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 Mandai Bird Paradise, 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.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Singapore VIP arrival assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 2 Singapore Full-day private cultural and tasting tour Day 3 Singapore Half-day private tour Day 4 Singapore – Saigon, Vietnam Private transfer to airport for VIP departure assistance and flight to Saigon (flight not included). Fast-track assistance through immigration. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 5 Saigon Full-day private city tour. Evening Vespa street food tour Day 6 Saigon – Hoi An Private transfer to airport for flight to Da Nang. Private arrival transfer to Hoi An resort for 2 nights. Afternoon private tour of Hoi An Day 7 Hoi An Morning private cooking class. Afternoon visit to local villages Day 8 Hoi An – Hanoi Private transfer to Da Nang airport for flight to Hanoi. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights. Afternoon tour of Old Quarter Day 9 Hanoi Full-day private city tour, including historic highlights and market visit and culinary touring. Evening water puppet or opera house performance Day 10 Hanoi Morning private cooking lesson. Afternoon flexible touring and shopping Day 11 Hanoi – Chiang Mai, Thailand Private transfer to airport for flight to Bangkok. VIP airport assistance through immigration and connecting flight to Chiang Mai. Private arrival transfer to resort for 3 nights. Reservation for Chef's table or traditional Khantoke dinner Day 12 Chiang Mai Option for sunrise alms-giving. Full-day private tour of town, temples and craft districts or private excursion to elephant sanctuary. Private round-trip transfer to night market Day 13 Chiang Mai Morning Thai cooking lesson and market tour Day 14 Chiang Mai – Bangkok Private transfer to airport for flight to Bangkok. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights. Afternoon private city tour, including private longtail boat ride Day 15 Bangkok Full-day private city tour including street food tour Day 16 Depart Thailand Private airport transfer. VIP departure assistance

Hotels

Singapore: Raffles Hotel Singapore, Marina Bay Sands or Fullerton Bay Hotel Saigon: Park Hyatt Saigon or The Reverie Saigon Hoi An: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai Hanoi: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel or Capella Hanoi Chiang Mai: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai Bangkok: Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok or Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River

Cost

$24,365 Per person (double occupancy)