Vietnamese Pho to Pad Thai – Food and Culture
This two-week program explores the culinary traditions and cultures of Southeast Asia through hands-on experiences in Vietnam and Thailand.
Start your culinary journey in Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll be surprised by the variety of flavours the city has to offer. You’ll discover its culinary heritage through a farm-to-table cooking class, a food walking tour, tasting signature dishes like pho and banh mi, and learning the art of famous Vietnamese coffee—from traditional drip coffee to creamy egg coffee—in a workshop. Experience the magic of the city at night on an open-roof double-decker bus. Travel out of the city to stay in the beautiful Mekong Delta region, where you’ll visit a bean-to-bar chocolate farm, an organic coconut farm, and floating markets.
Head to Bangkok, a vibrant city with a rich history, a variety of street food, and lively night markets. Learn the secrets to delicious Thai signature dishes like Pad Thai in a traditional Thai cooking class. Cruise along the Chao Phraya River with scenic views of Wat Paknam and Wat Arun. Visit the floating markets of Samut Songkhram, where you’ll cross the Me Klong River and marvel at the train market, where vendors quickly fold their stalls as the train passes through.
Visit Ayutthaya, the UNESCO-listed ancient capital of Thailand, where you’ll explore the ancient temple ruins and learn about the rise and fall of the kingdom. Spend some time with the Koh Kerd Community and learn about their traditional cooking methods and cultural significance behind each ingredient.
From Vietnam to Thailand, throughout the program, you’ll discover how food serves as a bridge between the past and present.
This program welcomes students and young professionals from all academic backgrounds, with a preference for those specializing in fields such as Culinary Arts, Food Science, Nutrition, Agricultural Studies, Hospitality Management, and Food Technology.
Program dates
Program Inclusions
- Shared accommodation with breakfast
- Airport Pickup, Induction Course and Cultural Orientation
- A series of Cultural and Industry Immersion Events
- 24/7 Emergency Support and Guidance
Why Choose This Program?
- Sustainability Insights: Understand sustainable food practices, including farm-to-table processes, organic farming, and eco-friendly food production methods.
- Community Engagement: Experience how food plays a central role in community development, from social enterprises in Vietnam to rural heritage sites in Thailand.
- Cultural Immersion: Develop a deep understanding of the historical and cultural contexts behind food traditions in Vietnam and Thailand. Visit iconic sites such as the Mekong Delta, floating markets, and historical temples, while engaging with local communities to learn about their traditions and livelihoods.
- Culinary Skills: Master the art of traditional Vietnamese and Thai dishes, learning from local chefs in hands-on workshops.
- Global Perspective: Develop a deeper understanding of how food is intertwined with history, culture, and community across borders.
- Historical Awareness: Explore the historical significance of key sites like Ayutthaya and the Mekong Delta, developing a broader understanding of the region’s past and present.
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Program Fees
$2495£2050€2375$3950$4250
Visa Requirements
Vietnam visa requirements:
As of August 15, 2023, citizens of 25 countries on this list are allowed to stay in Vietnam for 14-90 days from the time of entry without having to apply for a visa.
However, if your country is not on the visa exemption list, you will need to obtain a visa to enter Vietnam. Please speak with our Admissions Team to know more about the visa application process. Your visa & processing costs are not included in your Program Fee.
Thailand visa requirements:
Citizens of certain countries (i.e. the United States, United Kingdom, European Union nations, Australia, Canada, etc.) can enter Thailand without a visa for short stays. Check this LINK to see if your country is eligible for visa exemption. If you want to stay longer or are from countries where visa exemption doesn’t apply, please check this website for the relevant visa. We also recommend reaching out to the Thailand embassy/ consulate in your country/ city to confirm the visa type that applies to you.
Always consult the official Thai embassy or consulate for accurate and up-to-date information. All information relating to visas on CRCC Asia’s website is intended to be general in nature, and you should not base any decisions solely on the information on this website. The decision on the visa application form is solely at the discretion of the Embassy of Thailand and CRCC Asia shall not have any liability towards any applicant in the event of the rejection of their visa application.
Please note that for International Experiences Program applicants, an Advising Call is strongly suggested but not compulsory.
