Day 01: Arrive Hanoi (-,D)

Arrive at Hanoi Noi Bai Airport, private transfer to your hotel in down town. Afternoon at leisure followed by dinner at the Nam Phuong Restaurant set in a beautifully restored French Colonial Villa. The chefs serve Vietnamese specialities. A traditional folk lore show is included with dinner.

Day 02: Hanoi City tour and Cooking Class (B,L,D)

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 ).

Day 03: Ha Long Bay Junk Cruise - Fresh Seafood (B,L,D)

Upon meeting you at your hotel at 8:00 am, we drive to Halong City, approximately 3 hours away. Once at Halong City you will board our for a cruise in the crystalline emerald waters of Halong Bay, giving us the chance to take in the stunning scenery of this UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. While on board, we will be served a sumptuous fresh, local seafood lunch followed by a swim. (summer only). We will also have the chance to explore some of the limestone caves in this area. This evening we anchor at the lagon on the bay, enjoy cande light diner and taste local wine on boat. (OVERNIGHT ON THE HUONG HAI JUNK IN HALONG BAY ).

Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi (B,L,D)

Rising to the sound of lapping waters of the bay, we have time for an early morning dip followed by breakfast. Sitting on the upper deck, you can relax while taking in the breath-taking beauty of the rocky islands rising from the emeraude water of the bay. Cruise around Bai Tu Long bay, passing by Bai Tho Mountain. Sea food lunch will be served on boat. Sail back to harbor at noon where our car will be waiting to transfer us back to Hanoi. This evening we'll enjoy dinner and a wine tasting at the award-winning Press Club restaurant where international fare is laced with Asian influences and wines are selected to complement these tastes. (OVERNIGHT IN HANOI ).

Day 5 Depart Vietnam (B/-/-)

Your culinary odyssy 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.

  Tour price includes:

- Transportation in a private vehicle with air con.
- English or French Speaking Guide
- Accommodation in twin share
- Junk Cruise in Halong Bay sharing the boat with other people
- Entrances fees
- Cooking Class Arrangment, cooking demonstration and market visit
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Government taxes and services charges

Tour price exclude:

- Flights
- Visas and Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses such as shopping; telephone, laundry and bar bills etc…
- Tips and Gratuities
- Beverage

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 sophiticated restaurants in Hanoi and closer to the local culture, cuisine & scenery of this fascinating part of the country including a cruise on the splendour of Halong Bay .