Home / 2024 “Discover Vietnam” – Luxury Culinary & Culture Exploration of Vietnam’s Highlights

2024 “Discover Vietnam” – Luxury Culinary & Culture Exploration of Vietnam’s Highlights

“Vietnam. It grabs you and doesn’t let you go.
Once you love it, you love it forever!”
– Anthony Bourdain

Another UNIQUE “Small-Group” Cuisine & Culture Experience

2024 “Discover Vietnam – Luxury Culinary & Culture Experience”

DATES
11 Days / 10 Nights
Monday 04 March 2024 to Thursday 14 March 2024

PRICING*
$USD3985pp – (Double or Twin** Occupancy)
$USD5175pp – (Single Occupancy/Own Room)

Group of Four Bookings**
Join with a group of 4 friends or family and save.
$USD3785*pp (Double/Twin Rooms x 2) – save $US200pp

**Join our “Discover Vietnam Experience” with a group of four family or friends together and save $USD200 per person  for bookings made before October 1st 2023

– 2 Final Places Remaining –
Booking Deadline** : 30 October 2023

 

**Due to the limited number of seats on internal flights in Vietnam, these book out very quickly, so bookings for the “Discover Vietnam” tour should be made as early as possible to ensure that internal flights and all accommodations can be secured. Domestic flights will be booked immediately with our Vietnam Travel Agent, once your Booking Form and Deposit have been provided, to secure these places.
WHAT CLIENTS ARE SAYING
An amazing trip around Vietnam tasting our way from bottom to top, with three fabulous cooking classes along the way. Nico and Belinda are wonderful hosts whose experience and knowledge of this country make the trip all the more enjoyable. Nico goes the extra mile to ensure everyone has a great trip. Another very memorable holiday – (our fourth with Urban Provider). Absolutely recommended *****  …Denise & Lindsay
Hi Belinda and Nico, Thank you so much for a really wonderful holiday. We weren’t sure how we’d go being part of a group tour, but the whole experience far surpassed our expectations in every way. That is in no small part due to the fact that the trip was so well planned and everything seemed so effortless, but we know what goes on behind the scenes to create this illusion!! Our next task now is to look for another tour so that we can join you again for another memorable experience…Shauna & Daniel
HI Nico and Belinda, Thanks so much to you both for such a wonderful time in Vietnam. It was such a memorable time in so many ways, no doubt due to very careful planning, insight and experience on both your parts. Your care of everyone was so evident in everything you both do. You are so right about the group – what a fantastic and diverse group of people. It all clicked so well. Thanks also for your amazing photos – they capture so many moments candidly and bring back the things we did so vividly…Lots of love, Steph

Nico & Belinda’s Love Affair with Vietnam

One of my most magical food memories – those meals which are viscerally remembered and permanently etched in your brain – was in 1987 while Belinda & I were living in Toronto.

Always in search for trying something different, one of Belinda’s work colleagues suggested we try “Vietnamese” and recommended a  “cheap & cheerful” restaurant in Queens St East.

We were brought menus and, not knowing anything about Vietnamese food at the time, I set the menu aside and asked our server to bring on whatever dishes they thought we should try as our first introduction to Vietnamese cuisine!

And “BANG” our love affair with Vietnamese food began with all we tasted!

The lightness, freshness and textures of everything we sampled – crunchy “Nem” (netted spring rolls) and crispy “Banh Xeo” (Vietnamese Yellow Pancake) wrapped in lettuce and fresh herbs and dipped in that perfectly balanced sweet, sour, spicy and salty elixir of Vietnam’s classic Nuoc Mam Cham dipping sauce; bowls of “Bun Thit Nuong” – light, chewy rice noodles topped with fragrant Vietnamese mint, coriander, and basil; and chargrilled meats with lemongrass served sizzling before us – changed our culinary life completely, just as it had my culinary exploring hero Anthony Bourdain.

For Anthony, Vietnam was incredibly special to him!

Between his “Cooks Tour”, “No Reservations” and “Parts Unknown” series he created eight different episodes that shared his love affair for Vietnam with his audiences as there was no place on earth that he enjoyed visiting more, delighted in eating its cuisine more, or felt more at home visiting!

“I love Vietnam. I love it now.
I loved it from the minute I arrived for the first time.”
– Anthony Bourdain

Our love affair with the country of Vietnam also started with our first exploration in 2008 to research our inaugural “Discover Vietnam Culinary & Culture Experience”!

And now, over 15 years later and many return trips, we are more than excited to return and share that love affair for delicious & magical Vietnam with our “hand picked” experiences that we have curated on our “Small Group Experience” in March 2024.

