HOI AN , VIETNAM
Contemporary Embroidery Art With Han Cao + Culinary Adventures in Hoi An
March 3 - 12, 2025
Hoi An is a tapestry of culture, food and history. Join Ace Camps Travel + Han Cao as we explore this incredible city through its food, arts and crafts.
Often referred to as the culinary capital of Vietnam and it’s easy to see why. Hoi An has many delicious dishes that can only be found here and nowhere else in Vietnam. This longtime trading port city offers a distinctive regional cuisine that blends centuries of cultural influences from East and Southeast Asia. The quaint streets are decorated with hanging lanterns, colourful historic homes, and cozy coffee houses that set the scene for this impressive fishing village.
Han will introduce you to the world of contemporary embroidery on paper and fabric. You will learn a range of embroidery stitches, how to work with embellishments and have the opportunity to develop a larger project such as a vintage postcard and textile piece.
This workshop is an embroidery intensive program open to all creative ability levels. Trip Itinerary, Details + Important Trip Notes below.
DATES
March 3 - 12, 2025 ∙ 10 Days, 9 Nights
PRICE
Private Room from $3995 USD
Full Rooming + Pricing Details Below
Rooming Note:
All rooms on this Ace Camp are private rooms, if you and another guest would like to share a room, you will have to share one large bed. Please contact us HERE to discuss this option.
ALL PLACES ARE CURRENTLY FILLED, PLEASE REGISTER FOR THE WAITLIST FOR PRIORITY NOTIFICATION OF OPENINGS
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
Multi-day Contemporary Embroidery workshop with Han Cao
Boutique Villa Accommodation
Natural Dyeing Workshop with local artist
Contemporary Vietnamese Culinary Tour
Farm lunch with chef
Guided visit to Co Tu Cultural Village
Guided visit to UNESCO My Son Sanctuary
Opportunity to visit a custom clothing tailor shop
Walking Street Food Tour
Transportation to and from included activities and meals
Return Airport transfers from Da Nang Airport (on specified days)
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip
Travel + Learn with Han Cao
Han is a self-taught artist currently living in Southern California.
She uses embroidery to create new narratives for long-forgotten photographs and postcards found at flea markets and antique shops from around the world. All embroidery on the artwork is done by hand, directly onto the original found image.
Her art combines fibers of embroidery thread with the paper fibers of each photograph to connect with the fibers of our own being – as the added dimension of each work challenges our self-identity and personal connection with unfamiliar people and places.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Hoi An!
Arrive at DaNang Airport where you will be picked up and driven to our group villa - the drive from the airport is roughly 1 hour.
Relax by the pool or go for a stroll and in the evening we will gather for a casual welcome dinner at the villa with Han.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2
This morning Han will guide you on an introduction to contemporary embroidery. You will begin learning different approaches, stitch techniques and methods that you will be able to apply and adapt to different materials and projects.
Later this afternoon, we head into town for a traditional culinary walking tour of Hoi An. As the streets and alleyways of old town fill with a myriad of street food carts, stalls and vendors this will be your introduction to enjoy a variety of Hoi An specialities and a chance to introduce you to the faces behind the stock pots (and to teach you how the locals deal with those condiment trays!)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
This morning Han will continue her workshop where you’ll work with vintage fabrics to practice and explore playing with embroidery to accentuate texture, learning how to add embellishments.
After lunch at the villa, we venture into Old town to visit a tailor shop. Hoi An is known for its skilled tailors who can craft custom clothing and this is an excellent (optional) chance to have some bespoke clothing made of your own. (Any custom clothing you have made is at your own expense).
For dinner this evening we visit one our favourite restaurants in old town. Return to the villa after dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Today we travel out of Hoi An to visit the quiet community of Co Tu village. At the edge of a forest, tucked beneath the Truong Son Mountains, the village of Bho Hoong sits shaded by jackfruit and banana trees. Here expert brocade and wicker rattan weavers live and work. They will introduce us to their craft and the iconic Co Tu backpack with three deep pockets. For lunch enjoy an assortment of locally prepared dishes that may feature forest vegetables, fish, herbs and aromatic spices.
Return to the villa later in the day, dinner this evening is free time to explore on your own or with others from the group
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5
Today begins with a relaxed morning, an optional yoga session will be offered overlooking the river.
Late morning we depart the villa to explore the contemporary side of Vietnamese cuisine. You will meet chefs and small business owners, and learn about the modern sustainable practices of Hoi An. From new Vietnamese and fusion dishes and drinks to homemade products, you will discover some exceptional creations made with fresh, local ingredients.
Return to the villa late afternoon with the rest of the day free for you to relax or explore on your own or with others from the group.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6
You will have a full day workshop with Han today where you will explore how to work on paper and card. You’ll deep dive into the differences of working on paper and photos, and Han will share her sketching and planning process. You’ll have time to try out techniques on a variety of paper materials.
