Meals

As per the tour program: B = Breakfast L = Lunch D= Dinner

Guide

Experienced English-speaking guide French/German/Spanish/ Russian/ Chinese speaking guides are available upon request. The surcharge will be applied

Flights

- Hanoi to Hue (with 20 kg luggage allowance) - Danang to Ho Chi Minh (with 20 kg luggage allowance) ** The cost of internal airfares is paid separately upon arrival to Realistic Asia as a local payment. The airfare fees are separated from the main tour cost because the prices of internal airfare can vary based on a number of factors, such as travel period, availability of flights, and fuel taxes. We keep it as a local payment to benefit our travelers by keeping tour costs lower and providing more flexibility during the booking process, and ensuring that travelers have a smooth and stress-free experience while on their trip.

Accommodation

HOTEL LIST: 4-star hotels Hanoi: Tirant Hotel or similar Halong Bay: Lapandora Cruise or similar Hue: Eldora Hue or similar Mekong Delta: Mekong Lodge Ho Chi Minh: Cochinzen Hotel or similar Hoi An: Silkotel Hotel or similar Cai Be: Mekong Lodge or similar 5-star hotels Hanoi: Apricot Hotel or similar Halong Bay: Era Cruise or similar Hue: Silk Path Hotel or similar Mekong Delta: Mekong Lodge or similar Ho Chi Minh: The Myst Dong Khoi or similar Hoi An: Palm Garden Hoi An or similar Cai Be: Mekong Lodge or similar Check-in room at 14:00 // Check-out room at 12:00 noon (Except Early check-in or Late check-out mentioned in the program).

Transport

- Door-to-door pick-up & drop-off services by private car - Air-conditioned bus between Hanoi and Halong Bay (2-way) - Private round transfer between Ho Chi Minh and Cai Be - Private car for the excursions

Others

– All sightseeing tickets according to the itinerary – Tissues and water on coach – Service charges and government tax – 24/7 hotline support guaranteed

Not included:

Insurance

Travel insurance is not included

Others

X International flights and departure taxes X Beverage, Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities X Early check-in and late check-out (If not mentioned) X Compulsory Gala Dinner on 24 Dec, 31 Dec and 21 Jan (Tet) X Public holiday surcharge (Christmas and New Year, Tet holiday) if applicable X Surcharge for airport cabs from 12:00 am – 05:00 am X E-Visa (Vietnam: $25/person) X Services not mentioned above

Optional

Other activities and services are not included.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Welcome To Vietnam – Hanoi Arrival
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Welcome To Vietnam – Hanoi Arrival

Your Vietnam adventure begins with your arrival in Hanoi. Your private driver will meet you at the airport, holding a signboard with your name. He will escort you to your accommodation right in the heart of the city, with the fascinating Old Quarter at your fingertips. You can easily explore the city at your own pace or relax at the hotel after the flight.

Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2 Secrets Behind North Vietnam’S Most Popular Foods With Master Chef (B/L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Secrets Behind North Vietnam’S Most Popular Foods With Master Chef (B/L)

Today’s tour begins at 08:30 or 15:30. Travel to Chef Ai‘s House for the start of an exciting Hanoi cooking class. Meet with Ms. Ai, who is passionate about Vietnamese cuisine, with about 15- years of experience, and in the top 5 of Master Chef Vietnam 2014.

Together, head to the neighborhood’s wet market, walking distance from her house. See the variety of goods on offer, learn from the chef about their uses in traditional cuisine, and purchase items for the day’s cooking class. As well the marketplace is a fabulous place to observe local ways of life and learn about how Hanoi’s residents shop for fresh produce.

Armed with the necessary ingredients, return to Chef Ai‘s family home. Once in the kitchen, the chef will share the secrets behind North Vietnam’s most popular foods. Using Chef Ai‘s recipes, slice, dice and cook delicious dishes.

Once ready, sit down and feast on the home cooked meal bringing the culinary adventure to a close.

Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3 Cruising To Magnificent Halong Bay - Overnight On Cruise (B/L/D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Cruising To Magnificent Halong Bay - Overnight On Cruise (B/L/D)

In the morning, check out of the hotel, and get picked up by the Cruise team. Take the most scenic route to reach Halong Bay, taking you across the Red River Delta with emerald green rice paddies stretching for as far as the eyes can see. On arrival at the pier, you will board the cruise and enjoy the fantastic views of limestone rocks and the karst grottoes. Have an utterly delicious seafood lunch and enjoy the time at the sundeck exploring the Bay. The cruise will stop in a secret place where you will spend time kayaking or swimming, so you can explore the karst grottoes closer. Towards the evening, you will return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by some time at leisure. You can optionally attend the activities taking part on the boat or just relax.

Overnight on cruise.

Note: In case of bad weather (the boat is not allowed to push off or not allowed to overnight in the sea), the Ha Long bay tour could be cancelled without notice. We will consider other replacement tours or a refund based on the specific circumstances.
Day 4 Wake Up On The Dragon Bay - Back To Hanoi – Flight To Hue (B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Wake Up On The Dragon Bay - Back To Hanoi – Flight To Hue (B)

Rise early today to view the sunrise at the wonder of nature with breakfast served in the dining room.

Then head off to visit the limestone cave full of stalagmites and stalactites. After your exploration return to the boat to check out and enjoy the brunch while the cruise is sailing back to the harbor.

Later you will be transferred back to Hanoi, from where after a short rest you will get to the airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival at Hue, you will be transferred to your hotel in Hue.

Overnight in Hue.
Day 5 Explore The Imperial Citadel - Dinner At Ngoc Son Princess House (B/L/D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Explore The Imperial Citadel - Dinner At Ngoc Son Princess House (B/L/D)

Start today’s explorations of Hue with a visit to the Imperial Citadel, a grand UNESCO-listed complex where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. After exploring the ruins of this vast monument, take a cyclo ride through the Old City to Tinh Tam Lake, where the Emperors used to come to relax. Decorated with blooming lotus flowers in summer, this peaceful spot is popular with university students who come to study at the many local-style coffee shops along the shore.

Continue to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest and most beautiful pagodas in Vietnam, then break for lunch at a local restaurant. More sightseeing awaits at the Mausoleum of Tu Duc. Built decades before its occupant’s death, this tomb was used as a palace retreat before becoming the Emperor’s hallowed resting place. Continue to Khai Dinh’s Tomb, which combines traditional Vietnamese design with European touches to create one of the city’s most unique and beautiful structures. Your evening comes to a close at the Ngoc Son Princess House, where you’ll sit down to dinner amid the splendour of this beloved garden house. Enjoy a meal of traditional Hue specialties prepared by the family at their historic home while you hear stories of the city’s fascinating past.

Overnight in Hue.
Day 6 Travel From Hue To Hoi An (B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Travel From Hue To Hoi An (B)

Have breakfast at the hotel and get ready for the transfer from Hue to Hoi An by private car. You will drive through one of the most beautiful roads in the world - Hai Van Pass. You will be blown away by the stunning views of the mountains and the sea. Upon arrival in Hoi An check in the hotel and have free time to explore the surrounding area.

Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 7 Cherish Your Leisure Time In Ancient Town (B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Cherish Your Leisure Time In Ancient Town (B)

Have a free day to explore Hoi An at your own pace. The best way to explore this charming town is to rent a bicycle at the hotel and cycle around the town towards the riverside or the beach. At the beach, you will find many small cafes where you could relax with a fresh fruit drink after swimming. The water in the sea is warm and calm.

You could visit a tailor-shop which could make you and your loved ones a new piece of clothes, bag or shoes overnight.

In the evening we recommend you to walk around the Old Town area, which looks charming when the shops light their lanterns. You and would really feel like being in a fairy-tale. And don’t skip the colourful performances organized on the street in the evening.

Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 8 Travel From Hoi An To Ho Chi Minh City- Flight Included (B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Travel From Hoi An To Ho Chi Minh City- Flight Included (B)

Have breakfast at the hotel, and have free time until our driver will meet you for a transfer to the airport for your next flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel. After the hotel check-have some leisure time in Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 9 Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour (B/L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour (B/L)

This morning your personal tour guide will meet you with a motorbike for a half-day tour of the city. Hop on the back and head through the city’s lively streets, passing the many Vietnamese guitar makers’ stores, interesting eateries, and residential apartment buildings. The walking portion of your explorations starts from Nguyen Thien Thuat Street and ends at Ban Co Market, where you’ll be invited to try chè (a Vietnamese dessert made of beans, sticky rice, and coconut milk). Continue to Districts 10 and 5 to witness the colors, smells, and sounds of typical Ho Chi Minh life as you pass shops and street food stands and dodge passing rickshaws. Stroll along the traditional medicine streets of China Town, then visit the Chinese Thien Hau Temple (dedicated to the worship of the Heavenly Queen). End your adventure at a local restaurant for a lunch of local favourites like com tam (broken rice) or bun bo (beef noodle soup). Afterwards, your guide will take you back to your hotel by motorbike.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 10 Sailing Through The Mighty Mekong Delta (B/L/D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sailing Through The Mighty Mekong Delta (B/L/D)

Depart from Ho Chi Minh City around 8 am, and head to Mekong Delta, the land of nine dragons. Upon arrival at Cai Be, you will board the boat, which will take you through Mekong’s fertile alluvial water, which shapes the richness of the land, to Mekong Lodge. Upon arrival at the resort, check-in your private bungalow and enjoy a delicious lunch by the riverside.

Have some rest, and get ready for a cycling trip to Tan Phong Island. Here you will visit some local handicraft workshops and see how locals make banana leaves hammocks, water coconut leaves thatch, or home decor products made of water hyacinth. Visit fruit gardens where you can enjoy freshly picked fruits and Vietnamese folk music. Then take a small rowing boat trip through the canal. Have dinner at the restaurant and have a relaxing evening at the resort.

Overnight in Cai Be.
Day 11 Experience On The Floating Market (B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Experience On The Floating Market (B)

Begin our second day at Mekong Delta with a buffet breakfast. Then take a boat trip to Cai Be floating market, a cultural feature of the Mekong Delta. You will see the most vibrant scene on the Tien River with hundred of boats gathering for the fresh produce trade. Then spend some more time on the island visiting more handicraft villages. Then check out of the hotel and drive back to Ho Chi Minh.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Day 12 Time To Say Goodbye - Ho Chi Minh Departure (B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Time To Say Goodbye - Ho Chi Minh Departure (B)

Relish a healthy breakfast on the final day of your trip. Complete the hotel check-out formalities after which you can visit the local markets and buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Later, proceed for departure and board your flight back home.

Trip Ends.

12 days tour

Ginger And Lemongrass: 12-Day Culinary Adventure - Private T

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Ginger And Lemongrass: 12-Day Culinary Adventure - Private T

Welcome To Vietnam – Hanoi Arrival

Secrets Behind North Vietnam’S Most Popular Foods With Master Chef (B/L)

Cruising To Magnificent Halong Bay - Overnight On Cruise (B/L/D)

Wake Up On The Dragon Bay - Back To Hanoi – Flight To Hue (B)

Explore The Imperial Citadel - Dinner At Ngoc Son Princess House (B/L/D)

Travel From Hue To Hoi An (B)

Cherish Your Leisure Time In Ancient Town (B)

Travel From Hoi An To Ho Chi Minh City- Flight Included (B)

Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour (B/L)

Sailing Through The Mighty Mekong Delta (B/L/D)

Experience On The Floating Market (B)

Time To Say Goodbye - Ho Chi Minh Departure (B)

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