On arrival in Hanoi you will be transferred to your hotel. This evening get to know the destination with a welcome dinner.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Your journey begins in the morning with an introduction to Vietnam’s vibrant southern metropolis by private car. Set off into the bustling morning atmosphere of downtown Ho Chi Minh City, en route to a collection of its most famous landmarks such as Reunification Palace, City Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, Ancient Post Office. At Mandarin Restaurant, enjoy a freshly-prepared Vietnamese lunch, accompanied by a cooking demonstration.

This afternoon, swap your private car for one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most charming modes of transportation – a cyclo! Wander through a small fruit market before taking off on your cyclo. This traditional rickshaw takes you for a leisurely journey into the winding alleyways of the Chinatown area, arriving at Cha Tam Church and Chua Ong Pagoda, a stunning example of Chinese-inspired architecture.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Leave Ho Chi Minh City for Cai Be on a drive. Board a charming boat to enjoy countryside scenery and river life. Stop at one of bonsai gardens and engage in a casual talk with the artisan in bonsai. Continue your ride to a lush orchard with diverse tropical fruits; enjoy a friendly chat with the owner while tasting some local fresh fruits. Have a relax while enjoying the view from a small sampan boat as you are paddled slowly along tropical canals. Disembark and continue your ride through this Mekong village to a local home for a home-hosted lunch of Mekong Delta specialties. Then a short walk takes you back to the car and return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Your culinary adventure begins early in the morning at the busy Ben Thanh Market, considered by many to be the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Sitting across from some of downtown’s tallest buildings, the market hosts vendors selling everything from blue jeans to raw fish. In the produce section you will pick out all your ingredients to use in your class, but don’t worry your chef will be on hand to guide you through all the weird and wonderful vegetables and herbs there.

With your ingredients bagged, head to the Mai Home cooking class for a hands-on cooking lesson in a large traditional home. Vietnamese food is healthy and simple to cook, using many local fresh herbs, spices and vegetables. The class is designed for personalized attention and lots of fun. Try your hand at creating some typical dishes like fresh spring rolls or a claypot! After all the dishes have been made, sit down to lunch and taste your handiwork.

Then transfer back to your hotel, free time to discover Saigon by night by your own.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meet with your guide after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival your guide will be waiting to take you on a 40-minute drive to the central-coast town of Hoi An, a restored 15th century fishing village. Many of Hoi An’s colourful buildings have been lovingly refurbished. The UNESCO recognized town has one of the most charming and distinct vibes in all of Southeast Asia.

It’s time to explore the ancient town: Japanese covered bridge, overlooking Phuc Kien Assembly Hall and an ancient house. Lunch at local restaurant in Hoi An. Then transfer to hotel. Check in and free time to discover Hoi An by your own.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After a refreshing night’s sleep, visit a local produce market before cruising along the Thu Bon River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. Here you will tour the school’s herb gardens and enjoy an informal cooking lesson. Your chef will explain the secrets of popular Hoi An specialties. The town is famous for dishes like Cao Lau, a medley of a yellow noodles, pork slices and pickled hot peppers, and Mi Quang, a noodle dish featuring boiled quails eggs and chunks of baked rice cakes. After learning some indispensable culinary techniques and sampling some delicious specialties, enjoy the rest of your evening in Hoi An with a stroll along the riverside promenade. Don’t forget to float traditional lanterns along the river – it’s a local rite of passage that everyone must try.

Overnight in Hoi An

After breakfast, drive along one of Vietnam’s most beautiful stretches of road, the Hai Van Pass and on to the former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue. Lunch at local restaurant. Spend your afternoon exploring the Citadel, once the seat of power for the Nguyen Dynasty, and take a boat ride down the Perfume River to ancient temples and pagodas. In the evening, enjoy the authentic Hue dinner.
Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, visit Emperor Minh Mang’s Mausoleum, perhaps the most impressive of all the Nguyen Dynasty Emperors’ Tombs. The tomb is a complex of 40 various buildings made up of palaces, temples and pavilions. It is said to be a perfect combination between nature and man-made architecture that sits in balance with the surrounding landscape. Lunch at local restaurant.

In the afternoon, take a northbound flight to Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi. After checking into your hotel, enjoy dinner at one of Hanoi’s oldest restaurants. The specialty here, “Cha Ca,” is an aromatic blend of grilled fish, fresh dill, peanuts and vermicelli rice noodles. Afterwards, explore some of the city’s nocturnal delights or head back to your hotel for some well-deserved rest.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After a refreshing night’s sleep, start your journey to the highlights and hidden gems of Hanoi at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This imposing structure houses the remains of the revered former president who led Vietnam’s campaign for independent from colonial rule. Next, head onward to the Temple of Literature, an ancient collection of courtyards, gardens and Chinese-styled architecture built in homage to the Chinese scholar Confucius. Considered the oldest university in Vietnam, the Temple of Literature dates back nearly one thousand years! Lunch at restaurant in Hanoi.

Follow your guide’s lead while you weave through some of the Quarter’s 36 streets named for the products historically sold here. Along the way, pass by some of the only remaining streets that continue selling the goods of their namesake. Wrap up your guided walk with a strong Vietnamese coffee at a café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake – an important symbol of Vietnamese folklore – before heading back to your hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi.

On your last day, no activities are scheduled until sending off. Your holiday concludes today after breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. End of services