For dinner this evening we visit one our favourite restaurants in old town. Return to the villa after dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
A very special experience this morning as we are invited into the studio of a local embroidery artist and natural dyer. Pham will introduce you to the rich textiles and needlework culture of Vietnam, before she walks you through the basics of dyeing silk threads with native flora and fauna specific to the region.
After your morning workshop, we visit a local family near Tra Que Organic Herb Village, where you will learn about the process of preparing a variety of local dishes which you will then enjoy for lunch.
We return to the villa after lunch and the rest of the day is free time to relax by the pool or go out and explore.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8
Your day begins early today as we journey 30 miles outside of Hoi An with a guided visit to My Son – the sanctuary of Cham culture, known as Vietnam’s Most Impressive Ancient Ruins.
Often referred to as the Angkor Wat of Vietnam, and once the spiritual and political heartland of one of Southeast Asia’s most significant empires, more than 70 Hindu temples were built between the 4th and 15th centuries. The structures stood scattered amongst the lush jungle surrounds, their intricate carvings and architecture an important insight into Vietnam’s oft-overlooked ancient history.
We return to the villa after your morning excursion and the rest of the day is free time to relax by the pool or go out and explore.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9
This morning you have your final workshop session with Han. You will learn additional specialty stitches, that can be used alongside the techniques you previously learnt, to create your own piece of embroidery art. You will have the option to embroider vintage postcards, photos or vintage textiles. Han will work with each guest throughout to offer guidance and explain how to finish your pieces for framing. We’ll end our workshop with a mini group exhibition and show off the great work we’ve made!
The afternoon is free time to continue working self-directed on your embroidery projects or go out and explore.
We’ll gather in the evening for a final dinner to celebrate our time together in Vietnam.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10
Departure day: After breakfast, we say our final goodbyes and head on our way. For those departing from DaNang Airport today, we will have a shuttle to take you there.
Thank you for joining us in Vietnam!
Meals included: Breakfast
Nota Bene: this is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, dependent on local weather, new opportunities, and the desires of the group.
Where We’re Staying
Shaded by palm trees and lush gardens, backed by natural ponds and centred around a cooling swimming pool, our Villa property is the perfect place to relax away from the bustle of the city. Designed by the well-known local French-Vietnamese architect Helena Tran Quang Man and tastefully decorated in vintage Vietnamese style, each living space features distinctive artwork and photographs, thoughtful amenities and books for your reading pleasure.
ROOMING OPTIONS
Group Size: Minimum 8 guests and maximum 12 guests. All Prices are in USD.
ALL PLACES ARE CURRENTLY FILLED, PLEASE REGISTER FOR THE WAITLIST FOR PRIORITY NOTIFICATION OF OPENINGS
Please read the room options and notes below carefully and make your rooming selection on the booking request page
OPTION 1 - SMALL PRIVATE LOFT with separate shared bathroom
The fee for this trip is $3995 per person, paid in two separate instalments.
Initial Payment due immediately: $1995
Final Payment due November 3, 2024: $2000
Room Notes: The loft area is located upstairs in a shared villa, the bedroom area can be made private with a large curtain but there is no solid door. Your shared bathroom is located downstairs and shared with one other guest. The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
OPTION 2 - PRIVATE ROOM with separate shared bathroom
The fee for this trip is $4195 per person, paid in two separate instalments.
Deposit due immediately to secure your place on the trip: $1995
Final Payment due November 3, 2024: $2200
Room Notes: You will have a private bedroom + shared bathroom with one other guest. Your shared bathroom will be located a few steps from your bedroom. The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
OPTION 3 - STANDARD PRIVATE ROOM with ensuite
The fee for this trip is $4595 per person, paid in two separate instalments.
Deposit due immediately to secure your place on the trip: $1995
Final Payment due November 3, 2024: $2600
Room Notes: You will have a Standard style private bedroom + ensuite bathroom for the duration of the trip. The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
OPTION 4 - SUPERIOR PRIVATE ROOM with ensuite
The fee for this trip is $4895 per person, paid in two separate instalments.
Deposit due immediately to secure your place on the trip: $1995
Final Payment due November 3, 2024: $2900
Room Notes: You will have a large Superior style private bedroom + ensuite bathroom for the duration of the trip. The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
Important Trip Notes + Details
Culinary Notes + Restrictions
Unfortunately we cannot accommodate vegan diets on this trip. It may also be challenging to avoid eggs, soy, citrus or gluten during certain meals. If you choose to join us and do not eat dairy, eggs, soy, citrus or gluten you will need to manage this yourself during included meals which will be served family style (without menu options).
While we will do our best to manage specific dietary allergies with prior knowledge, during certain meals, some dishes will feature local ingredients and will be served family style and will not be possible to change.
If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, you will need to submit those on your booking request form. We cannot accommodate any allergies or dietary restrictions if you do not advise us when you submit your initial booking request.
