Thailand for Connoiseurs

Vietnam

South East Asia’s number one emerging luxury destination boasts a range of experiences of varying types. Modern metropolises, tropical beaches, emerald green rice terraces, historical settings and the stylish facades of old colonial villas – Vietnam has all the interest, charm and

energy of today’s Asia and is a fantastic country to experience the past and the present in a unique symbiosis. Our Treasures of Vietnam tour takes you on an exciting journey from the North to the South via Central Vietnam and

offers a very differentiated insight into all its cultural facets and faces. Let your senses thrill to the sights, sounds and tastes of Vietnam!

HIGHLIGHTS

✤ Explore the captivating and remote regions of Lan Ha Bay while enjoying a wonderful medley of on and offshore experiences on Vietnam´s first luxury wellness cruise ✤ Dive deep into the local communities and traditions of Central Vietnam while discovering the ancient towns of Hue and Hoi An ✤ Look behind the scenes of modern day Saigon and meet the young culture makers who are shaping the face of the city

DAY 1 XIN CHAO HANOI On arrival take advantage of our VIP arrival arrangements and be transferred to your hotel- the Sofitel Metropole where you will spend the next 2 nights. In the evening enjoy a fabulous welcome dinner at Club L’Oriental Restaurant.

DAY 2 HANOI INSIDERS TOUR After breakfast it is time to explore Hanoi. A refurbished Jeep will take you to the city’s oldtown, hidden spots and must-see places including a stop in one of Hanoi’s many coffee houses. To round off your sightseeing tour continue with a visit to the Museum of Ethnology to learn more about Vietnam’s many different minorities.

DAY 3–4 LAN HA BAY WELLNESS CRUISE 3 DAYS/2 NIGHTS Halong Bay awaits just a few hours from Hanoi. A shared seaplane flight will shorten your journey and enable you to capture this national treasure from high above. Upon arrival, you will board the majestic Ylang cruise for the next 2 nights. The cruise will primarily take you to the serene waters of Lan Ha Bay, the still so unknown extension of Halong Bay. During various active excursions you can discover the beauty of Cat Ba National Park and the life in the local fishing villages. Moreover, your days will be filled with culinary treats on a full board basis as well as various wellness practices.

DAY 5 LAN HA BAY CRUISE DAY 3 Make sure you enjoy your final moments aboard your cruise with a session of Tai Chi, swimming or kayaking before heading back to Hanoi by private transfer. On your way there, stop at a local village to enjoy lunch and a traditional water puppet show. Learn more about the village life and try to master the puppets yourself! Overnight at Sofitel Metropole hotel Hanoi.

DAY 6 IMPERIAL SPLENDOR OF HUE After breakfast take a short flight to the ancient city of Hue that is known for its wellpreserved remains of the Nguyen Dynasty. This afternoon visit a martial arts school and meet its headmaster to learn the history and the training activities of the practitioners. Overnight at Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa Hue.

DAY 7 HUE TO HOI AN Today explore the Thien Mu Pagoda as well as the renowned Citadel of Hue, followed by a vegetarian lunch and meditation session at Cat Tuong Quan Zen House. In the afternoon, a private transfer takes you across the striking Hai Van Pass before arriving in the charming town of Hoi An. Overnight at Four Seasons Nam Hai Resort for the next 4 nights.

DAY 8–9 LEISURE IN HOI AN After a first week filled with new impressions and explorations, use these two days to rebalance and re-charge at your luxury resort.

DAY 10 MAGICAL HOI AN Start the day with a leisurely cycling tour along country roads witnessing local Vietnamese rural life first-hand. Stop along the way to meet farmers, explore local gardens and try your hands at traditional net fishing. Lunch with a lovely local family leaves you refreshed for your afternoon walking tour of Hoi An. Among famous sights pay a visit to the gallery of photographer Rehahn, offering a unique insight into the Vietnamese hearts and souls. End your day with a private dinner on a bamboo raft floating on the Co Co river.

DAY 11 DANANG TO SAIGON After breakfast you are transferred to the nearby city of Danang to take a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. In order to get a first impression of this bustling metropolis a special Vintage Citroen car ride is organized fir you. In the evening enjoy spectacular views over the city with a sunset cocktail at the top of your hotel. Overnight at Hôtel des Arts Saigon – MGallery for the next 5 nights.

