This program suits the need of somebody that would love to enjoy food and learn how to cook in both Hanoi and Halong Bay. Also, it’s obvious that the spectacle of these two well-known destinations in the north of Vietnam is spectacular and miraculous. The stress-free and enjoyable 5-day food tour in Hanoi and Halong Bay might be what you need to ignite the spark of interest in cooking and eating. A variety of Vietnamese food can fulfill your stomach as they are all mouth-watering and eye-catching. Therefore, it’s not strange when the majority of the foodie communities all over the world have been appreciating the Vietnamese culinary heritages.
Day 1: Arrival
Upon arrival at the airport, you well be met by Culinary Vietnam Travel guide and be transferred to your hotel.
In the afternoon, take the orientation walk in Hanoi Old Quarter. Your guide will introduce to you some of the authentic local food like Banh Cuon (steam rice pancake rolled with mince perk and mushroom), “Bun cha” (rice noodle with grilled pork - another Hanoi famous street food), Pho (rice noodle soup with beef or chicken). Enjoy some coffee in local coffee shop followed by the dinner at Cha Ca La Vong (the most famous and authentic local food in Hanoi serving rice noodle with grilled fish on the charcoal kitchen)
Overnight in Hanoi.
Meal included: dinner.
Day 2: Cooking class, city tour
Begin with the hands-on cooking class in Madam Hien of Mr. Didier Corlou. Here is the class schedule:
Traditional cooking class: 09:30 to 13:00
- 09:30 AM - 10:00 : Meet with a professional chef in Madam Hien, and then visit the local market. Opportunities are to identify Vietnamese food and herbs, pick up the best items, use the herbs, and more.
- 10:15 AM - 13:00 : Watch how the chef performs cooking, and then carry out the steps and recipe to cook food by yourself. The menu will cover 5 dishes, and you will taste your self-cooked food.
The menu:
- Vietnamese banana flower salad
- Hanoi Nem (deep-fried spring rolls)
- Grilled chicken with lemon leaves
- Bun Cha (rice vermicelli with grilled pork)
- Sautéed pumpkin branches
When class is over, come to see two local highlights: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature. Take time listening to the historical merits and the irreplaceable importance of these two attractions.
In the evening relax with night Water Puppet Show. The traditional life of people in the Red River Delta region will be nicely performed on the water stage.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch.
Day 3: Excursion, lunch, cooking class
Take a scenic drive through Red River Delta to Halong Bay. You will be transferred by a tender to Indochina Sails. Enjoy the welcome drink, and then move to the dining room for brief introductions about the safety and boat orientation plus detailed itinerary. Then enjoy your free time. Around 13:00, lunch will be served. It is a multi-course Vietnamese and Western set menu. Any dietary requirement will be supported.
The cruise will be heading to Bai Tu Long Bay. The most captivating and tranquil corners will be present. Visit the beautiful Cua Van Fishing Village. Choose kayaking or boat trip on the sampan to get around the charming attraction.
Return to the cruise, and have free time. Join the cooking class. The chef will demonstrate the cooking of traditional Vietnamese food. Taste the yummy food. Also catch the double-happy hours (between 18:00 and 19:00) and enjoy “buy one get one free drink” program. Around 19:30, the appetizing dinner buffet will be offered. %Then, be further pleased with the second double-happy hours, between 21:00 and 22:00. Nightlife will be wonderful with board games, playing cards, massage, and squid fishing.
Overnight on the cruise.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 4: Excursion
Start a healthy day with morning coffee, tea, breakfast pastries and especially the Tai Chi lessons around 07:00. Approximately 45 minutes later, land in Ti Top Island. It will take 1 hour to walk around the beach and then ascend the steps to the panoramic peak. Enjoy the marvelous 360-degree sightseeing of the legendary Bay. After climbing, take time unwinding by the beach by simply relaxing on the soft sand bank, swimming, or listening to the rhythms of the waves.
In the next minutes, you will be back to the cruise to prepare your luggage and have a rich breakfast buffet. The rest of the time on board will be free. Around 11:00, disembark and come back to Hanoi. The return drive includes a stop in Con Son Kien Bac Temple, Hai Duong, the birthplace of Nguyen Trai - a famous character in Vietnamese history. After that, you will drive to Noi Bai International Airport for the departure flight.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch.
