ART FOOD CULTURE
Specialty itineraries designed to enhance your creativity
Experience Colour, Food, Textiles, Architecture, Culture and Fine Arts with your host Anna Barnes
The Original Art, Food & Culture Experience
Small group, 4 star, all inclusive, meticulously designed 9 night/10 day experience.
Anna Barnes & Maru Godas
Maru’s Instagram Maru Godas
Hoi An, VietnaM
Maru Godas - January 16-25th, 2025
Maru Godas
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Early Life and Education
Maru Godàs was born in Barcelona in 1966. She studied graphic design at the IDEP School of Design and the Escola Superior de Disseny Llotja de Barcelona. After completing her education, she founded her own graphic design studio in Barcelona, offering services to various publishers and agencies in Spain, including RBA, Planeta, National Geographic, and Salvat. Additionally, she took several animation, comic, and illustration courses at Escola Joso in Barcelona.
Transition to Full-Time Illustration
Maru always had a passion for illustration, consistently working on illustration projects and painting with oils and gouache in her spare time. Her passion eventually led her to pursue illustration full-time. Her involvement with the Urban Sketchers community opened new opportunities for travel, workshops, and lectures worldwide, as well as connections with amazing people.
Artistic Techniques and Collaborations
Maru enjoys working with various techniques, including Chinese ink, oil, watercolor, and colored pencils. However, she is particularly known for her gouache and acrylic paint drawings and workshops. She has collaborated on several illustrated books and magazines and authored works such as "Park Güell Journey," the interactive digital book "Suri y yo," and "Organic Beauty," which has been translated into five languages. Her illustration commissions include work for CaixaForum, National Geographic, RACC, La Caixa, the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona, and La Vanguardia.
Leadership and Workshops
From 2019 to 2022, Maru served as the director of the illustration festival "Compostela Ilustrada" in Spain. She has conducted international workshops in cities like Chicago, Brighton, Palo Alto, Madrid, Porto, Lisbon, Tuscany, Bern, San Francisco, Málaga, New York, Santiago de Compostela, La Réunion Island, New Zealand, and Tel Aviv. She has also taught at Urban Sketching Symposiums in Chicago, Porto, and Auckland. Currently, she is a board member of the Centre Artistic de Sant Lluc, a century-old art institution in Barcelona. She balances professional illustration commissions, authorship projects for books, and teaching activities, including urban sketching workshops and illustration classes around the world.
Highlights of Teaching Experience
Adobe Systems (2014-2015): Instructor in Digital Sketching workshops.
Barcelona Academy of Art (2016-2017): Conducted Urban Sketching workshops for Zahorí de Ideas
("Let's draw!").
Maristany Art Center in Sant Cugat: Taught courses on wet techniques and urban sketching.
The Big Draw festival in Barcelona: Served as an urban sketching instructor.
Casa-Atelier Vieira da Silva in Lisbon (2017): Participated in "Un año a desenhar para o futuro 2017" with
the workshop "Wash & Line."
Escola Illa de Sabadell (2017-2018): Led urban sketching and illustration courses.
Malagrafica Festival (May 2018): Delivered a lecture and workshop.
California (August 2018): Conducted workshops with urban sketchers support, covering themes like
"Gouache like a child," "Big gouache and mixed media," and "Emotions in Grayscale."
Compostela Ilustrada Festival (December 2018): Organized two workshops ("Sketching Greens with
Gouache") and participated in an exhibition.
"Cook&Sketch" workshops (June 2019): Collaborated with Chef David Lienas, painted a large mural
based on sketching recipes, and conducted workshops on wine tasting.
ACIDH foundation (2019): Volunteered as a teacher.
Pushing your Sketching Boundaries in Brighton (June 2019): Instructor in "Water Marks," offering
workshops on "Wash and Gouache" and "The Joy of Grays."
Sketch Tour Portugal project (2021): Participated during the Açores trip.
"El Camino Inglés" for Xacobeo 2021: Documented the journey through sketches, a book, and an
exhibition.
Bern Symposium (September 2021): Participated as an instructor.
