Create. Wander. Reflect.
From misty lakes and ancient temples to vibrant street scenes and imperial ruins, Vietnam is a living canvas. Join us for a 12-day immersive art retreat designed to awaken your creativity and nourish your soul. Through sketchbook explorations, mixed-media projects, and cultural discovery, you’ll fill your pages — and your spirit — with color, texture, and story.
“Soulful travel is the art of finding beauty even in ruins, even in inclement weather, even in foul moods… To allow room for surprise and improvisation is to begin the apprenticeship of learning the way that is no way.”
The “Travelling Art Sketchbook” is your creative companion on this journey—a living, breathing document of your experience in Vietnam. This course is not about perfection, but presence.
With daily guided sessions and creative prompts, you'll learn to see with an artist’s eye and respond intuitively to the vibrant textures, colors, and spirit of each place we visit.
We will be using inks, cold encaustics, all pencils, ephemera , pastels and more.
You’ll fill your sketchbook with:
Quick ink sketches in Hanoi’s busy Old Quarter
Watercolor reflections of the Perfume River in Hue
Collaged ephemera from Hoi An’s night markets
Hand-lettered journaling under Saigon’s tropical sky
This class will help you document what you see, feel, and remember—creating a beautiful, personal artifact of your travels.
“The hero’s journey always begins with the call. One way or another, a guide must come to say, ‘Look, you’re in Sleepy Land. Wake. Come on a trip. There is a whole aspect of your consciousness, your being, that’s not been touched. So you’re at home here? Well, there’s not enough of you there.’ And so it starts.”
Starts in Hanoi • Ends in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)
This makes it easy to explore the lingth of this gorgous country and we fly betwen destinations
Here is a general itinerary for your time in Vietnam.
There may be a few changes here and there, depending on weather, schedules and such but we will let you know.
Day 1–4 (Nov 3 to 6): Hanoi & Surrounds
Arrive in Hanoi on November 3. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to our boutique hotel in the Old Quarter. Settle in with a gentle walking tour and welcome dinner.
Explore the Old Quarter, Hoàn Kiếm Lake, and the Temple of Literature
Sketch vibrant markets and peaceful lakeside scenes
Day trip to Ninh Bình or Ha Long Bay for breathtaking natural inspiration
Evening journaling sessions & morning studio time
Day 5–7 (Nov 7 to 9): Da Nang & Hoi An
Fly south to Da Nang, then journey to lantern-lit Hoi An
Sketch ancient streets, riverside cafés, and glowing paper lanterns
Participate in a silk painting or lantern-making workshop
Visit Marble Mountains or My Son Sanctuary
Day 8–9 (Nov 10 to 11): Hue – Imperial City
Travel by private van along the Hai Van Pass to Hue
Draw inspiration from the Citadel, temples, and royal tombs
Calligraphy-infused journaling beside the Perfume River
Relaxed evening reflections and studio time
Day 10–12 (Nov 12 to 13): Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
Fly to Vietnam’s southern metropolis for our final chapter
Watercolour sketching in historical French quarters and buzzing markets
Visit galleries, temples, and modern Saigon hotspots
November 14: Wrap-up reflections, a celebratory sharing salon, and farewell dinner
Depart from Saigon the evening of November 14
Art, Journaling & Creative Practice
Each day includes dedicated art time—with guided watercolour sketchbook sessions, journaling, and group sharing. No experience required; just bring your curiosity and creative spirit.
“A trip with Lora isn’t a touristy vacation; it’s a life-expanding opportunity where you connect physically, emotionally, and spiritually with a place, its history, and, mostly, with the people who live fascinating lives there.”
On my last morning in Kathmandu, I noticed a couple at breakfast who were obviously “tourists”. I asked them about their time in Nepal, and they answered, “Well… it’s been interesting.” I knew immediately that their time in Nepal had not gone deeper than comparing and judging the surface of where they had been. Thankfully, my experience had been quite different.
Thanks to Lora, our group’s experiences involved donating wheelchairs to disabled artists, dancing with Nepali girls and women, observing ancient rituals, and meeting Nepali artists, craftspeople, and shopkeepers. Our group appreciated the traditions, art forms, and generous humanity of Nepal and its people.
Never will I hesitate to travel with Lora Murphy. She opens doors of opportunity, connects people with kindness, and encourages everyone to savor the moment. If you can follow her to Egypt, Nepal, Ireland, or anywhere, don’t hesitate to say “Okay”!
— Joan Fullerton, Artist
Meet Elizabeth St. Hilaire
Elizabeth St. Hilaire is an award winning full-time artist, and published author.
She is an Artist Educator for Golden Paints, a former Ambassador for Princeton Brush, and Creative Team Artist for Gel Press, her work is also featured on Fredrix Canvas packaging. Her unique mixed-media artwork is created from torn tidbits of hand-painted paper which she glues down over an acrylic under-painting.
St Hilaire’s collages are collected and have been exhibited both nationally and internationally; images of her work are reproduced and available nationwide on wall canvas, household items, stationery, clothing, jewelry, and more.
Elizabeth is a Signature Member of National Collage Society, holds a BFA from Syracuse University, and has been working in her medium for over 15 years. She has published seven books on her process. She enjoys painting en Plein Air and has participated in the Wekiva Paint Out (FL), New Smyrna Beach Paint Out (FL), and the Sedona Plein Air Festival (AZ).
Included in your workshop:
A delightfully curated experience with experienced operators and a wonderful team.
Workshop instructions
Most art supplies (will be specified closer to trip)
11 nights lodging at 4 star boutique Hotels
Transportation from airport to hotel.
All ground transportation and internal flights (Hanoi to DaNang and DaNang to Saigon).
All lunches & 3 dinners.
All tour & excursion fees.
Guided tours and trips.
New friends and an art tribe!
Not Included:
Airfare from your home to Hanoi.
Meals not mentioned.
Passport fees, photos and processing where applicable.
Additional nights lodging.
Pricing
$5,995 for shared accommodation (recommended for couples or close friends travelling together)
$6,295 for private accommodation
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all participants. Your policy must provide cover for your travel to Vietnam, as well as trip cancellation or interruption, including reimbursement of your retreat fees in the event that you are unable to attend due to illness or other covered circumstances.
As this is a condition of participation, no exceptions can be made. Read the cancellation policy here.
Ready to reserve your spot?
A US$700 non refundable deposit will secure your place. This goes directly to our partners in Vietnam to secure your place and services.
The Art Spirit Retreat to Vietnam with Elizabeth St. Hilaire
$700.00
Nonrefundable deposit of $700. Read the cancellation policy here.
Complete information about the workshop and prices can be found here.