Explore Vietnam’s Food Culture in Regional Diversity 8 days

This morning city tour will have you drive to Ho Chi Minh's complex, including the mausoleum of the nation's founder and leader. Here, large crowds gather to pay their respects to the man they simply call “Uncle Ho” as they silently file past his glass sarcophagus. The Presidential Palace and Uncle Ho's wooden stilt house can also be seen here. One of the must-see places in the complex is the One Pillar pagoda built in 11th century - its look resembles a lotus blossom, symbol of purity, rising out of a sea of sorrow. Next stop is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's oldest university and dedicated to one of the world's most famous scholars, Confucius. Inside the temple grounds, huge stele rest on the backs of even larger stone turtles (in Vietnam's culture, the turtle represents longevity). Then, visit Museum of Ethnology – one of the must-visit destinations in Hanoi, which gives an insight into Vietnam's diverse culture of the 54 ethnic groups.

In the late afternoon, go to a local market to witness the locals trading and buy typical ingredients for a special cooking class with local’s family. After watching some local dishes cooking demonstration, cook them yourself with the help from the hospitable hosts and enjoy together in a cozy atmosphere. You will have the chance to learn how the local enjoy their dinner, what their kitchen looks like, and also witness some customs during the meal: the children need to invite the elders before eating and after finishing meal, how to use chopsticks in the traditional manner, and how to put chopsticks to express that you have finished eating. Through all of that, you will clearly see the difference between Western and Eastern dining etiquette.

After meal, have a warm talk with the host before heading back to hotel. Overnight in Hanoi

In the morning, transfer by vehicle to Ky Son village, a hamlet of the historic Duong Lam Village, home to many traditional houses of which some are over 200 years old. This village is located 55km to the west of Hanoi and the Moon Garden Homestay – a unique property established to preserve the architecture and culture of authentic Vietnamese villages – situates here. Upon arrival, enjoy local fresh green tea from the host, join cooking class then reward yourself your labor. Hand massage will be served after lunch. In the afternoon, take a biking trip along the ritual paths of Thang Thac village to discover Ngo Quyen tomb, Phung Hung temple, Mong Phu communal house in 1,200 years-old Duong Lam ancient village – the only place in Vietnam where the two kings came from. Stop at Mia pagoda to contemplate many ancient artifacts before returning to the house for foot bath, cozy Vietnamese dinner and praying ceremony. A foot bath in warm water with ginger, salt and mug wort medicinal herbs before bedtime will bring you a deeper sleep in the peaceful atmosphere of Duong Lam.

Wake up to inhale the fresh air and take part in the Yi Jinjing traditional exercises before having breakfast. Make yourself at home relaxing on the hammock in the garden, taking pictures with Vietnamese traditional clothes, chatting with people, or further discovery of the Ky Son village and the surrounding area.

On the way back to Hanoi, stop at Tay Phuong Pagoda, also known as Sung Phuc Pagoda, consisting of three buildings built in descending sequence on the hillside. The earliest construction here dates back to the 8th century.

Arrive at your hotel, spend the rest time to discover Hanoi’s daily life, wandering around to Hanoi by night on your own or just relaxing after an amazing day. Overnight in Hanoi.

In the morning, the guide will greet you at your hotel and bring you a different experience will be an amazing landscape. Upon arrival, board the small rowing boat to explore the incredible scenery of Tam Coc – a beautiful natural setting boasts endless rice paddies surrounded by towering limestone karst mountains. The boat floats through the fields and three natural caves – a precious chance to capture the breath-taking scenery and enjoy watching the water-plants underneath. Continue your trip in the late afternoon to Thung Nang (Sunshine Valley) – a pristine and untouched area to receive your bicycle then get ready for a biking trip through small village lanes and beautiful countryside scene to Thung Nam (Bird Valley) – the diverse biodiversity and perfect harmony between natural landscapes and the creativity of the locals. Board the boat to get to Dong Vai Gioi (Pray to Heaven Cave) before soaking up the romantic scenery in valley of love. The highlight of this ecotourism area lies at the bird's garden – the home to 40 species of birds including some bird species recorded in the Vietnam Red Book. The birds are said to gather on the trees before sunset, most crowded from May to July, which is a vivid and colorful picture.

Back to hotel to relax and enjoy the time left on your own. Overnight in Ninh Binh.

After breakfast, travel from Ninh Binh to Ha Long to cruise amongst the bay’s spectacular scenery aboard. Get on board and cruise around the stunning mystical landscape of Ha Long Bay, one of the world's most famous UNESCO World Heritage sites where thousands of limestone karsts and islets in various sizes and shapes rise from the clear, emerald water of the Gulf of Tonkin, most of which are uninhabited and unaffected by humans. The wind, rain and sea have carved out dramatic caves and grottoes in some of the islands. The vessel will stop at an island, feel free to go swimming during summer time or just relax by the beach. Enjoy a cooking demonstration with the chef as he prepares traditional Vietnamese food. Dinner is served on board. At night, you can ask the cruise to do squid fishing. Overnight on cruise.

Greet the day with a morning Tai Chi exercise and an opportunity to contemplate the sunrise over the bay. After breakfast, visit beautiful limestone grotto then back to the boat for a final glimpse of the Ha Long Bay while cruising back to the dock. Back to the wharf. Say goodbye Ha Long Bay and transfer back to Hanoi. On the way back, visit Chu Dau Pottery Village, an ancestor's ceramic masterpiece founded in 14th century. Chu Dau was once one of the most famous and the leading pottery production centers of the world between 14th and 17th century with high-quality and variously shaped & sized products. The pottery production involves delicate glazing, which blends the green glaze of Ly-Tran dynasties ceramic as well as blue and white decorative patterns. Program in the village includes an exhibition of ancient and contemporary ceramic collections and a map of ceramic production sites throughout the country. Chu Dau pottery is preserved at 46 famous museums in many different countries. Back to hotel to relax. Overnight in Hanoi.

Breakfast at hotel, Day at leisure after checkout from the hotel put your luggage in a locker and explore the city on your own. Transfer to Noi Bai airport for departure flight.

We hope you have had a memorable trip and wish you pleasant onward travels!