view cancellation policy
Physical rating:
rating definitionsCulture shock rating:
rating definitions
Trip Valid:1 Sep 2009 to 31 Dec 2010
Also runs from:1 Jan 2011 to 31 Dec 2011
Duration:6-7 hours
Pickup location:
Pick up at centrally located hotels in Hanoi.
Pickup time:6.00 AM-6.30 AM
Drop-off location:
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.
Drop-off time:12.30 PM-1.00 PM
Highlights:
Watch Hanoi come to life with the sun, Try tai chi on the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake, Experience a different side of this hectic Vietnamese city, Savour a delicious breakfast bowl of pho, Shop for Vietnamese cooking ingredients at Hang Be market, Learn to cook tasty local dishes.
Trip Code:VUB Group size:Minimum 1, Maximum 12 Price:USD 40.00 Style:Walking & Orientation, Food, Cuisine & Market visits, Local Life & CultureHectic 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. Soak up Hanoi's culture on this fascinating half-day sunrise adventure.
Itinerary
With our local guide we start our trip bright and early with a walk to visit Hoan Kiem Lake (or "Lake of the Restored Sword") to experience early morning Hanoi.
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 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. 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. 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 the trip you are free to continue exploring the area or your guide will assist you in getting a taxi back to your hotel.
Inclusion
English speaking local guide, Entrance fees as indicated, Transport as indicated, Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunchExclusion
Items of a personal nature, Tips or gratuities for drivers or guide.Voucher Exchange details
Please present your voucher to the local guide at the beginning of the trip.Confirmation of booking
Please contact the local supplier to confirm your trip 24 hours prior to departure.Your trip
This trip is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12.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.Tipping
If you are happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid Urban Adventures destinations.Children policy
Travellers should be 12 years or older for this trip.
Language
English- Cancellations made more than 2 days prior to travel receive a full refund
- Cancellations made 2 days or less prior to travel attract a 100% cancellation fee.
Top Destinations
Check out our top destinations this month more ...Sign up now for our great deals and news
- Buy gift certificates
- Use gift certificates
Wherever we go in the world, we take a responsible attitude with us. That means travelling in a way which both respects and benefits local people, their culture and the environment. Please read on for more information on our Responsible Travel policy and how you can be a responsible traveller for your entire journey.
more ...
