Flavors of Southeast Asia

(16 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)

Singapore, Saigon, Hoi An, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, Bangkok

Every lover of Asian cuisine, from "foodie" to chef, will appreciate this journey into the spice markets and frying pans of Southeast Asia, tailored, of course, to your tastes and expertise. Flavors of Southeast Asia features each region's main cultural attractions as well as food-focused touring, shopping for distinctive local goods and artisanal food products, a variety of dining experiences, and cooking classes, if desired. Accommodation is at some of the world's most extraordinary luxury hotels, all of which emphasize the local aesthetic and cuisine.

Start in Singapore, where Chinese, Malaysian, Indian and Middle Eastern influences simmer in the same cultural melting pot. Tour a British colonial-era herb and spice garden (founded by Sir Stamford Raffles circa 1822), then, using fresh ingredients from the garden, learn to prepare dishes such as spiced cold mango soup and fried rice with prawns and chutney. Explore "wet" markets (where fresh meat, produce and live fish are sold), "dry" markets (spices, preserved foods, herbal medicine and other dry ingredients) and housewares markets (baskets and cooking utensils) in Little India, Chinatown and the Malay district. Enjoy a walking tour through Singapore's beautiful Botanic Gardens, and perhaps opt for the menu dégustation dinner at Au Jardin Les Amis, the award-winning restaurant inside the Gardens. There will be ample free time to enjoy the legendary Raffles Hotel Singapore, one of the world's most luxurious resort hotels.

Continue to Saigon, Vietnam. With your own expert guide and driver, experience the city's most interesting neighborhoods, historic attractions, museums, art galleries and shops, food markets, and excellent restaurants. If desired, take an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels or meet renowned local culinary personalities and chefs.

Continue to Hoi An, a centuries-old trading town whose well-preserved architecture has been cited by UNESCO for its unique fusion of indigenous and foreign elements. Here, explore the backstreets of town, shop for hand-tailored silk clothing, sip strong coffee at local cafes, visit the morning market, and relax on the beach at your exclusive resort. One day, enjoy a private cooking class focusing on regional specialties. Also tour local farming villages.

Continue to Hanoi, Vietnam’s artistic and intellectual capital. Explore the fascinating Old Quarter and its hundreds of specialty shops selling silk clothing, lacquerware, embroidered linens, furniture, bamboo, cooking utensils, ceremonial objects and more. Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, ride a cyclo to dinner, and watch a performance of water puppet theater. Dine on dishes such as banana flower salad and beef cooked with ginger and lime in French colonial villas converted into gourmet restaurants. Enjoy people watching at stylish cafes. Shop for impressive modern art in the city’s many galleries. Also visit Hanoi’s main cultural attractions, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his House on Stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Fine Arts Museum and the Temple of Literature. Enjoy famous Hanoi flavors by tasting pho (noodle soup) and cha ca (spicy fried fish). Relax in the French-inflected ambience of the city's many fashionable cafes, sampling pastries and watching local life.

Spend several days in rural Chiang Mai in northern Thailand at one of Asia’s most luxurious and atmospheric resorts, surrounded by mountains and lush fields of terraced rice paddies. Browse craft districts specializing in celadon ceramics, silver, teak furniture, paper umbrellas, and beautiful silk weavings. Visit revered mountaintop temples, the royal family’s Winter Palace, an elephant camp, and local hill tribe villages. One day, enjoy a chef-led market tour followed by a cooking class. Learn to prepare a variety of Thai dishes.

Conclude with comprehensive touring in Bangkok. With your own private guide, enjoy a fascinating, private long-tail boat tour through Bangkok's canals. Visit the most important temples. Learn about Buddhist practices and influences on daily life. Hear monks chanting at a morning ceremony. Explore colorful markets selling textiles, flowers, food and crafts. Visit small museums and interesting local neighborhoods. When not sightseeing, enjoy time at the world’s leading spa, swim, play tennis, shop for exquisite Thai silks and art work, and dine on some of Southeast Asia’s best cuisine.

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.
Call us at (800) 214-8144 for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.