ART

FOOD

CULTURE

 Specialty itineraries designed to enhance your creativity

Experience

Colour, Food, Textiles, Architecture, Markets, Living Culture & the Arts

Slow Travel with your host Anna Barnes

artist, chef & anthropologist

Anna’s Creative Silk & Spice Journeys

Discover the rich tapestry of the Silk Roads and Spice Routes, where trade and culture intertwined across vast distances. We Slow Travel to one destination at a time. This journey takes you to Key Areas of the ancient pathways that connected the East and West, fostering the exchange of goods, ideas, and artistry.

Embrace the stories of traders and explorers who traversed these routes, and find inspiration in the landscapes that shaped global connections for centuries.

Experience the vibrant markets filled with exquisite textiles, aromatic spices, and unique crafts, each bearing the mark of the cultures they represent. Join us for workshops and Creative Sessions that celebrate this legacy through travel sketching, Photography and nature journalling, capturing the essence of these historic routes while exploring their impact on food, art, and culture.

Anna’s Creative Silk & Spice Journey

Central Vietnam

Small group (max 8), all inclusive, meticulously designed 9 night/10 day experience.

Anna Barnes

Anna’s Instagram

HOI AN, DONG GIANG, HUE & DANANG VIETNAM

Anna Barnes - January 6th- 15th, 2025

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Anna Barnes

Your Host, founder of Anna’s Art, Food & Culture Experiences

Your host Anna Barnes (founder of ArtFoodCulture, chef, artist and long-term traveller to Vietnam) has built a network of contacts over the years that will enable you to experience Vietnam with greater insight than with your regular tour. We go behind the scenes, interact with families, learn creative skills, and taste some of the best food Vietnam has to offer.

4 Nights

Hoian, an ancient trading port in Vietnam, boasts a rich heritage steeped in silk, spices, and diverse cultures. Established as a bustling centre for commerce, it drew merchants from various corners of the world, including China, Japan, and Europe, fostering a unique blend of architectural styles and traditions. The vibrant streets are lined with well-preserved historical buildings, reflecting the town's historical significance and the lucrative silk trade that once flourished there. Hoian's cultural tapestry is further enhanced by its culinary delights, influenced by centuries of trade and interaction, making it a living testament to the confluence of history and culture in this remarkable coastal city.

  • Each morning we will venture out with our Expert teacher and Anna to participate in carefully curated experiences so we can enjoy the town, people and culture. From this we gather our inspiration for our creative workshops. You learn on location in a variety of exciting, interesting, peaceful and historical settings.

  • The streetfood represents its people. The streetfood represents its culture.

    We eat the freshest and best local food in Hoi An. The local food is time based, which means food stalls “pop up” and serve local seasonal dishes until all sold out. Vendors specialise in serving one dish only, and over generations, have mastered them to perfection.

    You will eat in local restaurants, at street food stalls, in family homes, in a workers cafe, bbq by the river, local trendy fusion food, and high end creative tourist restaurants. Tastes and samples will also be offered as we pass by interesting options.

    Anna’s first career as a chef led her to work in Sydney’s small specialty restaurants. Her focus was to capture the regional food styles of the cuisines and cultures her menus were based on. Understanding the full breadth of the gastronomy, the traditions and the history provides insight into another culture. Anna’s greatest joy is learning about culture via cuisine, and passing that information onto curious guests.

    You will experience foods and flavours that will develop your curiosity, delight your taste buds and be a sensory experience savoured for years to come.

    Anna has sketched the food & vendors and developed relationships with them. Anna looks forward to introducing you to them.

    Anna will discuss with guests a variety of interesting topics such as:

    The History of Vietnamese Cuisine

    The influence of Occupation on Cuisine

    Ethnic groups and Regional Variations

    The Foodways of modern Vietnamese Cuisine

    Impacts of Tourism on Food Production

    Rice Farming and the manufacture of its products

    Buddhist Veganism in Vietnam

    Culinary appropriation, privilege & food choices

    Seafood in Vietnam

    Seasonal, locally grown and backyard production

    Vietnamese diaspora Cuisine and what you can cook at home

  • The best part of an Anna’s Art, Food & Culture Experience is connecting with the culture. The people of Central Vietnam have a fascinating history, a delightful way of life and always a warm friendly smile for visitors. Learn to see what we experience, experience what we see, participate in hands on activities, and connect with the people and their lives to further develop empathy and a rich satisfaction during our time spent in Vietnam.

