Vietnam & Laos Intensive Culinary

Today starts with an early morning tour of Luang Prabang’s major food market where investigate these ingredients and explain their uses. At our stunning lakeside location you then prepare and cook some different dishes under supervision, then sit down to enjoy them in our open-air pavilions. Afternoon excursion to visit to the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. Then head to the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. Continue 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 breakfast. 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 multi leveled limestone formations, forming pools surrounded by unique tropical vegetation (Prepare to get wet: bring sandals, short trousers and/or swimsuit).Continue to 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 for overnight.

Free at your leisure until time for 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 to discover Hanoi.

Today take part in the morning cooking class 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, enjoy the scenic countryside. The wondrous Halong Bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. Heading out of the town then 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 board.

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.

In the morning, enjoy the 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. Then, gain hands-on experience of making some Vietnamese typical dishes.
In the afternoon, take a walking tour 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. Hoi An is well-known for souvenir shopping with great prices and also famous for its large number of tailor shops. Relax and overnight in Hoi An.

Free at your leisure until transfer to the airport for the flight by Vietnam Airlines to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Viet Prestige travel’s tour guide will meet and transfer to the hotel  for check-in and rest of time at your own leisure. Enjoy nightlife in Ho Chi Minh city.

Morning visit one of Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant and bustling local food markets with our Master Chef 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 Cooking Class to learn the secrets of Vietnamese cooking while making a delicious locally inspired meal.
In the afternoon, 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 traveled from France! You will also have the chance to see the country’s largest Post Office, another fine example of French Colonial architecture. Next to 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. Then get back to the hotel for overnight.

This is the last day of tour “Vietnam & Laos Intensive Culinary”, spend the free time further discover Ho Chi Minh City by your own until our guide and driver will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight home. Thank you for traveling with Viet Prestige travel, good bye and see you again!