Asia Arts Trips
Artists are often ideal cultural ambassadors, with unique insight into their cultures. This is especially true in Vietnam, Thailand and Japan where many prominent artists have exhibited abroad, are fluent in English, and are astute observers of the lives around them. We're always happy to make introductions with local artists in many places, including Tokyo, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Kyoto, Nara, Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Hue, and Hoi An—places where leading artists are based and many we know personally from our long experience since organizing the very first arts tours of Vietnam in 1995, when artists were only beginning to emerge from a long post-war slumber and poor economy.
Japan Arts, Pottery & Crafts Tours
Japanese arts are as distinct as they are refined, having long captivated and enchanted the world with unique aesthetics and profound cultural depth. From highly refined traditional forms such as ukiyo-e woodblock prints, calligraphy, pottery and ritual tea ceremonies to contemporary expressions in manga and anime, Japanese arts encompass a vast array of mediums, styles, and philosophies. Experience the vibrant diversity of the arts across Japan in places, experiences, activities and complete trips.
Learn traditional crafts in ancient neighborhoods, with master craftsmen talking you through textiles and pottery, the classic and contemporary. Exploring contemporary galleries with the curators and meeting the artists in their studios. Canvasing the sublime designs of Kyoto, delving into the edgy originality of Tokyo, and finding the ancient customs and crafts that continue to dominate old-world towns and villages.
Vietnam Arts & Crafts Tours
We organized one of the very first arts tours of Vietnam in 1995, when artists were only beginning to emerge from a long post-war slumber and poor economy. What a difference a couple of decades makes as like their cuisine, Vietnamese artists have since claimed the world-stage and the arts scene is Hanoi is one of the most vigorous in Asia. Meet privately with the country's most renowned artists and learn of newer takes on tradtional mediums, including tradtional lacquer and thread art.
Let us plan your custom arts tour of Vietnam focused on your specific interests, canvasing galleries and home studios of premier artists, enjoying private encounters and witnessing their work hands-on in a variety of mediums from traditional to contemporary. From the stoic, bohemian capital of Hanoi, this journey encompasses not the only the significant places to experience arts in Vietnam, but also its most beautiful and enchanting landscapes.
Thailand’s art scene is enjoying a renaissance, a contemporary and gritty edge added to the historical forms of expression. Graffiti lines the walls of trendy suburbs, much like the murals that spread across ancient temples. Surreal paintings hang in the galleries, redolent of a story that has social and political undertones. Buddhist pieces have a new lease of life, sculptures and paintings reflecting a new breed of artist. Across Bangkok and the north, art is no longer something seen in galleries and museums, but in shops, malls, and studios.
Journey through the artistic heart of Siam, where tradition and modernity converge in a captivating exploration of Thailand’s rich cultural tapestry. This in-depth tour explores the arts and crafts highlights of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai, with visits to private collections, artist studios, markets, shops, and national museums. Led by local specialists and esteemed art experts, you'll gain rare insight into Thailand’s social and cultural complexities, discovering masterpieces that span gilded temples, contemporary galleries, and intricate handcrafted traditions.
Cambodia Arts & Crafts Tours
Khmer arts span from ancient magnificent sculptures and bas reliefs of Angkorian-era temples, lacquer, to astonishing modern dance performances in Siem Reap. A vibrant crafts scene has long flourished in the town with fine wooden and stone sculpture, but also bold world-class silk textiles, and modern canvas works that can also be found in Siem Reap and the capital, Phnom Penh. Enjoy access to artists and silk product makers we've developed relationships with over the last three decades in Cambodia.
Laos Arts & Crafts Tours
Laotian textile weavers have a legendary history, producing bright, colorful pieces for traditional clothing and other uses. Enjoy special access to the weavers at their looms in Luang Prabang, while also exploring ancient expressions of Buddhist art, handicrafts, and sculpture the small town is renowned for.