    Anna has spent much of her life learning about cultures other than her own, from exchanging snail mail with 22 pen pals as a child, studying for her degree in Social Anthropology, and working as a professional chef with an interest in a range of cuisines, to amassing an enormous library of books on Vietnam and developing a deep love for Vietnamese culture. She will delight in helping you access a deeper understanding of another culture.

  • Co Tu Village

    We visit a Co Tu village (one of 54+ ethnic groups in Vietnam). Experience the fascinating hospitality, culture and nature of the Co Tu people. A village of just 315 people whose lives are ruled by the seasons just as they have been for time immemorial. Traditional agriculture, especially the cultivation of sticky rice and vegetables dominate local life. The ancient practice of weaving can be seen everywhere, from the sturdy yet decorative clothing to buildings woven in a way that resists the very elements themselves. The largest and most decorative of these are the Guol and Moong houses. In the middle of the village common a totem pole stands as a silent witness to harvest festivals, marriages and funerals.

    We enjoy lunch in a traditional communal house (private to us) located directly inside the village.

    We have the opportunity to swim in the river with the kids.

    We meet Anna’s good friend Thin, who will take you on a village walk.

    You can enjoy the local cafe and take time to sketch and relax

    We are privileged to be entertained by the elders stories, local music and dance traditions, also being given the opportunity to participate.

    We stay overnight in a traditional homestay house on stilts, enjoying the hospitality of the Co Tu families.

    You dance around the bonfire, drink locally brewed rice wine, dance the Co Tu way (they will show you how) and eat succulent marinated skewers cooked directly over the fire.

  • 9 Nights Accomodation Included

    • HOI AN

      4 nights at Anna's friend Linh's Homestay

    • DONG GIANG

      1 night in the Co Tu village

    • HUE

      3 nights in a 5 star hotel in the Imperial City

    • DANANG

      1 night in a modern beachfront eco hotel

  • 6:30am Optional Market/Nature Walks

    7:30-8:30am Breakfast

    9am-12pm Art Workshop OR Tour/Free Sketching time

    12:30pm Lunch

    1-4pm Tour/Free Sketching time OR Art Workshop

    6-8pm Dinner

    *Subject to change pending best choices re weather and local circumstances.

  • Small group of 8 ensures you will receive plenty of personal tuition during the sessions

    9 nights accommodation in Central Vietnam

    Fully hosted by Anna Barnes of Art Food Culture. Chef, Artist & Anthropologist.

    9 breakfasts

    8 lunches

    9 dinners

    Ongoing creative sessions led by Anna, plus extra help when we have free time sketching sessions on location.

    Vietnamese (and English speaking) Licensed International Guide on all outings

    Private licensed, insured, air conditioned van trips with our dedicated driver

    Entry ticket to Hoi An Ancient Town

    2 days 1 night in a village with the Co Tu Ethnic people

    Sunrise riverboat trip

    Authentic Fishing Village Experience

    Organic Herb Village Cooking Class

    Rice Paper Making

    Ancient Temples

    Heritage Houses

    Riverside BBQ Dinner

    Guided Market Tours

    Family home shared meals

    Genuine Market Experiences with Sketching

    Fusion Cuisine & Fine Dining

    Ethnic Weaving

    Bonfires & Rice wine

    Dancing and Village Walks

    The Imperial City Hue tour

    Com Hen Island

    Anh Dinh Palace

    Cultural Heritage Copper & Enamel Workshop

    Conical Hat (Non la) and Traditional Dress (Ai Dao) free private workshop visit and shopping

    Private Jazz Club and Cocktails

    Sunset Riverboat along The Perfume River

    Private Tour of Le Ba Dang's Art Gallery (memory space)

    Seafood Dinners

    The Giant Lady Buddha (Chua Ling Ung)

    Danang's Dragon Bridge at Night

    Famous Street food Che in Hue

    And SO MUCH MORE!

    Drinking Water will be made available. Please bring your own stainless steel refillable bottle. Say NO to straws and single use plastic.

