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    SHOP EAT LOVE OUR VIETNAM


    THE ITINERARY

    20TH - 29TH MARCH 2020

    20TH-23RD MARCH. 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

    20th March 2020 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.

    21st March 2020 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 around the Old Quarter and the French Quarter are all on the agenda this morning. 

    Lunch - Hanoi is famed for its street food and there are specific dishes which are synonymous with the capital city. none more known worldwide than the ubiquitous Pho  We'll eat at one of Anthony's Bourdain's favoured Pho (beef noodle soup) joints.

    Day 2 PM Cultural and Historical Hanoi Highlights and Lakeside Dinner 

    We'll visit some uniquely Hanoian stores after lunch, then head to the historic Metropole Hotel for some photo opportunities.

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

    Mid-late afternoon - Some free time for you to further explore the streets of the Old Quarter, or perhaps relax by the rooftop pool. 

    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 take in the stunning with a glass of wine in hand. 

    22nd March 2020 Day 3 AM   Hanoi Street Food and Markets

    Our Second Day in Hanoi will be 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. 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 experiencing the traditional side of Hanoi we will head to Tay Ho (or West Lake) for our exclusive shopping and fashion events. We'll be welcomed for afternoon tea at the showroom of an ethical fashion brand, and have our own private viewing of their latest clothing and accessories collection.

    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 team. We'll get to visit the workshop, located above the showroom to watch the small team of seamstresses create magic. We'll then 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. 

    W hat 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, FASHION DESIGN & FOOD CULTURE IN HANOI


    24-27TH MARCH. 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

    24th March 2020 Hoi An Day 4 AM   Fly to Danang and then drive to Hoi An. Lunch at An Bang Beach 

    An early start to our last morning in Hanoi as we'll be heading 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 be waiting to 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. 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 and enjoying the best of all worlds that magical Hoi An has to offer.

    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. 

    Day 4 PM Hoi An Galleries, Artisans and Tailors, Cocktails and Dinner in Hoi An Old Town

    This afternoon we''ll take the short drive into Hoi An 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 maybe 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.

    Evening

    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.

    25th March Day 5 AM 

    How to Shop Ethically in Hoi An, Unique Pampering then 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 enjoy another 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 take in the ambience and history of Hoi An as we stop at the Japanese Covered Bridge and Thu Bon River. We'll make time for a mid morning refreshment break of White Rose Dumplings, one of the must-have 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. 

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

    Day 5 PM
    Free Time: 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 Option to join your hosts for a dinner at a seafront seafood restaurant, a favourite haunt for locals.

    26th March 2020 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. Of course we'll get to sit down and 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.

    Evening   We'll head back into the Old Town for the 6pm performance at the Lune Theatre, where heritage and art converge in a breath taking performance. Lune has showcased around the world in top European and Asian venues, including the Sydney Opera House. 

    To end this unforgettable stay in magical Hoi An, it's drinks and dinner close to the Lune Theatre at the signature eatery of Hoi An's famed chef and restaurateur Madame Vy. Here food becomes art and vice versa. What 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

    27-29TH MARCH. 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. 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 

    27th March   Day 7 AM Fly to Saigon and check into the charming Silverland Charner Hotel, inspired by Colonial Tea Houses 

    After breakfast we will leave Hoi An and fly from Danang to Vietnam's biggest and most modern city of Saigon, affectionately known as the Pearl of the East, or officially Ho Chi Minh City. Our driver will be waiting to take us from the airport through the bustling streets of Saigon to District One. 

    We'll have a light lunch in a pretty courtyard setting then check into the beautiful boutique hotel Silverland Charner. The hotel's charm will woo you as soon as you enter. The Silverland Charner is inspired by the tea houses of the French colonial era and exudes all the comforts and delights of a modern luxurious hotel. The hotel is located right in the thick of of District One, an oasis in a busy city.

    Day 7 PM Saigon Explore the designer stores of District 1 before a truly memorable evening of Saigon Street Food  

    We'll be heading out from the hotel on foot to explore nearby Walking Street, and the local designer boutiques in surrounding streets of District One. A few hours of retail therapy and we'll be ready to indulge in Silverland Charner's afternoon tea, or a glass of something stronger if you prefer. 

    Evening There will be some free time for you to continue shopping, or relax, before the evening's foodie event. Get ready to hit the big city the way the locals do - yes on the back of a scooter (we can provide a four wheeled alternative if required). We'll be heading out with our friends who will be showing us the best — and tastiest — bits of their city.  Literally we'll be in Anthony Bourdain style low-plastic-stall foodie heaven.

                    

    28th March 2020 DAY 8 AM Saigon District 2 Concept Stores, Fashion Boutiques and Gift Shopping

    Another Vietnamese luxurious hotel, another fantastic buffet breakfast! Judith chooses her hotels in Asia based on two things - location and breakfast buffet variety. The Silverland Charner buffet has the perfect mix of Western options and of course noodle soups, sushi and much more. Today would be a good day to really go to town on the buffet as we have a big day ahead.

    Saigon is full of surprises and there is so much more to discover below the surface when you leave District One. Our driver will pick us up and drive us to District 2 for the ultimate in 'shop till you almost drop' days! Think sustainable beauty and perfume shops, modern ceramics showrooms, beautiful concept stores, fashion emporiums, and gorgeous little shopping squares with boutiques hidden away, all waiting to be discovered. Shopping heaven.  We will of course have coffee and a lunch break between shopping.  This is Vietnam after all!

    Day 8 PM Saigon Afternoon Tea, Relax in 5 star luxury before dining at a favourite haunt of Saigon foodies where a top chef is creating innovative dishes with a modern take on Vietnamese cuisine

    By mid afternoon, laden down with shopping bags and gifts, we will be ready to head back our District One base. As this is the last full day of the tour we'll celebrate this amazing journey with champagne and afternoon tea at the Silverland Charner. Time for a quick swim in the rooftop pool, a spa treatment perhaps or a sleep before our last dinner together.

    We'll meet in the lobby at 8pm for a gastronomic end to our 8 days in Vietnam. We'll be walking a short distance to a hidden gem; an acclaimed modern Vietnamese restaurant that has become a true favourite of Saigon's foodie set. The evening doesn't end there though, as we'll celebrate our new friendships and amazing experiences, chinking glasses and taking in the sights and colours of the city below at one of Saigon's rooftop bars.

    29th March 2020 Day 9 AM Saigon Last morning to shop for Artisan Made crafts and Sustainable Fashion

    All amazing things do have to come to an end and this is the last day of Shop Eat Love Vietnam. After our last buffet breakfast we will wander back out through District One to the famous Ben Thanh Market (you have to see it!) then to one of our favourite shopping streets for those last minute purchases. If you love the Vietnamese brands showcased online at Temples and Markets you will absolutely adore the concept stores we'll visit this morning.

    Day 9 PM Saigon Sadly it's time to say goodbye to new friends and the captivating country of Vietnam. 

    If you're staying on in Saigon we can offer optional extras e.g a boat trip on the Mekong perhaps or a trip to Chu Chi Tunnels. If it's time to say goodbye to Vietnam there will be private transfers to the airport.  For those with late night departures, we can organise a share room for bag storage and pre-departure showers.  Ask us for rates for this or for extra nights if you are staying longer!


    EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK SAIGON IS CHANGING. 

    WHEN YOU TRAVEL WITH US YOU'LL FIND A TRULY MODERN AND VIBRANT CITY, A CITY FULL OF CONTRASTS.