Vietnam & Cambodia for Foodies: Hanoi, Hoi An, Siem Reap & More

On arrival into Hanoi, you will be met and transfered to your hotel.

The balance of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the Vietnamese capital at your own pace.

Meet up with a top-five Vietnam Master Chef, who follows the healthy culinary concept of Yin-Yang equilibrium in the makeup of dishes, in the human body, and with the environment. Set off the trip together at a local market to enjoy the sights, sounds, and aromas. Then stroll through a zig-zag alley to the chef's tiny yet cozy home nearby. Engage in a personal chat with her over a cup of tea about her ambition to go from a kitchen helper to a great chef, her interesting journey during the Master chef competition, and the lifestyle of a young family in Hanoi. Then roll up your sleeves for a private hands-on cooking class, while your chef shares the tips of Ying and Yang balance in Northern cuisine. Enjoy your labor of work through tasty seasonal dishes and the typical Hanoi dessert of egg coffee. Eating and drinking is an art form, where culinary delights showcase regional diversity and elegant presentation.

Vietnamese water puppetry is a tradition that dates to the 11th century when villagers would wade into the flooded rice fields and entertain one another with puppet play.

This evening you will travel by cyclo (pedicab) to a theater where this ancient and unique art form of water puppetry is re-enacted. The stage is a pool of water in which the puppeteers stand waist-deep, hidden by a screen from behind which they skillfully maneuver the lacquered wooden puppets. Attached to a bamboo pole, the puppets appear to dance and play on the water's surface. A traditional Vietnamese orchestra provides the musical accompaniment whilst performers sing songs telling the story being acted out by the puppets.

At the performance finale, transfer by private vehicle to one of Hanoi's many superb Vietnamese restaurants for dinner.

This morning, transfer from your Hanoi hotel to Halong Bay. Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Island, transfer to the Paradise Elegance. You will be greeted by the Paradise crew who will aim to provide you with the highest standards of service throughout the journey.

Halong Bay is blessed with numerous grottoes, hidden pools and mystical islands and this afternoon, there will be the opportunity to disembark the boat and explore the region further. Off-boat excursions are usually by ship's tender although often there is the opportunity to discover the beautiful landscapes of the bay by kayak or bamboo rowing boat. Today's cruising program includes a visit to Tung Sau pearl farm and Titov Island.

At sunset, Paradise Elegance will anchor overnight. It is the perfect time to enjoy Happy Hour and Canapes while being serenaded by a live music performance at L'Odyssee Sundeck or Piano Lounge before sitting down to delicious dinner.

Rise early and start the day with a Tai Chi session at L'Odyssee Sundeck before enjoying a light continental breakfast at Le Marin Restaurant. This morning you will visit Sung Sot cave, the most beautiful and largest cave in Halong Bay. Back on the ship, enjoy a full breakfast while cruising past Thien Cung and Dau Go Cave and the Fighting Cock Islet. Paradise Elegance returns to Tuan Chau Marina and you will be transferred to the Hanoi Airport.

On arrival at Hue, transfer to your hotel with the balance of the evening at leisure.

Hue is a city steeped in rich history, particularly during the Nguyen Dynasty. The city boasts magnificent architectural works, temples, and Royal tombs with outstanding cultural and architectural values as a former capital city. This excursion commences with an interesting boat ride along the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda with octagon shape with 7 floors. Seven is a sacred number according to Vietnam Buddhism.

Take a leisurely walk to a private museum housed in a beautiful ancestral temple filled with pieces collected by a Vietnamese born German professor who teaches East-West comparative philosophy at the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich. After more than 50 years of living abroad, she followed her heart and returned to her hometown of Hue to contribute to the preservation and promotion of Hue's traditional cultural values. This museum is the first and only private museum dedicated to ancient artifacts fished out of the Perfume River. Next, visit the Imperial Citadel. Built between 1804 and 1833, this heavily fortified structure remains the heart of modern-day Hue, despite its tumultuous history. The fortress is still remarkably well-preserved and provides an incredible insight into the grandeur of Vietnam's past. Enjoy Lunch at a local restaurant before returning to hotel.

This evening, discover Hue's simple nightlife and the food safari through a fun cyclo trip. Warm up with a welcome drink and light finger foods at a rustic cozy bar. You will be given a basic introduction to Hue cuisine as well as information about some basic Vietnamese words before moving to a vegetarian restaurant, where you can see Buddhist traditions imprinted in Hue's food art. Farther and farther away from the tourist quarter, in a cyclo, the night tranquility will show you the inner soul of Hue. Stop at street food stalls and crispy Hue-styled pancake or lemongrass skewers will be worth a try. Sweet soups may not be your favorite desserts, but the variety of Hue colors and flavors will promise a sweet ending for a special night!

Travel overland through the most beautifully scenery in Vietnam as you traverse the Hai Van or "Cloudy Pass" to reach Lang Co Fishing village where you will enjoy a tour.

Continue on to Danang to visit the Cham Museum once the center of the ancient Cham civilization. Hindu in origin, the Cham people left a legacy of excellent sculptures, now housed in the only museum if it's kind in Danang. Here you will have an opportunity to appreciate the eight centuries of evolution of Champa sculpture from its golden age to its decline. In their own way the artefacts exemplify the rise and fall of the Champa civilization.

