Vietnam Tours | Culinary Tours

The Culture and Cuisine of Vietnam 9 nights -
- Tripcode: VCCC9D

• Private tour with English/French speaking guide .
• You choose the date of departure
• Starting from Hanoi & end in Ho Chi Minh City or vice versa

We are taking you around Vietnam, from the South (starting in Ho Chi Minh City), to the Middle (with the highlights of Hue and Hoian) and ending in Hanoi, the North. It is said that Vietnamese culture expresses itself differently in these 3 parts of the.  This is clearly reflected in its culinary life. During the tour, customers will discover the fascinating landscape and taste traditional Vietnamese food in the best authentic restaurants.  And nothing is more wonderful than combining these with luxury accommodations at 5 star hotel where you can witness Vietnam-style service.

Day 1. (D) Arrival Saigon 

Arrive at the airport in HCMC. Private transfer to the Park Hyatt Hotel Saigon for two nights - free time in the afternoon- evening drinks in Club Lounge. 

Dinner at Vietnam House Restaurant HCMC . 

The cuisine of the south uses many herbs and spices and has been influenced by Cambodia, Thailand and India, among others. Curries using coconut milk are an example of this influence. The south also has a wide selection of tropical fruits and vegetables that are not readily available in the cooler north.

Day 2. (B,L,D) Ho Chi Minh City (former Saigon) 

After breakfast, depart for a half day city tour including the Unification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Saigon Post Office and Cholon, the city's lively Chinatown. Traditional "pho" shall be served for lunch at a local café on Pasteur Street . 

Free time until evening drinks in Club Lounge followed by dinner at Nam Phan Restaurant. The elegant Nam Phan Restaurant offers a menu of beautifully presented Vietnamese cuisine - described by the owners as "high-end", with classical dishes and modern interpretations all freshly prepared to order by the resident team of professional chefs. In fact Nam Phan promises to be a great gourmet experience.

Day 3 (B,D) HCMC - Danang 

After breakfast, private transfer to airport and flight to Danang for one night stay at the Furama Beach Resort - recently voted best beach resort in Vietnam. 

Free time for the rest of the day. Enjoy the resort Dinner with wine served at the hotel.

Day 4. (B,D) Danang - Hoi An 

After breakfast, private transfer to The Golden Sands Resort Hoi An for two nights. 

Hoi An was a major Asian trading centre in the 17th and 18th century and many of the original buildings remain. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the ancient town centre, including the 400-year- old Japanese covered bridge and the colourful local market area of this unique UNESCO-designated World Heritage city. 

Rest of afternoon is free before dinner at the famous White Lantern Restaurant for a five-course meal featuring Hoi An's unique cuisine.

Day 5. (B, D) Hoi An 

After breakfast, morning cycle tour through the paddy fields down to the nearby beaches. 

Free time in the afternoon. 

Evening dinner at Tam Tam Restaurant - situated in an old colonial villa and run by a French expatriate. It provides a great combination of food, wine and people-watching.

Day 6. (B,D) Hoi An - Hue 

Depart Hoi An after breakfast, private transfer to the Morin Hotel in Hue for 2 nights. On the way, we will stop at the Tu Duc Mausoleum with its traditional Vietnamese architecture. 

Free time for the rest of the day, before enjoying a cyclo ride to the Tinh Gia Vien Restaurant for dinner. Food in Hue tends to be spicier than in most other parts of Vietnam, a kind of Oriental Nouvelle Cuisine.

Day 7. (B, L, D) Hue 

After an early breakfast, we depart for a cooking class run by the owner of the Y Thao Garden House, starting at the Dong Ba Central Market. She will give instructions on how to choose food for our cooking lesson. 

Lunch is the food we prepare. 

In the afternoon, travel by Dragon Boat down the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda standing by the riverbank with its seven story tower.

A Royal Banquet will be served in the evening at the Huong Giang Hotel situated on the banks of the Perfume River.

Day 8. (B,D) Hue - Hanoi 

Transfer to Hue airport for flight to Hanoi and private transfer to the Sofitel Metropole Hanoi Hotel for 2 nights. 

Depending on flight times, late afternoon cyclo tour to the fine Emperor Restaurant set in a beautifully restored French Colonial Villa. The chefs serve up Southern Vietnamese specialities. A traditional folklore show is included with dinner.

Day 9. (B,D) Hanoi 

A full-day tour of Hanoi to include the Fine Arts Museum, French and Chinese influenced architecture, the Lake of the Restored Wword and the "Old" Quarter. 

Dinner at the Le Tonkin Restaurant, which specialises in preparing authentic Northern Vietnamese Cuisine. Drinks afterwards at Vertical bar nearby.

Day 10. (B) Departure Hanoi 

Transfer to Noi Bai Airport after breakfast to connect with international flights home.

Tour price includes:

- Services of local private guide,
- Private Transfers throughout,
- Meals as specified in itinerary,
- All excursions Inc admission charges as per itinerary,
- Deluxe rooms on twin share basis Inc breakfast and taxes.