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, with street food vendors, in family homes, along side workers in a workers joint, 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 who join her on these trips.

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

She 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 about 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.

We visit a Co Tu village (one of 54+ ethnic groups in Vietnam).

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 sim in the river with the locals.

We meet Anna’s good friend The 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 and local music and dance traditions, also being given the opportunity to participate.

You will be staying in a gorgeous Villa (4 star)

Our private Villa is a small boutique resort with six unique living spaces, including 4 studios, 1 two-bedroom villa and 1 three-bedroom villa. Designed by the well-known local French-Vietnamese architect Helena Tran Quang Man and tastefully decorated in vintage Vietnamese style, each living space features a kitchen area, an outdoor sitting area, distinctive artwork and photographs, thoughtful amenities and books for your reading pleasure.

We will have it all to ourselves, so our art sessions and free time will be a delight by the pool where you can order a drink and snacks whilst practicing some new techniques.

The Villa is nestled on the banks of the Co Co river, in a peaceful tropical oasis in beautiful Hoi An. Surrounded by rice paddies, gardens and open spaces, its designed with artistic detail and supports ecologically sustainable travel experiences.

We guarantee safety, cleanliness, and comfort for a good night's sleep. Essential amenities such as power, WiFi, and air conditioning are always provided to ensure a convenient stay.

Anna's Art, Food, and Culture Experiences do not pair strangers together for shared accommodations, and they do not charge single supplements, ensuring fairness and affordability for all participants.

All our trips are organised and priced based on single occupancy at all the places we stay. However, if you are traveling with a friend or a family member and prefer to share you will reap some savings. We do not match people up that are strangers and we NEVER charge a single supplement.

Occasionally, when we stay in private Villa properties that are uniquely designed, some might need to share a bathroom. This will be clearly marked when booking.

You have the opportunity to make room choices in the drop down menu when you book.

6:30am 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 (8-12) ensures you will receive plenty of personal tuition during the sessions

9 nights accommodation in Hoi An

Fully hosted by Anna Barnes of Art Food Culture

10 breakfasts

8 lunches (street food, market vendors and local restaurants)

8 dinners (street food, market vendors and local restaurants)

8 x 3hr Art Workshops led by your Expert teacher

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

Entry ticket to Hoi An Ancient Town

Private licenced, insured, airconditione Van trips

Mi Son tour- historic Cham ruins

Village Experience with the Co Tu Ethnic group

Boat trip on the Thu Bon River

Organic Herb Village experience

Rice Paper making

Cooking demonstrations

Riverside BBQ Dinner

Guided Market Tours

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

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

Some meals

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

Hoi An, 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 45 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.

Love the sound of this Experience and want to sign up? Please read ArtFoodCulture’s Terms & Conditions first.

We need to make sure you are fit, able and willing, so as to ensure you are on the right trip and fully enjoy yourself.

Once you have read the Terms & Conditions please proceed directly to the Bookings page to select your preferred trip.

Bookings are made via credit card directly on our secure site using STRIPE for your security.

All prices in USD. To see what it will cost approximately in your own currency you can use any online conversion site. Try https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/ Remember that currencies are in constant fluctuation.

USD$500 non refundable deposit required to reserve your spot. (Fully refunded if ArtFoodCulture cancels the trip).

Anna’s Art, Food & Culture Experiences- Original:

9 Nights accomodation, Small Group Max 10 participants

*Reham Ali - January 4-13th, 2025

*Maru Godas - January 16-25th, 2025

*Alex Hillkurtz - March 28th-April 6th, 2025

*Renata Lahalle - April 9-18th, 2025

*Eleanor Doughty - April 21-30th, 2025

Large Private Room with Ensuite USD$4,400

Medium Private Room with Ensuite USD$4,300

Small Private Room (adjacent bathroom) USD$4,200

Private room in large 2 bed riverfront Villa with share bathroom and seperate toilet USD$4,200

Twin Travellers US $4,170 (when booking two places at the same time, double bed room share, no twin available)

Anna’s Art, Food & Culture Experiences- Elevated:

9 Nights accomodation, Small Group Max 10 participants

*Paul Wang - January 26th-February 4th, 2025

Private Suite USD$6000

Twin Travellers USD$5850 (when booking two places at the same time)

(Elevated Experiences - stay in hotels of star rating 4 or above, focus is on art sessions in comfortable surroundings, and restaurants showcase modern elevated cuisine.)

Anna's trips cater to a diverse range of individuals, from complete beginners in sketching to experienced urban sketchers. This includes studio artists looking to enhance their skills in sketching on location. The trip is designed to accommodate various skill levels, offering basic instruction for beginners and enrichment opportunities for seasoned urban sketchers.

Additionally, non-sketching partners are welcome on the trip and will be provided with care and guidance by a full-time guide. The experience is also open to photographers, poets, and journalers who are interested in exploring and capturing the culture and aesthetics of a new country.

Overall, Anna's Art, Food, and Culture Experiences are ideal for adventurous souls seeking to immerse themselves in different cultures in a safe and supportive environment. It's particularly suitable for creative solo travelers who enjoy the company of like-minded individuals and the camaraderie of exploring new places together.

The focus of this trip is immersion into the culture, to experience the beauty of the geography of Vietnam, and also learn about the communities of this stunning region. By travel sketching on location - visiting villages and sketching our experiences, we connect with our creativity and with those around us. We give back, spend time interacting and show interest in other peoples way of life. We explore the traditions of the area. The rewards are immense. Sometimes you may feel outside your comfort zone, but rest assured you are in good hands with us. Our senior experienced multi lingual guide, alongside Anna will help you feel safe, excited and inspired.

All our trips are designed with Slow Travel in mind. We stay in one region and learn about the art, food and culture. We always have private rooms with power and wifi. We price our trips for a solo traveler.

The Original Anna’s Art Food & Culture Experiences

Stay in locally owned & run bespoke hotels, cuisine encompasses as much of the eating styes of the culture that we can possibly show you, and art workshops are urban sketching style. Bring a small stool and a small art kit (individual supply lists on our Experts pages) and be ready to fully immerse into local culture. Anna is your host alongside one of our experts.

Anna's Art, Food & Culture Experiences - Elevated

Stay in hotels of star rating 4 or above, focus is on art sessions in comfortable surroundings, and restaurants showcase modern elevated cuisine. Anna is your host, alongside one of our experts.

Anna's Art, Food & Culture Experiences- Adventure

Stay in guesthouses, homestays and local hotels. We sometimes change hotels more than 3 times as we thoroughly explore the area. Travel lightly with practical clothes only. Creative sessions are ongoing throughout the trip, and suitable for all creatives, photographers, chefs, content creators, and writers. We eat with locals and learn about culture off the beaten paths. Anna is your host and creative sessions leader.