Culture & History

Experience the Japanese ‘Way of the Tea’

Tokyo, Japan

Attending a Japanese tea ceremony – known as Chanoyu, Sado or ‘Way of the Tea’ – is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For centuries, this traditional tea-drinking ritual has been intrinsically woven into Japan’s cultural fabric, originating when the Zen monk, Eisai, brought back tea from China in the late 12th century. The ceremonious preparation and serving of matcha tea (powdered green tea leaves) developed in the late 15th century as a more refined version of tea parties, infused with Zen spirituality.

For the Japanese, the tea ceremony embodies key aspects of Buddhism and Shintoism and is one of several ‘life arts’ activities to practice Zen (‘at peace with your own thoughts’). Rooted in Japanese aesthetics, the Zen tea-drinking ceremony emanates a meditative quality, promoting wellbeing, mindfulness and harmony.

In Nihonbashi, one of Japan’s most historic commercial districts, experience a private tea ceremony hosted by a tea master, in one of Tokyo’s most authentic and most exquisitely decorated tea ceremony rooms. Sat upon a tatami floor, observe the kimono-clad tea master meticulously prepare and serve matcha tea using traditional utensils carefullyselected for their specific value. As the ceremony proceeds, your guide will explain all the unique etiquette and rituals. Enjoy the cordial hospitality, Japanese sweets and delicious matcha tea. Immerse yourself in the sense of calm, far removed from our fast-paced daily lives.

Duration: 1 hr

Experience the Ancient Traditions of Chinese Medicine

Hong Kong Island

Boasting a rich legacy dating back to ancient China, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) evolved as a holistic form of alternative medicine. Nowadays, TCM is still widely practiced for general health and wellbeing. While in Hong Kong, don’t miss this opportunity to unravel the mysteries of TCM and experience an important element in Chinese culture. We visit an old-school TCM clinic, discovering complex medicinal herbs and powerful natural concoctions stored in the apothecary cabinets. Learn about the therapeutic properties and medicinal uses of various aromatic roots and herbs and the history behind TCM.  Afterwards, take a private consultation with Dr. Guo Yue Feng, a qualified TCM practitioner with over 30 years of experience.

Duration: 1.5 hrs

A Spiritual Journey through Time

Bali, Indonesia

Bali is synonymous with spirituality and on this tour, you will visit key spiritual sites. Begin by travelling to the Pakerisan Valley to visit an 8^th century World Heritage site and birthplace of the Hindu Darma religion, to uncover the historical religious roots of modern-day Bali. Visit the very first Hindu Temple in Bali with the curator of the Sukarno Museum as your guide. Departing from the jungle temple you will head to Tirtha Mengening, a very small temple located next to Holy Spring fed pools. This temple offers a cleansing purification ritual conducted by a local priest. After the ceremony you can take a cooling plunge into the adjacent river. Enjoy a locally sourced, organic lunch while gazing out over verdant paddy fields picturesque Bali coastline.

Duration: 8hrs

Insight to Thai Royalty

Bangkok, Thailand

The monarchy has played an important role in the lives of Thai people for the last 800 years, with its kings and queens accorded almost divine reverence. Spend a fascinating half day learning about Thai royalty, starting with a visit to the stupendous Royal Grand Palace, a collection of spectacular buildings and sacred sites.

Spread over 94ha (233ac), the Grand Palace served as the residence of the King and his court, as well as the country’s entire administrative seat of government for nearly 150 years. Explore its galleries, throne rooms and Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, a sacred statue believed to be nearly 2,000 years old. Also tour the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles to see how Her Majesty has promoted the heritage and artistry of Thai silk through the decades, including displays of stunning gowns of Thai silk designed by European fashion houses for her public appearances.

Duration: 4.5hrs

Rural Life on Bangkok’s Scenic Island

Bangkok, Thailand

Known for its glitzy buildings and frenetic pace of life, one of Bangkok’s best-kept secrets is the tiny island of Koh Kret in the middle of the Chao Praya River. Formed nearly 300 years ago during the construction of a canal, Koh Kret is one of the kingdom’s oldest existing Mon settlements, an ethnic group from Central Thailand who were dominant between the 6^th to 10^th centuries.

