Arrival at Da Nang International Airport, Da Nang, Vietnam

NOTE we will collect you from the airport whatever time you arrive - day or night. 

There is no programme on Arrivals Day - our guests come from all over the world.

Hoi An - a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its exceptionally preserved 15th-19th century trading port, the 16th-century Japanese Covered Bridge, the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation - our guide, this morning will introduce us to this beautiful place.

Cooking class and lunch. We'll head out to the vegetable gardens to pick what we need, before joining a local family to cook up a feast together.

There’s work to do and recipes to gather. We’ll take notes, share as we go, and by the end of the trip your travel journal will hold a collection of treasured dishes — flavours you can take home and cook again.

Hoi An is magical as the sun sets, with boats drifting out to float lanterns along the river. Take it in, ride a boat, wander a little, and then we’ll meet to celebrate the journey ahead with a welcome dinner.

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Today we take a boat out to the Cham Islands — bring your swimmers, there’s time for a dip after a long, leisurely lunch. The islands are known for their sustainably harvested land crabs, and we’ll be there in season to enjoy a proper feast.

Check out the night market, find a great place to eat.

There are so many wonderful things to taste - we will have a list of suggestions - we can share tastes and impressions with the group.

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We are travelling to Hue today, situated along the Perfume River, is the nation's former imperial capital (1802–1945) and a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

There is a lot to explore - the Royal Citadel is fantastic and the whimsical abandoned fun park is a lovely walk to build you appetite for the delicate royal cuisine Hue is famous for.

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This morning we fly to Hanoi [domestic flight is included]

Once we are settled into our hotel, let's take a walk around the fabled Hoan Kiem Lake (meaning "Lake of the Returned Sword" ) is a iconic freshwater lake located in the historical center of Hanoi.

Later we will visit the Water Puppet Performance - a tradition that dates back as far as the 11th century, when it originated in the villages of the Red River Delta.  

Dinner is a Hanoi institution - Hanoi fish dinner, famously known as Chả Cá is an iconic specialty featuring turmeric-marinated white fish (catfish or tilapia) fried tableside with dill, scallions, and shrimp paste. It is served over vermicelli noodles with peanuts, herbs, and nước chấm sauce. 

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Numerous traditional craft villages surround Hanoi, and we are heading to one where they make rice paper. Have you noticed the weave pattern on the ones you buy in the shops - on this day you will see just how they are made.

The Temple of Literature is a temple dedicated to Confucius. The temple was founded and first built in 1070 at the time of Emperor Lý Thánh Tông, and it hosted the Imperial Academy, Vietnam's first national university, from 1076 to 1779. 

In 1803, The academy was moved to the new capital of Nguyen dynasty in Hue.

It is a beautiful place to visit to this day and Vietnam's students often visit before big exams to wish for success.

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Fresh is best and that is a big reason why Vietnamese food is so tasty. 

We are meeting with a local chef to shop at the biggest fresh foods market and then learning how to use our bounty in a cooking class.

Lunch will of course be delicious - cooked by you!

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We are leaving the bustle of the city behind for the peace of the countryside.

Heading out of Hanoi to the mountains of the North East to explore stunning landscapes, visit Buddhist Caves and taste wonderful fresh produce.

Động Nhị Thanh Buddhist Caves, are renowned for integrating sacred pagodas within natural limestone caverns. These form part of a UNESCO Global Geopark offering a mix of spirituality and scenic, ancient stalactite formations in the area.

Lang Son region is renown for its duck and a specialty pork dish cooked with local herbs.

This is the first choice for special occasions in the area and as our visit rates as a special occasion - that is what we will have for lunch!

Coa Bang Night Market is a sleepy town that sparkles on the weekend with a closed main street and night market - great place to find dinner.

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Cao Bang is famous for a duck dry pho - delicious! Join us up the street for this breakfast treat or enjoy the hotel breakfast we are off adventuring this morning.

Traditional Knife Making Village - the one tool all cooks need is a good knife - the village will have you drooling.

Every milestone and celebration is enjoyed with Happy Water - we will meet a woman who has been distilling local whisky for 26 years to learn about her work and sample her products.

We followed the locals on their way home from market to this little roadside Pho place - boy was it good and we would love to share some with you on the way to Angel Eye Mountain.

Tucked away in the heart of Cao Bang's majestic stone plateau, Nui Thung Mountain – also known as Angel Eye Mountain Cao Bang (Nui Mat Than) – remains one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking and pristine natural landscapes.

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Back to Hanoi today with time in the afternoon to explore the Old City.

