Visitors to Vietnam have long been charmed by its unique art form of lacquer painting. While many take a piece or two home, why not paint your own? Le Kim My, who taught at the famed Hanoi University of Fine Arts for four decades, has set up her own studio for foreigners who want to learn this ancient art of layered painting with tree sap. The more adventurous can inlay crushed eggshells or gold leaf under the watchful eye of My, who goes from table to table demonstrating different techniques. Artistic ability is not required — once the lacquer is sanded and polished, everything looks good. Cost: $6 per session; materials extra.
— By Martha Ann Overland