Vietnam life and cuisine 14 days

Routes: Hanoi – Ha Long bay – Hue – Hoian – Mekong – HCM City

Duration: 14 Days 13 Nights

Features: Immerse yourself in the richness of the culture, history and geography by learning the local foods. Take a chance to explore a great selection of traditional Vietnamese food differs from the North to the South and treat yourself with the finest cuisine of Vietnam.

Day 1: Hanoi arrival, good morning Vietnam

Chao Ban! Welcome to Hanoi, we meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel for check-in. Today is free at your leisure to rest or explore, discovering your own first impressions of Vietnam.

You are picked up at 5:30 PM for a short transfer to a local home in Hanoi. On arrival, you are warmly welcomed by the host with a cup of tea while enjoying a friendly chat with the family members. You have a glimpse of a Vietnamese house where their daily activities take place. Join in with the host to prepare our traditional Vietnamese meal. Then we enjoy the dinner together - a great memorial of your time in Hanoi.

After saying goodbye to the host family, we transfer you back to the hotel at around 9:30 PM. Stay overnight in Hanoi.

Inclusion:Transfer, guide, dinner, hotel.

 

Day 2: Hanoi cooking class, foodie tour

This morning we join in a cooking class at a Cooking Centre. In this class, we prepare some traditional dishes of Hanoi for lunch with our Chef.

In the afternoon, we visit the famous markets - where dozens of street hawkers sell anything from live seafood to exotic fruits and spices. Our foodie tour starts at late afternoon at the Old Quarter, where you get the chance to explore the Hanoian life and savouring delicious street food. Back to your hotel at around 9:00 PM and stay overnight in Hanoi.

Inclusion:Transfer, guide, entrances fees, breakfast, lunch, hotel.

 

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong bay

At 8:00 AM departure for Halong Bay on a private van. At around 12:45 PM we check in and begin cruising. Our lunch is served at 1:30 PM while cruising to the Cua Van floating fishing village area. Upon arrival, we transfer by tender to TienOng Cave. Then we make a short trip to the fishing village by small bamboo boats or kayak.

At 5:00 PM our Chef demonstrates the preparation of a particular Vietnamese cuisine in the dining room. Have dinner and stay overnight on the boat.

Inclusion:Transfer, guide, entrances fees, breakfast, lunch, dinner, junk, permit

 

Day 4: Halong – Hanoi, flight to Hue

Early risers can enjoy the sunrise and the quiet breath-taking beauty of the landscape. Breakfast is available at 6:30 AM. At 7:00 AM, we enjoy Tai Chi instruction on the sundeck. More cruise on the bay and finish packing and check-out at 9.30 AM.

At 11:00 AM disembarkation and transfer by tender to Tuan Chau Marina. Our transfer picks up and heads the road back Hanoi airport for flight to Hue. On arrival, our guide picks up and takes you to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Hue.

Inclusion: Transfer, guide, entrance fee, junk, breakfast, lunch, flight ticket, hotel

 

Day 5: Hue - Kim Long Village

Have breakfast at your hotel then we start our biking trip to ThanhToan Bridge, about 8 km from Hue City. On arrival, you can enjoy exploringthe beautiful ThanhToan Bridge, one of covered bridges retaining the most unique architectures in Vietnamand ThanhToan Agriculture Museum where has a small showroom displaying agricultural tools to know more about daily activities of farmers as well as the traditional way of preparing rice flour from rice. Discover the local market stalls and get interesting experiences to see the living of local people in rural area. Then cycle around the village to enjoy the peaceful rural landscape and great outdoors. You are transferred to Chuon Lagoon – a part of Tam Giang lagoon system. Make boat trip to enjoy the fresh atmosphere and experience fishing  under the instruction of local fishers, learn how to catch fish and shrimps with fishing net and get the sense of achievement. Have seafood lunch and enjoy spectacular sceneries from the lagoon.

In the afternoon, Transfer to ThuyBieu Village  and cycle around the village to discover the local life here and stop off at communal houses, ancient temples, local market and walk along shady paths to enjoy the green and peaceful sights of the village’s gardens. The village is famous for fruit ThanhTra, a local variety of pomelo, which has gentle sweet taste and pleasant fragrance. You have chance to visit a local house where you can get to know how traditional incense sticks are made for using. Then visit workshop where traditional silk painting & votive paper offering are made for more experience. Then you are transferred to check in homestay at ThuyBieu and enjoy dinner with the host family and stay overnight at garden house.

