Sweet Taste of Vietnam (Code: VN-AR 00-9)

HANOI - HOA LU - HA LONG - DA NANG - HOI AN - HUE -

HO CHI MINH CITY - CU CHI - VINH LONG

The best of Vietnam is a specially selected itinerary of Vietnam’s most famous sights. Here we can wander the charming French colonial boulevards of Hanoi; marvel at the emerald green bays and towering limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay and the spectacular scenery of Hoa Lu. Discover the ancient cities of Hue and Hoi An, and feel the vibrant atmosphere of modern Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon, as the locals still call it.

 

Inclusions:

- 9 nights hotel accommodation as below listed or similar.

- 1 night on board in Ha Long Bay.

- 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 2 dinners.

- Modern, comfortable transportation throughout the tour.

- Boat cruises in Hoa Lu, Ha Long, Hue and My Tho.

- Entrance fees as stated in the tour program.

- Local English or French speaking guide in the North, Centre and the South.

 

Exclusions:

- International flights.

- Domestic tickets Hanoi - Da Nang/ Hue - Saigon

- Any meals, drinks other than specified.

- Tips/ gratuities and personal expenses.

Day 1 Arrive Hanoi

Dinner

Arrive at Noi Bai airport and transfer to your hotel in Hanoi. Free time at your leisure. Accommodation in Hanoi.

Day 2 Hanoi – Street food tour

Breakfast – Lunch

Here we will spend a day exploring enchanting Hanoi. We start with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, then the impressive, but simple house on stilts that was Ho’s former residence, and the One Pillar Pagoda, before taking a walk in the ancient Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university established during the construction of the capital in 1070. Then we take an hour Cyclo tour viewing the charming French colonial architecture of the bustling Old Quarter. We begin our street food walking tour. Live seafood, fruits and exotic spices are sold... We strolled through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter of Hanoi, was founded over 1000 years ago. Our guide will then take you to one of Hanoi’s best kept secrets, a hidden café with stunning views over the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. Accommodation in Hanoi.

Day 3 Hanoi – Ha Long

Breakfast – Lunch - Dinner

This morning, we depart for Ha Long Bay. Passing through the rich farmland of the Red River Delta, we enjoy the lush scenery and photo opportunities. Arriving at Ha Long Pier to board a traditional, but luxurious, wooden junk and cruise through the spectacular islands rising from the tranquil emerald sea. Enjoy sumptuous on-board seafood and explore Sung Sot Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in the bay. Witness a splendid sunset. Dinner and overnight on your boat.

Day 4 Ha Long – Danang – Hoi An

Breakfast - Lunch

We continue exploring the spectacular Ha Long Bay; its many caves and a floating village. On leaving our boat, we visit Bac Ninh Province to learn more about Vietnamese history and culture. We visit the Do temple, built during the Le Dynasty and later enjoy a traditional Quan Ho Folk music show before transferring directly to the airport for the flight to Da Nang city.

Day 5 Hoi An – Hoi An

Breakfast – Dinner

A morning tour takes us to the ancient Japanese Bridge, Phuoc Kien Pagoda, the ancient house Tran Phu and the Hoi An Museum. Enjoy shopping for tailor made clothing, lanterns, shoes and food, or simply relax on the beach or in the myriad restaurants and café. Free time in the afternoon. Back to the town during the evening to admire the beauty of the street at the night time. We will enjoy a fusion menu (mixes between Hoian and western style) at local restaurant in town.

Day 6 Hoi An - countryside and cooking tour

Breakfast - Lunch

This day-long excursion combines a bicycle tour of coconut palm fringed villagers, a coracle tour of the waterways, with a unique opportunity to learn about the cultivation of organic produce alongside one of the local farmers. A great way to experience rural Vietnam and bring home a small part of it with your new cultivating and cooking skills. Accommodation in Hoian.

Day 7 Hoi An – Hue

Breakfast – Lunch

This morning we visit Vietnam’s finest Cham museum and Marble Mountain. After crossing the spectacular Hai Van Pass, we reach Hue, where we can see the ancient Citadel and cruise on the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda. The remainder of our time is free to explore the crowded market of Dong Ba, where we can bargain for anything from souvenirs and bronze goods, to Hue sesame sweetmeat and conical poem hats. Accommodation in Hue.

Day 8 Hue – Royal cooking class

Breakfast – Lunch

Hue, once the imperial capital of the country, is a small quiet city still renowned for its royal cuisine. A creative way to spend time in Hue is to join a Royal Cooking Class. Visit market with our chef and buy cooking ingredients. Then go to restaurant for cooking class. After welcome drink, change uniform and learn how to cook and prepare traditional Hue Royal dishes. Enjoy your fresh cooked meal. In the afternoon, we continue to discover Hue and visit the impressive tombs of King Minh Mang and Tu Duc. Accommodation in Hue.

Day 9 Hue – Ho Chi Minh City

Breakfast – Lunch

This morning, we transfer to the airport for our onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Here you have the opportunity to visit the controversial War Remnants Museum, the historic Notre Dame Cathedral, post office and bustling Ben Thanh Market. Explore Dong Khoi Street, the city’s most upscale shopping boulevard with boutiques selling clothes and accessories by Vietnamese designers, hill tribe crafts, high quality linens and house wares. Don’t miss Ho Chi Minh City’s atmosphere by night. This city lives up to its exciting and often mischievous reputation.

Day 10 Ho Chi Minh City – Cooking class

Breakfast – Lunch

This morning, we travel back in time to experience the true Vietnam by joining us on a scenic trip through the countryside of the south. We travel to a local morning market where you will get a chance to enjoy a traditional breakfast as well as sample many local delights. We will also purchase some exotic fruits of your choice for your tasting. Next we will begin our journey to the countryside, making stops along the way for taking pictures. When we arrive cooking school farm, we will begin harvesting all of the ingredients that we will need for our dish. Our professionally trained chefs will teach how to make our dish using local techniques. Enjoy our meal including drinks, local beer and wine rice. We will then depart back to the city making a quick stop along the way for a refreshing fruit smoothie.

Day 11 Depart Ho Chi Minh City

Breakfast

Free time until you onward flight. Tour ends.