Vietnam Culinary Tour

From $4,323 - 12 Days , Fully Inclusive from selected Australian cities

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 colonization by the French in the early 19th Century further enhanced these gastronomic delights and today Vietnamese cuisine is recognized and savoured around the world. Join us whilst we explore the cuisine of Vietnam; from shopping at local markets to cooking under the guidance of experienced chefs and feasting on tantalizing creations. Highlights of our journey include a cyclo tour of Hue’s Imperial Citadel, magical Halong Bay where we enjoy the incredible scenery on board a traditional junk boat, a private cooking class at Saigon Culinary Art Centre and dinner at the former residence of the US Ambassador. Combined with breathtaking landscapes, captivating people and culinary delights this is the ultimate journey of discovery!

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Depart Australia

Depart Australia and fly to Hanoi with Vietnam Airlines. Upon arrival we will be met by our National Escort and transferred to our hotel.

Day 2: Hanoi

This morning we explore a local market with a key member of the Hanoi Chef Association and learn how to choose fresh ingredients for our private cooking class. After lunch we visit the Temple of Literature and take a walk through the bustling old quarter. This evening we will dine with the Chairman of the Hanoi Gastronomy Club and editor of Culinary Art magazine.

Day 3: Hanoi

After breakfast at a local restaurant we will travel to Ha Tay. Enjoy a packed lunch at a local village and learn about the culinary specialties of the region. This evening we visit the house of a local musician couple for a home-cooked dinner and a special musical performance.

Day 4: Hanoi to Halong Bay

This morning we drive to Halong Bay where we board our overnight junk boat. We cruise through Halong Bay this afternoon, stopping for a swim, a visit to a fishing village and a bamboo boat ride to a scenic lagoon.

Day 5: Halong Bay to Hue

Enjoy the spectacular sunrise over the bay before we travel back to Hanoi and fly to Hue.

Day 6: Hue

Stroll around Dong Ba Market this morning with a local chef, before we participate in a cooking class at Ancient Hue restaurant. After lunch visit the home of a well known historian and enjoy a cyclo ride to the ancient Imperial Citadel. Dinner is served at a restored royal house.

Day 7: Hue to Hoi An

Visit the Khai Dinh Royal Tomb this morning. Interact with local monks and learn about their experiences and way of life. Enjoy a vegetarian lunch and continue our journey south, to Hoi An driving over the Hai Van Pass. The afternoon is at leisure to explore this charming town.

Day 8: Hoi An

This morning we stroll through Tra Que vegetable village, joining the farmers to learn more about how they work with the land. After lunch at a local house, we enjoy a relaxing tour by foot around Hoi An.

Day 9: Hoi An to Saigon

We fly to Saigon this morning and embark on a walking tour around this bustling city to admire its historic landmarks. This evening we have a private cooking class at the Saigon Culinary Art Centre.

Day 10: Saigon - My Tho

We travel to the city of My Tho. Cruise along the Mekong, visiting a fish-rearing village, a fruit orchard and a coconut workshop. We take a horse drawn cart through the village and sample some delicious fruits and traditional music at Phong Phu Garden. Travel back to Saigon, where this evening we enjoy dinner at the former residence of the US Ambassador to Vietnam in the 1960s. We will be entertained by local children and a violin and piano performance.

Days 11 – 12: Depart Saigon

This morning is at leisure before transferring to the airport for our flight to Australia, returning home the following morning.

Price Guide

*From $4,323 per person**	12 Days Fully Inclusive From Sydney and Melbourne (Flying Vietnam Airlines)
From $4,623 per person ($300 per person added)	12 Days Fully Inclusive From Brisbane and Adelaide (Flying Vietnam Airlines)
From $4,754 per person ($431 per person added)	12 Days Fully Inclusive From Perth (Flying Singapore Airlines)
From Price Includes*	Tour cost $4,048, Vietnam Airlines Fuel Surcharge $200 & Tipping $75 (Subject to change with Tipping payable on arrival in Vietnam. See Booking Conditions)
From $920	Single Supplement
From $3,430	Land Only

Tour Code	Departure Date	Return Date	Price AUD*	Avail
2010
V1311	20 Oct	31 Oct	$4,323	Avail
Important Note: Above prices include Vietnam Airlines Fuel surcharges and Tipping of $275 (correct as at 19 May 2010 and subject to change). Please note the Tipping amount of USD60 is payable on arrival in Vietnam. Though status is regularly updated, availability above is indicative only, not live and hence does not guarantee that space is available on your selected tour when you or your agent calls Wendy Wu Tours to book. Booking early is the only way to ensure availability of your selected departure date.

Travel Info

Country Info

VIETNAM

Inclusions

Return international economy class airfares with Vietnam Airlines (Singapore Airlines for Perth passengers),
All transportation,
All meals,
Accommodation in superior hotels,
Daily tours,
Entrance fees,
National tour escort and/or English speaking local guides,
Airline fuel surcharge and tipping (subject to change),
Australia and Vietnam departure taxes and
Visa fees for Australian passport holders.

Exclusions

Personal expenditure such as drinks, laundry service and souvenirs
Arrangements and taxes in Singapore 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
Recommended Insurance

Images from Vietnam Culinary Tour

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