Main Info
Vietnamese cuisine is highly regarded as one of the world’s best, but few realize the variations that are found in the regional cuisines. Just like the country’s geographical divisions, the food can also be separated in to South, Central, and Northern style. The experts at Vietnam Real travel have created this tour with a focus on food! As you travel up the coast on this twelve day tour, experience the best Vietnamese culture, history, beaches, and food, all the while staying in luxury hotels. With exclusive cooking courses and meals at top restaurants, this tour is sure to please the taste buds.
| Departure | TAN SON NHAT International Airport |
| Departure Time | Scheduled time |
| Tour code: | VRT – CULINARY 01 |
| Tour duration | 12 days |
| Tour type | Privare |
| Included |
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| Excluded |
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TOUR COST per Person (in US $)
All inclusive in Twin or Double Room / Meal (Daily Breakfast and Lunch)
| 2 pax | 3 pax | 4 pax | 6 pax | 8 pax | Single Supplemental | |
| Budget | ||||||
| Superior | ||||||
| Deluxe |
Tour category
Budget
Particularly suitable for uncomplicated tourists with low requirements
| Accomodation | Guesthouses and 2-Star Hotels, clean rooms w. window, A/C and bathroom |
| Transportation | Private 16-Seat Minivan (Mercedes) |
| Train | Soft berth, 4-bed compartment w. A/C (Ratraco Train to Lao Cai) |
| Boat trip | Private Boat |
Superior
Particularly suitable for tourists with high requirements
| Accomodation | 3 and 4-Star Hotels (International Standard) |
| Transportation | Private 16-Seat Minivan (Mercedes) |
| Train | Soft berth, 4-bed compartment w. A/C (Livitrans to Lao Cai) |
| Boat trip | Private boat |
Deluxe
Particularly suitable for sophisticated tourists
| Accomodation | 4-Star Hotels (5-Star Hotels extra charge) or best Hotel on site |
| Transportation | Private 16-Seat Minivan (Mercedes) |
| Train | Soft berth, 4-bed compartment w. A/C (Victoria Train to Lao Cai) |
| Boat trip | Private Boat |
THE TASTE OF VIETNAM – 12 DAYS
Start your tour in the vibrant, modern city of Ho Chi Minh, where glimpses of French-Indochina architecture peek through the rows of new skyscrapers. Cooking courses in Ho Chi Minh city and a visit to the floating markets of the Mekong Delta are the perfect introduction to the flavors of the country’s cuisine. The cuisine of South Vietnam has been influenced by the cuisines of the Khmer people and thus Southerners prefer sweet flavors in many dishes. As a new land, the South’s cuisine is more exotic and liberal, using many herbs.
Central Vietnam is home to the quaint coastal town of Hoi An and the former Imperial Capital of Hue. These two cities are as rich in culture as they are in cuisine, and guided tours will give you insight in to the history of the region. In Hoi An, spend the afternoon cooking with a local family who, for generations, have been growing the regions best vegetables. And no culinary tour to Vietnam would be complete without a visit to Hue, where demanding standards of the former emperor’s evolved in to a ‘royal cuisine’ unmatched elsewhere in the country.
Finish your tour in the North, where the cuisine is more traditional and strict in choosing spiciness. The cradle of Vietnamese civilization, many of the country’s most famous dishes (such as pho) have their birthplace in the North. Brave the bustling streets of Hanoi’s old quarter to uncover the secrets of the local chef’s delicacies, and head out to the tranquil waters of Halong Bay to enjoy a culinary feast aboard a luxurious colonial-replica boat.
Special experiences:
– Cyclo tour in Hanoi
– Cooking different Vietnam dishes in the North, Center and South
– Visiting most of the highlights of Vietnam like: Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Mekong Delta
– Boat trip in Halong Bay, Hue, Mekong Delta
– Royal dinner in Hue
Itinerary
Arrive in to Ho Chi Minh City, still referred to by some as 'Saigon', and get ready to experience the exquisite cuisine of Vietnam..
Transfer to the hotel for check-in. Free at leisure
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Let the cooking begin! Begin your culinary discovery of Vietnam with a specially-led cooking class with a local chef who will take you through the local market first to shop for fresh ingredients. Then head back to their house for a hands-on demonstration which will help you gain insight into the diversity of the Vietnamese cuisine.