Inclusion:Transfer, guide, bike, helmet, all meals, homestay

 

Day 6: Kim Long – Phu Mong– Hue

This morning, after having breakfast at homestay, you are transferred along the way between rice fields and mountain scenes to visit HuyenKhong Son Thuong Pagoda located in a valley among hills and mountains. This 30-year-old pagoda is one of Theravada Pagodas in Hue, and was built in the combination of Chinese and Vietnamese styles as a proof of cultural interference. Leave HuyenKhong Son Thuong, you visit Temple of Literature which is the place to honor and worship Confucius. Next, you join in a cooking class at local house and enjoy lunch with the dishes you have cooked.

Continue to Thien Mu Pagoda which is known as the oldest pagoda in Hue, with a long history with the ancient capital. Get on dragon boat sailing along Perfume River and enjoy beautiful sunset scenes. Get to Toa Kham dock in the city center, you are transferred to visit Dong Ba Market as well as discovering the local life here before comeback your hotel.

Inclusion: Transport, guide, entrance fees, boat, breakfast, lunch, hotel

 

Day 7: Hue - Hoian

Having breakfast at your hotel before your transfer to Hoian. There are some stunning sightseeing en route and we may make stops at Lang Co Beach, Hai Van Pass, Cham Museum, and the Marble Mountains depending on time. Upon arrival, check-in and stay overnight in Hoian.

Tip: This is a very good chance for you to get great tailor-made clothes at reasonable prices. Hoian is well known for its tailoring.

Inclusion:Transfer, guide, entrance fee, breakfast, hotel

 

Day 8: Hoian fishing & foodie tour

At 8:00 AM, we meet you at your hotel for a very short transfer to the boat docks. Today, we go to a fishing village where you see and experience the life of the fisherman. You do some fishing-related activities such as preparing the fishing tools. Afterwards, we have a short basket boat ride along the village full of lush water coconut trees.

We then cycle on the country road through the rice paddy and corn fields as well as alongside numerous coconut trees. On arrival to TraQue organic village, you are welcomed with friendly smiles and special welcome drinks: “E” water or local tea. You can help farmers with their daily routines and enjoy lunch here.
Our afternoon is continued with some sightseeing to famous cultural sites around the charming Hoian, where we discover a preserved pagoda, an assembly hall and the Japanese Covered Bridge.

At around 6:00 PM is the start of our early dinner when we walk and experience some of the great local food of Hoi An on the streetincluding Quang Noodle or Cao Lau Noodle, rice pancake, grilled meat roll, roast meat and grilled chopped meat.Walking along to Phan Chu Trinh Street you will choose another delicious food “Mrs. Phuong Bread”- a daily popular food of Hoi An people. After finish enjoying the local street coffee like a local here, you walk back to your hotel in the evening.
Inclusion: Transfer, guide, entrance fee, breakfast, lunch, local boat & basket boat, water & snack, street food, bike & helmet, hotel

 

Day 9: Hoian cooking class

We are picked up and we transfer toour meeting point for a half day cooking class.

Visit Hoi An’scolourful market, and experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market. We have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and learn about all the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later.

We board a boat for a leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoian River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. This is a chance to view local river life, so make sure your camera is handy.

On arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb garden, before learning about some of Hoian’s and Vietnam’s well-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – the chef first demonstrate each dish before we prepare the same dish ourselves. Included in the class is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). After the lesson, we sit down and eat what we have cooked.

Bring your swimsuit and after the cooking tour has finished relax and enjoy free use of our 20 metre swimming pool - towels and showers provided before heading back to your hotel.

Inclusion: Transfer, guide, entrance fee, breakfast, lunch, cooking class, hotel

 

Day 10: Hoian – HCM City

More time in Hoian then we transfer to Da Nang airport for noon flight to HCM City. On arrival, pick up and transfer to your hotel for check in.

This afternoon, free at your leisure to explore the city. Stay overnight in HCM City.

Inclusion: Transfer, guide, breakfast, domestic flight ticket, hotel

 

Day 11: HCM City cooking class – scooter tour

Have breakfast at your hotel and our driver picks you up at 8:00 AM for transfer to our meeting point. Market visit with our Chef through the vibrant Ben Thanh market to purchase ingredients. At 9:40 AM our Chef brings you back by Taxi (fee included) to our cooking class. Hands-on Cooking Class from 10:00  AM till 1:00 PM.Back your hotel around 2:00 PM. Then free at your leisure.

At 5:30 PM, your personal English speaking guide meet and greet you and explain safety instructions, before our scooter tour started. You get to experience the nightlife of HCM City and try local delicacies atsome of the hidden food stalls/local restaurants. At around 10:00 PM, we drive you back to your hotel. Stay overnight in HCM City.

Inclusion: Transfer, guide, entrance fee, breakfast, lunch, cooking class, hotel

 

Day 12: HCM City – Mekong Delta – Can Tho

Depart at 8:00 AM to Cai Be (about 2.5 hours). On arrival, we board a boat to visit the floating market on the Mekong River. A short boat trip to Dong Phu Island, and then we start our cycling trip to explore the local Mekong life. You have a chance to learn how to make Coconut candy and some other product from coconut.