Some of Anthony’s best foodie quotes and quips were about Vietnam, and it’s as if he had taken the words out of our mouths.

“Where have you been all my life!
Fellow travellers, this is what you want. This is what you need.
This is the path to true happiness and wisdom!”
– Anthony Bourdain

 

2024 “Discover Vietnam – Luxury Culinary & Culture Experience Highlights

Join Nico & Belinda as we escort a small group of travellers (12 people maximum) to what is one of our favourite food destinations – Vietnam – where we share with you our “hand-picked” Vietnam culinary & cultural experiences, cooking classes and luxury accommodation for 11 exciting days.

Our “Discover Vietnam – Culinary & Culture Experience” will overwhelm your senses with the incredible beauty, amazing flavours and rich history of Vietnam, visiting the country from South to North including:

We’ve organised all of the delicious cuisine & culture experiences; all internal Vietnam airfares and transfers for you; most meals; and selected beautiful centrally located luxury accommodation which are all in easy walking distance to the sites and shopping of the cities and towns we will be visiting.

All you need to do is pack a bag and a sense of adventure and join us on a delicious journey through Vietnam.

Please scroll down for more Client Testimonials from our previous “Discover Vietnam” experiences.

Cooking Passions “Small Group” Cuisine & Culture Journeys
Cooking Passions Cuisine & Culture Journeys have been designed so that you can make the most of your precious time, as we have done all of the “behind the scenes” research to scope out the finest hotels, local transfers, sights, restaurants, spas & excursions, so you don’t have too.
Each of our tours are designed so you can do as much or as little as you like, while allowing you plenty of free time to explore and immerse yourselves in the sights, shopping, relaxation and eating that YOU want to experience (we’ll be happy to provide suggestions and tips on some of our favourites from our many previous trips). So all you have to do is book your preferred flight, pack a bag & a sense of adventure, and join us for an unforgettable and unique Southeast Asian experience!!

VIETNAM – The Destination

“Take me to that special place where everything is beautiful, and nothing hurts.”
– Anthony Bourdain

Vietnam-Destination 500x375

Vietnam has become one of the most popular destinations for international travellers simply because it has so much to offer. It’s beauty varies from the magnificent limestone peaks in Halong Bay to the the rice paddy lined canals of the Mekong Delta.

People have finally begun to look at the country from another perspective, now that travelers and tourists from the West are being welcomed into what was once a forbidden country.

Influenced by Chinese & French culture, the Vietnamese have a strong sense of their own uniqueness and travelers are moved by the charm, hospitality and warmth that they are greeted by in the people. It may take a bit more effort and tenacity to plan an excursion into Vietnam than it would for another Southeast Asian country, but Vietnam has much to offer in terms of culture and sights.

Vietnamese food is one of contrasts and harmony, exploding with the freshness of lemongrass, mint, coriander and basil, while beautifully balanced with the use of chilli, sugar and fish sauce. Influenced by over 1000 years of the rich culinary legacies of China, India and France, Vietnamese cusisine is one of the original fusion cuisines of the world, and one which has taken the very best of these other cultures and refined it into its own unique culinary experiences.

So, whether to experience a lively ancient culture, to see beautiful countryside, indulge in one of the world’s favourite cuisines, to get your adventure fix, or to just get a bit of beachside or cosmopolitan comfort, Vietnam has it all!

“Discover Vietnam – Luxury Culinary & Culture Highlights Experience”
Highlights & Inclusions

2024 “Discover Vietnam – Luxury Culinary & Culture Highlights Experience”
Complete Itinerary

 Day 1 – Monday 04 March 2024 – Saigon (HCMC) – ARRIVAL

– Your arrival in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). We have arranged for your Airport Transfer to the 5-Star “Renaissance Riverside Saigon Hotel” upon your arrival.
One of only a few riverside hotels in Saigon, the Renaissance Riverside Saigon Hotel sits in an enviable position in District 1’s central financial and commercial hub, walking distance to many of Saigon’s famous sites.
We have selected Deluxe R Club Riverview* Rooms during our stay, with each room providing its own sensational panoramic views of the mighty Saigon River.
After a busy day, pamper yourself at the hotel spa, take a dip in the rooftop pool or the hotel’s rooftop bar, where craft cocktails and views of Ho Chi Minh City skyline await.
Should you wish to arrive earlier than today’s start to our tour, we can arrange for any additional nights at our hotel.