    Transfers via private car to and from airport at your chosen time (if arriving from Danang and going directly to our Villa and back again within 48hrs of start and finish times)

  • International airfares

    Visas

    Travel insurance

    Beverages- alcohol and imported soft drinks 

    Extra activities and tours organised in your free time (at your own cost)

    Personal expenses, laundry, minibar, tips, extra nights accomodation etc.

    Tips and gratuities (not compulsory)

    Anything not mentioned in the Included list

  • Central Vietnam.

    The closest airport to our starting point in Hoi An is Danang. Airport code for Danang is DAD.

    Our Experience begins at 4pm on the first day advertised in Hoi An.

    Please ensure that you have arranged your airline tickets so you arrive with plenty of time to settle in before we begin.

    The Experience ends at 10am (checkout from hotel is noon) on the last day advertised. You will need around 30 minutes to transfer to Danang Airport, and a few hours for check in (check with your individual airlines guidelines).

    We will pick you up in a private car upon arrival and bring you to your Villa in Hoi An. (45min drive)

    It is imperative you arrive in time for our first night of festivities.

    If you need help organising your transport from your home town to the retreat please email or call Anna. We provide travel agents details to help you navigate the details, or take care of everything for you.

    Onward travel and additions to your itinerary can be organised for you. Please get in touch should you wish to explore other areas of Vietnam. Anna knows them well and has many good people to connect you with.

  • All prices in USD.

    Small group Max 8

    A $500 non refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot. (Fully refunded if Art Food Culture cancels the trip).

    Private Room with Ensuite USD$3400

    Twin Travellers US $3250 (when booking two places at the same time)

    *Please note the overnight experience in the Co Tu Village is in a traditional homestay room. This is a stilt house on the upper floor in a communal room. You will all have your own mattress, blanket and pillow, with your own mosquito net covering. There are "privacy" curtains separating all the mattresses. The toilet and shower (cold water only) is on the ground floor. It is safe, fun and worth the small discomforts for the incredible experience.

Itinerary

  • We begin at 4pm. Enjoy a welcome drink and snacks. Your Host Anna and Tutor look forward to meeting you. Meet each other & connect.

    We enjoy a delicious Vietnamese meal in the Villa carefully prepared by in house chefs. Learn to wrap and roll, how and why what is rolled and what is dipped into what where.

    Then we meet our trip guide, and take our private van heading into the UNESCO town, around 10 mins drive. An evening walking tour with our guide, enjoying the beautiful colourful lanterns riverside, and exuberant energy of Hoi An at night.

    We try a delicious Vietnamese dessert called Che, learn about the 54 ethnic minority groups of Vietnam, and have the opportunity to take photos, videos and sketch.

  • We wake early for a sunrise riverboat to the fishing village. You will try a fishermans style coffee, and local breakfast (Fishermans style banh mi) and be right in the thick of the energy and colour of a typical fishing market of Central Vietnam.

    Time for your first workshop, and to sketch, photograph and wander. Our guide will help you go deeper.

    Lunch is a workers style family lunch, far away from tourists, right next to the taxi drivers, office workers and construction workers of Hoi An.

    Afternoon we relax in the Herb Village, learn a few basics of Vietnamese cuisine, the fish sauce chill garlic dipping sauce, rice paper wraps, and frying spring rolls.

    Dinner is a local eatery riverside BBQ dinner where you learn all about Nhau-the eateries where Vietnamese go to casually socialise, eat and drink.

    We try BBQ fish and squid, delicious mango salad, crispy pork belly and learn about the etiquette of eating Vietnamese style.

  • We arrive in the Old Town before the tourists do, and have our creative session with your tutor in a street cafe with the locals, right amongst the historic yellow buildings.

    Pho for breakfast, the national dish of Vietnam, of rice noodles, beef broth and rare beef with mountains of fresh herbs, a squeeze of lime, sprouts and chilli.

    After breakfast we have designed a wonderful walking tour of the Old Town of Hoi An, visiting historical temples, ancient houses and discovering the alley ways and hidden gems of the yellow city. Try the Hoi An dumpling named "white rose".

