Vietnam for Foodies

(11 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon & Mekong Delta

This private culinary tour is an in-depth exploration of Vietnam's most authentic food and cultural experiences.

Begin in Hanoi, Vietnam's fascinating capital and intellectual center. One day, meet a culinary expert to tour one of Hanoi's excellent markets and sample local street food specialties like bun cha (barbecued pork with noodles) and pho cuon (fresh herb and beef rolls). Another day, enjoy a private Vietnamese cooking class with a renowned chef and learn to prepare northern Vietnamese specialties. Also enjoy private cultural touring of city highlights such as the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, the House on Stilts, and Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. Take an in-depth tour of Hanoi's incredible Old Quarter, where each street was historically dedicated to a specific trade or material, such as bamboo, silk and lacquer. While touring the narrow streets, learn about the history of the Old Quarter and its traditional architecture, and see how it has transformed into a fashionable district with cafes, art galleries and boutiques featuring the finest Vietnamese design and style. Explore Hoan Kiem Lake and leafy backstreets lined with beautiful French colonial-era buildings, many of which are now upscale restaurants.

Continue to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Tour the Imperial Citadel, a large complex that includes the remains of the Forbidden Purple City, where the emperor and his family once lived. See the beautiful gardens and traditional architecture at the royal tombs along the Perfume River. Also visit colorful Dong Ba Market and, if desired, sample Hue's famed vegetarian and royal cuisine. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange additional activities such as kayaking on the river, cooking lessons, philanthropic experiences, visiting a local children's center, or meeting with monks at a local pagoda.

Next, visit Hoi An, an atmospheric port town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stay at a luxury beachfront resort, and experience the best of this centuries-old town during private touring. Visit the vibrant morning market, where stalls are piled high with fresh fish and produce. Explore the colorful backstreets, and tour well-preserved historic homes, temples, the Japanese Covered Bridge and other interesting attractions. Perhaps visit a local tailor for custom-made silk clothing, a Hoi An specialty, and enjoy a boat ride on the river. Also visit the nearby Museum of Cham Sculpture, as well as the Marble Mountains, which contain Buddhist cave temples. One day, visit a farming community famous for vegetables, and learn how locals prepare them in a private home. Another day, enjoy a private cooking class focusing on regional specialties such as fresh spring rolls or cao lau noodles. Upon request, we can arrange additional activities in and near Hoi An, such as visits to local villages, an excursion to the Cham ruins in My Son, biking through the countryside, or a silk lantern-making lesson at a Confucian temple. There will also be time to relax and enjoy your resort's beautiful architecture, spa and beach.

Finally, travel to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam's most dynamic city. One day, enjoy a private market tour and cooking lesson and learn to prepare southern Vietnamese culinary specialties. Another day, enjoy an evening street food tasting tour in different districts around Saigon. Also enjoy in-depth cultural touring. Visit interesting neighborhoods like Cholon (Saigon's Chinatown) and explore busy markets and temples. Learn about the city's history while touring French colonial-era landmarks, as well as the mid-century Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. If desired, browse the boutiques of Vietnamese designers and renowned art galleries and museums. Along the way, enjoy opportunities to stop for a refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee, or snack on a typical Vietnamese banh mi (baguette sandwich).

One day, visit the Mekong Delta, a vast network of islands and waterways where the Mekong River flows into the South China Sea. Cruise by private sampan (traditional boat) through the canals, visiting floating markets, fruit orchards and rural villages. While there, enjoy riding bikes and meeting local farmers and producers of local items such as sweets, tea, honey and dried fruit.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Hanoi VIP airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 2 Hanoi Morning private market and culinary tour. Afternoon flexible private touring and shopping. Evening water puppet or opera house performance Day 3 Hanoi Morning private market tour and cooking lesson. Afternoon at leisure Day 4 Hanoi – Hue Private transfer to airport for flight to Hue. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night. Afternoon private tour Day 5 Hue – Hoi An Morning private vegetarian cooking lesson and lunch at a pagoda. Private transfer to resort for 3 nights Day 6 Hoi An & environs Morning private excursion to farming village. Afternoon private city tour Day 7 Hoi An Morning private cooking lesson. Afternoon at leisure Day 8 Hoi An – Saigon Private transfer to Da Nang airport for flight to Saigon. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights. Evening private street food tour Day 9 Saigon Morning private market tour and cooking lesson. Afternoon private city tour Day 10 Saigon & Mekong Delta Full day private excursion Day 11 Depart Saigon Private airport transfer. VIP departure assistance

Hotels

Hanoi: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel or Capella Hanoi Hue: Azerai La Residence, Hue Hoi An: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai Saigon: Park Hyatt Saigon or The Reverie Saigon

Cost

$11,930 Per person (double occupancy)