Join Nourish Editor Vicki Ravlich-Horan for this exclusive small group experience travelling from the North to South of Vietnam. We’ll take in the sights and soak up the culture and history while also getting our hands dirty with cooking classes, market tours and more. Staying in beautiful boutique hotels there will be time to relax and recharge (pool or beach side) do some retail therapy, even get custom made clothes, shoes or handbags made.
Your Host
Hi. I’m Vicki the founder and editor of Nourish Magazine. Travel has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. When I was eight, I did a school project on the Kibbutz in Israel and all I wanted to do was go and live there for a year. I spent my 20s as most Kiwis do, working in the UK to fund my travel adventures. I backpacked solo around the Mediterranean and through India and Thailand. Then in my 30s and now my 40s we try to visit a foreign land at least once a year, be it Fiji or Tonga or more recently Malaysia and Borneo.
For me travel broadens the mind and fosters understanding. And, of course food is the universal force, the element that helps us connect and discover all while having amazing experiences.
My first visit to Vietnam was just over five years ago and I was immediately taken by how little I knew about this country we have heard so much about during our lifetime. Their food is fresh with many layers of flavour but more interesting is how food is an integral part of modern Vietnams story. How their cuisine, now loved the world over tells the story of Vietnams recent past while also being an amazing example for how we should look at food moving forward.
The population are young and full of hope and amazing smiles. And it’s hard not to do the same in such a beautiful country with such a rich history.
So please join me on this amazing holiday which will give you a real taste of Vietnam.
11th – 23rd September 2020 $4195pp
Price is based on twin share and includes daily breakfasts + 4 lunches and 5 dinners, domestic Vietnamese flights, all tours and excursions stated in the intinerary. Flights to and from NZ additional.
Day 1, 12th September
We start our holiday in Vietnam’s capital. Hanoi blends old world charm with the dynamic bustle of new Asia. Its French colonial past is evident from the colonial architecture and enchanting lakes which contrast with the throng of thousands of motorbikes and cosmopolitan new restaurants and boutiques. To the north of central Hoan Kiem Lake lies the frenetic maze of narrow streets of the Old Quarter while to the south are the broad tree-lined boulevards and majestic buildings of the French Quarter.
After plenty of time to settle in our personal drivers will pick us up at the hotel then set off for a fun night out discovering Hanoi. Fist stop a local café for a cocktail and a local snack from one of the nearby night vendors.
Off on our ride through the magical, busy narrow streets of the Old quarter and head to Hanoi’s railway tracks dating back to the colonial era. Here we stop at a surprising place; literally right on the track to try some infused rice wine and a Buffalo Jerky appetizer.
Back on our Vespas and through a series of busy alleyways we reach a lively street restaurant to taste a ‘must’ dish in Hanoi… the delicious and famous Bun Cha. Made of rice noodles, grilled pork, meatballs, and fresh herbs with a side of spring rolls, you will not soon forget this classic dish.
We then ride out of the Old Quarter, passing by one of Hanoi’s many lakes, to a venue famous in the neighbourhood for a variety of local specialties such as the Pho Cuon and Pho noodle. Here you will learn the art of wrap ‘n’ roll, Vietnamese style.
The last part of the evening ride takes us past the iconic Opera House and to a famous Jazz Club offering a truly unique blend of music, from 1930’s style Jazz to traditional Vietnamese!
Time for a last drink before heading back to our hotel.
Day 2, 13th September
Let’s get Cooking
We’re spending the morning being immersed in Vietnam’s culinary culture with an interactive course at the Hanoi Cooking Centre. Alongside a local chef, we’ll explore exotic markets and prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes in a fun, relaxed setting. Sit down for a memorable meal before returning home with a book filled with traditional recipes.
Afternoon – Free time to enjoy Hanoi at your own pace or go on a half day guided tour of Hanoi’s highlights exploring its culture and history.
Dinner suggestion – Koto
Day 3, 14th September
Hanoi Street Food Tour
Indulge in the best food Hanoi has to offer with a passionate local expert. Wander through the hidden corners of Hanoi, seeking out delicious regional delicacies and exotic snacks. In addition to the tasty treats, the tour provides a great insight into the vibrant, authentic lifestyles of the Vietnamese people.
Day 4, 15th September
HANOI – HALONG BAY – OVERNIGHT ON BOUTIQUE JUNK
After an early start we arrive in Halong Bay in time for a beautiful Vietnamese lunch before setting sail through this world heritage site. Enjoy the emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforests while enjoying a massage or taking in a fruit and vegetable carving lesson by the on-board chef.