    Lunch is a modern style fusion restaurant in Anna's friends grandparents house, down a secret laneway of the UNESCO heritage town.

    Afternoon we keep exploring and creating, meeting at the best cafe in town to meet some local practicing artists, try a specialty coffee.

    Dinner is an exciting street food experience of delicious skewers cooked over coals, wrapped with mountains of herbs and a delicious peanut dipping sauce.

  • Market Sketching workshop in Anna's favourite market. You will meet the locals, and be right at home sitting amongst the vendors while learning to sketch.

    A relaxing afternoon in the garden cafe and art gallery of Ethnic minority crafts and textiles where you have your creative session with your tutor.

    Enjoy a single origin ethically produced coffee or tea, ask Kiet all about the items in his gallery and give your credit card a little love and purchase some of the hand collected items on display if thats your thing. Textiles, woven items, clay and wood pieces.

    Lunch is by Giang, featuring local seasonal produce purchased from the local market that morning, cooked family style

    Dinner is the best restaurant in town with Chef Duc. Wear your night outfit, I have a surprise for you beforehand!

  • Breakfast in the Villa, then we check out and head for the hills!

    The highlight of the trip.
    -We visit a Co Tu village. One of 54 ethnic minority groups of Vietnam.
    -First we visit the elder Mr Y Kong and pay our respects. He will tell us a few things about his culture, and you can have a bathroom stop here.
    -Next we meet with Anna's friend Thin, a Co Tu woman.

    -Creative Session with your tutor in the Village

    Lunch, village tour, musicians, dancing, swimming and more sketching, photography and connecting in the village. Feel free to wander around and meet the beautiful people of this warm and inviting village, or stick close to Thin and ask her a million questions, of which she will be happy to answer. The Co Tu are very proud of their culture, and we are genuinely privileged to be able to visit them.

    We stay overnight here, so expect a night of rice wine, bonfires, dancing and music, Co Tu style.

  • We head to Lang Co lagoon for a seafood lunch on our way to Hue, the former capital city of Vietnam.

    Check into our 5 star hotel for some rest and comfort before meeting up again for a fun dinner, Vietnam Style.

    A fun easy, loud happy place. We eat local specialties such as chicken 7 ways with sticky rice, grilled shrimp, beef and noodles, and other delicious local fare. Family style with plates coming and being shared down the table. Bring your sketch kit to add to the fun!

  • We explore the Imperial City, with a full tour and workshop.

    Lunch is on Com Hen Island, a tiny district where the little mussel and rice dish is served in nearly every eatery.

    We try the original Salt Coffee that comes from Hue (think salted chocolate and it is along the same lines, delicious!)

    We take a workshop in the ancient art of Phap Lam, which involves covering laminated copper with ceramic enamel. It’s a unique opportunity to explore a traditional craft deeply connected to Vietnam's cultural heritage.

    Dinner will be delicious Hue Streetfoods, and if we are lucky the private Jazz club of Anna's friend Phuong will have an artist playing. We will visit for a cocktail and some soulful sounds.

  • Market sketching the neighbourhood, and then Ahn Dinh Palace. This palace of King Khai Dinh bears the stamp of Western civilization and the hidden soul of Vietnamese culture.

    Lunch is the famous dish of Hue- beef noodle soup with spicy broth scented with lemongrass, Bun Bo Hue.

    Vintage cafe vibes in the afternoon before a sunset river cruise to Thein Mu Pagoda. The oldest pagoda in the city founded in 1601.

  • Today we check out of our hotel and head to Thích Nhất Hạnh's monastery and final resting place.

    We also take a private tour of Le Ba Dang's art gallery and memory space. Be prepared to be impressed. Spectacular gardens and surround accompanied by exquisitely designed architecture showcasing the masters art.

    We arrive in Danang and rest before a delicious seafood dinner Danang style. You will have time to visit the beach across the road too.

    After dinner we take a fun ride to visit the Dragon Bridge on the other side of town on the river, and enjoy the modern city life of Vietnams 3rd largest city.

  • Our last day together so we rise early to catch the divine and HUGE lady buddha on the hillside for the beautiful sunrise light. Bring your sketchbooks, and we take a final sketch together. Enjoy the views over the city, watch the cheeky monkeys and enjoy the Buddhist scene before you.