Afternoon tour of Saigon's historic landmarks including the Old Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, former Presidential Palace. Visit Ben Thanh market to see the abundance of spices, fruits, and foods used in Vietnamese cooking.End your day with a local style restaurant and one of the city's most popular eateries.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Heading out of the town, we travel by roads to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam's largest rice bowl. On arrival in My Tho we embark on a boat navigating around the intricate small canals in the delta region, which is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up and catch a view dotted by many islands. The exciting excursion will pass the lush green vegetation before arriving at the famous Unicorn Island. Here we have opportunities to stroll around an orchard, taste many seasonal fruits and enjoy wonderful traditional music. The next stop of our trip is Ben Tre Province to visit some fascinating local industries.Visit Vinh Trang pagoda before heading back to Sai Gon.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Step back in time as you fly from the buzzing, modern city of Ho Chi Minh to Danang and on to the quiet former trading town of Hoi An which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There are plenty to see in this tranquil and delightful town, some of which are the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tam Ky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda and the vibrant market.
Overnight in Hoi An.
This morning you will be introduced to one of Hoi An's most energetic and up and coming eating establishments, the Mango Rooms.Meet with Chef Duc Tram who will be your host and teacher for the day, guiding you through Hoi Ans' bustling markets interact with the local sellers and purchase some of the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson before leading hands on cooking class in the restaurant kitchen where he will impart the secrets of his signature dishes. After your morning of cooking, relax at the town's beach or spend your time browsing for souvenirs in Hoi An's art galleries and silk shops.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Morning depart Hoi An for Hue, the capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty of emperors from 1802 till 1945. We will cross Hai Van Pass where you will have magnificent view of the China Sea. Stop at Lang Co to have break. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at Thanh Tam restaurant in Lang Co beach before continuing driving to Hue.Not only is this photogenic city graced with the Perfume River and enigmatic emperors' tombs, but it also home to the 'Royal Cuisine'. Take city tours to visit Imperial Citadel, Forbidden city and Royal Place. Free walking to visit Dong Ba market Tonight you will have a chance to sample this famous cuisine this evening within the premises of one of Hue's unique garden houses.
Overnight in Hue.
At 7:30 in the morning, we follow Mrs. Cuc, the owner of Y Thao Garden House to a very local market which is rarely visited by tourists. As you wander through the aisles abundant with fresh produce, learn more about these local ingredients that are infused in to the region's foods.where she gives an instruction on how to choose food for our cooking lesson at 9:30 at Y Thao Garden House.
In the afternoon, travel by Dragon Boat on the romantically named Perfume River to Thien Mu pagoda standing on the riverbank with its seven-storey tower.End up the day with a visit Minh Mang tomb before heading back the hotel.
Overnight in Hue.
After breakfast we explore Hue on our own until transferring to the airport for a short flight north. Ha Noi.Country's capital, is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia ‘s most striking colonial architecture.Take a very unique insiders walking tour of Hanoi with a local food logger. Indulge yourself in the finest food Hanoi has to offer with a local expert who shares his passion and knowledge on the country's delicacies. Taste regional delicacies and unusual foods while strolling along 'food alley' in the heart of Hanoi's main market. This gastronomic day will leave you hungry for more and give a real insight into the colorful lives of the Vietnamese people.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Morning market tours with the hotel chef and cooking demonstration at the Metropole Sofitel Hotel. Having lunch at Spices Garden. Afternoon city tours to visit the city's landmarks such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Once Pillar Pagoda, The Temple of Literature, 1 hour cyclo tours around Hanoi old quarters and enjoy the traditional water puppetry show.
Overnight in Hanoi
The journey to Halong takes you through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Board your cruising vessel, either a traditional junk boat or a replica of a classic steamship. Have lunch as you cruise among hundreds of dramatic limestone karsts to discover unspoilt pockets of Halong Bay. Visit a cave, go swimming, kayak, take part in a Vietnamese spring roll cooking demonstration on the sundeck, or simply relax as you wind through the Bay.
Overnight on Halong Bay.
As you return to Halong City, enjoy a wholesome brunch as your boat weaves through strange-shaped limestone rock formations. Upon disembarkation, your driver will meet you for the transfer back to Hanoi.
Enjoy your afternoon and evening at leisure.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Today is departure day. Your private car and guide will be at your disposal to enjoy some free time for last purchases or simply relax before your transfer to Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport for onward flight.