Spend a half day in this fantastically rural setting, less than an hour away from downtown Bangkok, getting lost among its pedestrian-only walkways. Visit a Mon pottery workshop and learn how to make one of the island’s famed hand-thrown terracotta pots. Also use a terracotta stove to make “kanom krok”, tasty coconut custard-filled cakes.

Duration: 4.5hrs

Living Legacy of Jim Thompson’s Weavers

Bangkok, Thailand

The mysterious disappearance of Jim Thompson in 1967 continues to captivate the imagination of many. While much is known about the American businessman who helped revitalise the Thai silk industry in the 1950s on the way to becoming a global silk brand today, very few know about the other half of his legacy.

Upon discovering a community of skilled weavers of Cham descent living across the canal from his Bangkok home, Jim Thompson decided to build his company right next to the community and hired the weavers to produce his prized silk. Visit the last of his original weavers who still produce silk and listen to their fascinating childhood stories of when they watched Jim Thompson cross over to their homes every morning to visit his weavers and their families.

Duration: 6hrs

Cruise the River of Kings with a Thai Historian

Bangkok, Thailand

Stretching almost 400km from central Thailand down to the Gulf of Thailand, the mighty Chao Phraya River commands a place in Bangkok’s sprawling landscape. Board a lovingly restored rice barge on a luxury evening cruise along the River of Kings.

Sail past beguiling temples and modern skyscrapers, with chic boutiques standing side by side with 100-year-old shops selling congee and roast duck. Best of all, you will be accompanied by a Thai historian who will breathe life into the story of how the Chao Phraya has helped shape the City of Angels, along with its role in the development of Thai heritage, culture and economics. Enjoy a feast of Royal Thai cuisine, backed against a hypnotic parade of ferries, barges and steamboats gliding by in the magical evening hours.

Duration: 3.5hrs

In Search of the Lanna Heritage

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai has a long and storied history, stretching back more than 700 years, making it one of Thailand’s most historic cities. Established as the capital of the kingdom of Lanna or “Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields” in 1296 by King Meng Rai, Chiang Mai reached its peak in the 16^th century, when the Lanna kings ruled territory as far east as present-day Nan Province, south to Sukhothai and north to the present-day Myanmar-China border.

Embrace your role as a historian in an interactive role-playing game, searching for clues based on Chiang Mai’s history to help locate a colleague who mysteriously disappeared. Among others, learn about the 15^th century Wat Chedi Luang, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, as well as the history of the Golden Triangle, while engaging in this fun, educational experience.

Duration: 3.5hrs

Spiritual Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand

Spend an afternoon exploring the spiritual side of Thailand, one of the world’s most devoutly Buddhist countries. At the Wat Mahathat meditation centre, meet an English-speaking monk who will teach you about Vipassana, the type of meditation practised by Gautama Buddha and used by many to achieve mindfulness and harmony. Have your fortune told the Thai traditional way by a respected fortune teller.

Also visit several temples, including: Sri Maha Mariamman, Bangkok’s main Hindu temple with colourful shrines dedicated to Ganesh, Kartik and Sri Maha Mariamman; Wat Pathum Wanaram with its surprisingly peaceful meditation garden despite being surrounded by the city’s largest malls; and Erawan, a shrine honouring the Thai representation of Brahma, the Hindu god of creation. 

Duration: 6.5hrs

Scenic River Cruise to Mingun

Mandalay, Myanmar

Cruise along the legendary Ayeyarwady River to the charming riverside town of Mingun. In the late 18^th century, ambitious King Bodawpaya used thousands of prisoners of war to build what he hoped would be the world’s largest stupa.

Had it been completed, it would have been 152m (500ft) high, as high as the Great Pyramid of Giza. While the stupa was never finished, the 52m (170ft) base is still incredibly impressive, as is the nearby 90-ton Mingun Bell that King Bodawpaya cast to go with his gigantic stupa. Visit several more notable sites before re-boarding your boat for a traditional Burmese lunch as you cruise back to Mandalay.

Duration: 6hrs

Witness a Traditional Novice Ceremony

Bagan, Myanmar

“To be Burmese is to be Buddhist” is a well-known Myanmar saying speaking to the integral role religion plays in the life of every Burmese. In fact, according to Myanmar’s Buddhist traditions, all males are expected to join the monkhood at least once in their life, marked by a novitiation ceremony.

