Highlights of our Vietnam Culinary Tour
Our tour to Vietnam, focusing on the culinary and cultural delights of the country as well as expert masterclasses from Michel Roux, has come to an end. We have only heard amazing things from everyone who travelled with us, follow this link to see the adventures the group got up to. Here are some of the highlights tour leader Allan Lamb kept us up to date with on Twitter.
Departure to Vietnam
About to leave for Vietnam on a food tour and joining up with the godfather of cooking Michel Roux for masterclasses. Can't wait to get to Danang and experience La Maison 1888 run by Michel Roux and his team.
Day 1 in Vietnam – Hanoi
Just arrived at Hanoi staying at the Sofitel Metropole which is fabulous. About to embark on a cycle tour of the city!
Our great guide led us on a walking tour of the Old Quarter, we also visited Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Ngoc Son Temple and the Temple of Literature. A brilliant way to get to know this amazing city. We eat at the famous Spice Garden tonight.
Day 2 in Vietnam – Hit the streets of Hanoi for a street food tour with specialist food writer, Daniel Hoyer
Today we have a street food tour with Daniel Hoyer, a specialist food writer. We had pho (rice noodle soup) for breakfast and now are heading off to the local market.
A great lunch today sampling all of Hanoi's street food, we tried everything we found. Very busy street life, people have excellent haggling skills. Dinner tonight at Ninteen 11, located in the Hanoi Royal Opera house. We can't wait to see Michel Roux at his restaurant in Danang, our passions for food are definitely fired up.
Day 3 in Vietnam – Halong Bay
It's hot today but a massive storm has hit us so that should cool things down! Leaving for Halong Bay and our trip on one of the famous Junk boats.
Learning how to cook in the middle of Halong Bay is an experience to remember, beautiful views and delicious food. We're all going to be Michelin star chefs when we get back to the UK.
Day 4 in Vietnam – Da Nang
The storm is still with us and causing some delays for our flight to Da Nang, let's hope Michel Roux keeps the wine on ice at the Intercontinental.
Day 5 in Vietnam – Hoi An
We made it to Da Nang, and today we will be exploring Hoi An. No cars are allowed in the village and it has UNESCO World Heritage Site status, just an hour outside of Da Nang.
Looking forward for food writer Xanthe Clay to join the tour tomorrow, just in time for the masterclass with Michel Roux.
Day 6 & 7 in Vietnam – Michel Roux masterclass
Two days of masterclasses with the one and only Michel Roux, we learnt so much from him and his talented team. Lots of good tips for perfecting difficult recipes, French style food with Vietnamese influence. Half the group went with Xanthe to the market on both days, then came back for the masterclass.
Day 8 in Vietnam – Da Nang to Saigon
Off to Ho Chi Minh City today with the group and Xanthe, to experience the food of Saigon. Two of our guests, Gunnar and Eva, are celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary.
Dinner tonight at La Villa Resturant in the French Quarter of Saigon, it will be my first choice next time I visit.
Day 9 in Vietnam – Saigon
Exploring the food markets of Ho Chi Minh today with Xanthe and some of the guests, while the others are exploring the Cu Chi tunnels.
Day 10 in Vietnam – Mekong Delta (Cai Be)
We are on our way to the Mekong Delta, snacks on the coach being served Xanthe.
It was a great trip down to the Mekong Delta seeing the floating markets and how people live on the river. We had an interesting lunch - never seen fish quite like it. Then on to a rice candy factory, 50% of all of Vietnam's rice is grown in the Delta.
Day 11 in Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh City and departure
Our final lunch today with the group at Com Nieu Saigon. They serve the whole chicken, even the head! Great food and great company, sad to be leaving.
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