Spend time with a local historical expert who offers a fascinating insight into local culture, learning all about the nuances of Vietnam from the history of the conical hat to the effects of the rapid development in trade and tourism. Travel from your hotel by air-conditioned vehicle or cyclo (bicycle rickshaw) to a local coffee shop in the Old Quarter (or to his house, depending on availability) to meet the cultural specialist and discuss Vietnamese culture for one hour. From USD 103 per person based on 2 pax Discover Vietnam s intriguing art scene with the director of Art Vietnam Gallery, Suzanne Lecht. During a private, 90-minute meeting with the influential art director, you learn all about the history of the art gallery and its importance in Vietnam. Explore the current exhibitions and discuss Vietnam s burgeoning artists with the opportunity to seek advice from the gallery s curator about potential purchases. Additional cocktail and catering service available upon request with surcharge. From USD 355 per person based on 2 pax Explore the Museum of Ethnology with local expert, Mark Rapoport, MD. Trained in Medicine and Public Health in Boston and Harvard University, Dr. Rapoport first visited Vietnam in the 1960s and moved to Hanoi permanently in 1974. He has since become a renowned expert on the ethnic groups of Vietnam and is a keen collector of cultural objects. He now shares his vast knowledge and personal insights with you as you explore the museum and learn all about Vietnam s 54 ethnic minorities. From USD 218 per person based on 2 pax
Catch a glimpse of what life was like in the Hanoi Hilton during a visit to the museum followed by a chat with former US army soldier, Chuck Searcy who has first-hand experience of life as a prisoner of war. First arriving in 1967 to fight in the Vietnam War, Searcy has since returned to Vietnam and began helping children with disabilities then later assisted the government to clear land mines and other ordnances. With his newfound love for the country, Searcy shares his personal story with you during a private meeting. From USD 95 per person based on 2 pax Discover Hanoi s turbulent history on a visit to some iconic war memorials that pay homage to those who served during the Vietnam War. Then visit the home of a former MiG-21 fighter pilot, Mr. Nguyen Hong My, who was decorated with the Order of Ho Chi Minh for being the first to shoot down a US fighter jet during the war. Now, enjoy a private and personal chat with the Vietnamese war veteran who happily shares his tales of battle and how he became close friends with one US pilot he met and defeated in aerial combat. From USD 64 per person based on 2 pax Meet with Doan Minh Hoan, a well-known performance artist, painter and practitioner of yoga and meditation in Vietnam. The artist accompanies you on a visit to the Fine Art Museum and provides an indepth review of Vietnamese art. Then visit her home studio for a private viewing of her paintings with a cup of Vietnamese herbal tea and a chat about Vietnamese culture from the artist s personal perspective. The artist then performs a special contemporary dance piece exclusively for you. From USD 167 per person based on 2 pax
Meet with Mr. Tam, a former Vietnamese army officer who was stationed at Hoa Lo Prison, a site commonly referred to as the Hanoi Hilton by US prisoners of war. Having witnessed first-hand that memorable moment when Vietnam released the US POWs, Mr. Tam continued to serve and later retired in 2011 as Colonel of the Vietnam Infantry Division. This is a rare opportunity to see Hoa Lo Prison through the eyes of someone familiar with its secrets. From USD 80 per person based on 2 pax Travel by cyclo to visit a local market then continue to Tha Om Garden House, an exquisite compound of traditional Vietnamese homes. The owner, Pham Ba Vinh, is a noted preservationist and antique seller who restored four traditional garden homes and reassembled them around a courtyard flanked on one side by a half-moon lotus pond. Enjoy a Vietnamese cooking class in these beautiful surroundings then taste your selfmade meal accompanied by glorious views of the garden. From USD 166 per person based on 2 pax Enjoy an exclusive private dinner at a local house on the banks of the Huong River. Emulating the history and culture of the former Imperial City, the unique property was constructed using reclaimed materials that are over 100 years old and locally sourced. The owners are also avid wine enthusiasts and possess one of the largest wine collections in Vietnam. After exploring the house, enjoy a half-hour live music performance by the owner before partaking in a delightful five-course meal of modern Vietnamese cuisine. From USD 248 per person based on 2 pax
Experience the traditional Vietnamese way of life and discover local Hue cuisine with a step-by-step cooking class led by an expert chef. Discover the secrets to making two vegetarian dishes as well as the art of folding napkins and setting the table in Vietnamese style. Learn how to meditate before, during and after the meal, then sit down to enjoy your elegant, self-made lunch followed by a Tai Chi class to learn the way of 12 Lotus Flowers. You also have a chance to taste Gạo Lứt rice tea with sweet ginger. From USD 215 per person based on 2 pax Visit the historian Phan Thuan An s Garden House, which was built for his wife s grandmother, the daughter of Emperor Dong Khanh. The home is noteworthy both for its architecture, feng shui and collection of altars, pedestals, hutches and divans collected by generations of the same family. An expert on the history of Hue, Mr. Phan Thuan An (or his friendly daughter) gives a talk on his native city and its illustrious past. Depending on the time of visit, either lunch or dinner is served in the garden of the house. From USD 138 per person based on 2 pax Engage in a philanthropic experience and learn a bit about the life of Ho Chi Minh City s visually impaired community. Meet the nuns at Nhat Hong Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired and learn how the Catholic sisters assist the children with their daily activities and teach them how to make greetings cards and other handicrafts. After your visit, enjoy a unique dining experience at Noir, the dining in the dark restaurant where, for a brief moment, you can taste the life of a visually impaired person. From USD 116 per person based on 2 pax
Enjoy a private audience with Hoang Van Cuong, a renowned United Press International (UPI) photographer during the Vietnam War. Visit the museum and art gallery where the celebrated war photographer displays his valuable collection of historical Vietnam War photographs and other precious antiques. During your visit, you have a chance to chat privately with the collector and gain a deeper understanding of his work and his personal experience of Vietnamese history. From USD 55 per person based on 2 pax Meet Ngo Truc Mai and Dinh Linh, two experienced musicians who entertain you with a private folk music performance in their home. During the one-hour performance, the couple expertly display the use of traditional Vietnamese musical instruments, such as the monochord zither, bamboo xylophone and stone lithophone. You may even learn how to play some of the instruments yourself, with guidance from Mrs. Ngo and Mr. Dinh. From USD 91 per person based on 2 pax The Moc Show is an engaging cultural performance that encourages audience participation, inspiring you to learn and understand the underlying history of each movement. The artist, Phuong Bao, has been recognized with the highest national title of People's Artist and has delivered several major concerts and cultural events around the world. During the one-hour performance, experience the true sound of the traditional instruments without any use of amplifiers as the artists perform in the intimate and beautifully-lit venue. From USD 312 per person based on 2 pax
Gain a unique insight into local history and culture on an inspiring journey that introduces the past, present and future of Vietnamese art. Visit some of the city s top art spaces including a local gallery displaying a collection of works by wartime artists and a family-owned antique shop. The experience concludes at Galerie Quynh, a contemporary art gallery that promotes Vietnamese artists from a wide range of backgrounds. From USD 178 per person based on 2 pax