A Taste of Vietnam

There is more to Vietnamese food than seafood and crisp fresh vegetables, delicately flavored with herbs and spices! 

The Vietnamese are very proud of the way their food is prepared, and we will be in the thick of the action as often as possible, buying our own ingredients from a range of sources.  These might be the small rowing boats that pull alongside our traditional junk in Halong Bay , or the bustling local markets found in every city.  From north to south, this trip will give you a true taste of Vietnam .  The combination of both French and Chinese occupation has led to a diverse, unique cuisine that is world renowned. As with most countries the food varies according to region, basically consisting of north, south and central regions. The North's cuisine is typically more traditional in its selection of spices and ingredients. Whilst the South's cuisine has been influenced by the cuisine of southern Chinese immigrants, and as such is more exotic and wide-ranging. Central Vietnamese cooking, is different from the cuisines of both the Northern and Southern regions, in its use of many small side dishes, and its distinct spiciness in comparison to its neighbours.

Itinerary (13 nights / 14 days)

Day 1, Hanoi
Hanoi provides the perfect introduction to Vietnam 's varied culinary heritage. Transfer to our downtown hotel to meet your tour leader and fellow travellers for a tour briefing. Later, our welcome dinner at Quan An Ngon is the ideal place to start our Vietnamese Culinary experience. Here, there are different food stalls where the food is prepared in a traditional style representing a particular region. We can begin to sample local delicacies such as bun cha and pho. (D)

Day 2, Hanoi
After breakfast we visit the vegetable markets with our chef to learn about different local produce, and to purchase the fresh vegetables for tonight's dinner. After this we explore Hanoi 's old quarter on foot. There is the opportunity to sample ‘Cha Ca' ( Hanoi 's famous fish restaurant) or cross the road to the café opposite, ‘Baguette and Chocolate', which provides vocational training for street children. In the evening we gather for a hands-on cooking demonstration, and afterwards the food will of course be served for dinner. (BD)

Day 3, Halong Bay
Today we head out to the beautiful world heritage site of Halong Bay . We cruise on a traditional junk, the “Jewel of the Bay” amongst the spectacular islands of karst limestone. We will then be treated to perhaps one of the most delicious meals of the trip consisting of fresh sea food brought straight from the local fishermen. You can swim, kayak or simply relax and sip your drink on the deck of the boat. Approx. 3 1/2 hours drive.(BLD)

Day 4, Hanoi
Another opportunity for swimming and kayaking. Then, after our farewell lunch we drive back to Hanoi . Relax by Hoan Kiem Lake , wander the Old Quarter or take in a traditional performance at the Waterpuppet Theatre before we transfer to the station to board our overnight train to Hue . Approx 12 1/2 hours train journey. (BL)

Day 5, Hue
On arrival we transfer to our hotel in Hue , the former capital of the Ngyuen emperors and home to their amazing imperial cuisine. We visit the Imperial City and Dong Ba market by cyclo, then in the evening we venture out to a small but very famous restaurant known as ‘Lac Thien' run by a local family who have been serving traditional Hue cuisine for many years. The family will be pleased to join us and explain about the different food and spices that they use. We can sample bun bo, ‘banh khoai' ( Hue pancakes) and other specialties of this area. (BD)

Day 6, Hue
This morning we head out on a Dragon Boat along the Perfume River to visit the famous Heavenly Lady Pagoda and the tomb of Ngyuen Emperor Minh Mang. In the afternoon we have free time to cycle around this beautiful city or relax by the hotel pool. This evening we will be dining at a local restaurant where they specialize in ‘Royal' cuisine, the lavish dishes enjoyed by the Nguyen Emperors. (BD)

Day 7, Hoi An
We drive across the spectacular Hai Van Pass, stopping at Danang's fascinating Cham Museum and China Beach . Then we continue to the town of Hoi An , where we wander ancient narrow lanes and visit markets, historic houses and temples. At a riverside restaurant we are treated to a cooking demonstration by a resident expert, followed by dinner. There is the chance to sample famous local cuisine like Cau Lao and grilled tuna cooked in banana leaf. Approx. 4 hours driving. (BD)

Day 8, Hoi An
Today is a free day to shop, sample the local food or sit in one of the cafés and watch the day to day life in this elegant place. This evening we will dine at ‘Mango Rooms', one of the best fusion restaurants in town. The chef has designed his own distinctive menu using his many years of experience, which blends together the best of east and west to form unique and mouth watering delicacies. (BD)