 * Privileges for Club Floor Guests
19:30pm – Welcome Group Dinner at a HCMC dining institution where our first Vietnam culinary experience will be to sample a range of some of Vietnam’s most beloved and  classic dishes.

 

ACCOMMODATION – Renaissance Riverside Saigon Hotel

(Included Meals – D)

Day 2 – Tuesday 05 March 2023 – Saigon (HCMC) – XO FOODIE EXPERIENCE

am – Breakfast at your leisure. For any early risers, join Nico & Belinda for a walk to a local Pho Stall for traditional Vietnamese breakfast of pho with the locals.
“So back in Vietnam, one of my favourite places on earth and all of the things I need for happiness. A little plastic stool, check. Tiny little plastic table, check. Something delicious in a bowl, check!”
– Anthony Bourdain
10:00am – Join Nico for a walking tour to some of Saigon’s historic landmarks including its famous French Colonial designed Notre Dame Cathedral and historic Post Office. We will then have a Guided Tour of the Reunification Palace, one of Saigon’s most iconic and historic buildings. Continue on to visit the War Remnants Museum, or for those that may like to do some relax, head back to the hotel for a session poolside or book in for a massage at the hotel spa.

Remainder of the afternoon at your leisure.
17:30pm to 19:00pm – Meet for in the Club Room for complimentary pre-dinner drinks and appetisers with full private bar facilities.
19:00pm – XO Foodie Experience –
Belinda & I experienced our first XO Foodie Tour on one of our previous visits to Saigon and it was amazing fun & informative.
Don’t take it from us though! Here is what Anthony Bourdain said of experiencing the joys of a scooter ride in his favourite foodie country –
“One of the great joys of life is riding a scooter through Vietnam, to be part of this mysterious, thrilling, beautiful choreography. Thousands upon thousands of people — families, friends, lovers — each an individual story glimpsed for a second or two in passing, sliding alongside, pouring like a torrent through the city. A flowing, gorgeous thing; as you ride you not only see, you hear, a hundred intimate moments in miniature. You smell wonderful unnameable things cooking issuing from storefronts and food-stalls; you hear the sounds of beeping, laughing, announcements from speakers, the put-put and roar of a million tiny engines.”
– Anthony Bourdain
Voted one of the top food tours in the world, the “XO Foodie” will introduce us to street food from throughout Vietnam—served from stalls that cater to locals—and take us zipping around many of the city’s districts, not just the touristy ones, on the back of a female-driven motorbike.
Along the way, we will sample the most amazing dishes that Vietnam has to offer as we taste our way through cuisine from North Vietnam, Hue and The South in one amazing street food city: Saigon!
On the XO Foodie Tour we will be taken to the most popular street stalls and hidden alleyways in the city and show you where the locals really love to eat! So save your appetite, delight your palate and let’s fill our tummy with delicious and authentic Vietnamese food!

This world-renowned Ho Chi Minh City Food Tour focuses on street food dishes that most people outside of Vietnam have never had a chance to experience. Unlike most other Vietnam food tours, we won’t be served Pho, Spring Rolls, Vietnamese Pancakes, or Banh Mi Sandwiches. We also won’t eat dog meat, bugs, organs, raw food or anything too weird. (Unless you’d like to, as I did above…really does taste like chicken!). 
“This is the way so many great meals in my life have been enjoyed: sitting in the street, eating something out of a bowl that I’m not exactly sure what it is, scooters going by. It’s so delicious,”
– Anthony Bourdain
Please find XO Foodie’s FAQ’s here for more details. If you don’t feel like joining in on tonight’s event, we would be pleased to suggest some excellent nearby restaurants for you to enjoy a wonderful dinner at your leisure.
9:30pm – Return to hotel

ACCOMMODATION – Renaissance Riverside Saigon Hotel

(Included Meals – B,D)

Day 3 – Wednesday 06 March 2024 – Saigon (HCMC) – CU CHI TUNNELS & SAIGON RIVER EXPERIENCE

am – Breakfast at your leisure
7:15am – Cu Chi Tunnels* via Saigon River Express – This morning we will get up close to life on the mighty Saigon River as we have arranged our own Private Speedboat Cruise to visit one of Southern Vietnam’s most important tourist attractions – the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. We will head off early, so that we can beat the crowds and tour groups that arrive later in the morning.
While most tourists do the long  60km each way trek in heavy traffic to reach Cu Chi from Saigon, we’ll do in much quicker and more enjoyably as we travel along the Saigon River while witnessing the daily life that occurs along the river. Upon arrival at the Cu Chi Tunnels our Private Guide will escort us around this amazing attraction.

