Vietnam Foodie Holiday 15days

  • listen folk song
  • street food
  • sapa market
  • cooking class
  • flower market
  • cooking class
  • saigon street food

Description

Looking for holidays in Vietnam to experience exotic food and oozing with warmth, friendliness of local people while visit the country highlights, should "Gourmet Vietnam Trail" be on your top-list.
With careful selection of boutique hotels and authentic great food list at the best restaurants, you will emerge diversity culture and tradition of Vietnam from the South (Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta) to Middle (Hoi An & Hue) then North (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Sapa). Be ready to touch the Vietnamese soul, enjoy their amazing genuine food and die on bed of comfort.

Contact us to creat your own trip from the sample holiday

OUTLINE OF HOLIDAY

Tour Cost US$1,675 Single Supplement US$480
Starting Date 14th Oct 2016 Availability Available
Number of Days 15 days Countries Visited Vietnam
Tour Meets Hanoi Tour Ends Ho Chi Minh City
Group Size Minimum 2. Maximum 8. Vegetarian 18 years old

Day 1 HANOI ARRIVAL – WELCOME DINNER WITH HANOI SPECIALTIES

You will be warmly welcomed at the airport and transport you to hotel in the heart of Hanoi. The guide will offer advice and assistance on local cycle tour if you wish – otherwise take it easy. We will celebrate your time life holiday at charming and ornate restaurant. The setting is truly splendid, enhanced by an exquisite traditional music that surely offers a magical evening ambience and a wonderful memory of Hanoi to starting exceptional holiday.
OVERNIGHT IN HANOI (Welcome dinner)

Day 2 EXPLORE HANOI HIGHLIGHTS – STREET FOOD TASTE - OVERNIGHT ON TRAIN TO SAPA

Enjoy breakfast then the guide will help you to discover cant-missed sights in Hanoi like the Literature of Temple then walking around the colorful local market to learn about typical ingredient in the North Vietnam…

Take a quick glimpse at memorial complex for the historic figure and father of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh then visit to the fascinating Ethnology Museum, which are both a research centre and a public museum exhibiting the ethnic groups of Vietnam.

Our lunch today with two options: Feast wide-selection of Vietnam street food at Quan Ngon restaurant or enjoy one of the best Hanoi street food – Bun Cha (grilled pork and noodle, fried spring roll)

You will then enjoy a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter also known as the Hanois 36 streets. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. Its a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities around you.

Stroll around legendary Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake) to enjoy sunset while sipping the “egg coffee” at a nice coffee shop. We then depart to at 9pm to Hanoi Railway station for overnight on train to Sap. The train departs at 9:50pm.

OVERNIGHT ON TRAIN (Breakfast; Lunch)

Day 3 LAO CAI ARRIVAL – COLOURFUL BAC HA MARKET – SAPA

Arrival at Lao Cai Train station at about 6.30 am. Enjoy breakfast at Cafe Bordeaux in town. After that, proceed to Bac Ha market. On arrival, join bustle market to enjoy the exciting atmosphere where local tribes gather to buy, sell and to socialize all the relationships.

Continue descent to Coc Ly, the view becomes larger and larger until admiring the panorama of Bac Ha and Chay river. Boarding the boat downstream Chay River, which leading to the habitat of Tay tribe, take a short trek in the village. Car picks up to transfer back Sapa town. Enjoy your lunch with Sapas specialties, such as chayote vegetable, fresh-water fish.

Arrival Sapa in afternoon, check in hotel and relax. Late afternoon, it is time for our demonstration dinner at family-run restaurant.

OVERNIGHT IN SAPA. (Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner)

Day 4 SAPA RICE TARRACED TREKKING – LOCAL PEOPLE INTERACTION

After breakfast, take a light trek downhill along Muong Hoa valley – a pure magic with picturesque hills capes, emerald rice paddies and mountain streams. This easy trek provides great scenery of nature with mountain, forest and terrace fields that carpet along hill slopes. On the trek you will see minority people from some hill tribes with their typical appearance and colorful dress walking, working and playing. It is the chance for interesting local interaction and to fill up your album with beautiful photos.

