Experience Vietnam’s Best Paddling and Cuisine on an Innovative Culinary Kayaking Tour by Tofino Expeditions
Be captivated by the food, culture, and history of Vietnam’s famed Halong Bay
Salem, OR – Tofino Expeditions, a veteran commercial sea kayaking company since 1988, is announcing their 2014 and 2015 kayaking tours of Vietnam’s Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most spectacular sea kayaking destinations in the world. This innovative Vietnam kayaking trip offers travelers an unparalleled look at some of the most remote parts of Halong Bay that most tourists never see.
Paddlers will explore this beautiful landscape that boasts spectacularly scenic waterways while taking advantage of Tofino Expedition’s special logistical permissions that give travelers a chance to discover truly remote areas. As with all of Tofino’s tours, cuisine is central to the experience, and guests will discover the culture of Vietnam through its food which is comprised of a fascinating blend of classical Asian and French colonial flavors that puts a premium on the freshest ingredients. Extraordinary culinary experiences have been hand-selected for this tour, so it’s an experience for true ‘foodies’ as well as adventure lovers.
The tour begins in Hanoi, Vietnam’s 1000 year old capital, the “Paris of Southeast Asia,” where guests stay in a boutique hotel in the heart of the city’s Old Quarter. From there it’s a short walk to iconic Hoan Kiem Lake and to bustling and colorful street markets. Travelers will explore the city with expert guides and enjoy a special program that includes a morning market visit with the chef from one of the city’s best restaurants followed by a cooking class in the restaurant kitchen. Guests will visit local cafes where they will experience the country’s coffee culture and dine in a carefully chosen series of restaurants that showcase the very best of Vietnamese cuisine.
On Halong Bay participants will kayak every day, exploring this vast archipelago’s turquoise lagoons and hidden sea caves, stopping to swim in the warm jade-green water and relax on beautiful sand beaches. Visits to villages take guests into a world apart where people live their entire lives afloat. Kayaks fit right into this place where groceries come rowed door to door and small children commute to their floating schoolhouse by rowboat. The base for this part of the tour is a beautifully appointed, traditionally built 100 foot junk rigged sailing vessel equipped with spacious air conditioned double cabins with en-suite bathrooms, large deck areas for relaxation, and a dining room. Each day the special chef will prepare an array of tempting dishes made from the very freshest seafood and local ingredients.
This Vietnam kayaking trip combines some of the most beautiful and exotic paddling in the world with some of the best food in the world. Join Tofino Expeditions for an exotic, active adventure that provides unique insight into the culture, history and spirit of Vietnam. Dates: March 20-30 and October 15-25, 2014, March 19-29 and October 21-31, 2015. Price: $4350 PP.