients sourced from the village. Enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch.
Following, continue your journey through picturesque rice paddies, shrimp farms, and duck farms, traversing hidden country paths and visiting local homes for interactions. End your day tour with a scenic round bamboo boat ride through the water coconut forest. Return to the hotel and the remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Country cycling

Farming experience

Cooking class

Breakfast & lunch

Hotel in Hoi An

Today is a day of leisure, where you can unwind, explore and shop at your own pace. If you wish, you can take an optional tour to visit My Son, the ruins of the Champa holy see or a boat trip on the Thu Bon River. The choice is yours.

Summary of inclusions

Breakfast

Hotel in Hoi An

After breakfast, enjoy your leiure time untill you get a transfer to the airport for your flight to Nha Trang, a coastal paradise known for its pristine beaches where turquoise waters meet golden sands.
Once in Nha Trang, unwind and relax on the beach, soaking in the warm sunshine and gentle sea breeze. Optional tour to explore the cultural and historical sites of Nha Trang including the towering white Buddha statue at Long Son Pagoda, the lively Dam Market, and the ancient Ponagar Cham Tower is available at your disposal. Alternatively, indulge in a more leisurely activity by treating yourself to a therapeutic mud bath experience at the Thap Ba hot spring.

Summary of inclusions

Private transfers

Internal flight

Nha Trang beach relax

Breakfast

Hotel in Nha Trang

Today, you'll embark on a boat trip to discover the stunning Nha Trang Bay and its pristine islands, nestled within protected marine areas. Dive into the crystal-clear waters for some snorkeling and marvel at the vibrant underwater world filled with colorful coral reefs and marine creatures. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the warm, emerald sea, surrounded by the invigorating sea breeze.
Afterward,enjoy a delicious seafood lunch onboard the boat. Then, head to one of Nha Trang's island beaches for a relaxing afternoon of sunbathing, leisurely strolls, and perhaps some beach sports.
In the late afternoon, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Private transfers

Boat cruise

Snorkeling

Breakfast & lunch

Hotel in Nha Trang

Get transfered to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
After checking in and a short break, embarking on a thrilling cyclo ride to explore the highlights of Saigon - Ho Chi Minh. Your first stop is the War Remnants Museum, showcasing exhibits and documents related to the Indochina Wars. Next, visit the Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Central Post Office, each offering unique insights into the city's history and architecture. Wander through Ben Thanh Market and savor local delicacies for lunch, including the famous 'Banh My'.
Return to your hotel for a break..
In the late afternoon, embark on a motorbike adventure to explore Saigon's nightlife and culinary delights. Venture to hidden food spots favored by locals, followed by a riverside park for a scenic walk. Enjoy live music at a cozy coffee shop before heading to a rooftop lounge for panoramic views of the city and vibrant nightlife. Return to your hotel around 10:30 PM.
Hotel accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City.

Summary of inclusions

Private transfers

Domestic flight

Cyclo ride Saigon

Saigon vespa tour

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Hotel in Saigon

After breakfast, leave Saigon on a scenic two-hour drive to the Mekong Delta. Along the way, make stops to explore cultural landmarks, including a Caodaism church, showcasing unique architecture blending various faiths, and the historic Vinh Trang Pagoda, an emblem of Buddhism in the Mekong region.
Known as the 'rice bowl of Vietnam,' the Mekong Delta has been shaped by the currents of the Mekong River, which ranks as the world's 12th longest and largest river, over thousands of years. It features a network of intricate waterways resembling spider webs, along with undulating rice paddies, lush tropical orchards, and picturesque rural landscapes. Here, life unfolds at a leisurely pace, bathed in the soothing tropical sunlight.
Upon arrival, embark on a boat cruise along one of the branches of the Mekong River, where you'll witness local activities such as fishing and water transferring, and visit cottage industries like coconut candy processing, sleeping mat weaving, salt making, pottery making, and more. Explore tropical orchards, taste freshly picked fruits, and savor a traditional lunch featuring regional specialties. Afterward, unwind in a hammock before taking an exciting motor cart or bicycle ride through coconut forests and rice fields experience more of local life. Conclude your delta adventure with a peaceful sampan rowing excursion along meandering canals.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City and spend the evening at your leisure. Since tonight is your final night in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam, why not explore the vibrant neon lights for some unforgettable experiences?

Summary of inclusions

Private vehicle

Boat cruise mekong delta

Motor card ride

Breakfast & Lunch

Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

On this day, no activities are planned, so you can enjoy your free time until it's time to transfer to the airport for your onward flight. We wish you safe travels and look forward to keeping in touch with you!

Summary of inclusions

Breakfast

Private airport transfer