Flavors of Southeast Asia

(16 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Singapore, Saigon, Hoi An, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, Bangkok

Every lover of Asian cuisine, from foodie to chef, will appreciate this journey into the spice markets and frying pans of Southeast Asia, tailored, of course, to your tastes and expertise. Flavors of Southeast Asia features each region's main cultural attractions as well as food-focused touring, shopping for distinctive local goods and artisanal food products, a variety of dining experiences, and cooking classes, if desired. Accommodation is at some of the world's most extraordinary luxury hotels, all of which emphasize the local aesthetic and cuisine.

Begin in the tropical city of Singapore. During private touring with an expert guide, experience unique cultural heritage in Little India, Chinatown, Kampong Glam, Joo Chiat and other dynamic neighborhoods. Browse bustling local food markets and the best food hawker centers, sample local culinary specialties, visit the most interesting Chinese and Hindu temples, and learn about Peranakan culture and cuisine. Explore amazing contemporary architecture and design highlights such as the Marina Bay Sands complex and Gardens by the Bay, a wonderland of theme gardens, waterways and "supertrees." Also see traditional shophouses and Chinese Baroque architecture, as well as British colonial-era black-and-white buildings in the Historic District.

Other options include visiting the beautiful Botanic Gardens and National Orchid Garden, touring Jurong Bird Park, or exploring the Southern Ridges, including the elevated forest walk and Henderson Waves, an architecturally striking pedestrian walkway that offers visitors amazing views of Singapore's skyline, parks and islands. For travelers interested in art, touring can also include Singapore's top art galleries and museums such as the National Gallery Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum, Peranakan Museum, National Museum of Singapore or Museum of Contemporary Arts.

One day, enjoy a culinary tasting tour, and upon request, reservations for Asian-influenced afternoon tea at the legendary Raffles Hotel and meals at top restaurants around the city can be confirmed. Additional culinary experiences and activities can be arranged upon request.

Next, travel to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam's most dynamic city. One day, enjoy an evening street food tasting tour in different districts around Saigon. Also enjoy in-depth cultural touring. Visit interesting neighborhoods like Cholon (Saigon's Chinatown) and explore busy markets and temples. Learn about the city's history while touring French colonial-era landmarks, as well as the mid-century Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. If desired, browse the boutiques of Vietnamese designers and renowned art galleries and museums. Along the way, enjoy opportunities to stop for a refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee, or snack on a typical Vietnamese banh mi (baguette sandwich).

Continue to Hoi An, an atmospheric port town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stay at a luxury beachfront resort, and experience the best of this centuries-old town during private touring. Visit the vibrant morning market, where stalls are piled high with fresh fish and produce. Explore the colorful backstreets, and tour well-preserved historic homes, temples, the Japanese Covered Bridge and other interesting attractions. Perhaps visit a local tailor for custom-made silk clothing, a Hoi An specialty, and enjoy a boat ride on the river. Also visit the nearby Museum of Cham Sculpture, as well as the Marble Mountains, which contain Buddhist cave temples.

One day, visit a farming community famous for vegetables and enjoy a private cooking class focusing on regional specialties such as fresh spring rolls or cao lau noodles. Upon request, we can arrange additional activities in and near Hoi An, such as visits to local villages, an excursion to the Cham ruins in My Son, biking through the countryside, or a silk lantern-making lesson at a Confucian temple. There will also be time to relax and enjoy your resort's beautiful architecture, spa and beach.

Fly to Hanoi, Vietnam's fascinating capital and intellectual center. One day, meet a culinary expert to tour one of Hanoi's excellent markets and sample local street food specialties like bun cha (barbecued pork with noodles) and pho cuon (fresh herb and beef rolls). Also enjoy private cultural touring of city highlights such as the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, the House on Stilts, and Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. Take an in-depth tour of Hanoi's incredible Old Quarter, where each street was historically dedicated to a specific trade or material, such as bamboo, silk and lacquer. While touring the narrow streets, learn about the history of the Old Quarter and its traditional architecture, and see how it has transformed into a fashionable district with cafes, art galleries and boutiques featuring the finest Vietnamese design and style. Explore Hoan Kiem Lake and leafy backstreets lined with beautiful French colonial-era buildings, many of which are now upscale restaurants.

Next, spend several days in rural Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand. Stay at one of Asia's most luxurious and atmospheric resorts, surrounded by mountains and lush fields of terraced rice paddies. Enjoy a private cooking class with a master chef and learn the nuances of northern Thai cuisine through dishes like larb muang moo (spicy ground pork salad); khao soi(coconut milk-based curry noodle soup); and som tum (green papaya salad). During private touring, visit a revered mountaintop temple and see monks collecting their morning alms. Also browse craft districts specializing in celadon ceramics, silver, teak furniture, paper umbrellas, and beautiful silk weavings. 

Alternatively, take an excursion to an elephant sanctuary. In the evening, explore the bustling night market and its many street food stalls. Other optional activities can be arranged, upon request, such as golfing, hiking, shopping excursions, family activities, in-depth Buddhist experiences, and more.

Conclude with comprehensive touring in Bangkok. Visit the most important temples to learn about Buddhist practices and influences on daily life. Hear monks chanting at a morning ceremony and visit palaces and noted museums. Explore colorful markets selling textiles, flowers, Buddhist items and crafts as well as unique floating markets selling fresh produce and snacks. 

One night, take a private tour to experience some of Bangkok's best street food. Another night, perhaps enjoy contemporary cuisine at a top restaurant in the city. There will also be time to enjoy one of the world's leading spas, swim and shop for exquisite Asian art.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world