HANOI

THE WATER PUPPETS OF DAO THUC VILLAGE

Originating from the 10th century, water puppetry is a unique folk art that cannot be found anywhere in the world but Vietnam. Although the ancient art has been around for over 300 years in Dao Thuc village, the craft made a comeback thanks to one of artisans, Mr. Phong.

Escape the crowds to reach the charming Dao Thuc village and upon arrival, drop by a puppet making workshop and meet Mr. Phong to learn how he and his family bring this traditional art out to the world. Enjoy a private 30-minute outdoor water puppet show on the village pond with live traditional orchestra music background accompanied as the puppeteers stand chest-deep in the water to manipulate puppets.

ART EXPERIENCE

Contemporary Vietnamese art is a mixture of Eastern techniques and European influences. Meet with an art curator for a glimpse on how artists integrate the traditional into the modern to express themselves in new ways. Start at the Hanoi Fine Arts University for an overview of where future artists learn their craft before heading to the Fine Arts Museum for a discovery of Vietnamese art and its development. Visit modern galleries including Apricot Gallery and Salon Natasha.

HALONG BAY BY PRIVATE YACHT

A UNESCO Natural Heritage Site, Halong Bay covers an area of 43,400 ha (168 sq mi) including over 1,600 islands and islets, most of which are uninhabited and untouched. Halong (literally ìwhere the dragon descends into the seaî in Vietnamese) is world renowned for its spectacular seascape of limestone pillars complemented by its biodiversity, home to 14 endemic floral species and 60 endemic faunal species. Board your luxury Yacht for a cruise amongst the stunning islets that soar from the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Towering limestone pillars and tiny islets topped by forest along with wind- and wave-eroded grottoes add to the enchantment of this breathtakingly beautiful region.

YOGA AND MEDITATION PRACTICE

Choose either early morning or late afternoon, wind your way to a peaceful pagoda situated on the bank of West Lake, which is the perfect location for a serene yoga and meditation experience. Meet with your private yoga & meditation instructor who will share with you a spiritual meditation. Join our expert to learn the best way to breath in and breath out, bend your body with a great combination of mind and spirit interaction.

HUE

EXPLORE THUY BIEN ECO VILLAGE

Thuy Bieu village is a hidden gem of untouched nature and culture. The village features a unique housing style of Hue, the ìgarden homeî with small cottages hidden in verdant gardens, long gates and fences carved out of ornamental trees. A visit to Thuy Bieu Eco-village offers an enchanting opportunity to immerse in the beauty and culture of Hue, its picturesque landscape along Perfume river, lush rice fields, craft villages and gardens, and by interacting with local families.

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Inherited from the days of Nguyen Dynasty, a Royal martial arts performance is held in a garden within the grounds of a private martial arts school. Observe a performance of different martial arts before continuing to the studio/home of a celebrated artist that specializes in lacquer painting. Admire over 250 sculptures, embroidered pictures and other pieces made of precious metals and wood at the private home of a renowned academic and sculptor, the late Diem Phung Thi, before visiting a historical village to learn about silk embroidery. A unique way to witness the creative and spiritual life of artists and craftsmen of Hue. For a change of scene, visit the artisan Mr. Triet Do, a famous expert at Enamel Hue and learn about his endeavour to restore this way of art by combining industries of many sectors of handicrafts. Take the opportunity to see the complete process of making a stunning Phap Lam product, create your own with the expert guide of the master.

ZEN

Discover the roots of zen architecture and practice mediation with a Zen master in her private home dedicated to the worship of peace. Known as Cat Tuong Quan (translated as ìThe gentleman who brings joyî), the Zen House offers a range of activities intended to relax both mind and body such as yoga and meditation classes and the more unique Qigong, a series of exercises and breathing techniques. For someone looking for a place to escape from normal life and recharge, there is no better place than this.

FOLK ART

The stunning home of professional artist, Mr Tan, is an affair of the art! Everything in his house and garden, from the artworks to the plants and rocks, has been arranged in an artistic way to fuse art and nature. Browse through paintings and wander through the garden to see the water features to enjoy the peace and serenity. Mr Tan will take us through the history of Vietnamese art, while offering an engaging way to explore the art of Hue.

PORTRAITS OF HUE

Hueís beauty is not just reflected in its ancient architecture, but also in its people. On this experience, meet to characters who are preserving and honouring the unique cultures and traditional arts of Hue. Firstly, Mr Vinh Tho who was born into the royal family and is a distant relative of Emperor Thieu Tri. He and his wife are well known as experts in the traditional art of Vietnamese calligraphy. Mr Truong Quang Kim is another larger than life character – full of energy, he is a master of ëVo Kinhí, a martial art which was practiced by the Royal Guards during the Nguyen Dynasty. Having opened his school to teach to orphans, together they put on performances that are famous throughout Hue.

HOI AN

EPICUREAN

Learn the secrets of preparing a traditional Vietnamese meal starting  with a market visit and cooking class. Your private chef will share shopping tips  before a cooking demonstration at an elegant colonial building. Participate in an entertaining hands-on  class for a truly immersive culinary experience.