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Ha Long Bay is a surreal landscape of limestone karsts erupting from the ocean like tidal waves made solid by magic and time. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

We will sleep on a boat and cruise the bay, check out a fisherman's village and relax.

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There will be a chance to kayak or swim in the bay.

On the way back to Hanoi we will visit a village well known for the art of making fish sauce and have a tour of a workshop.

So much fish sauce in production!

Farewell Dinner - we have somewhere fabulous in mind to celebrate our journey together and toast many a fine meal!

Departures from Noi Bai International Airport 

We'll drop you to your flight any time night or day.

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Physical Fitness for Sightseeing 

This adventure is crafted for enthusiastic, active travellers with a good general level of health and mobility.

To make the most of your experience, you’ll need to be comfortable walking for 3–4 hours a day — sometimes over uneven ground, up hills, and climbing a few flights of stairs.

You may also find yourself getting in and out of local transport and navigating the occasional over-the-bath shower.

If you enjoy a bit of daily movement and love discovering new places on foot, you’ll thrive on this tour.

Just a friendly heads-up: we need to walk at an average pace - it will not be suitable for those who prefer a slow pace or need frequent rest stops.

NOTE - This is a food-centred tour, and we plan to sample the full range of Vietnamese delicacies. As such, it won’t be suitable for vegetarians.

Etiquette

• Be mindful of people’s privacy when taking photos

• Taking photos of people – how would you feel with a camera in your face?

• Many people enjoy a selfie – say hello, ask for a group selfie, show them, then ask for a portrait – works a charm

• Learn a few local courtesies – always appreciated

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Food

• Flavours and style differ slightly, but ingredients are familiar

• Food is central to culture – we are here to try it

• Group meals are shared, with a range of dishes and local specialties

• Vietnam: fresh, from-scratch cooking, easy to see what you’re eating

• Vegetarian: possible, though fish sauce is widely used

• Vegan: similar challenges

• Onion/garlic-free: difficult

• Wheat and/or dairy-free: generally manageable

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Health

• Drink only filtered or bottled water – never tap, even for brushing teeth

• Aim for at least 2 litres of water daily

• Visit your doctor or travel specialist before departure

• Bring required medications and prescriptions

• Menstrual products – pads available, tampons harder to find

• Bring insect repellent

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Money

• Notify your bank before travel (including transit stops)

• Travel cards can be useful – check they work before departure

• Carry a backup card, stored separately

• ATMs are widely available

• Cash – useful backup, exchange rates vary (ask hotel front desk)

• Credit cards – limited use, fees may apply

• KNOW YOUR CARD PIN – tap not used

Currency

• Vietnamese Dong

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Shopping

• There are treasures to find – and it supports the local economy

• Bargaining is common in markets – prices are negotiable

• NGOs and social enterprises usually have fixed prices

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Suitcase

• Start with a medium suitcase and bring a soft bag for extra purchases

• Large suitcases are harder to manage on the bus

Recommended size

• Medium: 60–70 cm (H) x 40–50 cm (W) x 25–30 cm (D)

• Approx. 24–28" x 16–20" x 10–12"

• Buying luggage on the road is not easy

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Weather

• Warm days, cooler mornings and evenings

• Light rain possible – bring an umbrella or light rain jacket

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Power

• 220–240 volts

• A universal adaptor is best (Vietnam commonly uses Type A, C and sometimes F plugs)

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Clothing

• Lightweight, loose layers work best

• 3–4 outfits are usually sufficient

• Modesty: skirts/trousers mid-calf or longer, tops not too revealing

• Pack socks and a cardigan for cooler mornings

• Leave expensive jewellery at home

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Shoes

• Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers or strapped sandals)

• Surfaces can be uneven – stability matters

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Laundry

• Any 2-night stop is a good opportunity

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Fitness

• Frequent stops, getting on/off the minibus

• Walking required – often 1–2 hours at a time

• Expect steps and uneven ground

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Begging

• Best not to encourage

• Avoid giving sweets or gifts to children

• If you wish to give, we can pass items to a school

• A small gesture to elderly or disabled people can be appropriate

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Tipping

• Customary – carry small change

• Small services (bags, tea, laundry) – small tips appreciated

• Guides, performers, photos – tip as you feel appropriate

• Set something aside for your guide and driver

• Rough guide: the equivalent of a coffee per day, per person

• A group collection at the end works well

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Environment

• Be mindful – conserve water and power

• Take rubbish with you where possible

• Say no to plastic

• Bring a cloth carry bag