Please contact us before booking if you have any questions.
Accessibility
Please note this tour includes some walking tours where the ground may be uneven, you may be on your feet for a couple of hours at a time. You should be comfortable walking, standing or sitting for long periods. Our property and workshop space have several sets of stairs and no elevator.
Workshop Supplies
Most supplies will be provided on site in Hoi An, however a few things you will need to bring from home, these will need to be transported in checked luggage but will not take up too much space. Details will be provided in an Ace Camps Travel preparation document prior to your trip.
Who is this Trip for?
This trip is for the calm, open minded and patient traveler. You should be eager to learn and work hands-on with a community of skilled artisans and be curious about regional culture and cuisine.
This is an immersive adventure and best suited for those who enjoy traveling as a part of a small group.
Trip Start + End Locations
This trip starts and ends in Hoi An, Vietnam.
The nearest airport to Hoi An is Da Nang International Airport with the airport code DAD. For guests arriving on Day 1, March 3, 2025, you will be picked up from the airport and brought to our villa in Hoi An.
For those departing on March 12, 2025 from DAD airport, we include an airport transfer.
Weather
You can expect plenty of sunshine and clear blue skies, and whilst temperatures start to rise it remains cool with little if any rainfall. The average daily temperature ranges from 80-90F.
Included in this Trip
Nine nights boutique villa accommodations in Hoi An
Nine breakfasts, six lunches and five dinners
Transport during included activities and meals
Arrival + departure day transfer from Da Nang Airport on select days
Hands-on embroidery workshops with Han Cao
Natural dyeing workshop with local artist
Traditional food tour
Contemporary food tour
Most workshop supplies
Visit to My Son ruins
Guided tour of Co Tu village
Yoga session
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout the trip
Ace Camps Travel Host
An Ace Camps Travel Host will be with you throughout your trip, dedicated to ensuring you have the best possible experience. Your Host is there for any questions or concerns, to look out for the health and safety of the group and to help resolve any issues that might arise. The Ace Camps Travel Host is not a local guide but will work with our local partners to ensure the right combination of pace, information, and duration. Our local partners are deeply knowledgable in the culture and customs of the area and will be there to share their knowledge and passion with the group.
Not Included in this Trip
International roundtrip airfare; required Travel Insurance; custom tailored clothing, additional transfers you may require before, during or after the trip; package mailing; a few workshop supplies; alcoholic drinks; activities and food and beverages not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; and expenses during free time.
Travel Arrangements
Ace Camps Travel will email you when it is time to make your travel arrangements. This email will be sent approximately 90 prior to your trip start date unless you book within 90 before the start of the trip. We will also send you an Ace Camps Travel preparation document prior to your trip. It will include a detailed itinerary, arrival and departure information, a suggested packing list, useful country information and more.
Travel Health
Consult a doctor, nurse or health care provider, or travel health clinic as soon as we confirm your booking on the Trip so you know what may be required, based on your individual circumstances. If you have any health concerns you should contact your health care provider for advice prior to registration of this Ace Camp Travel trip.
Travel Insurance
As stated in our Terms and Conditions, we require all guests to have Travel Insurance that at minimum covers both medical emergencies and trip cancellations. Cancellations 180 days or fewer prior to the trip start date will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy which is one of the many reasons we require all guests have Travel Insurance.
For full details on our Travel Insurance requirements, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
Health + Safety
Our goal is for each of our guests to enjoy the amazing trip we’ve put together. To ensure that happens, we put the health and safety of the group as our top priority. Individual guests are responsible for ensuring they meet all destination and layover country requirements and laws including various Covid-19 related requirements, providing proof of vaccination, testing before or after entry, masking, etc.
During our trip, if you feel unwell, exhibit signs of, or test positive for an illness, you should be prepared to follow the advice of local health authorities as well as the Ace Camps Travel Host to ensure the health and safety of the entire group. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and/or viral nature of your illness there may be a need to mask, distance, self isolate, or remove yourself completely from the trip which will be determined by the Ace Camps Travel Host with the best interests of the group health and safety as the main priority. This is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance.
For full details on our Health and Safety Policies, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
If you choose to cancel your trip for any reason, you must do so via email to hello@acecampstravel.com. If we receive written notice 181 or more days prior to the Trip start date, we will refund your initial payment, less a $1,000 cancellation fee. If we receive written notice 180 days or fewer prior to the Trip start date you will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the Trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy, including for reasons related to weather, terrorism, civil strife, pandemics, illness, personal, family or medical emergencies, or any other circumstances beyond our control. For this and other reasons, we require you to purchase Travel Insurance.
Be sure to read our Terms and Conditions for full details on Booking and Payment, Cancellation by You and Trip Changes and Cancellations.
Questions + FAQ’s
If you have any questions about this Ace Camps Travel trip, please feel free to contact us.
You can also read our FAQ’s here.