    We return you to the hotel for breakfast and checkout. Your onward transfers will be organised and waiting for you.

Co Tu Village Experience

Weaving, Overnight Stay, Dancing, Bon Fire, Music, Hyper Local Mountain Cuisine, Village Tour, Sketching Workshop, Cross Bow.

Participate on a Creative Silk & Spice Journey

  • Art

    Creativity & Curiosity growth Support

    Sketching Lessons for Absolute Beginners

    Enrichment prompts for Experienced Artists

    Ongoing and Continuous Creative Tuition throughout.

    Writers, poets, content creators, musicians & photographers encouraged to join

    Market tours with dedicated Creative Sessions

    Sketch with Anna in the heart of the Local Markets, Villages & Family Homes.

    Traditional Artisans, Weaving & Textiles

    Early Morning Adventures-Capture the Light and soul of the culture

    Gallery & Museum Visits

  • Food

    Authentic local food

    Street Food & Local Eateries

    "Break bread" with locals (eat noodles)Sketch,

    Food Filming, Content Creating & Food Photography Friendly

    Cooking Classes & Demos by Anna & Friends

    Write Recipes, Keep a Journal

    Family Home Meals

    Sober friendly (no booze based activities)

    Learn to use chopsticks (or byo fork)

  • Culture

    Ethical Slow Travel

    Overnight Village Stays

    Family Home Visits

    Meet Anna's Friends

    Market vendor interactions

    Small group-max 8

    LGBTQIA+ safe space

    Coffee Culture

    Book club (book announced when you book)

    10 day all inclusive Silk Road and Spice Route destinations.

    Private Facebook Group

Highlight 1 night

Visit a Co Tu Village

Spend the day with Thin and her family in Dong Giang. We have lunch, take a village walk, learn about her culture and interact with the incredible Co Tu community. Overnight we are guests in her home, a stilt house right in the centre of the village.

A Sunrise Boat Journey to the Heart of the

Fish Market

As dawn breaks, the lanterns swing gently and the sky changes from deep blue to warm shades of orange and pink, softly lighting the way.

As the boat moves through the calm waters, the lively sounds of the nearby fish market come to life—voices singing, nets rustling, and fish splashing. Upon arriving at the market, the energetic atmosphere is clear. Stalls are filled with fresh seafood, with eager vendors and customers chatting happily.

This is more than a market; it’s a celebration of life by the sea, where each corner tells a story of tradition and nature's gifts. Every moment here highlights the connection between culture and food, illuminated by the morning sun.

marketfishmonger.jpg
hoianfishingnets.jpg

Fully hosted and guided 10 day Anna’s Creative Silk & Spice Journey

Central Vietnam

Local Food. Sketching Classes. Cooking Classes. Market Tours. Family Home Visits. Highland Co Tu Village Experience.

Cultural Local Immersion. Experiential. Sensory.

Connect

Responsible. Ethical. Slow Travel. Diverse. Inclusive

Change the way you move within another’s country

For everyone of any sex, age, race, religion or walk of life who would like to experience slow, responsible travel with like-minded people. The emphasis is on immersive cultural experiences while enjoying a deep exploration of Vietnamese Culinary History and Food Culture.

You will be taught Travel Sketching and Visual Journalling on location with Anna. Perfect for complete beginners. Experienced Sketchers will be given Enrichment prompts. Non Sketchers will have our full time guide for extra adventures.

We focus on the Art, Food, and Culture of Vietnam. A meticulously curated experience.

Your workshops throughout the programme will take you from being a complete beginner to feeling confident in 8 progressive lessons. They’re held on location by Anna.