Cu Chi Tunnels
Built during the American/Vietnam War, at its height, the tunnel system stretched over 250km from Saigon to the Cambodian border and was three levels deep. This fascinating network of tunnels were specially constructed to accommodated living quarters, field hospitals, schools and command centres. The tunnels have been widened for the benefit of tourists, and only those wishing to feel what it must have been like for life underground can have a go…there are lots of other sights to see on the surface.

 

For those that are interested, try your hand at firing a war-era rifle or machine gun at the Cu Chi Gun range or for a more calming experience, watch how Vietnamese rice paper wrappers are traditionally made.

13:00pm – Return to hotel. Afternoon at your leisure to shop, have a massage or some quiet time poolside.
17:30pm to 19:30pm – Meet for in the Club Room for complimentary pre-dinner drinks and appetisers with full private bar facilities.
20:00pm – Tonight we will be treated to a Group Dinner at Vietnam’s first & only Michelin-starred restaurant and “Best Restaurant in Vietnam” for the past three years!
Anan Saigon is an ambitious restaurant turning street food flavours into contemporary creations. Opened in 2017 by Vietnamese-American chef Peter Cuong Franklin, the street food-inspired dishes at Anan Saigon pair fresh ingredients with contemporary culinary techniques. Since opening, Anan Saigon reached the continent’s upper echelons of fine dining when it was voted one of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2021. And it has maintained its position since, ranking #40 in 2023.

Situated in one of Saigon’s famous “tube houses” and alongside the oldest wet market in Ho Chi Minh City, Anan Saigon’s building and location also make for an incredible dining experience. Tube houses in Vietnam are tall thin buildings, often with a cafe, restaurant, or retail space on the ground floor and residences for multiple families on the upper levels. They can be anywhere from two to 12 stories.

Remainder of the evening at your leisure. For those that might like a nightcap before finishing the evening, join Nico & Belinda for a drink at Saigon’s premier jazz club, owned by Tran Manh Tuan, the first Vietnamese musician to receive a scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston and Vietnam’s most celebrated saxophonist.

ACCOMMODATION – Renaissance Riverside Saigon Hotel

(Included Meals – B,L,D)

Day 4 – Thursday 07 March 2024 – Hoi An  

Breakfast at your leisure.
8:00am – Check out from hotel. Group Transfer to Tan San Nhat airport to board flight to Danang.
11:00am – Business Class** flight departure with Vietnam Airlines to Danang in Central Vietnam. (***Due to the limited number of seats on internal flights in Vietnam, these book out very quickly, so bookings for the “Discover Vietnam” tour should be made as early as possible to ensure that internal flights and all accommodations can be secured. Domestic flights will be booked immediately with our Vietnam Travel Agent, once your Booking Form and Deposit have been provided, to secure these places.)
12:30pm – Arrival in Danang and Group Transfer to Hoi An.
14:00pm – Arrive Hoi An and transfer to our hotel. Hoi An is the charming ancient port town of central Vietnam and one of the most delightful places to visit in Vietnam, famous for it’s lantern festivals, talented tailors and laid back riverside lifestyle.

Little Hoi An Boutique Hotel
Nestled in the centre of the charming and rustic riverside settlement of Hoi An,  Little Hoi An is not your typical boutique hotel. When you step through its doors, you step into a genuine ambience that withstands the passage of time. The hotel’s intimacy and lovely riverside location is just a short 5 minute walk to Hoi An’s centre.

 

14:30pm – After check in, Join Nico as he shares with you his favourite sights of Hoi An so you can become familiar with the layout of this irresistibly beautiful town, and to call into one of Nico’s (and Anthony’s) favourite Banh Mi stalls for one of the best Vietnamese Rolls in Hoi An.
“A passerby told me that this is the best Banh Mi in town and I can well believe it. Look at this thing! Look at that goodness. That’s a symphony in a sandwich.
The baguette alone is something of a miracle. How do they stay so crunchy, crispy and fresh on the outside. So airy, so perfect on the inside.”
– Anthony Bourdain

19:00pm – Hoi An Group Dinner – Dinner at one of Nico & Belinda’s favourite restaurants, situated in a beautifully restored historic Hoi An riverside building.

Remainder of the evening at your leisure. Enjoy an after dinner walk around the charming, lantern-lit streets of Hoi An including a visit to the 600-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge.