After lunch, we cruise to Vinh Long for some more cycling through rural riverside villages. The evening is free, but we recommend you a promenade along the city's quay. Stay overnight in Can Tho.

Cycling distance: 30-50 km

Level: 2/5

Inclusion: Transfer, guide, bicycles, entrance fee, local boat, seasonal fruit, lunch, hotel.

 

Day 13: Can Tho – HCM City

Today we take early morning boat trip to the interesting and chaotic Cai Rang Floating Market at 6:30 AM to enjoy the beautiful Mekong Delta scenery. More time in Can Tho then go back to HCM City. Arrive in HCM City around 5:00 PM. Check-in and stay overnight in HCM City.

Inclusion: Transfer, guide, entrance fee, breakfast, lunch, local boat, hotel.

 

Day 14: HCM City departure

Have breakfast at hotel. Depending on your flight you may have time for shopping then we transfer you to the airport in time for your flight back home. Goodbye and wish to see you again soon!

Inclusion: Transfer drop off, breakfast.

 

COSTS (USD) on private tour 1364$/person

Exclusion: Visa (please refer to section legal aspects), insurance, drinks and snacks outside the included mealtimes, personal expenses, other costs not mentioned in the details. Tips are appreciated.

Inclusion: See inclusive items listed after each day.

LEGAL ASPECTS

Visa:Vietnam’s visa policies change frequently and without notice. Please email Footprint for the most up-to-date information if you need a Vietnam visa.
ORGANISATION

Transportation schedule: Please be aware that flight times, trains, hotels and other services are subject to availability. When flights/trains are cancelled or delayed, Footprint will endeavor to secure alternative arrangements of similar value.
Updates on transportation schedule: Hotel, flight and train details will be updated once the booking is confirmed (your confirmation e-mail).

Tour guide: English speaking guides. Extra cost for German speaking guide is EUR200/group except cycling in Mekong delta.
Closed sites: Some sites might be closed during the time you visit Vietnam (e.g. the HCM mausoleum in Hanoi is closed on Mondays and Fridays). Please consult with your travel agent if you want to have further information concerning this issue.
ACCOMMODATION

Hotel:  We use 3 star standard hotels withtwin-shared rooms (Please inform us if you want to have a room with a double bed). Upgrades are available on request. The check in (if not stated otherwise) is at 2:00 PM, and the check-out is at 12:00 PM (noon). An early check in is subject to availability.

TRANSPORT 

Flight: Domestic flights are booked (if not requested otherwise) with Vietnam airlines. Their maximum weight for checked in luggage is 20 kg. Please be advised to keep some free space in your luggage for souvenirs

Car / Van Quality: New air-conditioned cars or vans depending on the group size

Ha Long Bay: The ride will be with a shared minivan. The ride on the bay will be within a deluxe junk.

FOOD

The breakfast will be either a choice of Western style meals or Vietnamese meals in the guesthouse/hotels. The included lunch and dinner (see inclusions in the daily itinerary description), the meals will be either served in street vendor or in local restaurants depending on the destinations.

If you have any allergies, special requests or if you are on a special diet please let us know. We will arrange it for you in advance.
PREPARATION OF THE CUSTOMER

Seasonal Preparation: The best time to travel in Vietnam is between September and April. The temperatures are more comfortable in this period and the rain season in the summer will be avoided.  

What to bring: Passport, change of clothes, sunglasses & hat, toiletries, sun-block, insect repellent, flashlights, proper hiking boots/shoes, personal first aid kit & medicine, small VND notes for buying drinks. If you feel the need, you can bring along a luggage lock for your belongings.

Health: Please be aware that due to legal reasons our local tour guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug or medication for the clients, including headache pills and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.

Insurance: In order to travel safe, a good insurance is essential. Thus, please ensure that you have booked an appropriate insurance prior departure.

TREKKING / CYCLING INFORMATION
Experience: The trekking is at intermediate level. Nevertheless, our guide will be flexible to suggest you the most proper trekking route adapted to your physical fitness.

Age: The age restriction for cycling is 10 years. Younger children can join the trip, but will be carried in an attachment of the bike suitable for children.

Bike: We use bikes of the brand Trek and the model 4500.

Route: The route can be changed due to external circumstances such as weather (the rain season between June and October can cause muddy paths in mountainous regions). Nevertheless, this should not discourage you as we will find proper alternatives.
Trekking/Cycling Time: The time is approximate and depends on the weather and the speed.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This itinerary and supplementary information has been complied in good faith and was accurate at the time of writing.