Culinary Delights of Vietnam

Day 1 - Arrival
Overnight flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 2 - Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive at Ho Chi Minh City airport and transfer to the Park Hyatt Ho Chi Minh City for a 3-night stay. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at one of the city’s finest restaurants.

Overnight: Park Hyatt [Dinner]

Day 3 - Ho Chi Minh City
After a refreshing morning tour of the flower markets, enjoy lunch at the impressive Dong Pho restaurant. Take a leisurely stroll this afternoon in the oldest quarter of the city. Enjoy a refreshment at Fanny’s, a quaint little French atmospheric parlour offering everything from durian ice cream to lychee sorbet. In the evening experience the night life of Ho Chi Minh City from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter. Stops include a traditional Quan where locals congregate for their evening meal with friends and family sample street food and a Vietnamese-style coffee shop. Wrap up the evening at one of the city’s predominantly local bars where excellent live acoustic music is played.

Overnight: Park Hyatt

Day 4 - Ho Chi Minh City
Transfer to Cai Be to board the Victoria boat. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes along the river before having lunch at a superb colonial style villa located in a quaint village. The speciality of the Mekong will be served, a dish called ‘elephant ear fish’ which is grilled then wrapped in rice paper together with fresh herbs.

Overnight: Park Hyatt

Day 5 - Hoi An
You’ll be transferred back to the airport this morning for your flight to Da Nang, where you’ll be met and chauffeured to the ancient city of H?i An. Enjoy a walking tour of the town before having lunch at the restaurant Morning Glory. Situated in an elegant traditional style building in the heart of H?i An’s old town. Morning Glory offers ‘Street Food’ featuring H?i An specialities.

Overnight: Anantara [Breakfast]

Day 6 - Hoi An
Rise early to meet Chef Duc Tran at Hoi An Market so that you can choose some of the ingredients that will be used in the day's lesson. Duc will introduce the various ingredients on sale at the market that he uses in his cooking as well as his favourite produce. The fish section (not for the faint hearted as the smell can overwhelm) is a hive of activity and it’s fascinating to see the range of seafood on offer.  From the market stroll to Mango Mango Restaurant where the cooking class will take place. Learn how to season and make Duc’s signature dishes before sampling them. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Anantara [Breakfast]

Day 7 - Hue
Travel to Hue and stop at the Cham museum in Da Nang en route.  Enjoy lunch at the Ancient Hue restaurant before travelling by cyclo to Dai Noi, Tinh Tam Lake and Tay Loc Market.  From here transfer by vehicle to the Imperial Citadel. In the evening, dine at the private ‘garden house’ known locally as ‘Nha Vuon’ one of Hue's most famous architects. This traditional style house has connections with the ancient Hue Royal Imperial Court.  The lady of the house will personally prepare an extraordinary Vietnamese meal which is served privately in the traditional manner in the private gardens of her home.

Overnight: La Residence [Breakfast]

Day 8 - Hue    
Spend the morning visiting the Thien Mu (Celestial Lady) Pagoda. For lunch try some Hue speciality food at Huynh Anh Kim Long. Frequented only by the locals and serving Bánh u?t, a steamed rice pancake stuffed with delicate, finely chopped pork and Bún th?t nu?ng which is a rice noodle dish served with grilled meat. In the afternoon, visit Bao La Village, Thanh Toan bridge and the 500-year-old village of Phuoc Tich. Evening at leisure.

Overnight: La Residence [Breakfast]

Day 9 - Hanoi
Take a morning flight to Hanoi before spending the day sightseeing.  In the evening, dine at La Verticale, a charming restaurant located in a villa which dates back to the 1930’s. The cuisine is considered to be artistic and uncluttered, yet at the same time extremely diverse in flavour. Acclaimed Chef and owner Didier Corlou has lived in Vietnam for 15 years.

Overnight: Sofitel Legend Metropole [Breakfast]

Day 10 - Hanoi
Your guide will meet you at your hotel. Drive to the Ch? Hôm or Ch? Chau Long market to learn about and taste some of the ingredients used in the local cuisine and to watch the buying and selling rituals of a Vietnamese market. Be introduced to some of the vendors,  who will explain about the ingredients for sale and assist you with purchasing items to take home. Enjoy a Vietnamese Cà Phê (coffee) or Trà (tea) with the locals before continuing to Truc Bach lake to sample a number of local snacks. Have lunch with your guide at one of Hanoi’s best bún ch? establishments before spending the evening at leisure. 

Overnight: Sofitel Legend Metropole [Breakfast]

Day 11 - Halong Bay
Journey to Halong Bay after breakfast and board your boat for an overnight journey to the Bay.  Towards the end of the day set anchor for the night. Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner served with salads and fruits as the suns sets over the bay.

Overnight: Victoria Junk

Day 12 - Hanoi
For early risers, complimentary tea and coffee are served on the sundeck followed by a Tai Chi class. As you return to Halong City, enjoy a wholesome brunch as your boat weaves through intricately-shaped limestone rock formations. Afternoon and evening at leisure.

Overnight: Sofitel Legend Metropole [Breakfast]

Day 13 - Departure
Transfer to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport for your onward flight

Cleveland Collection tailor makes all itineraries to include highlights of your choice. Speak to one of our travel experts to create your perfect holiday based on your travel requirements.

*We try to keep our 'from prices' as accurate as possible, but please do be aware that when travelling at prices shown will vary considerably.