Hello, 

I’m Colleen Corradi, an artist and instructor specializing in drawing, watercolor painting, and printmaking. 

My work is inspired by the natural world, vibrant landscapes, and the delicate interplay of light and color that watercolor captures so beautifully. 

On this sketching trip to Vietnam, I’m excited to explore the lush landscapes, bustling markets, and timeless architecture that make this country so visually captivating.

With years of experience in drawing and watercolor, I enjoy both the precision of sketching and the expressive freedom of painting, bringing each scene to life with depth and emotion.

As an instructor, I’m passionate about sharing the joy and techniques of watercolor and drawing with fellow travelers and artists. 

On this trip, I aim to create a supportive and inspiring environment where participants can observe, sketch, and paint the world around them, developing their own artistic voices while capturing the spirit of Vietnam through color and line.

I’m thrilled to share this creative journey with you and to celebrate the beauty of the world we encounter, one sketch and brushstroke at a time.

Arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi, Vietnam

Airport pickup any time night or day. 

There is no programme on Arrivals Day - our guests come from all over the world.

Hotel check-in is available from 2.00pm.

We wiull start the day with an introduction session to understand how to sketch outdoors paying attention to one point perspective. 

Understand quick watercolor washes and what to look for to make our sketch more interesting, with details etc. 

 After that we go out and sketch a place in the old part of Hanoi  nearby.

We'll take a break to share lunch and have free time in the afternoon to continue working or exploring.

This evening let's share a Welcome Dinner together.

B,L,D

This morning we visit the Temple of Literature - founded in 1070 it was Hanoi's first University.

After exploriong the Temple it will be the focus of a sketching session focused on two-point perspective - learning how to create a sense of depth and manage distortion using the fundamental rules of perspective.

We'll have lunch nearby and you perhaps check out some of the other buildings in the area for the afternoon.

B,L

There are many Traditional Craft Villages around Hanoi.

Today we will explore tow on them.

First we will visit the Votive Offerings Temple Sculptures Village. After looking aorund this fascinating place we will gather around Village Community House to observe and capture intricate architectural details, textures, and subtle decorative elements. 

This session will encourage careful observation and patience, helping you refine your line work and deepen your attention to small but meaningful features.

Take a break for a delicious lunch and onto the Incense Village.

Sketching session with colored pencils at the Incense-Making Village, where the vibrant bundles of incense create striking, almost architectural compositions. Focus on capturing rhythm, repetition, and color to convey the unique visual impact of this setting. 

B,L

Visit to the Hanoi Art Museum.

 After a guided tour of the museum highlights, we’ll take time to closely observe the pieces that resonate most with you. 

Following a short sketching session of selected works, we’ll come together to reflect on your sketches - focusing on how you interpreted the forms, materials, and atmosphere of each piece. 

We’ll then revisit your work to refine it, considering composition, balance, and emphasis to strengthen the overall impact.

Lunch together and a free afternoon, we will meet later in the day to visit a Water Puppet Performance - a tradition that dates back as far as the 11th century, when it originated in the villages of the Red River Delta.  

B,L

A slow day today, and a break from busy Hanoi  we haed to World Heritage Ha Long Bay 

We will stay over night on a boat to relax, enjoy the location, work on your sketches and chat about progress.

There is also the opportunity to swim or kayak.

B,L,D

Slow morning on the bay the brunch and heading back to Hanoi.

We will arrive in the afternoon and have a free evening.

B,L

Hanoi will feel like home by now - today is a day to focus on details - walls, windows, trees, doorways etc.

Let's meet near the Cathedral for lunch and sharing our work and inspiration for interesting places you have found.

B,L

Everywhere around town you see small market stalls and vendors on motorbikes - it is an enticing feature of the Hanoi Landscape - today is the day to capture it in oyur journals.

Take the afternoon to finish off your works or enjoy shopping in Hanoi for Souvenirs - it is fabulous in the Old City.

Let's share a Farewell Dinner together and toast our successes developing our sketching skills with Colleen.

B,D

Departures from Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi, Vietnam.

We’ll drop you to the airport anytime day or night.

Hotel check-out time is in line with hotel policy, typically 12.00 midday.