ACCOMMODATION – Little Hoi An Boutique Hotel 

(Included Meals – B,D)

Day 5 – Friday 08 March 2023 – Hoi An – VIETNAMESE MARKET AND COOKING EXPERIENCE

am – Breakfast at your leisure.
8:30am – Guided Hoi An Market Tour Experience

10am – 1:30pm – “Hands-on “Gourmet Cooking Class” at Ms Vy’s Cooking School. Ms Vy is one of Hoi An’s most successful restauranteurs with four fantastic Hoi An restaurants now under her charge. Ms Vy and her teaching partner, Ms Lulu, are also the original teaching chefs of Hoi An and their cooking classes are incredibly informative, where we not only learn how to make some classic Vietnamese dishes, but also learn how to recognise and buy the fresh produce, herbs and spices that are used in Vietnam cooking and medicinal purposes.


Afternoon at your leisure – For those interested, join Nico & Belinda for a leisurely bike ride through Hoi An’s surrounding Richfield countryside as we make our way to the beach for some refreshments at one of the many seaside restaurants & bars at nearby Cua Dai Beach.

cua_dai_beach1 500x

Remainder of the afternoon & evening at your leisure.
Hoi An Discovery Suggestions:
CULTURE – Stroll through the ancient quarter meet the colourful locals and see the 16th century Japanese Covered Bride, the Pottery Museum; the Tan Ky old house, the Cantonese congregation, the silk street of Hoi An and the Chinese-style temples and pagodas.

SHOPPING – Check out some of the many clothing, jewellery, lantern and shoe shops in town or visit the riverside market.

RELAX – Book a massage at one of the many spas around town for a special treatment.

ACCOMMODATION – Little Hoi An Boutique Hotel 

(Included Meals – B,L)

Day 6 – Saturday 09 March 2024 – Hoi An – FREE DISCOVERY DAY

am – Start the day by getting happy and joining Nico at one of his favourite local Pho Stalls for breakfast, or enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.
“A good bowl of pho will always make me happy!”
– Anthony Bourdain

FREE DAY – Today is an opportunity for you to relax and enjoy Hoi An at your leisure.
We are able to suggest some places to visit should you wish to check out some of the villages and sites close by to Hoi An. Private Day Trips to either the UNESCO World Heritage Listed My Son Sanctuary, a cluster of abandoned and partially ruined Hindu temples constructed between the 4th and 14th century by the kings of the Champa civilisation, or alternatively, a little further away, a day visit to Vietnam’s ancient capital Hue and the riverside tombs of Vietnam’s great emperors.

Remainder of the day & evening at your leisure for our final day and night in Hoi An. Enjoy a relaxing spa treatment at the many excellent spas around the Old Town or do some shopping among Hoi An’s many shops and art galleries.
In the evening, take in the tranquil charm of Hoi An’s lantern filled streets or visit the lively Hoi An night market..

ACCOMMODATION – Little Hoi An Boutique Hotel 

(Included Meals – B)

Day 7 – Sunday 10 March 2024 – Hanoi – “The Paris of the East”

am – Breakfast at your leisure
9:00am – Checkout from hotel – Transfer to Danang Airport for boarding flight to Hanoi. Private Airport Transfer to our hotel upon our arrival in Hanoi.

HANOI
Having celebrated its 1000th year a few years ago, Hanoi is one of Asia’s most enchanting cities, with it’s blend of french colonial architecture and invigorating streetside chaos of motorcycles, cyclos, pedestrians and street vendors.

13:00pm – Check in to our accommodation at Hanoi’s 5-Star Hotel – Hotel de L’Opera Hanoi and your L’Opera Deluxe Suite* for our stay in Hanoi.



 * Privileges for L’Opera Suite Guests
– Remainder of the afternoon at your leisure.
Hanoi Discovery Suggestions:
CULTURE – Visit the grounds of the 1000-year old Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university; catch up with Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum
or visit Hoa Lo Prison (“Hanoi Hilton”).
SHOPPING – Visit the bustling 13th century Old Quarter markets for its many market streets lined with vendors and shops.
RELAX – Go for a stroll around the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake and see the local Hanoians jogging, doing tai chi and playing badminton.

17:00pm to 19:00pm – Meet in Hotel de L’Opera’s La Fee Verte Lobby Bar for complimentary evening Free-Flow drinks (wine & beer) with complimentary Tapas.
19:00pm – Group Dinner at one of Nico & Belinda’s favourite non-Vietnamese restaurants.

ACCOMMODATION – Hotel de L’Opera Hanoi

(Included Meals – B, D)

Day 8 – Monday 11 March 2024 – Hanoi

am – Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am – Join Nico for a morning cyclo ride to visit the magnificent Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Presidential Palace.