Nested along the central coast, Hoi An is a city that blends history, culture and natural beauty into a captivating destination. With its well-preserved ancient architecture of 15th-19th century, colorful lantern-lit streets, vibrant traditional textile workshops, Hoi An offers a journey back in time. Without most forms of motorized transport, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of this ancient port is perfect for exploring on foot. Explore beautifully preserved old merchant houses, atmospheric temples, and lively market as you stroll through the back streets of this enchanting destination. Pay a visit to the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Bridge and the busy waterfront, where colorful fishing boats bob up and down on the Thu Bon River. During the walk, make a stop at a market to taste well-known local green leaf cakes in Hoi An. Wrap up the tour by visiting a Tea House that supports disadvantaged youth. The majority of the staff are hearing impaired, making for a unique experience as you communicate your order of tea or coffee or home-made cookies by writing it down or using wooden blocks with words.

This evening's adventure takes you through ancient alleyways to some of Hoi An's secret venues. Sample unique cocktails, in unexpected locations and century-old spaces. At each stop, discover a curated cocktail made just for this tour, you may even have a try at making your own! Your taste buds will be teased by local flavors and spices paired with simple yet delicious snacks. During the short walks between locales and tasting sessions, you'll hear stories from your host, exploring the history of the Vietnamese relationship with the French, Japanese and Chinese merchants who came to trade in the city.

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

On arrival, transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure.

Embark on an exciting vintage Jeep tour that will transport you through the rich history and vibrant present of Ho Chi Minh City. Your adventure begins with a quick stop at the Old Post Office, where you'll contemplate its architectural beauty and delve into its historical significance. Hop back into the Jeep and make your way to the City Hall and Opera House, two iconic landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City. As you travel along the Saigon River, catch glimpses of the Banque de l’Indochine building, a testament to the city's colonial past. The journey continues to Nguyen Thien Thuat Old Apartment, where you will take a walk and soak in the local atmosphere. Explore the bustling streets, witnessing the daily life and diverse street food scene. Conclude the trip at Talk Barista, a heaven for coffee lovers, where you will learn the art of roasting and brewing Vietnamese coffee and savor its delightful flavors.

Synonymous with the Vietnam War and a testament to the determined spirit of the Vietnamese, the underground network of passages at Cu Chi is a fascinating day trip out of the city.

Work on the tunnels began during the war against the French in the 1940s and over the next 25 years as the conflict with America escalated, they were improved and expanded to create an underground city of meeting areas, storerooms, living quarters and much more. The tunnels allowed the Viet Cong to control a vital area of South Vietnam and at their height, extended for more than 200KM in length and stretched from what was then Saigon to the Cambodian border.

Preserved as a memorial park, a small section of this remarkable network is open to the public and there is the option to go below the surface to visit the tunnel first hand. There is plenty of interest above ground as well and it is recommended to bring good footwear, sunscreen and a hat. Please note you may get a little dusty if you decide to go underground.

Transfer to the Ho Chi Minh City Airport for your flight to Cambodia,

On arrival at Siem Reap, transfer to your accommodation.

The balance of the day is at leisure.

Accommodation: Grange Siem Reap

This morning, you will have the opportunity to explore the impressive grandeur of Angkor Thom, which served as the final capital of the great Khmer Empire. During your visit, you will discover the sprawling Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the enchanting Bayon. This 12th-century masterpiece sits at the very heart of Angkor Thom City and represents an extraordinary feat of symmetry and grandeur. The exterior gallery walls feature extensive bas-reliefs, but the towers are the main attraction, each adorned with three or four gently smiling faces, totaling over 200. Described by PJ de Beerski as "godliness in the majesty and the size, mystery in the expression," the towers are truly awe-inspiring.

Continue your explorations of temples at Ta Prohm, a temple that has remained mostly untouched since its rediscovery by French explorers. Surrounded by jungle, the temple's labyrinthine stone hallways are now overtaken by the roots and limbs of massive banyan trees, creating a remarkable visual spectacle. One of the largest temples at Angkor, Ta Prohm was dedicated in 1186 and has been noted by historians for its mystical charm. Have your lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, you will visit Angkor Wat, which is widely regarded as the world's largest religious structure. Its massive stone volume is said to be equivalent to that of Egypt's Cheops pyramid. What sets it apart from other Khmer temples is its Western orientation and its inspiration from 12th-century Hinduism. The symmetrical towers of Angkor Wat have become a stylized feature of the modern Cambodian flag. The temple, which was envisioned by Suryavarman II, took an estimated 30 years to complete and is believed to have been built as a funeral temple for the king. Despite its age, the temple has been continuously occupied by Buddhist monks and has remained remarkably well-preserved. One of the temple's most notable features is the intricate bas-reliefs that adorn its four sides, each of which tells a unique story. Among these, the Churning of the Sea of Milk, located on the eastern wing, is the most celebrated and your guide will provide a mystical explanation of its significance. Enjoy the sunset at the end of the tour.

Definitely a favorite time of day! Catch Siem Reap spring to life and taste your way through the city center. First stop, a local market. Here you will learn about the often under-represented Khmer Cuisine and ingredients in a fun environment and try your first Khmer Breakfast. Afterwards head out to the streets on a guided mini city orientation tour and pagoda walk before foraging up some more snacks and treats and heading to a Khmer Family street stall for Breakfast number 2. Next, walk to what is our favorite soup in town, a final breakfast for a great cause.

After breakfast enjoy a 20 minute foot massage and the country's best cambo-flavour inspired Gelato. Come hungry! More than a food tour, you will leave with a better understanding of Khmer culture, history and current affairs.

Following breatfast, transfer to the airport in time for your onward flight.