Flavours of VietnamFrom ZAR39 425 - 13 Days, Fully Inclusive From South AfricaExperience the ultimate blend of Vietnamese cuisine and culture. Learn traditional cooking techniques and sample the local dishes as you discover the remarkable scenery and fascinating history of this diverse country. For thousands of years Vietnam has produced some of the most exotic dishes using fresh local ingredients and traditional techniques. The colonisation by the French in the early 19th Century further enhanced these gastronomic delights and today Vietnamese cuisine is recognised and savoured around the world. Join us to explore the cuisine of Vietnam; from shopping at local markets, to cooking under the guidance of experienced chefs and feasting on your own tantalising creations. Combined with breathtaking landscapes, captivating people and culinary delights, this is the ultimate journey of discovery! TOUR ITINERARYDAYS 1-2: SOUTH AFRICA TO HANOIFly overnight with Cathay Pacific to Hanoi for a three-night stay. Adelaide passengers may need to depart one day earlier. DAY 3: HANOIExplore a local market with a key member of the Hanoi Chef Association and learn how to choose fresh ingredients for your private cooking class. After lunch visit the Temple of Literature and take a walk through the bustling Old Quarter. DAY 4: HANOIThis morning enjoy a traditional North Vietnamese breakfast before travelling to a village on the outskirts of Hanoi to witness traditional village life. This evening you will dine at the house of a local musician couple and enjoy a special musical performance. DAY 5: HANOI TO HALONG BAYDrive to the ‘Jewel in the Crown of Vietnam’, Halong Bay, this morning and board an overnight junk boat. Enjoy the stunning scenery of limestone islets rising from the emerald waters as you cruise around the bay. DAY 6: HALONG BAY TO HOI ANEnjoy the sunrise over the bay before you travel back to Hanoi. Fly to Danang and enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant before transferring to Hoi An. DAY 7: HOI ANTravel to the countryside of Hoi An where you will stroll through Tra Que Organic Village, joining the farmers to learn about how they work with the land. Afterwards you will be shown traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food from scratch at Red Bridge Cooking School. DAY 8: HOI AN TO HUEDrive north over the scenic Hai Van Pass to Hue. Interact with local monks at Ba La Mat Pagoda and learn about their experiences and way of life. Explore the Royal Tomb of Minh Mang and enjoy dinner at a restored Royal house. DAY 9: HUEStroll around Dong Ba Market, gathering fresh ingredients for your cooking class at Ancient Hue Restaurant. After lunch take a cyclo ride to the ancient Imperial Citadel. DAY 10: HUE TO SAIGONFly to Saigon this morning and embark on a walking tour, visiting many of Saigon’s historic landmarks including the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office. Taste traditional ‘market-style’ food for lunch and enjoy the afternoon free at your leisure. DAY 11: SAIGON - MEKONG DELTATravel to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta today. Explore the river by boat, passing stilt houses and fish farms. Paddle through palm-lined canals on sampans and walk through villages, where you can sample local tea. Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda before returning to Saigon, where this evening your farewell dinner is at the former residence of the US Ambassador to Vietnam in the 1960s. You will be entertained with a dance performance and live traditional music. DAY 12: DEPART SAIGONThis morning is free at your leisure before you are transferred to Saigon airport to board your overnight flight to South Africa DAY 13: ARRIVE SOUTH AFRICAArrive home this morning. |
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