– Remainder of the afternoon and evening at your leisure.
Hanoi Discovery Suggestions:
CULTURE – Take in one of Hanoi’s famous Water Puppet shows at the Water Puppet Theatre (remember to purchase your tickets early).
EATING/DRINKING– Visit one of Hanoi’s French-Colonial villa cafe/restaurants or pull up one of those tiny plastic stools and enjoy some local bia hoa – “Vietnamese pub culture” at the many cheap & cheerful roadside bars.
RELAX – View the Parisian grace of Hanoi’s tree-lined boulevards with a cyclo ride around town.

CULTURE – Take in a view of Hanoi’s manic traffic chaos from the safe surrounds of a top floor bar/cafe overlooking one of hanoi’s busiest roundabouts.

17:00pm to 19:00pm – Meet in Hotel de L’Opera’s La Fee Verte Lobby Bar for complimentary evening Free-Flow drinks (wine & beer) with complimentary Tapas.
pm – Evening at your leisure. Nico & Belinda can provide you with some restaurant options should you wish to dine independently or those that might like to dine together, we can decide on some great restaurant options.

ACCOMMODATION – Hotel de L’Opera Hanoi

(Included Meals – B)

Day 9 – Tuesday 12 March 2023 – Halong Bay

 

8am – Checkout from our hotel for a 3 1/2 hour drive through the Red River Delta to Halong Bay. Halong Bay spreads over an area of approximately 1,553 km2 including 1,969 islets, most of which are limestone topped with thick jungle vegetation rising from the ocean.
12noon – Transfer to Halong Bay and boarding one of Halong Bay’s newest and most luxurious vessel – The Paradise Elegance – for our overnight exploration of the limestone karsts (islands) and emerald waters of Halong Bay, giving us the chance to take in the stunning scenery of this World Heritage Site.

– Once on board, settle into your luxurious Executive Balcony Cabin with your own Private Balcony. We will then enjoy a delectable lunch on board in the Le Marin Restaurant and get acquainted with the facilities of the boat and we commence cruising into Halong Bay.

14:45pm – Choice of visiting one of Halong Bay’s floating fishing villages, Cua Van Village, or visiting “Dark & Bright Cave”. Cua Van Floating Village is the largest of five remaining floating fishing villages with an estimated population of 733 inhabitants in 176 households. “Dark & Bright Cave” is one of the many limestone caves with their beautiful stalactites and stalagmites and was formed out of ancient limestone karats about 700,000 years ago. Alternatively, stay on board and enjoy high tea or a spa treatment at Paradise Spa.
17:00pm to 19:00pm – Following our afternoon exploration of some of Halong Bay, the remainder of the afternoon & evening will include Happy Hour at Le Piano Bar, with jazz music or enjoy a Vietnamese Cooking Demonstration on the L’Odyssée Sundeck.
19:00pm – Dinner at Le Marin Restaurant

21:00pm – Mixology at L’Odyssée Sundeck; Live Music at Le Piano Bar.

ACCOMMODATION – Paradise Elegance

(Included Meals – B,L,D)

Day 10 – Wednesday 13 March 2024 – Halong Bay

06:30am – For earlier risers, enjoy a Tai Chi class on the sun deck, or simply enjoy the breathtaking views of the bay as the boat starts cruising.

07:00am – Light breakfast at Le Piano Bar while cruising along Me Cung Cave and Tung Sau Pearl Farm.
– Optional morning excursion to Ti Top Island or Sung Sot Cave, or enjoy the amenities on board. Ti Top Island is named after the Russian astronaut German Titov during his first visit to Halong Bay. The only beach in the bay with a 200-step path that leads to a spectacular view point of the majestic World Heritage Site. Sung Sot Cave, commonly known as Hang Sung Sot, is the largest cave in Halong Bay. It was discovered by a group of French explorers in the early 1900s, and is popular because of its panoramic views of the bay from the top.

