What regions of Vietnam does this kosher tour cover?

This 10-day luxury itinerary takes travelers through the cultural heart of Hanoi, the limestone karsts of Halong Bay, and the coastal scenery of Central Vietnam near Danang. Guests experience a blend of historic urban exploration, UNESCO World Heritage water tours, and high-end beach resort relaxation.

How are the kosher dining logistics handled during the trip?

Kashrut is managed by a dedicated team of chefs and mashgichim who travel with the group. All meals are prepared fresh on-site to maintain 5-star fine-dining standards. The program utilizes glatt kosher meats and pas Yisroel baked goods, with a full-time mashgiach present for all food preparation to ensure no pre-cooked or brought-in meals are used.

Is Chalav Yisroel dairy available on the tour?

While the tour typically uses high-quality milk based on the halachic rulings of Rav Moshe Feinstein zt'l, Chalav Yisroel options can be arranged in most locations upon special request. It is recommended to coordinate this with the organizers prior to departure.

Who is the target audience for the Best of Vietnam Luxury Tour?

The tour is designed for Jewish travelers seeking a luxury experience that bridges the gap between exotic adventure and strict halachic observance. It is particularly suited for those who prioritize high-end accommodations, professional concierge services, and gourmet glatt kosher cuisine while exploring Southeast Asia.

What are some of the itinerary highlights included in the journey?

Participants can enjoy a unique drink on the famous 'Train Street' in Hanoi, take a luxury cruise through Halong Bay with opportunities for kayaking and visiting floating villages, and witness the changing of the guard at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The latter portion of the trip focuses on the serene beaches and cultural sites of Central Vietnam.

BEST OF VIETNAM LUXURY TOUR

January 13-22 2025

✡ GLATT KOSHER

Location: Hanoi, Hanoi, Vietnam

Organizer: Gourmet Kosher Safaris

About

Day 1 ARRIVAL IN HANOI - LUXURIOUS WELCOME

Arrive by late morning and enjoy a unique afternoon tour of Vietnam's charming and bustling capital, with the focus on its charming and historic Old Quarter. Walk along the magnificent lakefront, enjoy a drink on the famous "Train Street† while waiting for the train to pass almost too close for comfort, and have a chance to watch the changing of the guard at the famous Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

DAY 2-4 HALONG BAY

Over the next three days, we enjoy the magnificent sights and sounds of one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, the icon Halong Bay World Heritage Site. Whether we choose a houseboat or luxury-villa based stay, our days are spent on the waters of this sub-tropical paradise, admiring the massive karst stone island formations, visiting magnificent caves with incredible rock formations, and climbing up to magnificent viewing points.

We shall have a chance to kayak on the crystal-clear waters and visit a floating village, all the while surrounded by the constantly present yet forever changing sights of this truly unique wonder world.

On Thursday, an afternoon flight takes us from Haiphong Port to Danang, gateway to the riviera of central Vietnam, for the next leg of our exciting journey.

DAY 5-6 CENTRAL VIETNAM COAST

On Friday, we slow down the pace to give you a chance to enjoy the amazing facilities and surrounding area of one of Central Vietnam's magnificent beach resorts.

Those desiring a more cultural experience can enjoy a day trip to the Imperial City of Hue, and its famous palace, or to the mountain wonderland of Bana Hills, site of the famous Golden Hand Bridge, a truly phenomenal work of engineering. We then enjoy a special Shabbat with all the trimmings in an incredibly unique and wonderful setting.

DAY 7 HOI-AN-COUNTRU AND AUTHENTIC VILLAGE LIFE

We head out this morning for a day packed with new and fascinating experiences as we head to the ancient port town of Hoi An.

Our route will take us past the coastal town of Danang via the Hai Van Pass, one of the most scenic drives in Vietnam that offers breathtaking stops along the way and numerous moments to appreciate the natural wonders of Vietnam.

Our touring experience will combine amazing fun activities, like exploration of the charming pastoral countryside of Hoi An on a bicycle and hopping into a round basket boat to float through the river communities, villages and water coconut forests, as well as supper at the local Chabad in Hoi-An en-route to the Danang Airport.

A late evening flight takes us South to Vietnam's buzzing commercial capital, Ho Chi Minh City, still known to the locals simply as Saigon.

DAY 8 SAIGON/CU CHI TUNNELS

As we drive through the city centre from the airport, the city buzz gives way to the tranquil countryside, while we drive towards the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels, where the Viet-Cong taunted American troops so many years ago. With modern Vietnam's great new friendship with the U.S., there is the chance to see the history from a local perspective, during a fascinating tour of the tunnels and its jungle surroundings.

We return to the city and check into our magnificent hotel to freshen up for dinner and an evening multi-sensory experience exploring the lit-up streets of this modern capital.

DAY 9 MEKOND DELTA EXCURSION

After a delicious breakfast at our hotel, we leave bustling Saigon once again for a scenic drive through the picturesque countryside to Ben Tre Province for a memorable day of exploration.

We meander through the waterways lined with enchanting scenery of fruit orchards and coconut groves on a tranquil cruise along the Ben Tre River, get to taste the tropical fruits cultivated by local farmers, and visit a local village.

Our discovery of the heart of the Mekong Delta today also includes other special experiences, such as a motorized rickshaw or bicycle ride through the charming villages, verdant rice fields and expansive plains, enabling you to feel the rhythm of rural life as you traverse this captivating landscape.

Back in Ho Chi Minh City, we conclude yet another incredible day with a sumptuous dinner at the hotel.

DAY 10 SAIGON

Following a final breakfast spread, we enjoy a tour of the highlights of this world-class city, including the unification palace, and the impressive war museum.

After lunch , you have some free time shopping for Vietnamese bargains, and will be transferred to the airport approximately three hours prior to your international flight home.

Rooms & accommodation

Vietnam

Kashrut & dining

Our highly trained team of guides, chefs and mashgichim accompany each group to some of the finest hotels in every region, creating meals of fine-dining experiences that would be the envy of any top-notch restaurant."‹

You will be accompanied and attended to through every stage of the journey with our personalized concierge services. Our fully inclusive 5-star trips include not only three lavish meals per day, but also soft-drinks, fine wines, snacks on excursions, and many other special touches.

Our meals are prepared fresh on site in the presence of a full-time mashgiach. At GKS there is no pre-cooked food brought in from the cities, and certainly no doubling up of the guide or host as mashgiach.

All meat is glatt by default, fresh baked products are pas Yisroel. Regular milk is only used when our kosher certifier permits it on the basis of the ruling of Rav Moshe Feinstein zt'l. Chalav Yisroel lechumra is available in most venues on special request.

When local quality kosher baked goods are unavailable, our own pastry chef bakes fresh breads and pastries daily.

Activities & entertainment

Ho Chi Minh City

Location

Address: Hanoi, Vietnam

Contact

Organizer: Gourmet Kosher Safaris
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone: +972-52-392-1883
WhatsApp: +972523921883
Email: [email protected]
Website: ttps://www.gourmetkoshersafaris.com