Day 9, Whale Island
Fly to Nha Trang and transfer to this beautiful eco-resort in Nha Trang Bay . Whale Island is French/Vietnamese owned and the management train their own chefs to create an amazing assortment of delightful fusion dishes. They also have a great selection of international wines in their bar, located right by the sea. (BD)

Day 10, Whale Island
A relaxing day on the island. There is the opportunity to wander the trails to explore the more secluded parts of the island, or to swim and relax. Just make sure that you are back in time for dinner! (BLD)

Day 11, Saigon
We return to Nha Trang and fly to Ho Chi Minh City , formerly known as Saigon . Later, we'll take a walking tour of the major sites within District 1, and in the evening there is the chance to experience one of our favourite restaurants in Vietnam , Bo Tung Xeo. Here you can barbeque your marinated beef right on the table. There are also other very local delicacies such as scorpions, rat, deer and snake to sample if you dare. (BD)

Day 12, Mekong Delta
This morning we drive to the Mekong Delta, where we spend a wonderful day visiting different cottage industries. A mouth watering lunch will be prepared for us by a local family in their house and served in the spacious courtyard. This evening we stay with a local family and enjoy their traditional hospitality. There is the opportunity to join our hosts in preparing dinner, wander the gardens or simply relax in a hammock. Approx. 3 1/2 hours driving. (BLD)

Day 13, Saigon
We pay a visit to another curiosity of this area, the floating market, before returning to Saigon . Our final evening's dinner will be on a traditional junk on the Saigon River . From the top deck of the boat, we enjoy the charm of this colonial city and a final taste of Vietnam 's amazing food. (BD)

Day 14, Saigon
Tour ends after breakfast. (B)

General Tour Information

Style: Special Interest
Maximum group size: 15
Staffing: Fully escorted by professional tour leader , services of qualified guide in Mekong Delta.
Transport: Private minivan, coach, car, cruiser on Halong Bay , Reunification Express, boats, plane
Flights: Hoi An to Nha Trang, Nha Trang to Saigon .
Accommodation: 10 nights tourist class hotels, 1 night Jewel of the Bay cruiser in Halong Bay, 1 night homestay, 1 night overnight train
The single supplement does not apply to the homestay nor the overnight train.
Activities: Walking, swimming
Meals: As per itinerary B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner.
Entrance fees: Included for all sites listed as part of the itinerary. This does not include entrance fees on optional excursions.
Tipping: To avoid embarrassment and save you money all tours operate a tipping kitty. Please allow US$15-20 per week of the tour for this. This does not include a tip for the tour leader which is entirely at your own discretion.
Additional sightseeing and Optional activities: If you wish to visit a wide range of sites and take part in a variety of optional activities please allow approx US$50.

For comparability, all prices in this dossier are quoted in one currency. We use the US Dollar since that is familiar to most. However, once on tour you will need to pay for all goods and services in the local currency (with the exception of the local payment which must be paid in US Dollars in good condition, unmarked notes). See your Country Dossier for details of exchange rates.

Local Payment

There is a local payment of US$265 on this tour. This must be paid to the Tour Leader in US Dollars cash on Day 1 of the tour.

Free Arrival Transfer

Arrival transfers are included for all clients arriving in Hanoi on Day 1 or before Day 1 if extra accommodation is booked with us. If you have booked your flights separately from your tour please ensure that you inform your tour booking agent of your flight details at least one month before departure to avoid payment of an administration fee.

Tour Briefing

Once all the members of your group have arrived your tour leader will organize an introductory briefing (usually after breakfast on Day 2). This meeting will give you an overview of all the exciting things you will be seeing during your tour and include lots of practical information on how to get the most of your time in South East Asia. You will need to bring with you your passport, all tour vouchers and a copy of your insurance policy to this briefing so that your tour leader can obtain important details that are essential to the running of the tour.

Important Note: it is a condition of joining our tours that you are in possession of a comprehensive travel insurance policy. If you do not have a policy you will be required to purchase one from your tour leader in order to join the tour.

Price includes:

• Staffing as shown in the 'Factfinder'
• Accommodation, meals, transportation, and sightseeing excursions as per itinerary.
• Transfer to hotel on arrival.
• Entrance fees for all sites listed as part of the itinerary

Price does not include:

• Visa costs
• Border Taxes
• Drinks, tips, laundry and other items of a personal nature.
• International flights
• Departure transfers
• Meals other than those listed
• The single supplement does not include the night in the homestay nor on the overnight train.

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