Cave 600x397

08:00am – 9:30am – Breakfast at Le Marin Restaurant while cruising past Thien Cung and Dau Gi Caves and the Fighting Cock Islet.
10:30am – Return to Tuan Chau Marina where we will then enjoy a traditional Vietnamese Lunch at the Paradise Suites Hotel.
12noon – Return group transfer to Hanoi.
15:00pm – Check into our Hotel de L’Opera.
17:00pm to 19:30pm – Meet in Hotel de L’Opera’s La Fee Verte Lobby Bar for complimentary evening Free-Flow drinks (wine & beer) with complimentary Tapas.
20:00pm – Final Group Dinner at another of Vietnam’s Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants at Michelin-trained Chef Hoang Tung eponymous restaurant T.U.N.G. Dining.
Named after the chef. but also doubling for ‘Twisted, unique, natural and gastronomique’, Chef Hoang’s restaurant has caused a furore in Hanoi, with its seasonal 18-course dinners gaining industry recognition The small restaurant venue provides a stylish backdrop for chef-patron Hoang Tung’s playful, boundary-pushing plates. Omitting butter and cream in favour of unexpected ingredients like fermented juices, yoghurt and gin, Tung – who earned his stripes at various Michelin-starred restaurants in Scandinavia – makes even basic-sounding sides such as steamed rice and corn surprise and delight.

 

ACCOMMODATION – Hotel de L’Opera Hanoi

(Included Meals – B,D)

 

Day 11 – Thursday 14 March 2024 – DEPARTURE DAY

Hanoi Hoan Kiem Lake, Sunrise

– am – Check out from hotel and we say our farewells to the group before departure from HANOI for home or your next chosen destination. We have arranged for a Hotel Airport Transfer to suit your flight departure time.
“I’ve been all over Vietnam. A place I feel a special connection to. My first love. A place I remain besotted with, fascinated by.”
– Anthony Bourdain

HOW TO BOOK YOUR REQUESTED PLACES

If you are able to join us on our special 2024 “Discover Vietnam – Luxury Culinary & Culture Experience”, please contact us via email urbanprovider@icloud.com or +61 402 154 358 to secure your places and request a Booking Form.
Booking Deposit: An $AUD1850 per person non-refundable BOOKING DEPOSIT is required to hold a booking for the tour, at the time of your reservation. We are able to refund your Booking Deposit (less any applicable airline cancellation charges) should a replacement be found for any cancelled places.
Booking Deposits are used to secure Vietnam Airline domestic flight tickets, accommodations and tour services deposits at the time of your request for places.
Booking Deadline: Monday October 30th 2023
Final Payment: Final Payment in full is required at least 90 days prior to departure (Monday December 4th 2023). Payment can be made at any time before the final due date, if you prefer.
Final Payment will be converted from $USD to $AUD based on the prevailing Foreign Cash Currency Exchange rate at the time of payment. To view the Foreign Cash Currency Exchange to be used at the time of payment, please visit the Wise International Currency Exchange rates website at https://wise.com/au/currency-converter/usd-to-aud-rate
International Flight Arrangements

Should you require assistance with arranging your own international flights, our Agent – Globetrotter Travel – would be happy to assist in booking your international flights, travel insurance and any pre-tour and post-tour requirements. Please contact Lori Burns of Globetrotter directly on 08 9442 0164 or email  lifestyle@globetrotter.com.au  website  https://globetrotterlife.com.au/
We look forward to hosting you on this very special Bali experience!! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate in contacting us.
The following is INCLUDED in the price:
The following is NOT INCLUDED in the price:

We look forward to hosting you on this very special Vietnam experience! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate in contacting us.

Bon voyage,
Nico & Belinda Moretti
Cooking Passions Cooking School
267 Vincent Street, LEEDERVILLE WA 6007
AUSTRALIA
www.urbanprovider.com.au

What clients are saying!

Cooking Passions Small Group “Discover Vietnam Cuisine & Culture Experience”
Traveller Reviews

Sincere thanks to Nico and Belinda for providing such outstanding planning and guidance for our recent Tour of Vietnam.

The preparation prior to travelling was excellent, with a thorough tour guide outline and also a phone link up prior to our departure, being on the east coast we felt that we were totally informed every step of the way for our trip of a life time.

Our visit to Vietnam was outstanding, every day was planned extremely well with consideration of free time, evening group dinners were such joy with Nico’s guidance but we all had opportunity to select from the menu each evening.  Nico provided brilliant support for the total tour, always with a big smile and with enthusiasm. 

We greatly appreciated the opportunity to visit the local villages and enjoy traditional Vietnamese Pho for breakfast. The standard of the accommodation was first class and thoroughly enjoyed each and every venue we visited. Hoi An was a very special place, just so traditional and pretty. Loved the volume of traffic and people in the big cities and we became very good at crossing the roads.

Our two Vietnamese cooking classes were brilliant, and we learnt so much, came home and already began to utilise our newly acquired Vietnamese cooking skills, our family are delighted.

The whole tour was such joy, with so many things to experience, such variety with dining, tours, cruises, visits to local markets and villages. As this being our first group tour, we give Nico and Belinda our highest recommendation.

