The Northern Gourmet

Itinerary

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1. Days 1: Hanoi Arrival .

   Welcome to Hanoi - Vietnam’s capital city. Upon arrival, your driver and guide will meet you outside the baggage claim of Noi Bai Airport and take you to your hotel in the city center to check in to your hotel (check-in time: 2 P.M). Later in the afternoon take a walk in the Old Quarter with the guide and enjoy great shopping in the boutiques around St. Josephs Cathedral. Savor a welcome dinner at one of Hanoi’s famous restaurants.
   Meals: Dinner.
   Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

2. Day 2: Hanoi Cooking Class & City Tour.

   This morning, your tour guide will take you to the cooking class. Discover the a local market and learn about ingredients, flavors and see how the local prepare for meals. Next is a short talk on the art of Hanoian gastronomy, vegetables, herbs & spices & learn how to prepare & use them. The Chef will share to you her pride of Vietnamese cuisines and the secrets how to make it good. Enjoy the local food in Hanoi style. In the afternoon you will explore Vietnam’s charming capital. With its wide tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and ancient oriental pagodas, Hanoi is an eclectic mix that offers something for everyone. Your city tour will take you to Hanoi’s key sites: the Temple of Literature; West Lake including the sedate Tran Quoc Pagoda & Quan Thanh Temple, St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hoan Kiem Lake. Then enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Performance – a unique Vietnamese art form hailing from Southeast Asia’s wet-rice culture. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
   Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

3. Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise.

   After breakfast at hotel, your driver will meet you at hotel at 8:00 A.M to take you on a 2.5 hour drive passing the countryside of the Red River Delta to Halong Bay, listed by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage and voted as a Wonder of Nature by the New7Wonders Foundation. Welcome on board and set sail through the bay while seafood lunch is served. In the afternoon, enjoy some sightseeing, on-board activities (depends on specific boat) or just spend your time relaxing on the cruise. As the sun sets, you’ll anchor among impressive limestone islets and sit down to a delicious dinner before drifting off to sleep onboard.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
   Accommodation: on cruise.

4. Day 4: Halong Bay – Drive to Hanoi – Departure.

   Start the day early to enjoy a Tai Chi class on top deck with an opportunity to admit the magnificent scenery of sunrise over the sea. Your boat crew will serve breakfast or brunch (depends on your boat’s itinerary) while you cruise slowly through the magnificent scenery towards port. You’ll return to shore by mid-morning. At the jetty, your driver will transfer you to Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight. Good bye & Safe travels!
   Meals: Brunch.
   Accommodation: N/A.