Hanoi Gourmet and Food

Day 01: Hanoi Arrival (D)
Fly to Hanoi. Upon arrival to the airport, you well be met by our guide and transfer to you hotel. In the afternoon, take the orientation walk in Hanoi Old Quarter. Our guide will introduce to you some of the authentic local food like Banh Cuon (steam rice pancake rolled with mince perk and mushroom), “Bun cha” (Rice Noodle with grilled pork – another Hanoi famous street food), Pho (Rice Noodle soup with beef or chicken), enjoy some coffee in local coffee shop followed by the dinner at Cha Ca La Vong and overnight in Hanoi.

Day 02: Hanoi city Tour and Cooking Class (B.L.D)
Morning we experiences a bowl of “Pho bo” (noodle with beef) at Pho Bat Dan or Pho Bo Hang Dong (subject to the availability of the restaurant) – famous typical Northern Vietnam Pho. In that pho local traditional restaurant, people should wait in line and pay and get their own bowl of Pho. After that Pho breakfast, we can visit nearby Lo Banh pho Ba Ngoan (noodle factory – Mrs. Ngoan) to see the process of noodle making (no additives). Mrs Ngoan had made noodle since 1954 at the same address and now her daughter in law inherit the factory. This noodle factory provide noodle to all of the famous Pho places around Hanoi. The Pho place and the visit to the factory are really special. All the chefs going with us loved it.
After that you will have the opportunity to take a cooking class at La Verticale of Mr. Didier Corlou:

Class 1: Traditional cooking
    Schedule: 9.30 am to 13 pm
    9:30 – 10:00 am: Meeting with Chef at La Verticale and market visit
    10:15 – 13:00 pm: Demonstration and tasting with 5 dishes
    Tasting menu:
    Vietnamese banana flower salad
    Hanoi nems (deep fried spring rolls)
    Grilled chicken with lemon leaves
    Bun cha
    Sautéed pumpkin branches

Afternoon, visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex and Temple of Literature - the central of culture of Hanoi. In the evening, enjoy the great experience of Water Puppet show - the unique art of Vietnamese people from Red River Delta. You will have dinner at Indochine Restaurant and stay overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Day 03: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Overnight on boat (B.L.D)
Morning depart to Halong bay through Red River Delta. Upon arrival to Halong.
12h00 – 12h30:  Embark on the traditional wooden junk followed by a short cruise briefing.
13h00 – 15h30 : Savor a delectable lunch as cruises among the limestone islands.
15h30 – 16h30 : Kayak among the hidden areas of the bay, around the Bo Nau Cave area. Back to the junk
16h30 – 17h30 : Cruising to Soi Sim island. Go swimming and relaxing at the beach of Soi Sim or climb up to the top of the island for a panorama view of Halong Bay.
17h30 : Cruise back to the main boat for a shower. Relax or snap photos as the sun starts to set.
19h00 Dinner is served. Socialize with other guests, fish for squid, or just laze around. Overnight on board.

Day 04: Halong - Phu Lang Village - Hanoi (B.L.D)
06h30 - 07h00 : Start your day with Tai Chi exercises or a photo hunt.
07h30 - 08h30 : Have breakfast at sunrise.
08h30 - 09h30 : Explore the amazing Sung Sot Cave - the nicest cave in Halong Bay.
09h30 : Return to the boat. Freshen up and check out of your cabin.
09h30 - 10h30 : Continue your cruise exploring the Bay, passing Ba Hang fishing village, Dog Islet, and more.
10h30 – 11h30 : While heading back to the habor, watch the cooking demonstration before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
12h00 – 12h30 : Disembark and visit Phu Lang, a traditional village of terracotta products dating before the 20th century. Explore the village’s narrow and zigzagged alleys, and old houses constructed from broken pieces of old terracotta. Drive back to Hanoi. You will have dinner and stay overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Day 05: Hanoi - Deparutre (B)
Morning is free at leisure until transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure flight. Tour Concluded.