SHOP eat love our vietnam

THE ITINERARY

DAYS 1-3 HANOI

DAY 1 - 3 HANOI

OVERVIEW: 2 FULL DAYS OF EATING, SHOPPING AND EXPLORING HANOI.

WE'LL BE DISCOVERING THE BEST OF SUSTAINABLE FASHION, CRAFTS AND HOMEWARES SHOWCASED IN BEAUTIFUL CONCEPT STORES AND SHOWROOMS.

WE'LL BE EXPERIENCING THE CONTRASTS IN VIETNAMESE CUISINE, FROM DELICIOUS HANOIAN STREET FOOD TO THE BEST OF MODERN VIETNAMESE AT A STUNNING LAKESIDE LOCATION.

ON DAY 2 WE'LL DELVE INTO THE SECRETS OF VIETNAMESE ETHICAL FASHION AT EXCLUSIVE EVENTS WITH VIETNAM'S FAVOURITE FASHION DESIGNERS.

ACCOMMODATION: 5 STAR APRICOT HOTEL, FRONTING HOAN KIEM LAKE

TAN MY DESIGN HANOI — *Day 1 PM Welcome to Hanoi and Vietnam*

Pick up from Hanoi International Airport. Check into Apricot Hotel, a 5 star luxurious hotel, situated on Hoan Kiem Lake, so central yet so peaceful.

Welcome: We can't wait to welcome you in the hotel restaurant for evening cocktails and canapes.

DAY 2 AM Shopping the Streets of Hanoi Old Quarter

Buffet Breakfast at the Hotel - all Hanoi favourites as well as other international breakfast dishes available. Partake in a Cafe Sua Da - traditional Vietnamese Iced Coffee - the perfect start to a Hanoi day.

Guided Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, take in the atmosphere of early morning Hanoi where locals are out walking their dogs, older Hanoians are practising tai chi and city workers are grabbing a coffee by the lake before they head off for the day. We'll walk along the lake to the red Huc bridge that leads to Ngoc Son Temple, and learn about this most iconic site in Hanoi. Lots of photo opportunities here as we look across the lake and immerse ourselves in this captivating city of lakes.

Then we'll start our shopping expedition in Hanoi: Concept Stores, Gift Stores, Designer Lacquerware and Fashion are all on the agenda this morning. We'll be checking out local artisan homewares, clothing and gifts to be found within the historic French and Old Quarters of Hanoi.

CAU GO RESTAURANT HANOI — Day 2 PM Cultural and Historical Hanoi Highlights and Lakeside Dinner

Lunch - Hanoi is famed for its street food and specific dishes which are synonymous with the capital city. It would be churlish not to stop for Pho at one of Hanoi local's top pho spots on your first day here. We'll be heading to one of Anthony's Bourdain's favoured beef noodle soup joints.

We'll visit some unique and a bit quirky stores after lunch which showcase Vietnamese artistry.

A stay in Hanoi is not complete without a visit to the city's majestic Metropole Hotel and we'll head there to take in its its history and charm.

Talking of history we'll head to the Vietnam Women's Museum this afternoon. This excellent modern museum showcases the roles of women in Vietnamese society through its 54 ethnic community groups.

Mid-late afternoon - It will definitely be time to chill out back at the Apricot Hotel, or you are welcome to spend some free time wandering the streets of the Old Quarter, or having a dip in the rooftop pool if you prefer.

Evening Drinks and Dinner will be at a sublime nearby location overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, where the Hanoi locals go for modern Vietnamese cuisine. As we share memories of our first day in Vietnam's mesmorising capital city, we'll have plenty of opportunities for photographing the stunning view with a glass of wine in hand.

HOTEL METROPOLE HANOI — Day 3 AM Hanoi Street Food and Markets

Our Second Day in Hanoi is an absolute treat. Probably best not to eat too much at the breakfast buffet this morning. as we're off on a Street Food and Market tour with a renowned Hanoian Chef. She will introduce us to her local market and some of her favourite eating haunts where we will taste the dishes and learn about their history. When in Hanoi... we will finish the morning with a traditional Vietnamese coffee. Then back to our hotel for a freshen up and change ready for a real change of scene - an afternoon of ethical fashion.

*Day 3 PM Ethical Fashion Events Tay Ho*

Having spent the first half of the day seeing the traditional side of Hanoi we will head to Tay Ho (or West Lake) for our exclusive shopping and fashion events.

