Getting to know the food is also the great way of getting to know the country. Vietnamese food is healthy, simple to cook and delicious and forms a large part of the culture. This half day tour gives you a hands-on lesson on how to shop and cook authentic Vietnamese food.
You will be picked up in the morning and transferred to the Hanoi Cooking Centre (HCC), here you will enjoy a special 'La Han' Vietnamese welcome tea. A brief introduction to Vietnamese cuisine will be given, highlighting the contents of a traditional Vietnamese meal. Then take a short walk to Chau Long Market, where you will be shown around by the Chef who will highlight the interesting goods on sale. Anything from livestock to silk worms are on offer to buy.
Upon arriving back at the HCC the cooking class will begin and you will be able to sample some local goods, as well as getting all of the recipes printed for you to take home. On completion of the cooking class, enjoy the meal you have prepared. This gives you a chance to chat to the chef in the comfort of the HCC dining area and enjoy a drink whilst you relax.
After the lesson receive a HCC 'Going Home' gift and you can also purchase some of the Vietnamese spices, tools and books that you have used during the day.
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Day 1: Hanoi Arrival D
Pick up upon arrival and transfer to the city for hotel check-in. If time permits, cyclo ride tours around Hanoi old quarters. Enjoy water puppetry show and then transfer to Indochine Restaurant where you will sample Vietnamese cuisines at Indochine Restaurant.
Overnight at hotel in Hanoi
Day 2: Cooking Class B/L/D
Morning cooking class: The worldwide reputation of Vietnamese and French food of the Sofitel Metropole has led to the opening of the Metropole Cooking School. The food of Vietnam is about to be the hottest cuisine to emerge from Asia. This exquisite cuisine is shaped by Vietnam's long association with Chinese rule, French colonization, Southeast Asian intrusions and her fierce individuality. Today's class begins with a walk, accompanied by the Chef of the Spices Garden Restaurant, to the local market, where participants get a chance to learn all about Vietnamese ingredients. After that, everyone rolls up their sleeves in the kitchen to prepare a proper Vietnamese meal. After the class lunch will be served in the Spices Garden Vietnamese Restaurant to sample all the different dishes prepared during the class.
This afternoon you will discover Hanoi with an English speaking guide. Part of your tour will include sightseeing by cyclo, by which you'll discover the Old Quarter made up of the so called "36 streets," most of which are named after the crafts or merchandise traditionally sold there.
Dinner tonight at another of Hanoi's fine restaurants. Afterwards enjoy a performance of a traditional water puppet show. This fantastic art form originated in northern Vietnam and is best seen in Hanoi. The Municipal Water Puppet Theater is located on the shore of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Overnight at hotel in Hanoi City
Day 3: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay B/L/D
Morning depart for Ha Long Bay, we go through the scenic countryside. The wondrous Ha Long Bay is truly one of Vietnam's most impressive scenic sights. Heading out of the town we embark on a boat for an exploration of the legendary Ha Long Bay. This exciting five hour cruise will provide us a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karsts formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs.
Overnight on the Junk Cruise
Day 4: Ha Long - Hanoi B/L
Waking up and having breakfast served onboard. Continue cruising around the bay. Take sampan to visit Luon Cave and come back to the boat. Having brunch before disembarking and van will pick you up at the pier and transfer back to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi at 04:00 pm. Free at leisure.
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 5: Hanoi Departure B
Free at leisure until transfer to the airport to take flight onward. End of service.
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