Vietnam Real Food Adventure

Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins in the country’s capital – Hanoi. If you arrive early, maybe grab a delicious Vietnamese coffee (typically served with condensed milk or, for the more adventurous, egg)! Meet your group and leader for a welcome meeting at 5 pm, then head out for your first introduction to Vietnam’s lively culinary scene. Your leader will take you on a Secret of Pho food experience as the sun goes down and the city comes alive at night. Taste Micheline Guide - Bib Gourmet awarded, Beef Pho, then learn about the origin of pho cuon as you try some of the delicious Vietnamese fresh rice noodle rolls - a popular street food in Hanoi and a refreshing, light variation of traditional pho noodle soup. Hear the stories of Vietnam's traditional cuisine from locals and top off the night with a unique Pho Cocktail drink. It's the perfect introduction to your foodie adventure. Thinking of arriving a few days early to explore the majestic Northern Vietnam? Then check out our Ninh Binh Mini Adventure (TVAN) -for an off-the-beaten path discovery of Pu Long and Ninh Binh. Or you can try our Hiking In Sapa (TVAG) - for a big doze of dramatic mountain landscapes, crisp fresh air and colorful hilltribes.

This morning, hit the road for the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay. The harbour, with approximately 2000 limestone islands rising from the turquoise waters of Bac Bo Gulf, spans an area of about 1500 square km and is dotted with beaches and grottos. When you arrive, you’ll set sail on the emerald-green waters, gliding between limestone karsts to take in the incredible scenery from the best outlook of them all – the water! Then, you’ll explore Surprise Cave, one of the most striking caves in the bay. In the afternoon, you’ll return to your boat and enjoy a delicious feast prepared by an onboard chef. Tonight’s stay is something special as you’ll be sleeping on the traditional boat, letting the water lull you to sleep and really taking in the beauty of the surrounding bay.

If you’re an early riser, you might like to wake up for sunrise this morning, watching the bay come alive. Perhaps organise an optional kayak experience to see the limestone karsts from a new perspective. Tonight, you’ll head back to Hanoi and board an overnight train bound for Hue. Perhaps grab some snacks today for the train, then settle in and play some cards with your group or watch the scenery pass you by from the window.

Arrive in Hue this morning – Vietnam’s former royal capital - and enjoy a local breakfast of bun bo hue (a spiced beef noodle soup). The food here is influenced by its imperial heritage (small dishes and a focus on aesthetic presentation) and Buddhism, reflected in the many vegetarian restaurants. After leaving your luggage at your hotel, embark on a tour of the city’s imperial monuments from the back of a motorbike. Stop past Thien Mu Pagoda – an active Buddhist monastery since 1601, where you'll see a car that belonged to Thich Quang Duc, the worldly famous self-immolating monk of the 1963 protests. After some time exploring, it's time to eat! You’ll enjoy a plant-based Buddhist meal specially prepared by a chef and descendant of the royal family, in the garden of their family home. After, visit the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and enjoy some free time this evening. You may like to ask your leader for the best place to try imperial street specialties for dinner tonight like banh hue (rice flour cakes stuffed with shrimp, pork and spices).

This morning you’ll go to a local coffee house where three generations of Hue locals are living together. Admire the traditional house and gardens before meeting your host, Mr Khoa. Learn about his passion for coffee with a demonstration of how to make Hue’s traditional salt coffee, from the bean roasting process to the secret ingredients. Maybe even have a go at making it yourself! After, visit the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City before heading south by bus through coastal rice paddies and the mountainous Hai Van Pass to Hoi An. This beautifully restored city retains the feel of centuries past and tonight, you’ll head to the Old Centre – a UNESCO World Heritage site full of colourful streets, heritage buildings and specialty shops. Try Cao Lau (a local noodle dish) with your group tonight, then head out among the lanterns for a nighttime orientation walk with your leader.

Today, you’ll really get to know Hoi An – first, your leader will take you on a walk around the Ancient Town. Then, you’ll discover Reaching Out Tea House – a non-government organisation that supports the local deaf and mute community by providing employment and vocational training. While here, you’ll sip delicious teas in total silence – a tranquil experience you won’t soon forget. After a little time to relax, you’ll get ready for a cooking class with a local chef this afternoon. You’ll be escorted to a local market to shop for fresh ingredients, then you’ll go through a culinary journey with hands-on demonstrations. Your local chef will even share the stories behind the yin and yang elements, unveiling the secret of home-cooked Vietnamese meals.

Enjoy a free day in Hoi An to explore at your own pace. Maybe relax at the hotel pool or go for a bike ride in the nearby rice fields. You can stroll around Hoi An’s Old Centre for some last minute shopping – you'll have your hotel room for the whole day, before driving to Danang along the coast. Maybe visit the beach for a while before boarding an overnight train bound for Nha Trang.