PARTICIPATE

Try local specialties Bun Cha Pho banh Mi fresh seafood mountains of green vegetables noodles soup crunchy baguettes wobbly rice pancakes fresh herbs hot chilli juicy limes just made tofu sticky rice thick chewy tapioca noodles pungent fish sauce fermented anchovies pickled daikon green papaya mango smoothies fresh crisp rose apples stinky durian bbq squid freshly caught prawns silky flan earthy che tropical fruits crispy pork crunchy peanuts bitter melon strong coffee sweet ethical chocolate refreshing coconut sweet sugar cane juice sweet salty pungent umami fermented Fresh Green Seasonal LOCAL chilli

Imperial City of Hue

3 nights

Danang Vietnam’s beach City

1 night

Going Ahead

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What Guests Have Written about us

  • Dear Anna, Thank you for showing me the Vietnam you have come to know and love. Thank you for being so generous with your time, your friends, your knowledge and your life. You exceeded my expectations on what a trip like this can be. This trip expanded my knowledge of Vietnam- the people and the food and I certainly came away with some new skills and inspiration creatively. xx Julie

    Julie H

  • I was truly astounded by your knowledge of everything Vietnamese. Any questions we had, you had the answers. Everything we did and everywhere we went was so thoroughly thought out, planned and researched that we never had any doubts that it wouldn’t be incredible. I found you to be a real inspiration - watching the way that you urban sketched, how you chose your subjects, but also how you were interacting with the locals. I really did find all of this very inspiring and it made me really think about what I want from my life.

    Karina D

  • Love Anna! Her knowledge of Hoi An and Vietnamese food was invaluable. She had great recommendations for anything you wanted from restaurants to tailors to massages. I would travel anywhere with you, Anna! I really enjoyed walking around with Anna. My Dad and I agree that this was a trip of a lifetime and it is hard to describe to people. Thank you for helping us create that memory together.

    Sarah H

  • Hi Anna, I just wanted to say that overall the trip was fantastic. Extremely well organised.

    Karen T

  • "I highly recommend Art Food and Culture’s Western Sydney Travel Sketching classes. Anna has a wealth of knowledge on art, food, culture, and travel sketching and is such a warm friendly person. I have had so much fun travel sketching, eating delicious, authentic foods, and learning about each culture in the suburbs we visited. It’s been such an immersive experience, making it feel as if I traveled to a new country each week. I hope to attend one of Anna’s Vietnam Retreats in the future

    Cathy C

  • Google traduction : « This is not an ordinary trip, it is a human experience where all the senses are solicited, tastes, smells, sounds, colors and time seems suspended. Difficult to resume our daily life, even if coming home is pleasant, a part of us stayed there and with the group, with whom we shared all these moments. There is a before and an after, we do not come out unscathed from this stay where Anna was able to share with us her passion for this country which oscillates between tradition and modernity.

    Virginie F

  • Hello Dear Anna , I take time for transmet you my feelings …. With my little English… It was a super trip ! Your organisation is top , your energy 👍 I like the way to be attentive to ecology (plastic, river …etc ) It was super to discover so much different food and to cook some. Super also the visits , galleries, special place like the green garden…. Bref ….. difficile to tell you all

    Isabelle C

  • Hi Anna, We thoroughly enjoyed the Vietnam Art Food Culture workshop . You did an amazing job curating an authentic Vietnam experience. Thanks again for your efforts in pulling it all together, educating us on Vietnam and making our trip special.

    Bev and Graham

  • Wow ! Vietnam is amazing! I have had two weeks of just the best experiences with a small group of like minded souls from around the Globe. I truly enjoyed the ART, FOOD & CULTURE in and around Hoi An, Co Tú, Lang Co, Hue and Da Nang. The trip curated by Anna was a fantastic way to learn and really feel we were being immersed in the Vietnamese Culture. I came away with a much better understanding of what is all about Central Vietnam and I definitely want to go back to Vietnam and explore more in the North and South. Having all the great sensory experiences with Anna including a variety of culturally appropriate experiences and exciting Street Food & Markets too.

    Alyson L

  • Is there anything else to say other than I have been back home for less than a week and am anxiously waiting to see the dates for next year's trips. I need more! Wonderful, superlative experience in every way. Thank you Anna Barnes for sharing your in-depth knowledge of Vietnam.

    Joanne M

  • Hi Anna, My time in Vietnam with Anna was incredible. I came for Renata and sketching and would come back for Anna and Vietnam. What more to say! Everything was more than I expected. Neither Anna nor Renata counted their time. Both were always enthusiastic and available for help and understanding. I trusted you both. I went on this trip to experience life in Vietnam and profit from the colors, food, art, culture of the country. Maybe I did not sketch as much as expected by you or myself, but I took in all these sensations with pleasure. Anna: congratulations for having survived so many ‘French” people. We proved ourselves to be good travelers and great eaters! Your organization was great. The hotels were all different and good standing. CoTu was different. The minority was so generous. The sleeping and shower situations were completely ‘do-able’ and a small ‘adventure” for a city person. The meals were good, swimming in the river, dancing in the fields- lots of fun.