B

• Charcoal, any type, either pencil (compressed charcoal) or old school charcoal
• rubber eraser and kneadable eraser
• one paper stump
• set of pencils (a hard one like H and 2-3 soft ones like 2B and 6B)
• small watercolor set 
• one or more paintbrushes, ideally a small one for details and a larger one for washes.
• Watercolor paper or watercolor sketch pad
• Regular sketch pad for pencil drawing
• a plastic cup for water 
• some paper towels
• a stool
• pastel colours - optional 

Physical Fitness for Sightseeing 

This adventure is crafted for enthusiastic, active travellers with a good general level of health and mobility.

To make the most of your experience, you’ll need a reasonable level of fitness and be comfortable walking  around Hanoi’s Old City, often on busy streets and uneven pavements, with the occasional stairs.

You may also find yourself getting in and out of local transport and navigating the occasional over-the-bath shower.

If you enjoy a bit of daily movement and love discovering new places on foot, you’ll thrive on this tour.

Just a friendly heads-up: we need to walk at an average pace - it will not be suitable for those who prefer a slow pace or need frequent rest stops.

Etiquette

• Be mindful of people’s privacy when taking photos

• Taking photos of people – how would you feel with a camera in your face?

• Many people enjoy a selfie – say hello, ask for a group selfie, show them, then ask for a portrait – works a charm

• Learn a few local courtesies – always appreciated

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Workshops

Stitch

• Needles and basics supplied, though your own needles can be easier on your hands

• Our hosts love seeing sewing kits and anything you’ve made – embroideries especially

Art / Journal / Sketch

• Your tutor will provide a suggested travelling kit before departure

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Food

• Flavours and style differ slightly, but ingredients are familiar

• Food is central to culture – we are here to try it

• Group meals are shared, with a range of dishes and local specialties

• Vietnam: fresh, from-scratch cooking, easy to see what you’re eating

• Vegetarian: possible, though fish sauce is widely used

• Vegan: similar challenges

• Onion/garlic-free: difficult

• Wheat and/or dairy-free: generally manageable

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Health

• Drink only filtered or bottled water – never tap, even for brushing teeth

• Aim for at least 2 litres of water daily

• Visit your doctor or travel specialist before departure

• Bring required medications and prescriptions

• Menstrual products – pads available, tampons harder to find

• Bring insect repellent

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Money

• Notify your bank before travel (including transit stops)

• Travel cards can be useful – check they work before departure

• Carry a backup card, stored separately

• ATMs are widely available

• Cash – useful backup, exchange rates vary (ask hotel front desk)

• Credit cards – limited use, fees may apply

• KNOW YOUR CARD PIN – tap not used

Currency

• Vietnamese Dong

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Shopping

• There are treasures to find – and it supports the local economy

• Bargaining is common in markets – prices are negotiable

• NGOs and social enterprises usually have fixed prices

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Suitcase

• Start with a medium suitcase and bring a soft bag for extra purchases

• Large suitcases are harder to manage on the bus

Recommended size

• Medium: 60–70 cm (H) x 40–50 cm (W) x 25–30 cm (D)

• Approx. 24–28" x 16–20" x 10–12"

• Buying luggage on the road is not easy

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Weather

• Warm days, cooler mornings and evenings

• Light rain possible – bring an umbrella or light rain jacket

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Power

• 220–240 volts

• A universal adaptor is best (Vietnam commonly uses Type A, C and sometimes F plugs)

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Clothing

• Lightweight, loose layers work best

• 3–4 outfits are usually sufficient

• Modesty: skirts/trousers mid-calf or longer, tops not too revealing

• Pack socks and a cardigan for cooler mornings

• Leave expensive jewellery at home

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Shoes

• Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers or strapped sandals)

• Surfaces can be uneven – stability matters

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Laundry

• Any 2-night stop is a good opportunity

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Fitness

• Frequent stops, getting on/off the minibus

• Walking required – often 1–2 hours at a time

• Expect steps and uneven ground

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Begging

• Best not to encourage

• Avoid giving sweets or gifts to children

• If you wish to give, we can pass items to a school

• A small gesture to elderly or disabled people can be appropriate

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Tipping

• Customary – carry small change

• Small services (bags, tea, laundry) – small tips appreciated

• Guides, performers, photos – tip as you feel appropriate

• Set something aside for your guide and driver

• Rough guide: the equivalent of a coffee per day, per person

• A group collection at the end works well

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Environment

• Be mindful – conserve water and power

• Take rubbish with you where possible

• Say no to plastic

• Bring a cloth carry bag