DAY 12 SAIGON‘S CULTURE MAKERS It is not only through important sights that one learns to understand a country. This morning explore stories from young artists that are creating and shaping modern day Saigon. With your guide enter their workspaces, studios, or rehearsal spaces and learn more about the up-and-coming Vietnamese creative industry. Afterwards go on a hunt for the best Pho noodle soup in town and conclude this fun-filled day with a visit to Truc Mai House, the home of Mrs. Tuyet Mai and Mr. Dinh Linh. Both are long time experts of Vietnamese traditional music and keen to perform an exclusive concert for you.

DAY 13 THE REAL TASTE OF VIETNAM Having experienced the various tastes of Vietnamese cuisine during your trip, you are invited today to learn for yourself how some of the country’s delicacies are prepared during a private hands-on cooking class.

DAY 14 CU CHI TUNNEL EXPLORATION Take an early morning shared speedboat to the Cu Chi Tunnel Complex and explore this national symbol of Vietnamese courage before the crowds. We are happy to arrange a visit with a local war veteran to get an even more authentic and emotional insight into the history of the Vietnam war! In the evening experience the richness of Vietnamese culture during the spectacular hour-long A O show.

DAY 15 A GLIMPSE INTO THE MEKONG DELTA On your last full day in Vietnam, you are transferred to Ben Tre, one of the country’s most Southern provinces. Discover lush surroundings of rice paddies and fruit farms alongside the narrow village roads before boarding a small private cruise ship to navigate the Mekong and its channels. An interesting afternoon filled with family and local workshop visits awaits to allow for an even deeper look into the daily lives of the fruitful Mekong Delta’s inhabitants. ✤ Add an extra session to your tour by meeting up with a Vietnamese ethnologist and learn about the history and culture of Vietnam. ✤ Recrate a typical feast under the Nguyen Dynasty in Hue and feel like the former royalty wearing traditional costumes ✤ Cross the magnificent Hai Van Pass by Harley Davidson or in a Harley Davidson side car.

DAY 16 SAIGON DEPARTURE Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your onward journey.

Cambodia

Cambodia has rightfully become a tourism magnet due to its marvellous Angkor era temple ruins. However, it would be a big loss to think that Cambodia starts and ends with a short

visit to Siem Reap. Apart from the obvious draw, the country is home to welcoming people, off-the-beaten track hideaways and a stunning southern coastline often overlooked by sophisticated travellers. Additionally, the Kingdom is offering a wealth of exceptional experiences which are setting themselves apart from the usual tourist deal. Altogether it remains an authentic little gem that can easily keep you excited for two weeks or more, while it

of course also serves ideally for country combinations with Thailand, Vietnam

and Laos.

HIGHLIGHTS

✤ Explore the temples of Angkor from different perspectives by tuk tuk, private gondola and from a tethered balloon ✤ Enjoy a romantic candlelight dining experience at the beautiful Sala Kdei Khmer house ✤ Spend your nights at the first floating ecolodge in South East Asia and indulge yourself at the most beautiful beach of Cambodia

DAY 1 CHUM REAP SOU – SIEM REAP On arrival in Siem Reap take advantage of our VIP arrival arrangements and be transferred to your selected luxury hotel by a traditional Masthead car. After a rest and refreshment, you will be picked up by your tour guide to start your private boat excursion on the Tonle Sap Lake, the richest freshwater fishing ground in the world. Lay back against comfortable cushions and witness the majestic sunset over Tonle Sap while sipping champagne. Afterwards indulge yourself with a Fine Dining Welcome Dinner at restaurant Le Grande. Overnight at Phum Baitang for the next three nights.

SIEM REAP – MORE THAN JUST TEMPLES Explore the Temples of Angkor starting with Ta Prohm, which is unforgettable due to the massive trees with thick roots that entangle the walls. Then hop on a tuk tuk to reach the Southern Gate of Angkor Thom where, you will marvel at the imposing 23m (75-foot) high stone faces of Avalokiteshvara, featured in the Tomb Raider movie. Afterwards enjoy a delicious, private lunch including all drinks during a scenic boat ride in an ancient gondola within the archaeological park. Following this first temple exploration, you will be brought to the Bodia Spa Old Market to indulge yourself with a traditional treatment. VIP seats and snacks will be pre-arranged for you to visit the famous Phare Circus of Siem Reap in the evening.

