Indochine Culinary Expedition

This is a delicious journey of discovery amid vivid cultures and breathtaking landscapes, from Luang Prabang, with its dramatic setting on the Mekong, to stunning Halong Bay, a World Heritage Site. As we explore the royal capitals and fascinating villages of Laos and Vietnam, we enjoy special meals that showcase the local cuisine and fine dinners prepared by renowned local chefs. Our three hands-on cooking lessons—in Luang Prabang, Hanoi, and Saigon—begin with a chef-accompanied open-air market walk to buy fresh ingredients, and finish with delightful lunches of delectable Southeast Asian cuisine that we’ve learned to prepare. A fascinating whirlwind of sights, sounds, and tastes await, along with beckoning backstreets and wonderfully welcoming people.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Luang Prabang, Laos

Gilded temples, royal palaces, and French colonial architecture make Luang Prabang a striking city. We boat along the Mekong to the Buddhist caves at Pak Ou, visit a local silk-weaving community, and explore the various food markets of Luang Prabang. One evening we also take a walk up Phousi Hill to watch sunset over the Mekong.

Days 4-6
Hanoi, Vietnam

At a cooking school, we enjoy a hands-on lesson as we learn how to prepare five Lao dishes, then fly to Hanoi to explore its medieval Old Quarter, with its magnificent architecture. We also visit the 12th century Quan Thanh Taoist Temple and are joined later by Chef Didier Corlou of La Verticale Restaurant for a tour of the colorful Hom Market followed by a cooking class.

Day 7
Private Junk on Halong Bay

Halong Bay’s tiny islands are dotted with grottoes created by wind and waves. We sail around this immense bay, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the natural marvels of Vietnam. Our overnight aboard our own private junk is the perfect way to enjoy the natural beauty.

Days 8-9
Hoi An

We explore picturesque Hoi An, a port town famed for its splendid wooden houses built by prosperous European, Japanese, and Chinese merchants in the 17th century. We also visit the lively market on the quay and see fishermen bringing their catch to market in small boats.

Days 10-11
Hue

A spectacular coastal drive brings us to Hue, and we visit the Marble Mountains and the Cham Museum en route. In our explorations of this ancient cultural center of Vietnam, we visit the serene tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, set amid lovely gardens and pine groves, enjoy a lunch of local Hue specialties at the An Binh Restaurant, travel by boat on the Perfume River, and visit the moated Citadel, which formally housed the Royal Palace.

Days 12-14
Saigon

We fly to Saigon, with visits to the city’s famous sights and a foray into the bustling Ben Thanh Market with Chef Khang of Hoa Tuc Restaurant, followed by a cooking class. Depart on Day 14.

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

What the Trip is Like

This trip is Level 1+, or Easiest. It is an overland cultural adventure, and for the most part, physical activity is light but we still encourage participants to get in shape for the trip because travel to remote places does require some physical stamina. We ask that you make a special effort to bring flexibility and a spirit of adventure to this unique journey.

Explanation of Trip Levels