Take the wheel on a private overnight cruise - Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Life Resorts has just launched the first of its summertime package for couples wanting a unique experience while in Vietnam: a private two-day-one-night cruise allowing guests to set their own course within Ha Long Bay’s spectacular Central, Eastern and Western Isles.

Features of the 2-day/1-night package include a night aboard the four-star Life Heritage Resort Ha Long Bay, a choice of three customizable itineraries, entrance fees to major attractions in the bay, full meals, complimentary welcome cocktails and afternoon tea, unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, as well as free use of the boat’s kayaks, snorkeling and fishing gear.

Available until Sept. 30, 2012, Life’s summer package is priced at VND 9,450,000 per couple, inclusive of taxes and service charge. 

Designed to accommodate only two guests per cruise, each of the heritage junks is a four-star floating hotel room, manned by its own four-man crew. Guests have full reign of the boat’s quarters, including a luxury cabin with panoramic windows, en-suite bathroom, swim deck, sun deck, and covered lounge area, and you can sail to any point of your choosing. Sounds like an incredible way to see the sights and immerse yourself in the beauty of this world renowned bay!

For bookings or enquiries, email halong@life-resorts.com or call +84 (0)33 6253 000.

A 12 day feast of culinary delights in Vietnam to whet the appetite

Hands up, who loves Vietnamese food? I know I do! And ask anyone who has travelled through this beautiful South-East Asian country and they will surely tell you - the food is a major highlight of the trip, and just as evocative as the landscape and the beautiful people and culture!

So here's where we welcome word on Helen Wong's Tours' latest special - a 12-day Vietnam Culinary Delights itinerary that has plenty to whet the appetites of food-loving travellers and budding chefs.

Beginning in capital Hanoi, the new itinerary from Helen Wong’s Tours’ Premium Choice programs focuses on such delectable experiences as dining at La Verticale, set in a charming 1930s villa and owned by renowned chef Didier Corlou.

In contrast, travellers will join a local farming family to learn how to make an authentic specialty savoury pancake wrapped in rice paper, amongst a host of treats, and enjoy a simple home cooked meal.

There’s also a visit to a wet market in search of fresh ingredients for another fun cooking class which focuses on herbal remedies as well as step-by-step cooking techniques.

You will also get to dine in one of Hoi An’s premier restaurants before moving to historic Hue to further tickle the taste buds at a private garden home. And there’s the perfect farewell dinner at a fine dining restaurant in Saigon. Sounds quite delectable!

The 12-day Culinary Delights tour, which also spans across to breathtaking Halong Bay and Cai Be in the Mekong Delta, is priced from $4420 per person twin share from Australia. Price includes return international flights, guaranteed five-star hotel accommodation, domestic air fares, daily breakfast and most lunches and dinners, specified transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees with English-speaking guide. 

A Vietnam visa for Australian passport holders and $420 in departure taxes, security and fuel charges (subject to change) are also included along with a Helen Wong’s Tours travel kit and cabin bag.

For more details on this and many other fab foodie travel tours, phone Helen Wong’s Tours on 1300 788328 or visit the website.