Exclusive Grand Vietnam Indochina Food Tour

Day 1 – Saigon

• We check into the storied Hotel Majestic overlooking the Saigon River for four nights.
• Welcome cocktails and introductions as well as our welcome dinner.

Day 2 – Saigon

• Leisurely Breakfast followed by an introductory talk about the trip ahead of us!
• Morning stroll along Dong Khoi, once famously known as Rue Catinat in the French period. We will visit the French built Opera House and have a tour of the Fine Arts Museum, conducted by Richard, who has curated several exhibitions there.
• Lunch, and a break before our booking for a revitalizing massage of a quality that Saigon is renowned for – essential pampering of the first order to rejuvenate and relieve jet lag!
• Tonight is devoted to Cai Luong Opera, the melodic traditional opera of the South of Vietnam and with historical origins in the Mekong Delta.

Day 3 – Saigon

• Following a leisurely breakfast and start to the day, we continue exploring the city with options for specialized shopping, and we visit Antique street and the nearby market area.
• Lunch is at a favorite restaurant of Linh Huyen.
• After a post lunch break in the later afternoon we take a tour of the War Remnants Museum.
• At 6:00 pm we have a hands-on lesson in the preparation of a classic Saigon meal, and tonight we dine on some of the most beloved local specialties that we have prepared. Anyone not interested in directly participating may offer encouragement from the sidelines with an aperitif in hand!

Day 4 – Mekong River Cruise

• This morning we rendezvous with a special shallow draft boat and embark on a cruise of the mythic Mekong river, visiting the enchanting but less accessible estuaries. We anchor for lunch and are treated to river songs that have been handed down for many generations, and which gave birth to Dan Ta Tai Tu. as recognized by Unesco.
• The 5,000 km long Mekong begins in Tibet, and from the Himalayan mountains crosses through China, Myanmar, Thailand, Lao, and Cambodia. The Mekong is a great fertile delta that plays an essential part in Vietnam’s history and culture, and this mighty river almost never fails to leave a profound impression on visitors.
• Dinner at the Majestic tonight on our final night in Saigon.

Day 5 – Saigon to Da Nang – Hoi An

• Breakfast, and time to do any last minute things in Saigon before checking out.
• Transfer for our 90 minute afternoon flight to Da Nang, and then drive to nearby Hoi An for check in the Anantara Hoi An Resort.
• Settle in and enjoy time to relax before dinner at the resort.

Day 6 – Hoi An

• Today is devoted to luxuriating in a stunningly beautiful location.
• Take a morning stroll in and around the truly picturesque town of Hoi An. Your lunch will teach you about the famed dish ‘Cao lay’, amongst other local specialties.
• The afternoon is devoted to relaxation, swimming and massage.
• Dinner overlooking the Perfume River.

Day 7 – Transfer to Hue

• Today we take the extraordinary coastal road to the ancient capital of Hue.
• Following our golden rule of a leisurely breakfast, we check out and begin our exploration of one of the most dramatically scenic coastal roads in the world.
• The Hai Van pass is a breathtaking and unforgettable road trip, and Marble Mountain is one of several memorable stops we will make along the way.
• Reach Hue in the late afternoon and check in to the Azerai La Residence for 2 nights.
  There is time to relax and freshen up before a very special dinner of the much loved Hue specialties.

Day 8 – Hue

• A leisurely start to the day with some free time before we set off to explore Hue, the once Imperial capital as well as the center of the Annam administration . We will learn much about the fascinating history of this center of kingdoms. Of special note is our visit to the historic and vibrant food market, after which we will participate in a cooking class devoted to the renowned specialties of the old capital. You will, of course, then enjoy the results for lunch!
• In the afternoon, we will be treated to a private recital of the rhythmic and beautiful traditional percussive songs of the Hue. We have an afternoon break before visiting a theater to meet the stage artists and experience a rehearsal of Hat boi, an experience not to be missed.

Day 9 – Hue to Hanoi

• Leisurely breakfast and free morning.
• Transfer to the airport for an early afternoon flight to Hanoi.
• Arrival and transfer to the Oriental Jade Hotel.
• Dinner and overnight.

Day 10 – Hanoi Old Quarter and Opera House

• Leisurely breakfast.
• Hanoi is one of the most ancient capitals in the world and its streets in the old quarter bare testimony to its history. These stunning streets feature ancient pagodas and well-kept colonial buildings with new surprises around every corner.
• Take a tour of the magnificent French-built opera house, and explore Hanoi’s famed old quarter.
• Following lunch, we take a break and in the afternoon visit the legendary Hoan Kiem Lake.
• Dinner and overnight.

Day 11 – Perfume Pagoda – Evening Performance

• This morning we visit the Perfume Pagoda, one of the most important Buddhist temple complexes, situated in a mountain setting on the outskirts of Hanoi.
• The afternoon is devoted to more pampering, and this evening we attend a mystic Hau Dong Performance. This is a type of spirit possession ritual conducted with solemnity, and it has profound spiritual and matriarchal meaning. The performer is believed to communicate with the spirit world, and the event is a truly unique experience.
• Then we go to dinner!

Day – 12 Hanoi

• Breakfast and free morning in Hanoi. You can discuss what you would like do, either alone or with your new friends.
• This afternoon we attend the wonderful Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, a show that is worthy of its reputation as a must-see experience.
• Tonight we have our final dinner.
• Overnight.

Day 13 – Departure

• Breakfast. Check out and transfer to the airport.