FLOATING CANDLELIT DINNER

Cam Thanh Village is now an urban ward of Hoi An. Surrounded by peaceful villages, idyllic rivers and lush water coconut palms, this little port town supplies seafood, vegetables, and rice for the area. Take a short drive away from the hustle and bustle in downtown to Co Co river. A rowed basket boat ride will bring you to the floating stationary bamboo raft. Indulge yourself in a relaxing BBQ meal while enjoying sparkling river with glassy surface under sunset (for dinner), cool breeze and immerse water coconut jungles.

CULTURE

My Son is one of the most ancient Hindu temple sites in South East Asia, the site includes 20 buildings of relevant historical importance. For the Cham civilization that ruled Central Vietnam from the 2nd to the 13th century, My Son was an important religious site and place of worship. The temples are set in a verdant valley surrounded by hills at the feet of the impressive Cat Tooth Mountain. With an art historian stroll around this UNESCO listed complex to learn about the Cham culture, architecture, and civilization.

A ROMANTIC JOURNEY BY RAIL – THE VIETAGE

Steeped in luxury and inspired by the timeless romance of rail travel, The Vietage celebrates the art of the journey. Embark in a newly refurbished 12 seats luxury train for a unique  adventure. When your adventure ends, you will be arriving at one of two vastly different, but equally charming, Central Vietnam destinations: the UNESCO-listed heritage town of Hoi An with its shophouse-lined alleyways, glowing lanterns, traditional teahouses, and perfectly preserved architecture.

The golden shores of Quy Nhon await top celebrate tranquil coves, verdant national parks, and ancient temples. Settle into seaside relaxation or venture out and explore the rich coastal culture of Central Vietnam.

NHA TRANG

WELLNESS

Nha Trangís natural mud and hot springs are believed to offer therapeutic benefits for skin as well as other health benefits. The natural mud is warm, liquid and perfect for soothing sunburn and rejuvenating the skin. Experience it in the privacy of an open-air room before jumping off to wash off in natural spring water. Linger around on day beds or enjoy a splash in the pool for a truly rejuvenating experience.

CATAMARAN EXPLORATION OF THE COAST

Explore the islands around Nha Trang, in a comfortable sailing escape with stops near the southern islands in the Natural Reserve with uncrowded snorkelling around the underwater coral reefs, laid-back fishing, and an excursion to a floating fish farm. The perfect way to make you vacation in Nha Trang unforgettable and unique.

HO CHI MINH SAIGON

SAIGON CITY TOUR BY VINTAGE CAR

Saigon is the countryís commercial centre and, with over eight million inhabitants and four million motorbikes, a city that never sleeps. Despite the well-documented hustle and bustle, Saigon retains its connections with the past. Driven in a charming vintage car to visit the cityís highlights is one of the most wonderful and lavish way. Sit back and enjoy a city tour to admire Saigonís historic landmarks including the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires based on the original construction from Paris. Head across the square to the Central Post Office, designed by the French architect, Gustave Eiffel before continuing the visit with the former Presidential Palace: the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the war. Further, head to the War Remnants Museum for a vivid insight of the American war through the localís eyes

SAIGON ART EXPERIENCE

Together with the museum curator, visit the ochre-coloured Fine Arts Museum to learn more about the past, present and future of the arts movement in Vietnam. Head to Ben Thanh Art & Frame gallery to admire contemporary artworks. Then drive to the private museum of the art collector – Duc Minh, which displays striking works of young artists and provides an overview of the flourishing Vietnamese arts scene. Drop by Tu Do Gallery, opened in June 1989 as Vietnamís first private art gallery. Tu Do specializes in oils, silk paintings and lacquerware, and has over 1,000 pieces across its five showrooms of works by city artists.

VINTAGE CU CHI & THE ANTIQUES OF INDOCHINE

Take a speedboat via the Mekong to the Cu Chi District ñ known for its infamous tunnels built by the Viet Cong soldiers during the war. On the way, pass by riverside homes and take a voyeuristic peek into the world of modern Saigonese living in the city contrasting to those in rural Mekong areas. Explore the Cu Chi tunnels with a private guide, jump on a vintage jeep to explore the countryside safari before returning to the city in a private airconditioned vehicle. Reserve your appetite as you arrive to Villa Royale ñ a famed teahouse and antique store set up to indulge in a high tea and interaction with its Australian founder to learn about the exhibited antiques items.

SENSORY DISCOVERY IN THE DARK

Start a relaxing yet insightful afternoon with a massage provided by blind wellness practitioners. As you unwind, release the stress of the outside world completed with an early dinner served purely in the dark by the team of vision impaired staff of Noir. Dine in the dark to discover how your taste buds react to the tantalising flavours of Vietnamese food while supporting Noir Alley ñ a social enterprise hub based in Ho Chi Minh City that supports underprivileged people with disabilities gain skills within a comfortable and  high end environment. Complete the experience with a purchase of fresh flowers or a coffee especially made by the organization.