The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel Hanoi’s internationally acclaimed food served as the impetus for establishing the hotel’s cooking school. The trip begins with a tour around the local market, led by the Spices Garden Chef, to explore Vietnamese products, their tastes, and how locals cook meals. This is followed by a cooking demonstration in the hotel kitchen, in which everyone participates. After class, lunch is offered in the Spices Garden Vietnamese restaurant, where students can try the various delicacies.

You will spend the day exploring Vietnam’s lovely capital. Hanoi is an eclectic blend that provides something for everyone, with its broad tree-lined boulevards, French colonial buildings, calm lakes, and ancient oriental pagodas. Your city trip will take you to the Temple of Literature, West Lake, and the tranquil Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple. Then, take in a traditional Water Puppet Performance, a one-of-a-kind Vietnamese art form originating in Southeast Asia’s wet-rice culture.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch.
Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel.

After breakfast, your driver will meet you at the hotel at 8:00 a.m. to take you on a 4-hour trip through the Red River Delta area to the spectacular World Heritage Site of Halong Bay.
Welcome aboard and begin sail across Bai Tu Long Bay while your seafood feast is prepared. Rest your gaze on the turquoise waters of this enchanting bay, where hundreds of carved limestone islands rise like dragon teeth from the seas, traveling through the scenic region near Mat Quy islet and Am islet. Mid-afternoon, arrive in Cua Van fishing village and take a relaxing bamboo boat ride around the town, which has a museum and a school amidst floating homes. Visit Tien Ong cave before returning to the ship for sunset drinks and canapés. Dinner is provided aboard the ship.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Halong Violet Cruise.

Begin the day early with a Tai Chi session on the top deck, where you will be able to take in the breathtaking dawn over the sea. Following that, you may go swimming at Soi Sim beach or join your chef for a culinary demonstration to learn more about Vietnamese food art. On the way back, enjoy a deep cruise into Bai Tu Long Bay, past Pearl Farm, Phao Dai islet, Tam Cung cave, Hon Xep islet, Dau Moi temple, and the chance to sail through the renowned L’Indochine movie location (subject to tide condition).

Enjoy buffet brunch on board before arrival to the dock.
Transfer to Noi Bai Airport of Hanoi for your departure flight. Good bye & Safe travels!
Meals: Brunch.
Accommodation: N/A.