adminThis year, Renaissance Day of Discovery has just celebrated Craft & Culture through The Ink that Marks – a tribute to the marks, lines and gestures that give a place its identity. Ink leaves a trace; a stroke gives it shape.
Together, they transform an idea into an image, a memory into a story, and everyday moments into something worth lingering over. This year, each layer of discovery is made bolder, revealing the many ways Saigon and Vietnam express their character through indigenous craft, independent creativity and the rich flavours of the country.
The experience comes to life through collaborations with creative partners Jack Clayton and Saigon Indigo, each offering a distinctive perspective on Vietnamese craftsmanship. British printmaker and illustrator Jack Clayton, who has called Saigon home for 14 years, translates the city’s street life, traditions and everyday details into intricate illustrations and hand-carved woodprints. Guests can discover his works and experience the craft themselves through a woodblock printing workshop using traditional dó paper. Meanwhile, Saigon Indigo introduces the ancient art of natural indigo dyeing, inspired by the knowledge of Vietnam’s ethnic communities. Guests can explore how indigo transformed from a humble natural ingredient into rich colours and beautiful textiles, continues to carry stories of heritage and craftsmanship.
From see to savor, the journey continues through layers of flavour inspired by Vietnam’s diverse culinary landscape. Renaissance’s culinary team invites guests to discover the country from north to south, celebrating the art of Vietnamese cooking and the abundance of indigenous ingredients that shape its regional cuisines. Each taste reveals another layer, from distinctive northern flavours and time-honoured cooking techniques to the vibrant ingredients and generous spirit of Central and Southern Vietnam. More than a culinary experience, this is a journey through the people, places and traditions behind what we eat, honouring Vietnam’s rich ingredient sources and the independent character of its cuisine.
The discovery continues through hands-on workshops that bring local art closer to our guests. Guests can paint their own nón lá, reimagining one of Vietnam’s most recognisable cultural symbols, or explore mosaic art by creating a personalised coaster. Each experience invites guests to move beyond simply observing culture, to touch it, make it and take a piece of the story with them.
At The Ink that Marks, every line, colour, craft and flavour becomes a trace of discovery. A mark leaves a memory. A stroke shapes a story. And every flavour reveals another layer of Vietnam.
Text: VH Editor; Photo: Renaissance Riverside Saigon