Day 5, 16th September
HALONG BAY – HOI AN
Start the day with Tai Chi on the sundeck before heading to Titov Island. Climb to the peak for a breath-taking 360 degree view of the Bay (there is also an expansive viewing deck half way up). After the climb, there is time left to relax on the beach and have a swim.
Back on deck take in the scenery one last time as we head back to the pier. From here we drive back to Hanoi and catch our flight to Hoi An.
Hoi An –
Day 6, 17th September
HALF DAY TO TRA QUE VEGETABLE VILLAGE
Spend a morning like a local in charming Tra Que herb village. Travel to Hoi An’s countryside and join farmers in the garden, chit-chatting about their lives while assisting in their daily tasks. Having worked up an appetite, prepare a delicious lunch of traditional Hoi An dishes with a local family.
OPTIONAL TOUR: HALF DAY CITY TOUR – HOI AN (additional cost)
Today’s optional tour will begin 14:00. Be charmed by Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most picturesque towns. Meet with a knowledgeable local guide for this introductory, half day Hoi An city tour, learning all about its illustrious past as a trading port. Take a walk through town, seeing remarkably well-preserved traditional houses that have withstood 200 years of weather and war. Learn about the prosperous merchants who used to live in these homes, trading with buyers from all over the world.
Day 7, 18th September
HALF DAY THE MARKET COOKING SCHOOL HOI AN
More than just a cooking class, this half day Hoi An tour is a genuine eating experience. Browse for fresh ingredients alongside the locals at a bustling morning market. Carry on to ‘Vy’s Market’ cooking school, roll up the sleeves and prepare traditional street-food dishes in a fun, interactive course.
Day 8, 19th September
FREE DAY
Enjoy a day at the beach or beside the pool, perhaps a spot of retail therapy.
Optional Tour: Half Day Danang Tour (additional cost)
Today’s tour will begin at 8:30. Discover the fascinating history and legendary beauty on this introductory half day tour of Danang, Vietnam’s fastest growing city. Start with a visit to the Han Market and browse the stalls of this sprawling compound, seeing fresh produce and dried goods unique to the area. This is also a great place to get a glimpse of local life, watching the shoppers and vendors as they negotiate deals.
In the evening, head to Soul Kitchen – an ideal chill out spot on the beach for the cocktails and farewell to Hoi An dinner. Relax, kickback and let the melodious sound of the waves and the cool breeze feed your body and soul.
Day 9, 20 September
HOI AN – DANANG – HO CHI MINH CITY
Morning is free at leisure until the time to pick up and transfer to Danang airport for your short flight to Ho Chi Minh
Day 10, 21st September
HALF DAY HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR
Enjoy a morning discovering Ho Chi Minh City’s highlights on this insightful half-day city tour from 08.30-12.30. Glimpse into Vietnam’s military past at Reunification Hall and the War Remnants Museum. Then explore colonial-era buildings and ornate temples for a better understanding of local culture and the city’s rich heritage.
Optional evening activity – Craft Beer tour
Day 11, 22nd September
Your day is yours to discover more of Ho Chi Minh, visit the Chu Chi tunnels or perhaps head to the Mekong Delta.
Optional Half Day at The Hoa Tuc Cooking School – Lunch included (additional cost)
It’s all about food on this half-day tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Shop for fresh ingredients at a busy local market then head to the kitchen for a hands-on cooking class. Alongside a passionate chef, prepare and eat a delicious Vietnamese lunch while learning more about local food culture.
Day 12, 23rd September
Morning is free at leisure until the time to pick up and transfer to Saigon airport for your onward departure flight.
Only 12 spaces available on this small group experience so don’t delay – BOOK NOW!
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Tour Terms & Conditions (in-conjunction with You Travel full Terms & Conditions)
*Terms and Conditions: NZD$1,500.00 per person non-refundable deposit is required upon registration. Further deposits or payments may be required to secure airline reservations or other services. Final balance of the tour is required by 01 July 2020/ Pricing is based on 12 passengers, should the final number fall below the required number the tour will be repriced. All payments are to be made by Cash, Cheque, EFTPOS, Direct Internet Banking or credit card. Credit Card payment will incur a 2.5% surcharge for Visa or MasterCard and 3% for Amex and Q Card. A FULL & COMPREHENSIVE Travel Insurance policy must be purchased at the time of paying your deposit. If unforeseen circumstances beyond our control require us to make necessary changes to your holiday, we reserve the right to cancel or reschedule departures and itineraries. When it is necessary to change a hotel or restaurant the company reserves the right to substitute accommodation or restaurant of at least a similar standard. It is our policy to try to present true costs of our holiday inclusive of all levies and surcharges. Please accept however that these taxes and levies are not within our control, therefore if a new tax, levy or surcharge is to be introduced or increased, we reserve the right to pass on any increase in cost.