A lunch will be served at homestay of Black HMong village in Lao Chai and the Giay village. Set on the side of a hill 500 meters off the main track and right amongst the rice terraces, the home enjoys expansive views of the valley and river. Upon arrival local home, you firstly enjoy a traditional herbal foot bath while admire spectacular rice terraces then sitting down to a Hmong-style lunch that was prepared over an open fire. You can also take part in cooking your lunch with host.

After lunch, you will keep trekking down further through village. Once reach main road, the car will pick you up return Sapa town. You are free to relax in peaceful garden before enjoy dinner.

Afternoon, stroll in Sapa market for shopping and admire beautiful French-architecture buildings, Church…or take short climb to Ham Rong Mountain – paradise of flowers, emerge among white mist.

Late afternoon, transfer to Lao Cai railway station for boarding night train return Hanoi.

OVERNIGHT IN SAPA. (Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner)

Day 5 SAPA NATURAL BEAUTY EXPLORATION – NIGHT TRAIN BACK HANOI

Have breakfast at hotel then driving to experience romantic Sapa with honey sunlight, fresh flower and charming French architecture. The trails takes you through green field, lush forest under rustling leaves, blooming azalea flower and golden stream to fabulous Waterfall of Love – the paradise for you to enjoy cool air, poetic scenery and privacy together, continue to visit Silver Waterfall and Heaven gate. Heading back Sapa town for check out, enjoy lunch at local restaurant.

Afternoon, Stroll in Sapa market for shopping and admire beautiful French-architecture buildings, Church…or take short climb to Ham Rong Mountain – paradise of flowers, emerge among white mist.
Late afternoon, transfer to Lao Cai railway station for boarding night train return Hanoi.

OVERNIGHT ON TRAIN (Breakfast; Lunch)

Day 6 HANOI ARRIVAL - FLOWER NIGHT MARKET – HA LONG BAY CRUISE – SEAFOOD BBQ

Arrival Hanoi in very early morning around 5:00am, transfer to visit Flower Night Market – that organized from 2am – 6:30am. You will be discovered the real Hanoi with local people doing Tai Chi in the parks, strolling in bustle Quang Ba flower market, enjoys pancake for breakfast at local restaurant.

After breakfast, depart to Ha Long Bay through the lush country scenery of the Red river delta.

Embark the junk on arrival with welcome drink. The board start cruise around thousand limestone monolithic islands, each topped with thick jungle vegetation, which rises spectacularly from the ocean while enjoying your lunch. Afternoon, it is time for your choice; swimming, kayaking, explore the most amazing bay by catamaran or simply laze on board the boat. BBQ dinner today on board must be interesting. Overnight traditional wooden sail cruise.

OVERNIGHT ON CRUISE (Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner)

Day 7 HA LONG BAY MORE CRUISE – AMAZING CAVE DISCOVERY – DINNER AT VILLAGE

Enjoy light breakfast on board then visit Amazing cave – the biggest and most beautiful one in Ha Long Bay. Stroll nearly one hour in the cave to explore the glittering stalactites with ample countless shapes, unleash your imagination.

Return to your junk where brunch is ready for your appetite whiles cruising toward the habour. Disembark the cruise to riding Hanoi suburb, stop at peaceful village to visit local house. Upon arrive ancient house, you are warmly welcomed by hospitality host and enjoy green tea before try to cook some Vietnamese specialties under introduction of host. You prepare & cook then feast the dinner with friendly family. After cozy dinner, indulge traditional folk songs that performed by local artists among mysterious atmosphere in yard. Return Hanoi afterward. Check in hotel then free as your leisure.

OVERNIGHT IN HANOI (Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner)

Day 8 HANOI DEPARTURE – FLY TO HUE – WELCOMES DINNER

Have breakfast at hotel then free as your leisure and shopping until transfer to Hanoi airport for flight to Hue, estimate departs in early afternoon.

The guide welcomes you at Hue airport to process to hotel for check in procedure and relax.

Evening: Mysterious dinner serve in ancient garden house, a very special private estate in the countryside that once belonged to the Governor of this region.Still owned today by the same family (who live on the property), it will provide a unique opportunity to see this strata of Vietnamese life.

