Flavours of South-East Asia by VIP Private Jet

We depart Sydney aboard our VIP private jet. After pausing in Broome to refuel, our aircraft continues along a north-westerly trajectory, bound for Cambodia. On arrival in Siem Reap, we transfer to Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang, a tranquil resort extending across lush grounds. Relax within your spacious Terrace Villa before we reconvene for a Welcome Dinner within our resort.

This morning, we’re picked up by a convoy of army jeeps for an exploration of the Cambodian countryside. Stopping at the home of a local villager, we learn the skills required to make Khmer noodles, while also sampling a few dishes. Our village encounters continue as we take in perspectives from aboard an ox cart and then, bicycles. We pause within a local rice paddy to further contemplate daily village life here. With swathes of green stems stretching out before us, we revitalise with some welcome refreshments. We then enjoy a lunch of traditional Khmer dishes at Bong Thom Homestay. Take the afternoon at leisure to explore Siem Reap as you please. 

This evening, we embark upon a progressive dinner. Aboard remork-motos (Cambodian tuk tuks), we weave through the back streets of Siem Reap to the famed Foreign Correspondents’ Club, where we toast the evening with cocktails and canapes. Returning to our transports, we make a beeline for Malis Restaurant, where renowned chef Eng Im serves a range of the finest Khmer cuisine. Following dinner, we adjourn to Pub Street, Siem Reap’s vibrant nightlife hub. A space is reserved for us on one of the upper levels of a private bar, from where we can comfortably observe the high-spirited activity below.

Rise early this morning for a guided sunrise visit to Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s staggering archaeological site and temple complex. For those who prefer, a later departure for Angkor Wat, following breakfast, can also be arranged. Return to our hotel for lunch, then perhaps relax by the pool this afternoon, admiring the property’s luxuriant setting. Tonight, we head to a location just east of Angkor Wat, where we discover the striking Prasat Kravan Temple. Before this revered monument, we take our places for a private dinner. The enchanting environment is enhanced further by a traditional dance performance.

As dawn breaks, we savour a final opportunity to take in the calm environs of our resort. From Siem Reap’s airport, our private jet heads due north, our sights set on Laos and the city of Luang Prabang. On arrival, we dine at charming Manda de Laos, overlooking a tranquil lily-covered pond and palm trees. We then make our way to La Résidence Phou Vao, our home for the next three nights. Dine this evening on the slow-cooked Laotian cuisine within our hotel’s Tam Nan restaurant.

Aboard our hotel’s private long boat, we take a cruise of the Mekong River. Soon, we arrive at the Pak Ou Caves, which contain hundreds of small Buddha sculptures. Our river ship docks and we negotiate a series of steps before investigating the cave system firsthand. Afterwards, a small, sandy island hosts us for an al fresco lunch, complete with traditional singing and drumming, courtesy of our hotel staff. 

This evening, we set out on tuk tuks for a progressive dinner. Beginning at a nearby theatre, we are treated to a private show with traditional live music. Afterwards, enjoy drinks while taking in a memorable sunset from a neighbouring balcony. Back aboard our tuk tuks, we soon rendezvous along the banks of the Nam Khan River for a light meal and refreshments before following the river back into town. Our tastebuds are then introduced to the flavours of Khmer-fusion, accompanied by fine wine. Finally conveyed to the little-known Artisan Bar, our palates are satiated once more. Savour dessert and a nightcap, before returning to our hotel.

Begin your day with a Your World experience: 

— Become more familiar with the local way of life, while learning the various processes of rice cultivation, from planting to harvesting. 

— Head out of the city for a visit to the Elephant Conservation Centre. Here, you can meet the elephants, feed them, and also join them for a brief walk through the jungle. 

We come together for lunch at Bio Bamboo restaurant, where everything, from cutlery to bowls and cups, has been fashioned from the evergreen plant. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure.

This evening, beneath a canopy of palm trees and a blanket of stars, we dine amid the flickering of 500 candles within the grounds of our hotel.

After enjoying the morning at leisure, we return to the airport for our private jet flight to Vietnam and the coastal city of Da Nang. Shortly after touching down, we savour quintessential Vietnamese dishes at Madame Lân, in the heart of the city. After checking into the Four Seasons Resort the Nam Hai, we dine at its Café Nam Hai this evening.

A morning devoted to all aspects of Vietnamese cuisine is ours to enjoy. Beginning at Tra Que Organic Vegetable Village, we learn about the variety of plants and herbs combined in local dishes. Aboard bicycles, we then navigate paths through small villages and past rice fields, gaining an overview of day-to-day life here. We stop for refreshments before continuing to a local market in the north of Hoi An. Assisted by our local guide, we purchase the requisite herbs and vegetables to be used during our cooking class later. The final leg of this morning’s culinary journey sees us boarding sampan boats and cruising along the Thu Bon River. Passing fishing boats and riverbanks lined with palm trees, our vessel soon docks at the Red Bridge Cooking School. In this delightful riverside setting, we are taught the art of creating a range of traditional Hoi An dishes. 

Enjoy some time at leisure back at our hotel, before we depart once more later this afternoon, this time aboard jeeps, for an exploration of Hoi An’s Old Town. From the popular shopping street of Le Loi, follow a network of alleyways to discover a succession of colourful 18th-century houses lining the river. 

Chef Duc welcomes us to his private residence this evening for dinner. A revered figure in local cooking circles, Chef Duc puts his unique twist on traditional dishes. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about the subtleties of Vietnamese cuisine during this special evening.