Vietnam Alive

DAY 1: ARRIVE HANOI

 

Upon arrival in Hanoi, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. In the late afternoon you will be taken on a cyclo ride through the French quarter and the Administrative quarter for an orientation tour of the city. Enjoy a welcome dinner at Pots’nPans with a prime spot on the Chef's corner with the lively open kitchen on display. If available, the Master Chef Mr. Donald Berger will share with you his working experience around the globe in the finest restaurants, private clubs and hotels.

 

DAY 2: HANOI

 

This morning, meet with a local Hanoian chef for a market tour who will show you how to select fresh ingredients. Visit the chef’s private home for a hands-on cooking class of Hanoi & Northern Highland cuisine. Enjoy your own creations at lunch while listening to the chef’s personal culinary adventure. Return to town for a customized city tour including a visit to the Temple of Literature, a cultural symbol and the first University for the sons of mandarins. In the evening, visit the house of a musician couple for a home-cooked dinner with a musical performance of flute and piano by your hosts afterward.

 

DAY 3: HANOI – HALONG BAY

 

Arrive in Hanoi early in the morning, after breakfast drive to Halong Bay to board the deluxe Au Co ship and check into a spaciously-designed private cabin that boasts a luxurious bathroom and panoramic balcony. Cruise through Halong Bay and pass famous spots like Thien Cung and Me Cung caves, plus Soi Sim and Titov islands. Activities include a guided kayaking tour or refreshing swim in the Bay’s emerald waters.

 

DAY 4: HALONG – HANOI – DANANG – HOI AN (FLIGHT)

 

In the morning, climb up to visit Sung Sot Cave where stalactites hanging from the high ceiling take on numerous shapes and forms. Arrive at Tuan Chau pier late morning and transfer back to Hanoi airport for the flight to Danang. Upon arrival in Danang, meet with your guide, transfer to Hoi An and check-in your resort.

 

DAY 5: HOI AN

 

Start a walking tour of the World Heritage-Listed ancient town boasting well-preserved buildings, pedestrianized streets and unique cuisine. Then experience an organic discovery tour with the local farmers in the rural outskirts of Hoi An ancient town. Start your morning with a leisurely bike ride through the countryside, heading to Tra Que vegetable village, which is named after a sweet scented herb they grow and use to flavour Hoi An specialties. Try a fun cooking learning and get back to the hotel early in the afternoon for leisure. In the evening you might try some Hoian best food like Cao Lau or Com Ga. 

 

DAY 6: HOI AN - HUE

 

Depart Take the scenic drive to Hue – the former Imperial city. Share a meal with monks in a monestary before continuing with a visit to the Imperial Citadel. Just out of the city centre we explore the elaborate Khai Dinh royal tomb where the architecture is influenced by both eastern art and western influences. Dinner is with Master Chef Ms Nhu Huy who grew up in a Royal family to understand her effort to search and preserve ancient recipes.

 

DAY 7: HUE – SAIGON (FLIGHT)

 

Depart for a dragon boat on the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pogoda, then visit Ngoc Son, a typical house to meet Historian Phan Thuan An to learn more about royal family and history of Hue. Enjoy a real treat cooked by his wife. Fly to HCM City (Formerly Saigon). Upon arrival, transfer downtown and experience a first glimpse of Saigon’s commercial centre. Transfer to Dong Khoi Street or Rue Catinat as it was known in the time of the French occupation, to discover some of the beautiful French colonial buildings built in the late 19th and early 20th century. The evening is an opportunity to sample some of southern Vietnam’s favourites at a local restaurant.

 

DAY 8: CITY TOUR OF SAIGON & MEETING WITH MASTER CHEF VIETNAM IN SAIGON

 

Morning visit to some popular landmarks in town, at noon time to meet one of the Master Chef of Vietnam at her home.

 

DAY 9: MEKONG DELTA, CAIBE FLOATING MARKET 

 

Depart in the morning for the Mekong Delta. Arrive at Cai Be, and immerse yourself in a world of lush vegetation from the Mekong Delta as you pick through the fascinating and lively market, watching buyers bargaining for produce. Take a rowing boat along the maze of shady canals. Head for a local orchard to enjoy the local tropical fruits and lunch is served. Back on the water, continue by boat to the car. Drive back to Saigon for the night. 

 

DAY 10: DEPART SAIGON

 

Free time until you transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

 

*This is sample itinerary with no selected accommodation suggested unless otherwise stated. International airfares are not included unless otherwise specified within the detailed proposal – please contact our team to tailor this itinerary to your personal specifications.