Flavours of Vietnam

From ZAR45 275 - 13 Days, Fully Inclusive From South Africa

Experience 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 ITINERARY

DAYS 1-2: SOUTH AFRICA TO HANOI

Fly overnight with Cathay Pacific to Hanoi for a three-night stay.

Adelaide passengers may need to depart one day earlier.

DAY 3: HANOI

Explore 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: HANOI

This 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 BAY

Drive 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 AN

Enjoy 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 AN

Travel 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 HUE

Drive 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: HUE

Stroll 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 SAIGON

Fly 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 DELTA

Travel 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 SAIGON

This 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 AFRICA

Arrive home this morning.

Price Guide

From R45 275 pp 13 Days Fully Inclusive from Johannesburg in Superior Hotels
Price Includes Tour Cost R40 745, Airport taxes of approx R3 900 and Tipping of approx R630, payable on arrival in Vietnam in USD (subject to change)
From R8 525 Single Supplement
Available on request Land Only per person (includes tipping)
Compulsory Tipping USD70 per person payable on arrival in Vietnam
Tour
Code
Departure
Date
Return
Date
2013    
 VFV1304  19 Mar  31 Mar
 VFV1306  01 Oct  13 Oct
 2014    
 VFV1402  18 Mar  30 Mar
     

 

Travel Info

Country Info

Inclusions

 

  • Return international economy class airfares
  • Tipping and Current Airport taxes - Subject to Change (See Pricing Section)
  • All meals and accommodation as per itinerary
  • All transportation, daily tours and entrance fees as per itinerary
  • National Tour Escort accompanying you throughout your destination with a minimum of 10 passengers and/or English speaking local guides in each city.
  • Visa fees for South African passport holders 
  • A Wendy Wu Tours travel wallet per family

Exclusions

  • Personal expenditure such as drinks, laundry service and souvenirs
  • Arrangements and taxes in Singapore/Hong Kong if required
  • Land Only package excludes visa fees and arrival and departure transfers
  • Prices do not include camera and video charges
  • Local airport taxes if applicable
  • Insurance

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