Afternoon Tea and Retail Therapy combine: We will be warmly welcomed by the our friends, the founders of Future Traditions at their stunning showroom, tucked away in a hidden laneway in Tay Ho. Future Traditions clothing blends the textiles of Vietnam’s many ethnic minority communities with contemporary designs. We'll sit down for afternoon tea to hear founder Cynthia's stories of sourcing textiles from remote North Vietnam mountain communities, and we'll learn about the 'Treasures from the Shipwrecked Coast'.

https://templesandmarkets.com.au/collections/future-traditions-vietnam — For more retail therapy we'll head to The Emporium, a curation of South-East Asian ethnic fashion, jewellery, accessories, handicrafts, textiles and art from Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Lao, Indonesia and Malaysia. Proudly an all women ethical business The Emporium's female staff enjoy excellent working conditions.

Then onto our secret destination for a very special event. We'll enjoy an exclusive experience at the showroom of Vietnam's favourite design house, a popular destination for female Ambassadors, Wives of Ambassadors, Consulate Staff and lovers of unique fashion from around the world. We'll be invited to the workshop, located above the showroom to watch the small team of seamstresses create magic. We'll then get to create our own magic through block printing. We'll meet with the designers and hear how the city of Hanoi won their hearts and how, every day, it inspires their handcrafted creations. What a way to end a truly unforgettable day

After we bid a fond farewell to West Lake we will head back to the Old Quarter for a light dinner of Hanoi favourites.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN VIETNAMESE HISTORY AND FOOD CULTURE IN HANOI

DAYS 4-6 Hoi an

DAYS 4-6 HOI AN

OVERVIEW: WE'LL SPOIL OURSELVES IN BEACHSIDE LUXURY ACCOMMODATION IN HOI AN.

WE'LL TAKE IN THE BEST OF HOI AN ART, FASHION AND DESIGN, AND LEARN HOW HOI AN BECAME A CENTRE FOR ARTISTS AND ARTISANS.

WE WILL CONTINUE OUR ODYSSEY OF VIETNAMESE CUISINE, TASTING UNIQUELY HOI AN DISHES, EATING AT OUR FAVOURITE HOI AN RESTAURANTS, AND LEARNING TO COOK VIETNAMESE AT THE RED BRIDGE COOKING SCHOOL

THERE WILL BE TIME SET ASIDE FOR PAMPERING AND BEACH RELAXATION

ACCOMMODATION: 5 STAR HOI AN BOUTIQUE RESORT, AN BANG BEACH

https://www.hellohoianvietnam.com/ — Hoi An Day 4 AM Fly to Danang and then drive to Hoi An. Lunch at An Bang Beach Hoi An

An early-ish start to our last morning in Hanoi as we enjoy our final Apricot buffet breakfast, then head to the airport for a mid morning flight to Danang. We'll arrive at Danang, in the centre of Vietnam, around midday where our driver will meet us and transport us to the magical ancient city of Hoi An.

Hoi An is one of the world's most photogenic cities. The old town is now a UNESCO heritage site, and famed for its lantern lit streets and alleyways lined with ochre coloured shop houses. But only about 10 minutes out of the picturesque ancient city of Hoi An is the beach area of An Bang. This is where we'll be staying so we get to enjoy the best of all worlds that magical Hoi An has to offer.

Before spending the afternoon familiarising ourselves with the ancient town we'll sit down for a light seaside lunch and drinks at An Bang, then check into our stunning resort which we'll call home for the next few days.

http://www.vietnam-guide.com/hoi-an/japanese-covered-bridge.htm — *Day 4 PM Hoi An Galleries, Artisans and Tailors, Cocktails and Dinner in Hoi An Old Town*

We journey the short drive into Hoi An this afternoon and explore Phan Boi Chau, a a dedicated arts street lined with galleries, museums and cafes. You'll be transfixed by the photography at the Precious Heritage Art Museum, an exhibition of photographer Rehann's work featuring his years discovering Vietnam and meeting the different ethnic groups. Then we'll meet the artist behind March Gallery, who curates the work of artists from Vietnam and beyond who have a connection with Hoi An.

Hoi An is renowned as the base for artisans, tailors, shoemakers and designers. This afternoon you can opt to visit a tailoring showroom and have clothes made to measure. Also you can spend time with our favourite jeweller who will design and create your dream jewellery, or you can choose a piece from her huge collection of surprisingly affordable one off pieces. Tailoring and Jewellery will be ready to pick up by the time we leave Hoi An, and there will be time slots set aside for fittings during out stay.

We'll stay in Hoi An Town for cocktails ( or wine if you prefer) then enjoy dinner under silk lanterns, at one of those traditional ochre shophouse buildings, now converted into a gorgeous restaurant. A magical end to a magical day in your host's favourite location on earth.