Festival Embarquement Immédiat on Île de la Réunion (2022): Participated as an instructor.
Urban Sketchers Symposium France (Toulouse 2023) and Barcelona 10 Years Symposium (2023):
Ongoing participation as an instructor.
"Swap" project with Marina Grechanik: Exchanged cities and urban sketching techniques.
Art retreats: Conducted in Catalonia, Madeline Island, Portugal, Santa Fe (New Mexico), and Vietnam,
focusing on urban sketching, acrylic painting, and collage & mixed media.
International Instructor in Urban Sketchers Symposium
• Chicago (2017) • Porto (2018)
• Auckland (2023) -
Teaching Philosophy and Experience
Maru has extensive experience as an art instructor, covering both theoretical and practical aspects. She works with students of urban sketching, illustration, and graphic design, including children and people with disabilities, which has significantly improved her teaching methods. She believes in conveying enthusiasm and a love for drawing, helping students find their unique expressive style and enjoy their sketching experience. Her goal is to instill confidence, freedom, and creativity in her students, sharing with them the joy of sketching.
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-Basic survivor kit (small watercolor, water brush, black pen, and some colored pencils and Neocolor (optional)
-sketchbook A4 mixed media paper (or bigger)
-A3 (or A4) mixed media paper pad hot pressed smooth surface-A3 drawing low quality paper (for experimentation in class)
-Watercolor box (16-18 colors aprox.)
-gouache basic colors (white, black, yellow, blue and magenta)
-gouache extra colors: (optional) orange, ochre, turquoise, Prussian blue, etc.
-one tiny notebook A5 for journaling and notes (I suggest Uniqlo notebooks)
-Oily colored pencils like Polychromos or Luminance (try to match with your gouache colors): ochre, orange, turquoise, black...-Black pencil Pitt oil Faber Castell (medium or soft)
-Sharpener
-Some Neocolor II crayons or pastels: ochre, blue, orange, dark rose, white... -Synthetic round brushes (no.4, 6, 8, 12) and three flat brushes (one wide) -Rigger brush
-White Posca pen (for light effects)
-small scissors (children scissors are ok)
-Empty palette for mixing gouache-glue stick
-water container
-tissue or recycled rag
-foldable stool
-masking tape
-bamboo pen
-bulldog clips
-Other favorite materials you love
I’ll bring some extra gouache colors (normal and acrylic) and colored papers. -
Hoi An Testimonials 2024
"Learning in person with Maru had been a long-held dream of mine. When I heard that she would be in Vietnam, I knew this was a perfect opportunity to learn from and see this incredible artist whom I greatly admire.
Her work is so vibrant; I love her colour palettes, her line work, and her drawings of people. Each piece is full of confidence and fearlessness, capturing her subjects beautifully on paper. Her energy and teaching approach were amazing. Maru helped me overcome my fears and step outside of my comfort zone, instilling a fearlessness in me to embrace the learning process.I left the experience with newfound inspiration and a solid starting point to evolve my style. As an artist who had taken a long break, I truly feel that Maru has helped me regain my passion and self-assurance.
Thank you, Maru, and hope to see you one day again!"Lucy
"I have been admiring Maru from afar and have always adored her style but never thought I would be able to paint next to her and then Anna’s course appeared. I must have been the first to sign up. Maru continually lifts up her students with her excellent instructional demos, her words and interactions with the class. Her enthusiasm is contagious and encouraging to the beginner or experienced artist. The accommodation was in the most perfect Vietnam setting , a little oasis away from the hustle and bustle. Workshops took us to the most gorgeous settings around Central Vietnam. What an absolute joy to watch Maru in action and learn from her whilst sitting amongst gorgeous old relics, historical old buildings and the hustle and bustle of fishing markets and all the characters associated with these places. Anna finely curated a fabulous art retreat and knew all the perfect little places to take us. It was an absolute dream come true."
