Culture & Cuisine of Vietnam

This Vietnam holiday is not really for any budding “Master Chefs” out there or those looking for an in-depth training in Vietnam cuisine. It is, however, a tour for those wanting to combine all the 'must see' sights of Vietnam but at the same time providing more of a focus on the food of the country. Vietnamese food is diverse and specific to each region of the country. Northern cuisine is considered ‘traditional’ whilst southern cuisine is considered more exotic and liberal and the cuisine of central Vietnam is quite different to its counterparts in its use of distinct spices. Included on this Vietnam holiday are an excellent street food walking tour of historic Hanoi, a private dinner cooked by the host family in an ancient garden house in Hue and cooking classes in both Hoi An and the Mekong Delta. Besides these culinary adventures there are plenty of opportunities to sample regional specialties throughout the tour: rest assured you will leave Vietnam feeling full and satisfied!

For more information on tailor-made holidays to Vietnam, speak to a Regent Vietnam Travel Specialist today.

Tour Itinerary

DAY 2

HANOI

Arrive in Hanoi and drive to the Silk Path Hanoi Hotel. Spend the day at leisure. Tonight enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner as a welcome to the country. (D)

Accommodation

Silk Path Hotel

• Hotel Description

DAY 3

HALONG BAY

Travel to Halong Bay and board the Red Dragon Junk boat. Enjoy lunch while cruising through the Bay via the stunning limestone formations. Explore Then Canh Son Cave and cruise further to Hon Co Island to enjoy time to swim or kayak. Return to the junk for dinner and overnight onboard in a quiet part of the Bay. (B,L,D)

Accommodation

Red Dragon Junk Cruise

• Hotel Description

DAY 4

HALONG BAY TO HANOI

This morning rise early for sunrise and a coffee in the beautiful Bay. Visit a fishing village to meet the locals and see how they live over the water. Enjoy lunch while cruising back to port. Say goodbye to the boat and drive back to Hanoi and the Silk Path Hotel. (B,L)

Accommodation

Silk Path Hotel

• Hotel Description

DAY 5

HANOI

Today enjoy a city tour to the highlights of Hanoi. This includes the Ho Chi Minh Complex, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and the Temple of Literature. After a cyclo ride through the bustling Old Quarter, take time out for a Vietnamese coffee on the banks of Hoan Kiem Lake. This evening enjoy a culinary adventure in Hanoi's bustling street food scene - a great opportunity to try all those weird and wonderful foods you see but just aren’t sure what they are! (B,L,D)

DAY 6

HUE

Depart Hanoi and fly to Hue. Drive to the Saigon Morin Hotel followed by lunch at a local restaurant specialising in traditional Hue dishes. Follow this with a tour of Hue including the Royal Citadel, Forbidden City and Hue Royal Museum. In the evening, head to a picturesque traditional garden house, or nha vuon. Meet by the owner and host of the garden house who will be preparing a truly authentic Vietnamese dinner. (B,L,D)

Accommodation

Saigon Morin Hotel

• Hotel Description

DAY 7

HUE TO HOI AN

This morning drive via the Hai Van Pass, or "Pass of the Clouds", to Da Nang. Visit the interesting Cham Museum, home to a range of Cham artifacts. Continue to Hoi An and the Palm Garden Beach Resort and Spa. Day at leisure. (B)

Accommodation

Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa

• Hotel Description

DAY 8

HOI AN COOKING CLASS

Today enjoy a full day cookery class. Start with a visit to the local market to help select the best produce for the days class. Take the school's boat upriver and upon arrival explore the herb garden before starting the class. After cooking the dishes sit down with fellow chefs and enjoy the fruits of your labours. (B,L)

DAY 9

HOI AN

Today is at leisure to relax or explore Hoi An - why not hire a bicycle from the hotel and head into the old town for a spot of lunch? (B)

DAY 10

HOI AN TO HO CHI MINH CITY

Take a flight this morning from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City and drive to the Liberty Central Saigon Centre Hotel. This afternoon enjoy a half day city tour. Sights visited will include Notre Dame Cathedral, the Saigon Opera House and the Reunification Palace. End with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, a fascinating yet moving re-telling of the facts of the Vietnam War. (B)

Accommodation

Liberty Central Saigon Centre

• Hotel Description

DAY 11

MEKONG DELTA

Depart this morning to the Mekong Delta, or 'land of nine dragons', and take a shuttle boat to the Mekong Lodge. Check-into a private bungalow and enjoy lunch. This afternoon enjoy a walking tour around the nearby village to see the traditional cottage industries of the Mekong. In the evening, enjoy a cooking class to make their signature dishes. (B,L,D)

Accommodation

Mekong Lodge

• Hotel Description

DAY 12

MEKONG DELTA TO HO CHI MINH CITY

Enjoy an early breakfast and take a rowed sampan boat to Cai Be floating market. Watch the spectacle of hundreds of boats gathering to sell their wares. Return to the lodge and head off on a bicycle ride around the winding lanes of the Mekong. Return to the lodge, check-out and return to Ho Chi Minh City and the Liberty Central Hotel. (B)

DAY 13

HO CHI MINH CITY

This morning head out of the city to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels complex, a must for any visit to Vietnam. Explore the maze of tunnels and learn about the ingenious way the Vietcong created man-traps out of easily available forest materials. The afternoon is at leisure but this evening enjoy a farewell dinner at a local Saigon restaurant - end the trip on a real high! (B,D)