Indochine Culinary Expedition

Join us for a fantastic exploration of the intriguing world of Indochine: Laos and Vietnam, with an extension to the mystical temples of Angkor Wat. This expedition reveals the cultural treasures of these ancient lands, with a special emphasis on experiencing their varied culinary traditions. We explore magical places like Luang Prabang, with its dramatic setting on the Mekong, Hanoi’s medieval Old Quarter, and stunning Halong Bay, a World Heritage Site where we explore by private sailing junk. Each day we’ll also experience wonderful meals that showcase the cuisines of Indochine, from local specialties that only an insider would know about to fine dinners prepared by some of the region’s most renowned chefs. Three unforgettable cooking lessons, in Luang Prabang, Hanoi, and Saigon, each begin with a trip to a traditional market with a chef to experience first-hand the elements that make for such legendary cuisine. This is a truly varied adventure, bringing us a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and tastes, from colorful markets to ancient gold-leafed pagodas glinting in the tropical sun. Our veteran Trip Leaders, Max Holland or Mathew Smith, have lived in Southeast Asia for decades and know delightful people and out-of-the-way places that will make this a truly unique experience.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Days 1-3
Luang Prabang, Laos

The ancient royal capital of Laos and a World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang is a regal town of gilded temples encircled by mountains. Here, we stroll the atmospheric streets, visit 15th century shrines, boat up the winding Mekong River to the Buddhist caves at Pak Ou, and enjoy a market tour and cooking class with Chef Faed of the Villa Santi.

Days 4-6
Hanoi, Vietnam

In this thousand-year-old city on the Red River, bicycle rickshaws are the ideal way to explore the narrow streets of the 15th century Old Quarter. We also enjoy an unforgettable cooking class and market tour with Chef Didier Corlou of La Verticale Restaurant.

Day 7
Private Junk on Halong Bay

A World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is a magical setting of thousands of sheer limestone islands jutting out of a jade-green sea. Our overnight cruise aboard a traditional junk gives us the chance to capture the evening and early morning vistas of this ethereal setting.

Days 8-9
Hue

In Hue, Vietnam’s ancient cultural capital, we visit the majestic Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty, journey by private “dragon boat” up the Perfume River, explore the Thien Mu Pagoda, and roam the vibrant Dong Ba Central Market.

Days 10-14
Hoi An / Danang / Saigon

A spectacular drive along a magnificent coastline brings us to the riverside town of Hoi An, an enchanting place where the sense of the past is ever present. We explore narrow streets with well-preserved 17th century architecture dating and sample delicious cao lau noodles, unique to Hoi An. We continue to Danang, then on to fascinating Saigon, visiting the city’s famous sights as well as enjoying a market tour and cooking class with Chef Phuong of the Hoa Tuc Restaurant.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

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