Culinary Experience by Private Car

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s beautiful capital. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Day 2: Hanoi
Your tour of the city begins at the vast Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, including the mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Stilt House and museum. Continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples. Then to 11th-century Temple of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways which is one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Later, a walking tour in the Old Quarter. Visit a coffee shop to sample the famous Vietnam coffees. Evening unique experience to visit the night market and try different local street foods together with a local food expert. (B,D)

Note: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed Mondays, Fridays and during September and October. Some sites might be closed during Lunar New Year.

Day 3: Hanoi | Halong Bay
Morning drive to picturesque Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and embark on your overnight cruise through the bay. Revel in the tranquility of the natural seascape dotted with around 2,000 islets and rocky outcrops. After lunch on board, visit a fishing village. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Halong Bay | Hoi An
Continue sailing across the stunning islets and explore Sung Sot Cave, the largest and the most beautiful cave of the bay. Later, disembark and transfer to Hanoi Airport for flight to Danang. Upon arrival, transfer to Hoi An. (B)

Day 5: Hoi An
Morning cooking class at a local restaurant, with a world-traveled chef, after joining him for a private and colorful experience at the local market. Reward yourself with a wonderful meal at the end of the class. Later depart for a tour at the ancient village of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The colorful shops, houses and temples reflect a diverse heritage, best explored on foot. (B,L)

Day 6: Hoi An | Hue
Depart by private car to Hue, a 17th-century city that served as the capital of Vietnam for more than 140 years. Afternoon visits to the Old Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Modeled after China’s Forbidden City, this massive complex provides a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Enter its Imperial Enclosure, an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds. In the evening, visit the famous Boi Tran Garden House, the first art gallery in Hue, for a candlelight dinner. (B,D)

Day 7: Hue
Morning excursion to a relaxing boat journey on the Perfume River, passing traditional villages. On to the iconic, 7-story Thien Mu Pagoda, considered the most famous structure in the country. Then visit the Imperial Tombs of Minh Mang, Tu Duc and Khai Dinh and soak in the tranquil atmosphere, wandering among pavilions, courtyards and lotus ponds. (B)

Day 8: Hue | Ho Chi Minh City
Morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, tour the city beginning with the Reunification Palace, formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president that was famously stormed by tanks in 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. Afterwards, drive to the historic center to visit the Emperor of Jade Pagoda, one of the city’s most interesting pagodas and to many classic European-style landmarks. End your tour at the central Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts. (B)

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City
Morning transfer to the Saigon Culinary Art Center for a cooking class. The course includes detailed explanations of the history and traditions of Vietnamese cuisine and a hands-on cooking lesson. Then drive to the outskirts to visit the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, a 125-mile-long underground network that stretched to the Cambodian border. In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of the best restaurants in Saigon. (B,D)

Day 10: Depart Hoi Chi Minh City
Transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)