    Deborah C

  • I highly recommend the Art Food Culture Retreats for anyone looking for a fun and interesting way to travel, stay, eat, sketch, learn about new cultures!

    Alyson L

  • I had the most amazing trip Anna - loved how you took the hassle out of ordering food, took us to different locations and different levels and pushed us beyond our comfort zone without us even realising. You have a passion for life, food and Vietnam. I think you have pretty much nailed the tour Anna - you know what works for you, your tutors and your clients. Tweak it if you need to but you don’t change it too much. It’s pretty much spot on and for me personally it met my objectives of being able to explore Vietnam with a small group of like minded people.

    Sam B

  • Anna is not your typical tour leader! She’s far more fun, unexpected, quirky and interesting. She really injected her passion for Vietnamese Food, People and Culture into every moment of the tour. Watching her sketch and record her own observations was another whole level of pleasure for me.

    Janet M

  • A trip I shall always remember with wonder and amazement. Culinary delights and in depth cultural experiences expertly curated by Anna

    Cheryl H

  • What an amazing experience. Anna is so knowledgable and organized. This tour is a must if you are looking for a fun, guided tour that shows you the local experience. We tried so many different foods and toured so many interesting places. Sitting in the local market sketching what inspired me, was my favorite experience, it is so enjoyable to absorb the atmosphere and the simple life in the local market

    Michelle M

  • The GOOD - everything. Anna's organization, the hotels including the home stay with the generous CoTu minority, the meals taken in markets, the visits to monuments and museums, her farms and markets, rice noodle making and cooking lessons. Sites, Sounds and Sensations. Renata Lahalle shared her sketching knowledge and passion without counting her time. Great job to all as most of the participants were French speakers (but not Anna). Friendships were created and a great time was had by all!

    Deb fom France

  • Wow! What an amazing Tour! Much more than I was expecting! Unforgettable! Anna is an amazing curator of her tour, so much knowledge, always helpful, very professional! I know that if I went to Vietnam on my own, I would not have seen or experienced so much! Thanks heaps Anna!

    Liza L

  • Loved the wonderful accommodation at An Villa, so tranquil. Interesting variety of accommodation, liked the luxury of Indochine Palace in Đà Nẵng All the great breakfast’s,street food, bánh mì’s, lunches, cà phê sữa đá’s ( Vietnamese Ice Coffee and dinners, Chế! OMG the unbelievable fresh seafood dinner on our last night! Awesome! I would recommend ArtFoodCulture 150%, and would love to join one of Anna’s tours in the future for sure! 🙏

    Lisa

  • Anna led us on a perfectly crafted tour that changed organically with the weather or groups interest or abilities and never felt rushed. It was like visiting an old friend who couldn’t wait to show you around their town, the best places to eat and provide a western interpretation for cultural context along the way while Lap, our Vietnamese tour guide, provided authentic and insightful cultural and historical narration.

    Sean M

  • We loved this tour!!! Anna was our trip mom who kept everyone organized and made sure we were well fed. It’s wonderful to see her share her love for this culture from a more familiar western perspective.

    Jen B

  • We loved Anna’s local knowledge of the best markets, best vendors, best food experiences in Vietnam. We loved the visit to the CoTu village, and the art experiences we were able to have. It was a fabulous tour. Do it again in a heartbeat.

    Rennie

  • There were so many fabulous things I can’t pin point just one. Anna’s local knowledge is unparalleled. Not only knowledgeable about the country but the little things like local specialty places to eat and buy gifts. Recommendations of places to eat, after she’d checked them personally, recommendations of places to spend spare time after the formal tour as well. She coordinated different experiences to cater for different tastes and personalities. And that’s never an easy task. I have recommended Anna and her tours to many friends.

    Dianna K

  • Best holiday ever, great friends and amazing places, loved sketching, will definitely do more in future.

    Peter M