Morning
cooking class: The worldwide reputation of Vietnamese and French food
of the Sofitel Metropole has led to the opening of the Metropole
Cooking School. The food of Vietnam is about to be the hottest cuisine
to emerge from Asia. This exquisite cuisine is shaped by Vietnam's long
association with Chinese rule, French colonization, Southeast Asian
intrusions and her fierce individuality. Today’s class begins with a
walk, accompanied by the Chef of the Spices Garden Restaurant, to the
local market, where participants get a chance to learn all about
Vietnamese ingredients. After that, everyone rolls up their sleeves in
the kitchen to prepare a proper Vietnamese meal. After the class lunch
will be served in the Spices Garden Vietnamese Restaurant to sample all
the different dishes prepared during the class.This afternoon you will discover Hanoi with an English speaking guide. Part of your tour will include sightseeing by cyclo, a bicycle type taxi, by which you’ll discover the Old Quarter made up of the so called "36 streets," most of which are named after the crafts or merchandise traditionally sold there.
Dinner tonight at another of Hanoi’s fine restaurants. Afterwards enjoy a performance of a traditional water puppet show. This fantastic art form originated in northern Vietnam and is best seen in Hanoi. The Municipal Water Puppet Theater is located on the shore of Hoan Kiem Lake. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi City.
Morning
depart for Halong Bay, we go through the scenic countryside. The
wondrous Halong Bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic
sights. Heading out of the town we embark on a boat for an exploration
of the legendary Halong Bay. This exciting five hour cruise will
provide us a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with
the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the
clear and emerald water. The limestone karsts formations are littered
with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will
anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit
to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. Stay
overnight on the Junk Cruise
: Ha Long - Hanoi (Meals: B, L)