Tracey
"As a beginning artist, Maru helped me grow bolder and more confident especially using colour. Highly recommend this wonderful art & culture experience with Anna & Maru"
Louise
“Omg! I loved the workshop/retreat with Maru Godas! She is the most brilliant teacher, & such a lovely human! Her teachings are so valuable, I learnt so much, have fallen in love with gouache, and of course perfect in Hoi An, I must also mention, fantastically curated by ArtFoodCulture:)"
Leeza 💜
“Maru is INCREDIBLE!! Patient, creative, hilarious, fun, talented: exactly who I expected her to be. Pair that with Anna’s expertise and access to the local landscape and you’ve got an experience that’s hard to beat. Would sign up again and again! I still feel inspired months later.”
Suzanne H USA
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Maru has completed a highly successful Anna’s Art, Food & Culture Experience with Anna Barnes in January 2024. We had 12 participants and navigated the coolest season of Hoi An, venturing to the UNESCO heritage rooftops, fishing villages and cooking classes. Anna has asked Maru back due to her high energy and passion for teaching. Her art and graphic skills alongside her excellent teaching abilities enable her to teach well on location in Vietnam, providing you with a comprehensive workshop schedule.
Highlights of Teaching Experience
Adobe Systems (2014-2015): Instructor in Digital Sketching workshops.
Barcelona Academy of Art (2016-2017): Conducted Urban Sketching workshops for Zahorí de Ideas
("Let's draw!").
Maristany Art Center in Sant Cugat: Taught courses on wet techniques and urban sketching.
The Big Draw festival in Barcelona: Served as an urban sketching instructor.
Casa-Atelier Vieira da Silva in Lisbon (2017): Participated in "Un año a desenhar para o futuro 2017" with
the workshop "Wash & Line."
Escola Illa de Sabadell (2017-2018): Led urban sketching and illustration courses.
Malagrafica Festival (May 2018): Delivered a lecture and workshop.
California (August 2018): Conducted workshops with urban sketchers support, covering themes like
"Gouache like a child," "Big gouache and mixed media," and "Emotions in Grayscale."
Compostela Ilustrada Festival (December 2018): Organized two workshops ("Sketching Greens with
Gouache") and participated in an exhibition.
"Cook&Sketch" workshops (June 2019): Collaborated with Chef David Lienas, painted a large mural
based on sketching recipes, and conducted workshops on wine tasting.
ACIDH foundation (2019): Volunteered as a teacher.
Pushing your Sketching Boundaries in Brighton (June 2019): Instructor in "Water Marks," offering
workshops on "Wash and Gouache" and "The Joy of Grays."
Sketch Tour Portugal project (2021): Participated during the Açores trip.
"El Camino Inglés" for Xacobeo 2021: Documented the journey through sketches, a book, and an
exhibition.
Bern Symposium (September 2021): Participated as an instructor.
Festival Embarquement Immédiat on Île de la Réunion (2022): Participated as an instructor.
Urban Sketchers Symposium France (Toulouse 2023) and Barcelona 10 Years Symposium (2023):
Ongoing participation as an instructor.
"Swap" project with Marina Grechanik: Exchanged cities and urban sketching techniques.
Art retreats: Conducted in Catalonia, Madeline Island, Portugal, Santa Fe (New Mexico), and Vietnam,
focusing on urban sketching, acrylic painting, and collage & mixed media.
International Instructor in Urban Sketchers Symposium
• Chicago (2017) • Porto (2018)
• Auckland (2023)
Fully hosted and guided 10 day Anna’s Art, Food & Culture Experience
Hoi An, 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 one of our Experts.
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 with our guest expert alongside your host Anna and her local friends.
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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
Highlight - Day Trip to a Co Tu Village
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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.
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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.
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Small group of 10 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. Chef, Artist & Anthropologist.
9 breakfasts
8 lunches
6 dinners
8 x 3hr Art Workshops led by your tutor
Vietnamese (and English speaking) Licensed International Guide on all outings
Entry ticket to Hoi An Ancient Town
Private licensed, insured, air conditioned van trips with our dedicated driver
My Son tour- historic Cham ruins
A day in a village with the Co Tu Ethnic people
Sunrise riverboat trip
Organic Herb Village experience
Rice Paper making
Cooking demonstrations
Riverside BBQ Dinner
Guided Market Tours
Family home shared meals
Genuine Fish Market experience
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)
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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
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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.