Spend a full day with rare, behind-the-scenes access to this coming-of-age rite where young boys become temporary novices for a week, a month or forever, and girls choose between having their ears pierced or shaving their heads and becoming a nun. Witness as the children are decked out in their finery before joining a lively procession to the local monastery where the novice will be handed over by his or her parents to an elder monk to experience life in the monastery, studying ancient Pali scripts and Buddhist philosophy.

Duration: 6-8hrs

Discovering the Monasteries of Dala

Yangon, Myanmar

Just 15 minutes from downtown Yangon, the rural township of Dala is truly a world away from the fast pace of the big city. Board the local ferry to cross the Yangon River over to Dala, gateway to the Ayeyarwady Delta. Take a trishaw ride along dusty lanes to observe life in the Delta where families in bamboo homes with tin roofs run small businesses like making candles for pagoda offerings and crafts from recycled materials.

Walk through a colourful local market to a monastery which also functions as a community centre. Monasteries are incredibly important in Myanmar, traditionally providing the community with moral guidance as well as basic education. Gain insight into what monastic life is like in a country with half a million monks.

Duration: 4hrs

Explore Yangon Like a Local

Yangon, Myanmar

Home to more than 5 million people, Yangon is a wonderful mix of colonial architecture, modern high-rise buildings and sparkling, centuries-old pagodas. Spend the day exploring Myanmar’s largest city like a local by train, ferry and trishaw.

Highlights include: joining the 150,000 or so daily commuters on Yangon’s 46km (28mi) Circular Railway, and riding it to the outskirts of Yangon to visit a colourful local market; walking through vibrant downtown Chinatown to visit a temple and to see shops hand-making noodles and rice paper; and boarding a ferry across the Yangon River to explore the rural backwater village of Dala by local trishaw. Just minutes from the big city, Dala is far removed from the bustle of Yangon with many residents still earning a simple living from fishing and farming.

Duration: 8hrs

Gain a Deeper Understanding of Monastic Life

Bagan, Myanmar

King Anawrahta, the 11^th century founder of the Pagan Empire, is credited with introducing Theravada Buddhism to Upper Burma. Visit the Ngat Pyit Taung pagoda and monastery built by the king and explore its impressive prayer hall and nearby temple caves. The monastery is also home to a primary school.

Established by King Anawrahta, these monastic schools traditionally provided education in secular as well as Buddhist teachings. Today, they supplement the government schools by helping disadvantaged children acquire literacy and numeracy skills while learning Buddhist values such as generosity and kindness. You are welcome to donate school supplies during your visit.

Duration: 1hr

Burmese Fortune Telling and Palmistry

Yangon, Myanmar

Astrology, divination and the reverence of nats (spirits) is embraced by many Burmese, with belief in the supernatural influencing major events from changing the country’s name to Myanmar to moving the capital from Yangon to Naypyidaw. In addition to the 12 zodiac signs common in many countries, the Burmese zodiac also places importance on the day of the week one is born.

Meet with one of Myanmar’s most famous and respected fortune teller known for making predictions on television, radio stations and in newspapers. Listen as he predicts your destiny based on characteristics unique to you through astrology, palmistry and numerology.

Duration: 2hrs

Conversations with a Local Artist

Yangon, Myanmar

Recent democratic reforms in Myanmar have spurred the growth of its contemporary art scene, particularly in Yangon where private galleries represent a diverse range of artists experimenting with different subjects and art forms.

Visit the home gallery of a Yangon resident artist, considered one of Myanmar’s masters of watercolour paintings, well-known for depicting Buddhist monastic life and the detailed temple architecture of Bagan. View his latest paintings in progress and listen as the soft-spoken artist shares stories of his humble beginnings and how the country’s fascinating political events as well as his own personal experiences have influenced his work. Afterwards, the artist will accompany you to visit a couple of his favorite art galleries.

