VIETNAM
11 nights/ 12 days

Day 2 – Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast transfer to the Vietnam Cookery Centre for a morning cookery class to learn the secrets of preparing some of Vietnam’s best-loved dishes. Before the lesson visit the central market with chef to learn about the various herbs and ingredients used in Vietnamese cuisine. Preparation of typical dishes is demonstrated by the center’s professional chef before participants prepare their own. At the end of the morning participants sit down to a lunch prepared themselves. Each participant receives a manual and certificate on completion of the course. An afternoon city tour of dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, takes in the former Presidential Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office, the History Museum, visit to a lacquerware factory, Thien Hau Pagoda and Binh Tay Market in the city’s bustling Chinatown. Dinner at Kinh Bac one of Ho Chi Minh City’s finest restaurants/ Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 3 – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekon Delta –Ho Chi Minh City
A full day trip to the watery world of the Mekong Delta, just a couple of hours by road from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City’s streets. Take a boat trip along narrow waterways overhung with dense vegetation and try exotic fruits in one of the many orchards. For lunch sample the local delicacy, Elephant’s Ear Fish at Ngoc Gia Trang in My Tho or Mr Giao’s Garden in Vinh Long. Return to Ho Chi Minh City for a fantastic feast at Rex Garden Restaurant in the famous Rex Hotel. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 4 – Ho Chi Minh City-Dang-Hoi An
After breakfast transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for the short flight to the central port city of Danang. On arrival in Danang transfer to Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years. Check into hotel. Lunch is at one of the many family run restaurants serving Hoi An specialities such as Cao Lau, Hoang Thanh and White Rose. Cao Lau, a delicious soup made with noodles, pork and greens, is only found in Hoi An, and must be made with water from the town’s ancient well. After lunch take a walking tour of the ancient town centre to visit the former merchant’s homes, the 400 years-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colorful market. Rest of the afternoon at leisure. Dinner at Brothers Café. Overnight at Hoi An.

Day 5 – Hoi An
After an early breakfast transfer to Miss Vy’s School of Cooking where visitors from all over the globe have learned Miss Vy’s traditional family recipes. This Cooking course lasts all day long and includes shopping for ingredients at the Hoi An Central Market before retuning to the school by cyclo to learn how it’s done. Once the meals are prepared you can enjoy the dishes you have spent the day mastering. Evening is at leisure. Dinner at White Lantern Restaurant. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 6 – Hoi An – Hue
After breakfast leave Hoi An for Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. En route visit the Cham Museum, which contains the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world. The scenic route passes through Danang before climbing over the Pass of Ocen Clouds and dropping down to the wonderfully phogenic fishing village of Lang Co. Lunch at Thanh Tam Restaurant in Lang Co. Arrive in Hue and transfer to hotel. Food in Hue is spicy hot lots of chilli being used and reflecting its imperial roots is often presented in carefully displayed small servings, a kind Orental nouvelle cuisine. Dinner at Anh Binh Restaurant. Overnight in Hue.

Day 7 – Hue
A morning boart trip on the romantically named Perfume River visits Hue’s best-known religious site, Thien Mu Pagoda. Return to Hue for a short cooking class at the Huong Gian Hotel (one Dish only) followed by lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon visit the elaborate mausoleums of emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh and the Imperial Citadel from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. Dinner is at ASn Hhu Restaurant. Overnight in Hue.

Day 8 - Hue –Hanoi
After breakfast transfer to Hue Airport for the flight to Hanoi, the present day capital of Vietnam. Food in the north of Vietnam has a strong Chinese influence with stir-fried dishes and less spicy food than the south. Specialtties of Hanoi include a noodle and meat soup called Phoand a marinated fish dish called Cha Ca. For lunch there is a chance to try Cha Ca at a Hanoi institution, the Cha Ca Hanoi Restaurant. In the afternoon visit the temple of Literature and take a short sightseeing tour by cyclo to see the Lake of the Restored Sword and the Old Quarter. Dinner at Forest Restaurant. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 9 – Hanoi
After breakfast, join a special cooking class at the Sofitel Metropole Hanoi Hotel. The course starts with a walk, accompanied by the chef of the hotel’s Spices Garden Restaurant, to the local market where participants get a chance to learn all about Vietnamese ingredients. A cooking demonstration follows n the kitchen and everyone has the opportunity to play an active part. After the class lunch is served in the Spices Garden Vietnamese Restaurant sample all the different dishes prepeared during the demonstration. In the afternoon visit the Hoa Sue Cooking School for disadvantaged students and enjoy dinner at the school restaurant. In the evening watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show. Overnight at Hanoi.

Day 10 – Hanoi-Halong Bay
After breakfast leave Hanoi by road for Halong Bay. Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of the rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in halong and board the Halong Hai or Bai Tho traditional sailing junk. While cursing along the stunning waters sample the regions fresh seafood. Visit the newly discovered Surprise Grotto, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Watch the sunset over the bay while enjoying a scruotious dinner. Overnight on board the junk.

Day 11 – Halong Bay-Hanoi
Wake up to fresh coffee and a wholesome breakfast sailing back to Halong City. En route sail among the 3,000 limestone islands that make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site and take in Halong Bay’s magnificent views. Enjoy another delicious seafood lunch on board the junk. Transfer back to Hanoi by road and transfer to hotel on arrival. Dinnert at Hanoi’s excellent Wild Rice Restaurant . Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 12-Depart Hanoi
Departure day. At leisure until transfer to Noi Bai Airport for the onward flight.
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