A Taste Of Vietnam

All content by Intrepid

12 days (ex Hanoi)

Destinations visited: Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$2,290

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Description

Without a doubt, Vietnam has some of the tastiest cuisine in the world, not least because eating and preparing food is intrinsic to the Vietnamese way of life. The French have left their mark as well and you'll find fresh baguettes, exquisite pastries and strong sweet coffee everywhere you go! This trip through Vietnam lets you dine your way from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, indulging all your senses in delicious tastes and tantalising aromas, while travelling in comfort and style.

Highlights

Join a Vietnamese cooking class in Hanoi.
Glide across Halong Bay on a junk boat.
Experience imperial Vietnam in Hue .
Wander through local markets in Hoi An.
Embark on a Mekong Delta boat cruise.
Have a gastronomic fling in Ho Chi Minh City.

Itinerary

Day 1 Hanoi

Stroll around the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, before savouring delicious northern delicacies during a cooking class at KOTO, a training restaurant for disadvantaged youth. Sizzle, slice and dice while learning about the intricacies of local Vietnamese cuisine. Embark on a cyclo tour of Hanoi's atmospheric Old Quarter and take in a performance starring Hanoi's famous water puppets.

Days 2-3 Halong Bay

Visit KOTO training restaurant for a hearty breakfast, and then travel to spectacular Halong Bay for an overnight junk boat cruise. Once back on dry land, revisit KOTO and sizzle, slice and dice while learning about the intricacies of local Vietnamese cuisine. Then, with full bellies, jump aboard an overnight train.

Days 4-5 Hue

Arrive in Hue, Vietnam's former imperial capital, and get caught up in the energy of the Dong Ba Market. Visit the captivating ruins of the Imperial Citadel and discover the origins of Vietnamese Buddhism at a local monastery.

Days 6-7 Hoi An

Travel to Hoi An and discover the wealth of fresh produce available in this region. Enjoy another chance to chop, boil and broil in a hands-on cooking class. Later, there's time to explore the laneways of Hoi An's charming ancient town.

Day 8 Ho Chi Minh City

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and see the sights from the back of a cyclo. Be humbled at the War Remnants Museum.

Days 9-10 Mekong River Cruise

Leave the city behind and take time out on a Mekong Delta excursion. Cruise the many channels of this mighty waterway, sample freshly picked fruit and buy local sweets from villagers.

Days 11-12 Ho Chi Minh City

After a morning visit to the Cai Be floating market, hit the road back to Ho Chi Minh City. Perhaps tempt tastebuds with some spicy southern fare from a street food stall before the tour wraps up.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nts), Overnight boat (3 nts), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

Transport

Plane, Private minibus, Overnight sleeper train

Budget

Allow USD $200 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$2,290

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heeeeeeeeee, that is good

pcttravel 1 1 -1 recommends this, August 19, 2011

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