DAY 3 ANCIENT WONDERS! Experience the sunrise over Angkor Wat from above during a private Tethered Balloon Flight including unlimited champagne and canapés. Then explore the temple in the hours immediately after sunrise when the site is at its quietest. Constructed in 12th century by King Suyavarman II, Angkor Wat today is the largest sacred edifice on earth and of high importance for the Khmer itself. In the afternoon, visit the Theam’s House, the home cumatelier of the Cambodian artist and designer Lim Muy Theam. Continue your journey to an authentic village and after a short stroll you will get a traditional water blessing in a local pagoda. This ceremony is designed to offer good luck for your onward journey, wishing you a long life and lots of happiness. Afterwards enjoy some sunset drinks at a beautiful Sala Kdei Khmer house, where a romantic candlelight dining experience is awaiting you.

DAY 4 SIEM REAP – PHNOM PENH After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly to Phnom Penh, Cambodia´s bustling capital, once called the ‘Pearl of Asia’. Upon arrival, transfer to the Raffles hotel and check-in. This afternoon we endeavour to provide some insights into Cambodia´s recent tragic history under the Khmer Rouge with visits to the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng (S-21) Prison. Although it might be considered a tough beginning for your stay in Phnom Penh, these sights are a must- see to get a deeper understanding of Cambodia. Paying homage to Cambodia’s dark history, you are invited to try out a very special dining experience this evening and have a dinner in the Dark. Prepare yourself to embark on an extraordinary journey of sensory awareness assisted by the visually impaired.

DAY 5 PHNOM PENH – 4 RIVERS FLOATING LODGE Weaving your way through Phnom Penh’s colourful streets, explore some of the city’ highlights with a cyclo ride – a traditional transportation method. During your tour take in the shimmering spires of the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda and learn more about their history and present significance. Afterwards take an overland transfer from Phnom Penh to the Cardamom Mountain region (ca. 5hrs driving) where the 4 Rivers Floating Lodge is awaiting you for a 2- night’s stay. The idyllic ecolodge is built on a pontoon on the Tatai river and only accessible by boat. Surrounded by water and virgin rainforest you will be as close to nature as possible and spend your days exploring the unique ecosystem.

DAY 6 BACK TO NATURE Spend your days exploring the picturesque surrounding forest and waterways, keeping an eye out for local wildlife, learning about the fascinating biodiversity or just relaxing in this unbelievable environment. Whether you catch your dinner fishing from your private terrace, go kayaking on the river or join one of the plenty optional excursions, it definitely won’t get boring here!

DAY 7 4 RIVERS FLOATING LODGE – THE ROYAL SANDS KOH RONG Enjoy your breakfast, before leaving the lodge to take an overland transfer (approx. 4 hours) to the port of Sihanoukville from where a shared speedboat will take you to the Royal Sands Koh Rong. Upon arrival discover the resorts facilities and indulge yourself in this carefree paradise, inspired by the beauty of its natural surroundings. Overnight at the Royal Sands Koh Rong for the next 3 nights.

DAY 8–9 THE ROYAL SANDS KOH RONG Spend your days free and easy on the island. Enjoy the luxurious resort facilities, relax at the beach or engage in several optional activities including water sports, snorkelling or visits to other islands.

DAY 10 THE ROYAL SANDS KOH RONG – DEPARTURE Depart from The Royal Sands Koh Rong by shared speedboat to the mainland port. Upon arrival, transfer to Sihanoukville International Airport for your onward journey/ departure flight. ✤ Explore the temples of Angkor together with a professional photographer who will not only take mesmerising pictures of you, but also show you how to improve your own photographic skills within these incredible surroundings with endless picture opportunities ✤ Fly on a private helicopter from the rainforest to the coast ✤ Upgrade your stay with some even more luxurious hideaways (presented on page 84-85)