Day 5 AM How to shop ethically in Hoi An, unique pampering and lunch in the rice fields

Wake up in An Bang Beach and perhaps take a stroll along the beach, or have an early morning swim. Then it's another sumptuous Vietnamese five star buffet breakfast before heading back into Hoi An Town.

Today is all about Retail Therapy as we explore the laneways of Hoi An; shop at fashion and textile boutiques, lacquerware and art galleries, and visit Social Enterprises such as Reaching Out who showcase 'Gifts that Give Twice'.

We'll stop to take in the ambience and history of Hoi An as we stop at the Japanese Covered Bridge and Thu Bon River. Also we'l have a mid morning refreshment break of White Rose Dumplings, one of the ubiquitous Hoi An dishes.

After a few hours in and out of Hoi An's best boutiques and showrooms we know you'll be ready for a bit of pampering. We have a wellness treat in store for you - a pampering experience that may well be the highlight of your Vietnam tour. But we're not going to give too much away here.

We'll head out of the centre of Hoi An for a late lunch amidst the nearby rice paddies. More photo opportunities here as the picturesque location will take your breath away,

*Day 5 PM Hoi An Beach / Pool Time Relaxation and Optional Seafood Dinner at a favourite of locals*

Chill time back at the hotel; maybe relax poolside or on the beach. Or you may wish to explore the old town at your leisure. The choice is yours.

Evening Free Time: Option to join your hosts for a dinner at a seafront seafood restaurant, a favourite haunt for locals.

RED BRIDGE COOKING SCHOOL HOI AN — Day 6 AM Hoi An Farm to Table Cooking with Red Bridge Cooking School

This morning is about fun, food and farm to table with the teachers of the Red Bridge Cooking School. We'll be taken on a guided tour of Hoi An’s colourful central market where we'll buy some of the essential ingredients for our lunch, we'll visit an organic herb farm to pick up our herbs, then take a boat trip on the Hoi An River to journey to our alfresco cooking school on the river. Then we'll be straight into our 2 hours hands on cooking class, after which we'll sit down to share the lunch we've created. Red Bridge experience 8.15-1pm

Day 6 PM Hoi An Indulge in a rejuvenating Spa Treatment then spend the evening riverside in Hoi An watching a breathtaking show followed by a dinner of innovative Vietnamese cuisine

We'll head back into the old town after Red Bridge for a well deserved pampering treatment in a serene spa location. Enjoy a rejuvenating massage or a body scrub; or you can even choose to be wrapped in banana leaves!

Back to our beach resort late afternoon for a quick unwind and change of clothes ready for our evening activities.

We'll head back into the Old Town at 5.30pm for the 6pm performance at the Lune Theatre, named because of its moon shaped big top. We'll watch in awe as heritage and art converge in a breath taking performance. Lune Productions have been showcased around the world in top European and Asian venues, including the Sydney Opera House.

To end this unforgettable stay in magical Hoi An we'll enjoy drinks and dinner close to the Lune Theatre at the signature eatery of Hoi An's famed chef and restaurateur Madame Vy. We'll taste innovative modern takes on traditional Vietnamese dishes at a riverside restaurant where food becomes art and vice versa. A perfectly appropriate conclusion to our stay in a city, known for its art and creativity.

ART, FASHION, ARCHITECTURE, SCENERY, FOOD, BEACHES, STYLE AND LUXURY.

HOI AN HAS IT ALL

DAYS 7-9 saigon

DAYS 7-9 SAIGON

OVERVIEW: IN SAIGON WE'LL BE EATING WHERE THE LOCALS EAT, AND SHOPPING WHERE THE FASHIONABLE LOCALS SHOP.

YOU'LL SEE AN UPMARKET SIDE TO SAIGON THAT MOST TOURISTS DON'T DISCOVER, AS WE HEAD TO DISTRICT 2 AND SHOP TILL WE "ALMOST" DROP AT ETHICAL BOUTIQUES AND GIFT STORES.

SAIGON IS ONE OF THE WORLD'S BEST GASTRONOMIC CITIES AND WE HAVE TO MAKE THE MOST OF THAT; WE'LL VENTURE OUT ON THE BACK OF SCOOTERS FOR A FOODIE'S ADVENTURE. THEN THE FOLLOWING NIGHT WE'LL SPEND OUR FINAL DINNER TOGETHER AT A HIDDEN GEM, WHERE AN ACCLAIMED CHEF IS REINTERPRETING STREET FOOD WITH A MODERN TWIST.

ACCOMMODATION: 5 STAR SILVERLAND CHARNER HOTEL