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All prices in USD.
A $500 non refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot. (Fully refunded if Art Food Culture cancels the trip).
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)
Sunrise boat ride to a working fishing market
Itinerary
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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.
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After breakfast poolside in the villa, your first workshop will begin.
Lunch is the famous Cao Lao noodles dish, only found in Hoi An. Thick noodles with a umami reduced broth, topped with slices of lean pork fillet, served with a forest of fresh herbs, lime wedges, chilli jam and crunchy fried noodle squares.
Afternoon 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".
Peel off and get some extra creative time for yourself, sketch, photograph and meet people, knowing we are close by and here for you.
An opportunity to try the tea houses and cafes of Hoi An, climb to a rooftop for a spectacular view, or rest by getting a foot or full body massage.
Dinner at Anna's friends restaurant for a family style Hoi An cuisine based meal by the river.
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After breakfast poolside in the villa we take a short 15 min drive to the Herb Village.
Learn about the herbs, the growing techniques, organic farming, local and seasonal ethos. Grind rice in an old style stone grinder and make rice paper pancakes over a mud and straw hearth.
Lunch under the palm thatched grooves of the first and oldest restaurant in the village with Mrs Thuong.
Try an avocado coffee with Anna,
Rest, sketch and create in the afternoon before we head out for dinner in a local area, riverside 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.
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Breakfast in the Villa
We venture west up into the hills to visit the ancient Cham ruins of My Son.-After a 1.5hr drive we arrive at the ancient temples where your guide will inform you about the history, architecture and culture of the area.
-Here you also have your creative Session with your tutor
-Between the 4th and 13th centuries a unique culture which owed its spiritual origins to Indian Hinduism developed on the coast of contemporary Viet Nam. This is graphically illustrated by the remains of a series of impressive tower-temples located in a dramatic site that was the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom for most of its existence.
-They are constructed in fired brick with stone pillars and decorated with sandstone bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Their technological sophistication is evidence of Cham engineering skills while the elaborate iconography and symbolism of the tower-temples give insight into the content and evolution of Cham religious and political thought.
-The My Son Sanctuary is an exceptional example of cultural interchange, with an indigenous society adapting to external cultural influences, notably the Hindu art and architecture of the Indian sub-continent.
-The Champa Kingdom was an important phenomenon in the political and cultural history of South – East Asia, vividly illustrated by the ruins of My Son
-Tropical jungle vibes.Lunch is the rice noodle dish of the province. Mi Quang. We visit the best noodle house in the area, for this delicious dish of rice noodles, pork, shrimp, egg and mountains of fresh greens and crispy rice crackers.
Afternoon - take some free time to swim, sketch or wander in our Villas friendly hamlet community before we head out to a local vegan eatery for dinner. You will be surprise how much you enjoy this meal. It is absolutely brimming with flavour and freshness.
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Early start, we head out at dawn. We don’t want to miss the action.
A gorgeous sunrise boat trip along the river. Enjoy watching Hoi An wake up.
Breakfast in the market with the fishermen and fish mongers. Banh Mi (the famous Vietnamese sandwich on a crispy baguette) and a Vietnamese workers style coffee.
Your chance to see a working fishing market, far enough away from the tourists, yet close enough to go by boat.
The energy is hectic and busy, the fisherman are coming to shore after a night of fishing, the women are buying and selling on waters edge. Giant ice blocks are being chipped for ice, motorbikes, trucks, food vendors, colour and excitement.After your workshop with your tutor and a tour of the village, meet the locals, try some of the foods they are selling, and then we head back to the town for a workers lunch known as com binh dan. A cabinet full of freshly made dishes - grilled, braised, sautéed, steamed, something for everyone, served on rice.
The night is free time for all. Anna has a list of restaurants in the guide you may wish to try. Our villa also has a restaurant you may wish to enjoy a delightful Hanoi style meal poolside.
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Breakfast in the Villa
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 VillageLunch, 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 return early evening and dinner is served family style in the Villa.
