Morning/Afternoon
Begin your journey into Hanoi's vibrant daily life with a visit to Thanh Ha Local Market. Bustling with color and energy, this is where locals gather to buy fresh produce and daily essentials - offering you an authentic look into the city's everyday rhythm.
Continue your exploration of the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, the symbolic heart of Hanoi, and stroll through the charming Old Quarter, where narrow alleys are filled with traditional shops, cafes, and colonial architecture. As you wander through these iconic streets, you'll feel the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy.
Next, head to the historic Long Bien Bridge, an architectural relic from the French colonial era. Spanning the Red River, it connects the bustling city with the peaceful countryside, and is a powerful symbol of resilience through wartime.
Just beyond the bridge lies Banana Island, a hidden oasis of greenery and quiet farmlands in the middle of Hanoi. This tranquil spot showcases a different rhythm of life—slower, simpler, and rooted in tradition.
Continue the cultural journey with a visit to B52 Lake, where the remains of a downed American bomber plane from the war rest in silence. This site provides powerful insight into Vietnam's complex past and its enduring spirit.
Noon/ Night
Following your historical and cultural immersion, transfer approximately 15 minutes to a local host's home, where you will be warmly welcomed as a friend from afar. This personal connection adds a heartwarming layer to your Hanoi experience.
Join your host in visiting a nearby market to select fresh, local ingredients for your hands-on cooking session. You will not only observe but also participate in preparing beloved Vietnamese dishes such as fresh spring rolls, Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles), and stir-fried chicken with fish sauce.
Enjoy the fruits of your labor over a shared meal with your host family, exchanging stories and laughter. This is more than just a meal - it is an intimate cultural exchange that leaves lasting impressions and genuine memories.
NOTE: The full itinerary will include all highlights mentioned above. However, the sequence may be adjusted depending on real-time conditions to ensure the best experience. Along the way, you will also explore lesser-known secret paths to uncover a more authentic side of Hanoi, away from the usual tourist routes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
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by Tripadvisor
Hi Kate, thank you so much for your dedication, we have finally arrived home.
The trip was excellent. We had so much time learning about Vietnamese ingredients and what it takes to cook traditional dishes. It was not so hard to grasp the cooking process with expert chefs. We did amazing in creating… MoreHi Kate, thank you so much for your dedication, we have finally arrived home.
The trip was excellent. We had so much time learning about Vietnamese ingredients and what it takes to cook traditional dishes. It was not so hard to grasp the cooking process with expert chefs. We did amazing in creating food and enjoying it. Even the chefs say that we’re so talented at this. The beachside cooking class was exceptional. The very first time that I cooked in front of the calming beach and golden sands. They were all exciting and new experiences for me.
Besides the cooking sessions, we also have time to explore the cities and towns. We visited some of the most attractive sights in the region and took part in multiple activities. Like that cave in Halong Bay or some boat trip in Hue. Overall, the trip was supposed to be food-focused, but in the end, we get even more than that. We can now cook delectable Vietnamese dishes and have hundreds of spectacular photos around Vietnam. Really worth it. Thank you so much, Kate, for arranging this wonderful trip for us.
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