Vietnam and Laos Culinary Tour

Arrive Luang Prabang - the ancient capital of Laos - Luang Prabang is an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its unique, remarkably well-preserved townscape illustrates a key stage in the blending of these two distinct cultural traditions. Private airport transfer to hotel. Check-in and rest of your time at your own exploration. Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang. (Note: If you arrive in the morning, we will organize afternoon walking tour to visit the town.)

Morning: We start with an early morning tour of Luang Prabang`s major food market where we investigate these ingredients and explain their uses. At our stunning lakeside location you then prepare and cook six different dishes under supervision, then sit down to enjoy them in our open-air pavillions. Recipes are provided for you to take back home... Afternoon: your half day city tour begins with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. We then head to the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We also have time to visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai.

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the ritual. Back to hotel and have bfreakfast. Relax for a while and then we will drive you to the Elephant Village and a short briefing about how to handle elephants. Ride the Elephant to the Elephant jungle camp. From the Elephant Village, cross the Nam Khan River and ride along local people’s gardens, teak plantations and natural forest, to the Elephant jungle camp. Short trekking along the “Trail of Falls”. A natural stream coming down from the mountains, feeding the Tad Sae Waterfall, consisting of crystal clear water, which cascades over multileveled limestone formations, forming pools surrounded by unique tropical vegetation (Prepare to get wet: bring sandals, short trousers and/or swimsuit). Lunch will be provided as a picnic lunch box in the jungle, together with drinking water. Visit the Tad Sae Waterfall. Walking down the “Trail of Falls” you eventually arrive at the Tad Sae Waterfall, the perfect place for relaxing, before it goes back to the Elephant Village. Short boat trip, from the Waterfall back to the Elephant Village, on the Nam Khan River. You will be transferred you back to the hotel in Luang Prabang at around 16:00 pm.

At leisure until we will take a flight to Hanoi - the capital city of Vietnam. Private airport transfer to the hotel in the city. Check-in and rest of time at your own leisure.

Morning cooking class: Today’s class begins with a walk, accompanied by the Chef 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 to sample all the different dishes prepared during the class. This afternoon you will discover Hanoi to visit essential sites 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. Afterwards enjoy a performance of a traditional water puppet show. This fantastic art form originated in northern Vietnam and is best seen in Hanoi.

Morning depart for Halong Bay, we go through the scenic countryside. The wondrous Halong 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 Halong Bay. This exciting 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. Stay overnight on the Junk Cruise

Waking up and enjoy the sun rising over the Bay. After breakfast, visit beautiful limestone grotto then back to the boat for a final glimpse of the Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock and our van will pick you up at the pier and transfer back to Hanoi and then go to the airport to catch flight to Danang. Pick up and private transfer to hotel in Hoi An.

Morning: This is a rich & comprehensive gourmet experience. Start with a one hour market tour to learn about Vietnamese ingredients and how to choose the freshest. This is followed by an intensive talk on the art of Vietnamese gastronomy, vegetables, herbs & spices and how to prepare and use them. The practical session comprises cutting techniques and cooking. Students gain hands-on experience of Rice Paper Rolls, Soup with Cabbage Leaf and Shrimp Parcels, Chicken with Lime Leaves to be grilled, Mango Salad and Crispy Hoi An Pancakes. The recipes are provided for participants to take home. Afternoon: You will enjoy a walking tour with first stop is the bustling fish and vegetable market and then we will go through the Old Quarters to see the town`s landmarks of Japanese Covered Bridge, ancient Assembly Hall, Phuc Kien Temple and then we take a river trip and you will enjoy the scenery along the Thu Bon River and the general view of Hoi An Ancient Town. It transforms itself at night, when many of the shops hang lanterns outside. We will transfer you back to the town and rest of time at your own leisure. Hoi An is well-known for souvenir shopping with great prices and also famous for its large number of tailor shops, so if you want to get a cloth tailor made to measure, this is the time to do it.

You will be at leisure in the morning and then we will transfer you to Danang airport to take 1 hour flight by Vietnam Airlines to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). You will be met by our local tour guide / driver upon arrival. Private transfer to the hotel. Check-in and rest of time at your own leisure. Enjoy nightlife in Ho Chi Minh.

Visit one of Ho Chi Minh City`s vibrant and bustling local food markets with our Master Chef (08:00 am -09:40 am) and learn about the key ingredients used in Vietnamese cuisine and the art of selecting the very best local produce. On your return to the hotel you will enjoy a private cooking class (10:00 am to 13:00 pm) during which you will learn the secrets of Vietnamese cooking while making a delicious locally inspired meal. In the afternoon, you will visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the best examples of classic French colonial architecture and where every single stone used to build it has amazingly travelled from France! You will also have the chance to see the country’s largest Post Office, another fine example of French Colonial architecture. Next you will visit Hau Temple devoted to the Goddess of Mothers and Newborn Babies, the most attractive feature is the roof packed with figurines. The tour concludes with a visit to the vibrant atmosphere of Ben Thanh Market. Here you can find a wide selection of goods ranging from fake Nike trainers to beautiful silk Ao Dais. Back to the hotel. Dinner at Lemon Grass restaurant in the city.

At leisure until you will be transferred to the airport to catch your own departure flight onward. End of service