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Breakfast in the Villa
A relaxing day 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
Free afternoon and evening. Check the guide for recommendations and ask Anna for specific things you may like to do.
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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.
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, talk about our book club book, before heading back to the Villa for an evening of free time.
Check the guide for recommendations for dinner.
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Breakfast in the Villa
Your last creative session today in the ancient town at the temple gate Ba Mu. Ba Mu Temple was officially built in 1626. Initially located at a different site, it was later relocated to its current address. Only façade survives.
-Established by the Ming Dynasty supporting refugees.
-It comprised 2 seperate sanctuaries, the right side (facing) was dedicated to 12 midwife deites who’s function was to support newborns. The left side (facing it) was dedicated to the Chinese god of medicine, 36 generals (heavenly spirits) and 72 “earthly demons” who made up the entourage of rebel leader Song Jiang.
-The 19th century popularity of this temple was that Ba Mu became the shrine for local couples who were praying for children.
-The salvaged 12 midwife statues from here are found in the Phuc Kein Assembly hall we visited on our second day.
Hoi An cuisne for lunch. We have booked tables at a local Restaurant where you can continue to sketch and enjoy Ba Mu temple gate area with beautiful lily ponds and the fascinating modern culture of locals and photographic sessions. A great place for people sketching.Sa Huynh Museum is nearby and we recommend you visit after lunch. It is, housed in the French colonial style shop house constructed in early 1900s for Chinese merchants. It has the traditional tubular layout with the trading area in the front , linked by a central courtyard with water well, to the residential area at the rear.
-Artefects are from archeological sites unearthed in and around the Thu Bon river basin (and Cham Island) of the Sa Huynh civilisation that flourished between 1000 BCE and 200 CE.
-The Sa Huynh are thought to be the first international traders of the Thu Bon River. An important example showing they were active in seaborne trade with South East Asia, South India and China.
-Enjoy time wandering the Ancient Town.
-Ask Anna for her recommendations. -There is a great massage place nearby, and if you've never has a foot massage before, then now is the time!.-Return to Villa to freshen up before dinner, or stay on and meet us for dinner at Chef Duc’s restaurant in Old Town.
-Chef Duc is a passionate chef, combining his personal culinary history, good humour and sensitive empathic character on the plate to impress your senses. This is fusion food done well. The creativity of Chef Duc is fuelled by local seasonal produce, and a deep love for his birth country.If we are lucky, Chef Duc will meet with us before dinner, and tell us his story of how he came to Hoi An. Bring a tissue! An impressive final dinner, with elevated world class cuisine by a truely remarkable human of integrity and ethics.
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Breakfast in the Villa.
A casual walk and coffee in the local market, free sketching time, take some last photos, buy some last minute foodie gifts before we say farewell at 10am.
Checkout is 12pm.
Your airport transfers are organised with us, drivers are booked, we say farewell but remain friends for life.
Discover the ancient charm of the My Son Cham Ruins, an extraordinary relic of Vietnam’s heritage located just a short distance from Hoi An. As one of the most significant archaeological sites in Southeast Asia, My Son offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history and cultural tapestry of the Cham civilization.
Explore the majestic temple complexes, set amidst lush greenery, where intricate carvings and sculptures tell stories of a bygone era. Each structure stands as a testament to the artistry and architectural prowess of the Cham people, inviting you to immerse yourself in their fascinating history.
Wander through the serene landscape, capturing the beauty of the ruins through sketching or photography. The tranquil atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for nature journaling, allowing you to connect with the environment and reflect on the profound heritage that surrounds you.
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
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Officially Going Ahead
~ 2 Places Left ~ Officially Going Ahead
What Guests Have Written about us
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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
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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
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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
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Hi Anna, I just wanted to say that overall the trip was fantastic. Extremely well organised.
Karen T
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"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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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A trip I shall always remember with wonder and amazement. Culinary delights and in depth cultural experiences expertly curated by Anna
Cheryl H
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Best holiday ever, great friends and amazing places, loved sketching, will definitely do more in future.
Peter M