OVERNIGHT IN HUE (Breakfast; Dinner)

Day 9 HUE HISTORICAL & CULTURAL EXPLORE

Morning: There are few other landmarks in Vietnam that can compare with the Citadel. Begun in 1804, the citadel was built for the new Emperor. Surrounded by a six mile square moat, it required thousands of workers. It is particularly significant to Americans as the Citadel was the site of the Tet Offensive in 1968. Today, the Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Afternoon:Enjoy wide ranges of Hue specialties for lunch, included Bun Bo Hue that is praised by Chef Anthony Bourdain “Hue beef noodle soup is the worlds most delicious Ive ever enjoyed”.
Afterwards, well tour the nearby magnificent Minh Mang Tomb. Built for the second Emperor in the mid-1800s, it is a stunning collection of palaces, temples and pavilions all connected by lovely gardens.
Trip end at your hotel after a boat cruise along Perfume river.

OVERNIGHT IN HUE (Breakfast; Lunch)

Day 10 DEPART FROM HUE TO HOI AN – SUNSET DINNER CRUISE

Take a scenic drive through green lands, verdant mountains, pristine beaches to Hoi An with stops for a panorama view form the top of Hai Van Pass and optional visit to the Cham Museum and Marble Mountains.
Hoi An - one of the world heritage sites in Vietnam, is a charming little city by the bank of Thu Bon River. During the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, this place was one of important trading ports in Asia where merchant ships from both East and West gathered for business, making it a very hustle and prosperous town. Today, remains of ancient architectures, traditions and life style are very well preserved producing this unique heritage site and make it one of the biggest attraction in Vietnam.

Evening: Enjoy dinner cruise along Thu Bon River from 7pm to 9pm. The dining courses are freshly prepared by our chef and served directly on board, included 5 courses and tea/coffee then finish with floating candlelight lantern to make your wish by lowering into the River from the boat.

Disembark the boat around 9pm, you are free walking around magnificent town, sparkling nearby the river.

OVERNIGHT IN HOI AN (Breakfast; Dinner)

Day 11 HOI AN COUNTRYSIDE – COOKING CLASS

We start the cooking class with visit Tra Que Organic Village, and walk through the market gardens to learn and talk with the local farmers who are still doing the farm work following traditional methods of hundreds of years ago - no electrical machinery here! We purchase a range of local ingredients; star anise, cardamom, sesame rice paper, water spinach and banana flower… for our cooking later.

Hands-on cooking class at cooking center, together with chef, we learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food from scratch. We learn how to using the freshest ingredients and traditional Vietnamese utensils, how to cook four Vietnam traditional dishes.Sit down, talking with chef while savour the dishes we have prepared.
The rest day free at your leisure to explore the Ancient Hoi An Town - one of Vietnam’s most beautiful coastal spots. The entire town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an exceptionally well-preserved example of an Asian trading port dating from the 15th - 19th centuries.

OVERNIGHT IN HOI AN (Breakfast; Lunch)

Day 12 HOI AN DEPARTURE – HO CHI MINH ARRIVAL – WELCOME DINNER WITH HOST

It will be difficult to leave Hoi An for many, but today we must fly to Ho Chi Minh City. You will be free to shopping and exploring.
Afternoon: Transfer to Da Nang airport to catch flight, estimate depart at early afternoon to Ho Chi Minh City. Your guide will welcome you on arrival the airport to escort you to hotel.

Then, transfer to local house to enjoy cozy dinner with local family. You will help our local host prepare your dinner and experience a local’s cooking techniques as well as a chance for you to recognize the different between the life in Hanoi (North Vietnam) and the life in Ho Chi Minh City (South of Vietnam). Your highlight of time life will definitely find here, among very friendly people.

OVERNIGHT IN HO CHI MINH CITY (Breakfast; Dinner)

Day 13 EXPLORE HO CHI MINH CITY HIGHLIGHTS – SAIGON FOODIE ADVENTURE

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city and a commercial hub of the country that characterized by a vast array of sights and sounds with people rushing about their life from early morning until midnight. The city contains in it a fascinating blend of old and new, East and West and is home to great local cuisine.

Starting your half day sightseeing at 9am, you will glide through busy Saigon streets and catch up interesting moments of local life. Explore the War Remnant Museum and admire the gothic style of century-old Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, the Independence Palace (former Presidential Palace of the South of Vietnam) and troll through the Ben Thanh Market.

