Discovering the Art of Hong Kong & Hanoi

Upon arrival in Hong Kong, enjoy some time at leisure in one of the world’s most dynamic and enthralling cities. On day two, our full-day highlight tour starts with traversing the Cross-Harbour Tunnel. One of the world’s greatest deep-water harbours, Victoria Harbour has greatly contributed to Hong Kong’s status as a world-class metropolis. Head to Victoria Peak, at 554m (1817ft)-high, the island’s highest point and legendary landmark. Climb aboard the Peak Tram, one of the world’s oldest funicular railways, which has made this gravity-defying ascent since 1888. At the Peak summit, enjoy spectacular 360-degree views across the city. Continue south to Aberdeen, a traditional fishing village and bustling harbour, renowned for its photogenic fishing junks and floating restaurants. Explore the quaint seaside village of Stanley and its charming  market. Our day concludes at Kowloon’s stunning Wong Tai Sin Temple, where Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism are jointly worshipped.

Hong Kong boasts some of Asia’s finest independent and international galleries, besides a thriving local art scene. For an insider’s guide to the city’s prestigious art gallery world, head to stylish Soho, an upscale neighbourhood. This is home to Hong Kong’s most prestigious galleries, where art and business collide. Take an exclusive guided tour through the latest exhibitions of five contemporary art galleries in Soho, hand-selected for their diversity. Accompanied by art experts, admire the broad range of mediums and styles exhibited, from sculptures to modern installations, created by artists from Hong Kong and the Greater China region. Beyond the art works, delve into the compelling stories behind the curators and the vision of their prolific galleries.  

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As Vietnam’s ancient arts and culture hub, Hanoi boasts a thriving art scene and more than 250 art galleries. Guided by a prominent art curator, we tour the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts, the nation’s premier art museum. Works of art exhibited within this magnificent colonial-era building detail the history of Vietnamese fine art. Continue to the home art studio of celebrated Hanoi artist, Mr. Pham Luc. Art works by this “Picasso of Vietnam” are regarded as an important reflection of the nation’s artistic direction. Gain rare insight from Mr. Luc on Vietnam’s contemporary arts scene. Later, head to Manzi Café and Art Space. Housed within a restored villa, this art gallery-cum-café is acclaimed for its contemporary local art and diverse exhibitions.

For centuries, Hanoi and the Red River Delta have been celebrated for their artisan crafts. Many of them today, however, are slowly dying out. Once an important northern art genre and symbol of Vietnam’s religious culture, Hang Trong folk art is nowadays mainly found in fine art collections. At his Old Quarter home, meet one of the few remaining artists still producing Hang Trong woodcut paintings. Learn about his efforts to preserve this traditional folk art and visit Hang Trong Street, where these paintings were formerly sold. Later, enjoy an exclusive cocktail reception and dinner at the art studio home of Art Director, Suzanne Lecht. A leading authority on contemporary art in Vietnam, Ms. Lecht is an advocate for promoting Vietnam’s arts scene and discovering exceptional local artists.

Bat Trang Pottery Village is amongst several villages on Hanoi’s outskirts that has long specialised in distinctive artisan cottage industries. However, Bat Trang holds an important place in Asian ceramics history, celebrated since the 15th century for its unique form of ceramics and pottery. During our bespoke morning tour, stroll through this quaint village and observe artisan potters still producing Bat Trang ceramics and pottery by hand, combining traditional and modern techniques. At a pottery workshop, learn the centuries-old production process of molding and sculpting clay pots, plates and cups. Under the expert instruction of a skilled potter, try your hand at creating a ceramic piece.  Afterwards, enjoy a hosted lunch at an ancient Bat Trang home.

Free at leisure until the transfer to Hanoi’s Nội Bài International Airport for your onward flight.