Duration: 2-3hrs

Experience an Authentic Traditional Baci Ceremony

Luang Prabang, Laos

In Lao tradition, baci ceremonies are held to celebrate special events including marriages, homecomings and births. An integral part of Lao culture, the purpose of the ceremony is to re-establish equilibrium by calling the “kwan”, or parts of the soul, back to the body. Take part in this ancient practice at a local family’s home.

Observe as a village elder officiates the ceremony by chanting an invocation to call the “kwan” and to strengthen the power of the blessing. A white cotton thread will be tied around your wrist, a symbol of peace, good fortune and continuity. Being able to participate in this age-old practice with emphasis on renewal, forgiveness and the strengthening of social and family bonds is truly a deep, contemplative experience not easily forgotten.

Duration: 1hr

Luang Prabang Heritage Walk with UNESCO Expert

Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995 for its exceptionally rich architecture and artistic heritage, a gorgeous fusing of traditional Lao structures and European colonial buildings.

Spend a fascinating hour with a UNESCO consultant as he shares some of his expertise in the cultural heritage of the country as well as an understanding of Lao history and people. After, set out on a walking tour with a local guide taking in the highlights of Luang Prabang’s distinct architecture, including well-preserved traditional wood houses, brick colonial-era buildings, stone temples and richly decorated pagodas.

Duration: 4hrs

Real-Life Stories from a Pol Pot Survivor

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Casual visitors to Cambodia may not readily see signs of the tragedy brought on by the Pol Pot Regime more than 40 years ago, but underneath Cambodia’s friendly veneer, the wounds still run deep. Gain a personal perspective of this tragic event by spending some time with a local family who lived through those tumultuous years. Meet a former soldier who was in his 20s when Pol Pot came to power. Learn about his life before the Khmer Rouge, working with the French to restore the Angkorian temples, and hear stories from his time as a soldier fighting against the regime. Over tea and local sweets with his family, listen as he recounts his strikingly real personal narrative filled with incredible highs and devastating lows, marked by adversity, survival and hope.

Duration: 2hrs

Experience Local Life On Silk Island

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Just minutes from bustling Phnom Penh lies Koh Dach, a pair of rural islands on the Mekong River collectively known as “Silk Island”. Spend the day with a local resident and her expat husband and explore the island known for its home-based silk weaving industry.

With a background in creative arts, Sopheap will take you to homes specialising in handicrafts and food production, and provide fascinating insights into their livelihoods. Learn how to make your own noodles from a woman who has spent her life dedicated to perfecting their texture and flavour. Before departing the island, visit the very school Sopheap attended as a child, and meet with the headmaster to deliver school supplies that are very much in need.

Duration: 6hrs

Tonle Sap Lake Through the Lens

Siem Reap, Cambodia

One of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia, there are over two million people who live and work on and around the Tonle Sap. Spend a full day putting your camera settings through its paces to photograph this challenging yet beautiful mix of landscapes, animals and people.

Practice your wildlife photography in this rich ecosystem that is home to more than 100 varieties of water birds, as well as crocodiles, turtles, macaques, otter and other wildlife. Capture portraits and people shots at the lake’s monasteries, floating villages and vibrant local market. Landscape photographers will especially enjoy taking wide shots of the scenery from a village perched on 10m (33ft) high stilts, looking across the water during the late afternoon golden hour.

Duration: 9hrs

Note: Seat in coach

The Serenity of Angkor

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Escape the crowds at Angkor at three of the more atmospheric yet less visited spots in the temple complex. Travel by tuk-tuk to the 12^th century Banteay Kdei, an impressive Buddhist monastery also known as the “Citadel of Cells”. Walk around this peaceful compound, surrounded by four concentric walls and look for a rare Buddha statue in the largely Hindu complex.

Also cruise the quiet waters surrounding Angkor Thom in a gondola reminiscent of those used in ancient Khmer ceremonies and battles. In the tranquil solitude, visualise the royal city when it ruled over two million people nearly 800 years ago. Make your way to Prasat Chrung, a small temple built in the style of Bayon, and climb a steep iron staircase to a quiet spot for excellent sunset views over the ruins.

