Tastes and Treasures of Thailand and Vietnam

Meet your tour guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel in Bangkok. Free time to relax and explore the city.

The first stop is Chatuchak Market, one of the largest weekend markets in the world. Here, you can find everything from clothing and accessories to home decor and souvenirs. Next, you'll visit the Railway Market, a unique market that operates on a train track. Here, vendors sell their goods right alongside the tracks, and when the train comes through, they quickly pack up their stalls and move their wares out of the way. After the Railway Market, you'll enjoy a scenic Tuk Tuk ride around the city, taking in the sights and sounds of Bangkok from this iconic mode of transportation. In the evening, you'll visit the Amphawa floating market, a picturesque market located on a canal. Here, you can browse the various stalls selling local snacks, souvenirs, and handmade goods. You can also take a boat ride along the canal to see the market from a different perspective. This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Thai culture and experience the unique markets that are a cornerstone of everyday life in Bangkok.

Take a morning flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Free time to explore the city.

Kanta Elephant Sanctuary Camp is a beautiful and ethical sanctuary that is dedicated to the rescue and care of elephants. The sanctuary is located just outside Chiang Mai, and is set in a peaceful and lush natural environment. At the sanctuary, you'll have the opportunity to interact with the elephants in a respectful and responsible way. You'll learn about the importance of elephant conservation and the challenges faced by these magnificent animals in Thailand. During your visit, you'll have the chance to feed the elephants, bathe them in the river, and observe their natural behaviors in their natural habitat. You'll be accompanied by experienced and knowledgeable guides who will share their knowledge and passion for these gentle giants. At Kanta Elephant Sanctuary Camp, the welfare of the elephants is the top priority, and you can be assured that your visit will not contribute to the exploitation or abuse of these animals. Instead, you'll have a truly unforgettable experience, where you'll connect with these incredible creatures on a deeper level and gain a new appreciation for their intelligence and complexity.

Today, you will attend a private Thai cooking class hosted by Pantawan, a renowned local chef who is passionate about sharing the art of Thai cuisine with visitors to Chiang Mai. You'll start the day by visiting a local market to select fresh ingredients for your cooking class. Pantawan will guide you through the market and show you how to choose the best quality ingredients, including herbs, spices, vegetables, and meats. After the market visit, you'll head to Pantawan's cooking studio, where she will teach you how to prepare several traditional Thai dishes from scratch. You'll learn how to use traditional techniques and cooking methods, and you'll get to taste your creations as you go. During the class, Pantawan will share her knowledge and expertise on the history and culture of Thai cuisine, as well as tips and tricks for creating authentic and delicious dishes at home. At the end of the class, you'll sit down to enjoy a delicious meal of your own making, accompanied by refreshing drinks and conversation with Pantawan. You'll also receive a recipe book and a certificate of completion to take home as a souvenir of your culinary adventure. Overall, this private Thai cooking class is a great way to immerse yourself in the flavors and traditions of Thailand, and to learn new skills and techniques that you can apply in your own kitchen back home.

Begin your day by catching a morning flight from Chiang Mai to Hanoi. Once you arrive, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant city of Hanoi, indulging in exploration and discovery on your personal journey.

On Day 7 of the tour, you'll explore the vibrant city of Hanoi and enjoy a food tasting tour, experiencing some of the best and most delicious food the city has to offer. You'll start the day with a visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you can pay your respects to the country's founding father. Next, you'll visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique and historic temple that is a must-see attraction in Hanoi. From there, you'll head to the Old Quarter, the heart of Hanoi's street food scene. Here, you'll have the opportunity to sample a wide range of local delicacies, from savory banh mi sandwiches to sweet and sticky desserts. Your food tour will be led by a local guide who is passionate about Hanoi's food culture and will take you to some of the city's hidden culinary gems. Along the way, you'll learn about the history and significance of each dish, as well as the ingredients and techniques used in its preparation. Some of the dishes you may try include pho, the famous Vietnamese noodle soup, bun cha, a delicious grilled pork dish served with noodles and fresh herbs, and egg coffee, a unique Hanoi specialty that is a must-try for coffee lovers. Overall, this food tasting tour is a great way to experience the flavors and diversity of Hanoi's street food scene, and to get an insight into the city's rich culinary heritage. It's a fun and interactive way to explore the city and to sample some of the best food that Vietnam has to offer.

After breakfast, you will depart from Hanoi for a three-day cruise in Halong Bay, one of Vietnam's most breathtaking natural wonders. After a scenic drive through the countryside, you'll arrive at the harbor and board your traditional Vietnamese junk boat. As you sail out into the bay, you'll be amazed by the stunning scenery of towering limestone cliffs, and hidden caves and coves. Your first day on the cruise will be filled with exciting activities and opportunities to explore the beauty of Halong Bay. You'll have the chance to swim, kayak, or simply relax on the beach and take in the stunning scenery. Throughout the day, you'll enjoy delicious meals onboard the boat, featuring fresh seafood and other Vietnamese specialties. In the evening, you can join in a cooking demonstration and learn how to prepare some of the dishes yourself. As the sun sets, you'll have a chance to enjoy a variety of onboard activities, such as squid fishing, or just relaxing on the deck and taking in the starry sky.

