Ginger & Lemongrass Vietnam Culinary Tour - Private - 11 Days

Begin your Vietnamese adventure as you touch down in Hanoi. Our private driver will greet you at the airport, ready to escort you directly to your centrally located accommodation. You'll find yourself in the heart of the city, with the vibrant Old Quarter just a stone's throw away. Spend your time exploring the bustling streets, rich with history and culture, or unwind at the hotel following your journey.

Today's tour begins at either 08:30 or 15:30. We travel to Chef Ai's home for an enlightening Hanoi cooking class. Greeted by Ms. Ai, a top five finalist in Master Chef Vietnam 2014 with 15 years of culinary experience, we set off to the local wet market nearby. Here, you'll see a diverse array of goods and learn from Chef Ai about their roles in traditional Vietnamese dishes. This market is not only a hub for fresh produce but also offers a glimpse into everyday life in Hanoi.

After selecting our ingredients, we return to Chef Ai's family home. In the kitchen, she will reveal the secrets of North Vietnam's beloved dishes. We then slice, dice, and cook using her time-honoured recipes. Once our dishes are ready, we sit down to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal, concluding our culinary adventure.

In the morning, we check out of the hotel and set off with the Cruise team. Our journey to Halong Bay takes us along the scenic route through the Red River Delta, passing endless emerald rice paddies. Upon arrival at the pier, we board the cruise and marvel at the stunning limestone formations and karst grottoes. We then enjoy a delectable seafood lunch on the sundeck, appreciating the Bay's beauty.

The cruise stops at a secluded spot where we can kayak or swim, allowing us to explore the karst grottoes up close. As evening approaches, we return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by leisure time. You may choose to join in the onboard activities or simply relax. We will spend the night on the cruise.

Please note: Should adverse weather prevent the boat from setting sail or staying overnight at sea, the Ha Long Bay tour may be cancelled without prior notice. In such cases, we will consider alternative tours or provide a refund, depending on the specific situation.

Begin your day early with a breathtaking sunrise view, accompanied by breakfast in the dining room. We'll then explore a limestone cave adorned with impressive stalagmites and stalactites. After our excursion, return to the boat, check out, and savour brunch as the cruise sails back to the harbour.

Once ashore, we will transfer you back to Hanoi. There, enjoy a brief rest before continuing to the airport for your flight to Hue. Upon reaching Hue, you'll be conveyed to your hotel for an overnight stay.

We begin today's exploration of Hue with a visit to the Imperial Citadel, a grand UNESCO World Heritage site where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled from 1802 to 1945. After discovering the ruins of this vast monument, we enjoy a cyclo ride through the Old City to Tinh Tam Lake. This tranquil spot, adorned with blooming lotus flowers in summer, was a favourite retreat for emperors and is now popular with university students who frequent its local-style coffee shops.

We proceed to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Vietnam's oldest and most picturesque pagodas, before breaking for lunch at a local restaurant. Our afternoon includes visits to the Mausoleum of Tu Duc. Built as a palace retreat long before Emperor Tu Duc's passing, it later became his final resting place.

We then head to Khai Dinh’s Tomb, a striking blend of traditional Vietnamese design and European influences, making it one of the city's most unique attractions.

Your evening experience is at the Ngoc Son Princess House, where you'll enjoy dinner surrounded by the elegance of a traditional garden house. Savour a meal of traditional Hue specialities, prepared by the family as they share engaging stories about the city's rich history.

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before our private car transfer from Hue to Hoi An. The journey takes us along the breathtaking Hai Van Pass, renowned for its spectacular mountain and sea vistas. Once we arrive in Hoi An, check in at the hotel and enjoy some free time to explore the charming local area at your leisure.

Enjoy a leisurely day exploring Hoi An at your own pace. To fully appreciate this delightful town, we recommend renting a bicycle from the hotel. Cycle through the town towards the riverside or head to the beach, where you can unwind in one of the small cafes with a fresh fruit drink after a refreshing swim. The sea here is warm and calm, perfect for a relaxing dip.

Hoi An is famous for its skilled tailors, so consider visiting a tailor shop where you can order custom-made clothing, bags, or shoes, ready by the next day.

In the evening, we suggest a stroll through the enchanting Old Town. As dusk falls, shops illuminate with lanterns, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere. Be sure to catch the vibrant street performances that liven up the night.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then make the most of some leisure time. Our driver will then collect you for your airport transfer and onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. After checking in, you can explore the vibrant city at your own pace.

This morning, join your personal tour guide for a half-day motorbike adventure through the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City. We'll navigate the bustling avenues, passing by the city's famous Vietnamese guitar shops, intriguing eateries, and residential flats.

Our walking tour begins at Nguyen Thien Thuat Street, concluding at Ban Co Market, where you'll be invited to sample che - a delightful Vietnamese dessert featuring beans, sticky rice, and coconut milk.

Next, we'll explore Districts 10 and 5, immersing ourselves in the lively atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City. As we pass through, you'll experience the vibrant colours, distinctive aromas, and diverse sounds of local life, dodging the occasional rickshaw. A stroll through the traditional medicine streets of China Town follows, culminating with a visit to the Chinese Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the Heavenly Queen.

Our excursion concludes with lunch at a local restaurant, where we'll enjoy classic dishes such as com tam (broken rice) or bun bo (beef noodle soup). After lunch, your guide will return you to your hotel by motorbike.

Depart from the lively Ho Chi Minh City for a journey to My Tho, a town situated on the banks of the Mekong River. Our first stop is Vinh Trang Pagoda, an impressive structure dating back to the late 19th century. Then, we will board a sampan to cruise around the scenic Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise Islands.

We'll disembark at Unicorn Island to stroll along country paths, explore local orchards, and savour tropical fruits while listening to traditional folk music performed by locals. A visit to a nearby fruit plantation follows. Continuing our exploration, we'll glide through the Thoi Son Canal in a hand-rowed sampan, soaking in the rural landscape. Here, we'll also visit family-run businesses, a honeybee farm, and enjoy honey tea and a coconut candy workshop.

A local restaurant will provide our lunch break. In the afternoon, you can choose to cycle around Tan Thach village, engaging with villagers and experiencing daily life in the Mekong Delta. Alternatively, you can relax in a hammock, enjoying the cool breeze.

Enjoy a nourishing breakfast to start your final day. After checking out of the hotel, you have the opportunity to explore the local markets—ideal for picking up souvenirs for those back home. Later, we will head to the airport for your departure flight. Safe travels!