Duration: 3-4hrs

Exploring the River Life of the Mekong Delta (Exclusive)

Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Vietnam’s lush, green Mekong Delta is home to about 20 million people and nearly 3,600km (2,230 mi) of streams, canals and rivers. The Delta is Vietnam’s pantry, producing 50% of the nation’s rice, 80% of its fruit, and 60% of its fish. Spend a full day exploring the sprawling rice paddies, colourful fruit farms and bountiful waterways of the region for a glimpse of how life is lived in the Vietnamese countryside.

Highlights include visiting a small home factory that makes sticky rice wrapped in coconut leaves; scenic motorboat and sampan ride along narrow, tree-lined canals past rural riverscapes; leisurely cycling along small village lanes for a taste of country living; and visiting the Delta’s tropical fruit orchards via your choice of horse-drawn cart or tri-motorcycle.

Duration: Full day

Learn the Practice of Royal Martial Arts

Hue, Vietnam

Martial arts in Hue originated as a way for mandarins to protect the royal court. In time, a form of martial arts was taught to soldiers tasked with enlarging the territory of the Nguyen Lords in the 17th century. So revered were the martial arts masters that they were awarded Doctorates of Philosophy and King Minh Mang built a Martial Arts Temple not far from the Thien Mu Pagoda to honour these masters. Rediscover this ancient practice by visiting a martial arts school. Enjoy a private class with the head master and see how the gestures and sequences of Hue martial arts resemble the movements of animals defending themselves. Also tap into Master Kim’s comprehensive knowledge of the human body which he uses to treat injuries holistically.

Duration: 1.5hrs

Afternoon With A Kite-Making Master

Hue, Vietnam

Vietnam has a long, storied kite-making and -flying tradition stretching back more than a thousand years. Northern Vietnam is famous for making musical kites with bamboo flutes attached while kites in the South are more aerodynamic. In the past, farmers believed kites carried their wishes for a good harvest to the gods. About 300 years ago, kites found their way into the Hue Royal Court, leading to Hue’s tradition of creating colourful and elaborate kites. Spend the afternoon with a kite artisan who’s been crafting kites for more than 45 years. Listen as he shares his passion for Vietnamese kites while learning how to create a kite yourself, possibly with the opportunity to let it take flight in the skies over the Citadel.

Duration: 2.5hrs

The History Of Saigon Through Its Architecture

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

While Ho Chi Minh City may appear like a gleaming Asian metropolis, several cultures have played a part in the city’s unique history. Accompanied by a local cultural and history researcher, learn about Saigon’s fascinating story through its architecture and observe the influences from the Chinese and French. Highlights include: the Jade Pagoda, built in the early 1900s to honour the supreme Taoist god; the Archbishop’s Palace with its French architecture and 200-year-old prayer house used by early French Catholic missionaries; the University of Social Sciences & Humanities which once housed colonial-era military barracks; the Fine Arts Museum, a lovely combination of Art Deco elements and local decorative motifs; and a heritage building that served as the residence of former US Ambassador Henry C. Lodge in the 1960s.

Duration: 4.5hrs

Insight to Vietnamese Culture Through Poetry (Exclusive)

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Vietnam’s history is long and complex, punctuated by many kingdoms and dynasties. Gain insight into some of Vietnam’s medieval history and culture, especially relating to the lives of women during the country’s feudal times with the help of a local Professor of Literature. The professor is passionate about sharing his fascinating observations about what medieval Vietnamese literature reveals from a modern perspective. Listen as he reads selected works from some of Vietnam’s most famous poetesses in the decidedly cultured setting of Salon Saigon, a beautifully restored French colonial-era building cum contemporary art space and private museum.

Duration: 1.5-2hrs

Beauty of Hang Trong Paintings

Hanoi, Vietnam

Down an obscure alley in Hanoi’s Old Quarter lives a 66-year-old man who happens to be the last remaining master of Hang Trong folk paintings. Originating in the 17^th century under the Le Dynasty, this ancient art form involves a combination of woodblock printing and colourful painting on special handmade paper. Spend a fascinating few hours visiting this talented artisan in his home, witnessing him create folk paintings using the same woodblock used by previous generations of craftsmen and come to understand his desire to preserve this ancient craft. Though this folk painting tradition has nearly disappeared, the paintings themselves continue to be prized by Hanoians, especially during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, when the paintings are placed on family altars, valued for their spiritual and cultural symbolism.

Duration: 3hrs