Vietnam Culinary Discovery – 11 Days

Exploring the captivating capital this morning, our tour provides a glimpse into the life and era of Ho Chi Minh, the influential figure in modern Vietnam. The journey begins with a visit to Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, followed by the house on stilts, once the governing place of "Uncle Ho" until his passing in 1969. Our itinerary includes stops at the Presidential Palace, One Pillar Pagoda, and the captivating exhibit at the Ho Chi Minh Museum. A visit to the Temple of Literature, Hanoi's inaugural university dating back to 1070, is also on the agenda. We explore the notorious "Hanoi Hilton," the former central prison with a history tied to Vietnam's National Liberation movement and the incarceration of US Airforce pilots. For lunch, relish the flavors of traditional Vietnamese 'pho,' a delectable noodle soup considered the unofficial national dish. In the evening, witness the charm of Hanoi's renowned Water Puppets in a captivating performance. Conclude the day by savoring another facet of Vietnamese cuisine, perhaps with a meal at Hanoi's most celebrated 'cha ca' (distinctly spiced fried fish dish) restaurant.

Embarking on our journey this morning, we head towards the distinguished Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The day unfolds as we navigate through the enchanting landscape of over 3,000 limestone islands emerging from the sea. A delectable seafood lunch enhances our experience before we make our way back to Hanoi.

Embarking on a culinary adventure, engage in the renowned Sofitel Metropole cooking class this morning. Commence with a market tour where the chef acquaints you with local ingredients for the hands-on class. Delight in savoring your own creations during lunch. Later in the afternoon, board your flight to Hue.

Accommodation: 2 Nights

Hue, once the capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty, holds significance as a Buddhist hub with numerous active pagodas. Today, we venture to the outskirts of Hue to explore the remarkable tombs of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh from the Nguyen dynasty. Following lunch, we wander amidst the awe-inspiring remnants of the Citadel and pay a visit to the esteemed Thien Mu Pagoda. A boat ride along the Perfume River takes us back to the hotel. Tonight, join your tour leader to indulge in some of Hue's authentic culinary delights.

This morning, our journey leads us in the southern direction towards Danang. Our first pause is at the breathtaking Hai Van Pass, where we are treated to awe-inspiring views of some of Vietnam's most captivating landscapes. Following a delightful lunch, our next stops include the Cham Museum and the Marble Mountains. Afterward, a brief drive takes us to China Beach before we resume our southern route, heading to the charming port town of Hoi An. Here, we embark on a guided walking tour through the historic streets, exploring landmarks such as the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese Assembly Hall, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and a traditional trading house. 

At the break of dawn, we start our day with a visit to the vibrant riverside market located at the outskirts of the town. The remainder of the day is yours to savor freely. As the evening unfolds, we embark on a serene sunset boat cruise along the tranquil Thu Bon River. Following this picturesque experience, we reunite with the group for an engaging cooking class at one of the charming riverside restaurants in Hoi An.

This morning, board a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Our exploration kicks off with a tour of the city's renowned attractions, commencing with a walking expedition through Saigon's iconic and historically significant landmarks. Highlights include visits to the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. Following this, we venture to Cholon, the vibrant Chinatown district, to explore the expansive Binh Tay wholesale market and the intricately adorned Thien Hau temple. 

This morning, embark on a southward journey into the heart of the Mekong Delta. Along the way, observe farmers diligently tending to their fields and drying their harvests along the roadside. Upon reaching My Tho, we embark on a boat to navigate one of the primary tributaries of the Mekong. During our journey, we make stops at various islands, engaging with local farmers and cottage industries. These visits include a coconut candy factory and a honey farm. Strolling through tropical fruit orchards, we have the opportunity to taste the region's diverse produce. Subsequently, we board sampans to navigate the narrow canals of the Delta before making our way back to Saigon via My Tho. Arriving in the mid-afternoon, the rest of the day is at your leisure for shopping or further exploration.

Today, we participate in a cooking session at the Vietnam Cookery Centre. This class is crafted to be not only enjoyable and straightforward but also all-encompassing. Attendees will get the chance to savor the dishes they prepare for lunch. The remainder of the afternoon is at your disposal for leisure or any final-minute shopping endeavors.

Proceed to the airport for your subsequent flight.