Late afternoon, about 17:30 you will enjoy a special Saigon foodie adventure by motorbike. This special trip gives you a great chance to learn about Ho Chi Minh City, its streets life, typical food and culture. Our guide will tell you stories of the ingredients and history of Saigon’s food culture. Our foodie challenge, starting with Hu Tiu – special soup in southern Vietnam, favorite of Chef Gordon Ramsay then slowly taste amazing street food. Finish your adventure with a cup of coffee in Saigon River.

OVERNIGHT IN HO CHI MINH CITY (Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner)

Day 14 MEKONG DELTA – DISCOVER COLORFUL FLOATING

The Mekong River Delta is a treasure trove for exotic fruits and vegetables-nearly 25% of the country’s immense volume of fruit is produced here.The Delta is also the most important fishing area in all of Vietnam. We’ll take the back roads to a small village in the Delta. Along the way you will see many Vietnamese going about their lives as they have for hundreds of years working in the rice paddies, farming, and selling their wares in tiny shops. Next, we’ve been invited into the home of a family. We’ll go with our host to the local market where we’ll shop for ingredients and return to their home where the family will prepare our lunch.

Boat transfer to Cai Be harbor, the car is waiting for you to take you back Ho Chi Minh City. Free rest of time to shopping, relax and indulge spa.

OVERNIGHT IN HO CHI MINH CITY (Breakfast; Lunch)

Day 15 HO CHI MINH DEPARTUTE

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then free at your leisure then transfer to the airport for departure or extend your stay for further exploration.
(Breakfast)

***End of service***

PRICE INCLUDED:

  • Private air-conditioner transportation through the trip
  • Domestic flights (Hanoi – Hue & Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh)
  • Package 2days-1night on board with en-suite cabin sleeping
  • Round trip night train Hanoi – Lao Cai – Hanoi, soft sleeper, air-conditioner 4berths cabin.
  • English speaking guide
  • Boat trip in Mekong Delta
  • Accommodation as stated below
  • Cooking classes, dining cruise and demos.
  • All meals with host and street food with drink as mentioned in program.
  • Dinner cruise in Thu Bon River in Hoi An.
  • Incredible Vietnamese specialties from North to South as specified in program
  • All entrance permission and visiting fee
  • Mineral water & Tissue

PRICE EXCLUDED:

  • Insurance
  • Requested beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips
  • Any services not mentions in the inclusion portion.

HOTEL INFORMATION

Location Hotels Notes
Hanoi Golden Silk hotel Similar hotel will be replaced in case of fully booked
Ha Long Bay La Fairy Cruise
Sapa Garden Villa
Hue Romance hotel
Hoi An Thanh Binh resort
Ho Chi Minh City Paragon hotel

TERMS & CONDITIONS

  • Deposit and Payment: 30% of total invoice should be deposit at the time of booking for guarantee. Final payment is no later than 7days in advance of arrival date.
  • Cancellation: If cancelling less than 30 days, the deposit is non-refundable. After final payment is received (15days before departure), a cancellation fee of approximately 75% applies. This percentage may be less depending on the date of cancellation. A cancellation fee of 90% is applicable within 7days of travel.
  • Pricing: All prices are shown in American dollars and are current at the date of printing this itinerary. If there is a dramatic fluctuation in the exchange rate or the price of services provided, which are beyond the control of Vietnam Food Tour, VFT reserves the right to adjust tour prices accordingly, even though the balance of payment may have been made. This would only happen in unusual circumstances.
  • Itinerary Validity and Content: This itinerary is valid until 30th Oct 2016, unless otherwise specified. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. Vietnam Food Tour shall not be liable for any injury, damage or loss caused by any inaccuracy. Vietnam Food Tour reserves the right to change tour arrangements or accommodations due to safety or security reasons, and will endeavor to provide alternative arrangements of the same standard as that originally booked.
  • Special Requirements: Please advise Vietnam Food Tour of any special requirements such as Special Meals, Medical Requirements etc., as soon as possible. If you get motion sickness, it is imperative that you bring with you motion sickness pills as we travel by coach and boat sometimes in our tour.
  • Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend you organize travel insurance before departure in your country. Insurance covers cancellation fees payable for airline tickets, accommodation, loss of deposit, luggage etc.
  • Clients’ Responsibilities: It is your responsibility to obtain passports, health certificates or other travel documents where required for the tour. It remains your responsibility to ensure that these documents are in order and to meet any additional costs incurred as a result of failure to comply with such requirements. It is also your responsibility to obtain any vaccinations that may be required to travel.



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