Acclaimed Vietnamese-Australian chef, author and television presenter Luke Nguyen will once again join APT as its Ambassador on the waterways of Asia in 2018.

This is the seventh consecutive year Luke Nguyen has collaborated with tour and river cruise operator APT, during which time he has shaped a range of exclusive culinary experiences for guests to enjoy.

New for 2018 is the chance to explore old Saigon on foot with Nguyen as your personal guide.

This exciting new walking tour is one of four Luke Nguyen Signature Experiences included on APT’s latest journey, the 16 day Luke Nguyen Vietnam and Mekong River Cruise.

According to APT’s Head of Sales and Commercial, Angela Waite, the new tour is expected to satisfy a growing demand for tours that feature authentic culinary experiences, “Travellers want to really get under the skin of their chosen destination and that’s especially true when it comes to South East Asia. By travelling with Luke, someone who knows the culture, people and importance of local cuisine, we’re able to offer a unique product that you simply can’t experience elsewhere.”

Nguyen shares his enthusiasm for his homeland on the Luxury land tour and river cruise, which departs August 9, 2018.

The journey commences in Ho Chi Minh City where he spends two days with the group, taking lucky guests through busy neighbourhoods to look into open homes and watch as locals cook street food.

Visiting the area where his parents were raised guests will have the chance to come and meet the people Nguyen knows and loves, see the way families bond over food and understand the way the local community interacts.

Guests will also attend a Vietnamese cooking class with their host at his own GRAIN cooking studio, before enjoying the evening at an acclaimed local restaurant, dining on a degustation dinner inspired by Luke Nguyen and accompanied by matching wines.

The chef then travels with the group for the first three days of their seven night Luxury river cruise on board the AmaLotus, preparing a special welcome dinner for his guests on the first night and hosting insightful ‘Get to know Luke Nguyen’ sessions.

The cruise includes stops in Cai be, Sa Dec, Tan Chau and Evergreen Island before crossing to Cambodia where it explores include Phnom Penh, Koh Chen, Prek K’dam, Oudong, Kampong Tralach and Kampong Chhnang. The journey concludes with three nights in Siem Reap.

APT is launching the new tour with a special ‘companion flies free’ offer when two people book to travel together by 31 August 2017. With the offer, prices start from £4,895 per person twin share, representing a saving of £1,000 per couple.

All special offers are limited, subject to availability and terms and conditions apply.

APT holidays are fully inclusive and feature return flights from the UK, sightseeing, meals and drinks as brochured, transfers and tipping, an APT Cruise Director and local guides. On Luxury river cruises APT also includes private home-to-airport transfers.

For further information on APT’s new Luke Nguyen Vietnam and Mekong River Cruise email [email protected] contact your APT Account Manager or call 0800 046 3002.