This tour was outstanding value for money.

Sincere thanks to you both, for such a relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Kind regards…Lyn and Rob, Beerwah QLD.

An amazing trip around Vietnam tasting our way from bottom to top, with three fabulous cooking classes along the way. Nico and Belinda are wonderful hosts whose experience and knowledge of this country make the trip all the more enjoyable. Nico goes the extra mile to ensure everyone has a great trip. Another very memorable holiday – (our fourth with Urban Provider). Absolutely recommended *****  …Denise

Hi Belinda and Nico, Thank you so much for a really wonderful holiday. We weren’t sure how we’d go being part of a group tour, but the whole experience far surpassed our expectations in every way. That is in no small part due to the fact that the trip was so well planned and everything seemed so effortless, but we know what goes on behind the scenes to create this illusion!! Our next task now is to look for another tour so that we can join you again for another memorable experience…Shauna 

HI Nico and Belinda, Thanks so much to you both for such a wonderful time in Vietnam. It was such a memorable time in so many ways, no doubt due to very careful planning, insight and experience on both your parts. Your care of everyone was so evident in everything you both do. You are so right about the group – what a fantastic and diverse group of people. It all clicked so well. Thanks also for your amazing photos – they capture so many moments candidly and bring back the things we did so vividly…Lots of love,Steph

Nico & Belinda, I’m lost for words to say. A simple ‘thank you’ must suffice for one of the most magical Asian experiences. The fact that we all seemed to drop out of our urbane worlds for what, at the end, seemed like a blink of an eye, was a testament to your abilities to do what you do. The chance to share Vietnam with such a wonderful group of people was the icing on the cake…Ric and Jill

Hey Nico & Belinda, It was a perfect holiday, great mix of organised activities and free time, couldn’t have asked for a better time! …Court & Jess

Hi Nico & Belinda, Thank you both so much for hosting an amazing trip. It was indeed a great bunch of people and it was a pleasure to be in the company of such a great welcoming bunch. I had a blast & wouldn’t change a thing. I loved all the places we visited, tours and cooking classes and all your knowledge of places we went & all your stories that were shared. Take care guys & stay safe…Jules

Dear Belinda, dear Nico, Thank you so much for this wonderful trip. I enjoyed it very much and the combination of cooking and sightseeing is really a wonderful combination…Best regards, Manuela

Hi Nico & Belinda, Once again many thanks for your great cooking and culture tour of Vietnam. The areas we visited certainly provided a valuable insight to the country and it’s rich and tragic history…Cheers, John & Max

Nico & Belinda, I'm lost for words to say. A simple 'thank you' must suffice for one of the most magical Asian experiences. The fact that we all seemed to drop out of our urbane worlds for what, at the end, seemed like a blink of an eye, was a testament to your abilities to do what you do. The chance to share Vietnam with such a wonderful group of people was the icing on the cake…Ric and Jill

Hi Nico & Belinda, Thank you both so much for hosting an amazing trip. It was indeed a great bunch of people and it was a pleasure to be in the company of such a great welcoming bunch. I had a blast & wouldn't change a thing. I loved all the places we visited, tours and cooking classes and all your knowledge of places we went & all your stories that were shared. Take care guys & stay safe…Jules

HI Nico and Belinda, Thanks so much to you both for such a wonderful time in Vietnam. It was such a memorable time in so many ways, no doubt due to very careful planning, insight and experience on both your parts. Your care of everyone was so evident in everything you both do. You are so right about the group – what a fantastic and diverse group of people. It all clicked so well. Thanks also for your amazing photos – they capture so many moments candidly and bring back the things we did so vividly...Lots of love,Steph

Sincere thanks to Nico and Belinda for providing such outstanding planning and guidance for our recent Tour of Vietnam. The preparation prior to travelling was excellent, with a thorough tour guide outline and also a phone link up prior to our departure, being on the east coast we felt that we were totally informed every step of the way for our trip of a life time. Our visit to Vietnam was outstanding, every day was planned extremely well with consideration of free time, evening group dinners were such joy with Nico's guidance but we all had opportunity to select from the menu each evening.  Nico provided brilliant support for the total tour, always with a big smile and with enthusiasm. The whole tour was such joy, with so many things to experience, such variety with dining, tours, cruises, visits to local markets and villages. As this being our first group tour, we give Nico and Belinda our highest recommendation. This tour was outstanding value for money. Sincere thanks to you both, for such a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Kind regards...Lyn and Rob