Northern Vietnam has long been influenced by its proximity to China . As the only part of the country that experiences four seasons, many dishes are only available in season
Overall, the food tends to be milder and lighter than that found in the rest of Vietnam. This unique 5-day tour of delight North cuisine brings you to the best most sophisticated restaurants in Hanoi and closer to the local culture, cuisine & scenery of this fascinating part of the country including a cruise on the splendor of Halong Bay.
Arrive at Hanoi Noi Bai Airport, private transfer to your hotel in downtown. Afternoon at leisure followed by dinner at the Nam Phuong Restaurant set in a beautifully restored French Colonial Villa. The chefs serve Vietnamese specialties. A traditional folklore show is included with dinner.
Hanoi, the present day capital of Vietnam is a city of tree-lined boulevards and lakes with a unique blend of French colonial buildings and Chinese inspired Vietnamese architecture. A full day to explore this fascinating city takes in the One Pillar Pagoda, the Fine Arts Museum, the Temple of Literature, the Lake of the Restored Sword and the bustling 'Old Quarter', with its 36 ancient streets. Lunch at "Cha Ca La Vong" serving seasoned fish. In the evening Cyclo ride from your hotel, hands-on cooking class you learn about the art of traditional Vietnamese cuisine in the Old Quarter with the locals in Hanoi. Visit a lively local market Hang Be Market before donning a chef's uniform for a hands-on cooking class demonstration. Learn how to make a number of regional delicacies, which may include Banana Flower Salad and Spring Rolls. After a half-afternoon session, you enjoy a delicious feast of the dishes you created, and get to take a copy of the recipes home with you. Enjoy a cyclo head back to your hotel in this charming vehicle. (OVERNIGHT IN HANOI ).
After pickup from your hotel, you will leave Hanoi by private car/van at 8:30 am, arriving at the jetty around 12:30 pm. You will be welcomed aboard and set sail through the bay while lunch is served. You will pass through the magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waves like dragons' teeth. After lunch, you will take a short trek to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay dotted with golden sails, and then go swimming on a quiet beach or sunbathe on the sundeck. Later in the afternoon, you will visit an interesting fishing village with the opportunity to interact with fishermen who have been living in the bay for almost three generations. Back on board, you can enjoy cocktails while watching the sunset. Later, you will unwind at a lavish dinner before an overnight stay on the deluxe junk.
Greet the day with a morning tai chi session, with an opportunity to view the sunrise over the bay. After breakfast, you will visit a beautiful limestone grotto and then go back to the boat for a final glimpse of Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock. Checkout is at 11:45 am and the boat arrives at the harbor by noon for the drive back to Hanoi. You will then have free time before an overnight stay in Hanoi.
Your culinary odyssey ends after breakfast. There are no activities planned for today. You enjoy your free time until transfer to airport for your onward flight. Cam on va chao tam biet.
