Hectic and historic, graceful and grand, Hanoi is a city full of character - and there's no better time to see it than in the early morning. Wake up and get swept up in the buzz during the morning rush. Watch Hanoi's residents performing their morning exercise routines on the banks of Hoan Kiem Lake and perhaps stretch tired limbs in a tai chi class. Grab a bowl of pho for breakfast then discover the secrets of the country's famous cuisine during a cooking class.
Itinerary:
With our local guide we start our Hanoi cultural tour bright and early with a walk to visit Hoan Kiem Lake (or "Lake of the Restored Sword") to experience early morning Hanoi.
Hanoi history and legend has it that in the mid 15th century the gods provided the Emperor Le Thai To a magical sword to defeat the Ming dynasty Chinese invaders. Following the victory the emperor was boating on the lake when a giant tortoise reared up and took the sword, returning it to its rightful owners.
Today the lake is a gathering place for the residence of Hanoi doing their morning exercise. For those wanting to interact during our Hanoi tour we can join in on the morning activities such as tai chi. After a energetic start to the day we enjoy a traditional local breakfast – “real flavor of Pho” followed by a Vietnamese coffee at a roof top café in Hanoi’s old quarter overlooking the Hoan Kiem Lake.
Our local guide will then take us to a family run Vietnamese restaurant for a cooking class where the chef will introduce a traditional Vietnamese kitchen and the finer points of cooking local food, and is something you can't find on other Hanoi tours. Our first step in our cooking school is a walk to Hang Be food market to learn about Vietnamese cooking ingredients, from hot chilli to fresh vegetables and meats.
Once back at the restaurant our chef with the help of our local guide will teach us to cook a number of special Vietnamese dishes...no Hanoi travel experience is complete without tasting some local specialties. We will learn skills to take home with us to impress our friends. Following our lesson we sit down to a feast.
At the end of our Hanoi cultural tour you are free to continue exploring the area or your guide will assist you in getting a taxi back to your hotel.
Additional information:
Voucher exchange details:
Please present your voucher to the local guide at the beginning of the tour.
Dress standard:
Dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate.
Child policy:
Travellers should be 12 years or older for this tour.
Language:
English
Schedule details:
Duration:
6-7 hours
Start time:
6.00 AM-6.30 AM
Finish point:
At the end of the trip you are free to continue exploring the area or your guide will assist you in getting a taxi back to your hotel.