On Day 2 of Halong tour, you'll continue your Halong Bay cruise, spending a full day exploring more of the stunning scenery and cultural treasures of this incredible destination. Your second day on the boat will begin with a morning Tai Chi class on the deck, a peaceful and invigorating way to start the day. After breakfast, you'll head out to explore some of the more hidden and secluded spots in the bay, away from the crowds of tourists. You'll have the opportunity to visit some of the floating fishing villages that dot the bay, getting a glimpse into the daily lives of the people who call this area home. You can also try your hand at traditional fishing techniques, such as net casting or using a bamboo basket. Later in the day, you'll have the chance to kayak or swim in some of the most beautiful and secluded spots in the bay. You can also take a short hike up to a panoramic viewpoint to get a bird's-eye view of the incredible scenery. As with the previous day, you'll enjoy delicious meals on board the boat, featuring fresh seafood and other Vietnamese specialties. In the evening, you can relax and enjoy a variety of onboard activities, such as movie night or a game of cards with your fellow passengers.

Today, you'll finish your three-day Halong Bay cruise before heading back to Hanoi and then continuing on to Hoi An. After breakfast on board the boat, you'll have some free time to relax and enjoy the scenery of the bay before heading back to the harbor. Once you've disembarked from the boat, you'll take a private transfer back to Hanoi, where you'll catch a flight to Da Nang, a coastal city in central Vietnam. Upon arrival in Da Nang, you'll be met by a driver who will take you on a scenic drive along the coast to Hoi An, a charming and picturesque town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After checking into your hotel and settling in, you'll have the evening free to explore the town at your leisure. You can wander through the lantern-lined streets, sample some of the delicious local cuisine, or simply relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of this beautiful destination.

After breakfast, you'll explore the countryside around Hoi An on a biking and kayaking tour. This is a great opportunity to get off the beaten track and experience the natural beauty and local culture of this region. Your tour will begin with a short bike ride out of town, through the lush green rice paddies and along the peaceful waterways that surround Hoi An. You'll pass by small villages, where you can stop to interact with the locals and learn about their daily lives. After the bike ride, you'll switch to kayaks and paddle along the Thu Bon River, one of the region's main waterways. You'll pass through small canals and waterways, surrounded by verdant vegetation and stunning scenery. Along the way, you may see local fishermen casting their nets or farmers tending to their fields. Your tour will also include a visit to a local village, where you'll have the opportunity to learn about traditional crafts such as weaving and pottery making.

On Day 12 of your tour, you'll have the chance to explore the charming old town of Hoi An, which is known for its well-preserved architecture and rich cultural heritage. You'll also attend a cooking class to learn more about Vietnamese cuisine and cooking techniques. Your day will start with a visit to the old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vietnam's most popular tourist destinations. You'll explore the narrow streets, lined with colorful old houses and shops, and visit some of the town's famous landmarks, such as the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Chinese Assembly Hall. After your walking tour of the old town, you'll head to a local cooking school for a hands-on cooking class. You'll learn how to prepare some of Vietnam's most popular dishes, such as spring rolls, pho (noodle soup), and banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes). You'll also learn about the different herbs and spices used in Vietnamese cuisine, and get a chance to practice your cooking skills under the guidance of an experienced local chef. Once you've finished your cooking class, you'll have the chance to sit down and enjoy the delicious meal you've prepared, along with some local beer or wine. You'll also receive a recipe booklet to take home with you, so you can continue to practice your new cooking skills and impress your friends and family back home.

Today, you'll fly from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon), the largest city in Vietnam. You'll then embark on an exciting jeep food tour, which will take you to some of the city's most delicious and authentic foodie destinations. Your tour will begin with a ride on a vintage military jeep, which will take you through the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Along the way, you'll stop at several local food stalls and restaurants, where you'll sample some of the city's most famous dishes, such as banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), pho (noodle soup), and goi cuon (spring rolls). You'll also have the chance to try some lesser-known but equally delicious dishes, such as banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes) and com tam (broken rice). As you travel through the city, you'll also have the opportunity to learn more about the local culture and history, as your guide shares insights into the city's past and present. You'll see famous landmarks such as the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and the Reunification Palace, and learn about their significance to the city and its people. Your jeep food tour will last for several hours, and will give you a unique and immersive glimpse into the vibrant food and culture of Ho Chi Minh City. Whether you're a foodie looking to try new and exciting dishes, or a culture enthusiast interested in learning more about Vietnam's history and traditions, this tour is sure to be a highlight of your trip.

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End of tour.