Treasures of Vietnam

Bespoke City Breaks

Insider Journeys Bespoke City Breaks are short, focused adventures to some of Asia’s prosperous metropolitan areas.

Do you plan a long weekend and want to spoil yourself with some high-end shopping and culinary treats? Or you simply want to use the chance to combine a longer roundtrip or beach holiday with an interesting stopover? In any case Insider Journeys would be happy to work out a City Break offer that matches your needs.

We delight in engaging with our destinations and putting real thought into how best to showcase their finest offerings and at the same time providing an authentic communion with real life as it is lived in Asia’s greatest cities.

In order to make the most out of your time, all our Bespoke City Trips include fast track services at the airport, centrally located luxury hotels and well thought-out sightseeing programs that give you a hassle free insight into the cities highlights. HONGKONG The Murray

BANGKOK Lebua at State Tower

SINGAPORE Raffles Singapore

KUALA LUMPUR Ritz Carlton Kuala Lumpur

ENHANCEMENTS

✤ Extend your flightseeing experience to 30 minutes or even take a private charter. ✤ Opt for one of Hongkong‘s most exclusive dining experiences and enjoy a

Tasting Menu at Membersonly “The China Club”, resembling Old Shanghai in the 20‘s and 30‘s ✤ Participate in a private

Tea Ceremony at the beautiful Chi Lin Nunnery garden. Hong Kong is often regarded a „light version“ of China. It’s not quite as exotic, yet it is an exciting and multicultural travel destination. More than 7 million people live together here on very limited space and shape the face of the bustling city which is much more than a business hub and often compared to New York. In addition to the mighty skyline, big malls and trendy hipster districts, there are green parks, little shops full of curiosities, local temples and authentic culinary treats around every other corner. Moreover, Hong Kong scores with its hilly landscape, beaches and even small islands in its surrounding areas. Not to forget nearby Macau - Asia‘s equivalent to Las Vegas, now that‘s definitely worth a visit!

Located along legendary Cotton Tree Drive in the heart of Hong Kong, The Murray is the city’s luxury iconic landmark and the only Hong Kong hotel in The Leading Hotels of the World’s portfolio. Built in 1969, the building has won multiple awards for ground-breaking and energy efficient design.

DAY 1 WELCOME TO HONG KONG On arrival take advantage of our VIP arrival arrangements and be transferred to your hotel- the Harbour Grand Kowloon Hong Kong . Refresh your self and enjoy the hotels facilities before you join the 45 minutes “Symphony of Lights Cruise” through the Hongkong harbor after dark. Relax in a stylish lounge bed and enjoy some drinks while soaking up the sights and sounds of Hong Kong’s fantastic skyline during its famous lights, laser and music show. Afterwards enjoy a dinner at the Hutong. A regular on the world’s best restaurant lists; Hutong is famed for its Northern Chinese cuisine, atmospheric décor and sensational harbour view.

DAY 2 HIGHLIGHTS OF HONG KONG After breakfast at the hotel you will be picked up from the hotel for a morning Helicopter flightseeing of about 18 mins (shared helicopter with 6 seats) Enjoy breathtaking views of the famous Victoria Habour Skyline and the beaches and bays around the south island. Back on the ground get to know the ins and outs of Hong Kong island during a private half-day tour that touches on all the highlights. Learn about the history and culture as you visit major landmarks with your expert local guide. Make stops at Victoria Peak, Stanley Market and the traditional fishing village of Aberdeen. Afterwards transfer to the Wong Tai Sin Temple to participate in a practice called kau cim - “FortuneSticks Drawang ”, and have a meeting with a professional ”interpreter” at the temple to answer your questions on your drawn fortune stick.

DAY 3 TRY YOUR LUCK IN MACAU After breakfast transfer to the pier and take the 60 mins Turbojet Ferry to Macau. Upon arrival start your Macao city tour visiting some popular attractions including: Temple of A-Ma, Ruins of Sao Paulo, Na Tcha Temple, Statue of Kum Iam, Senado Square. Afterwards try your luck in one or more of the cities’ top casinos and enjoy The House of Dancing Water from VIP seats. This water-based stage production runs for 90 minutes, and features acrobatic elements and original acts, with a stage that transforms into different sets. Over 80 gymnasts, circus artists, dancers, divers, actors, and more are featured in the show that will leave you amazed. Transfer back to Hongkong by Turbojet Ferry.

DAY 4 HONG KONG DEPARTURE Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and spend some leisure time and go shopping, before transferring to the airport for your onward/return journey. This contemporary urban sanctuary features 336 sophisticated spacious suites and guestrooms across 25 storeys and five elegant dining destinations including a glamorous rooftop restaurant and bar with panoramic views. The hotel’s terraces around the arches, an architectural signature of the building also showcase views of the city, Hong Kong Park and Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens.

Designed to inspire the senses and renew the spirit of the Mekong Delta, Xuan Spa features four private treatment rooms. Take an invigorating swim in the 20m outdoor pool or do some exercise at the fitness center covering 170 sqm with modern Life fitness cardio equipment. From the rooftop bar & restaurant, Popinjays, with its breath-taking views and private dining room, al fresco dining at Cotton Tree Terrace, the signature afternoon tea at Garden Lounge, The Tai Pan with its modern bistro menu and Murray Lane on the lobby level, The Murray’s dining establishments are amongst the finest in town. From state-of-the-art fitness facilities on site, to outdoor boot-camps, yoga and tai chi sessions as well as five wellappointed spa suites and an indoor urban chic pool, The Murray offers the option of bespoke menus catered to each individual’s optimal nutritional needs.

ENHANCEMENTS

✤ Use the chance to get in touch with some of

Bangkok‘s most hyped artists ad learn more about contemporary

Thai Art ✤ Extend your City Break with a relaxing beach stay at Bangkok‘s nearby beach destinations like Hua Hin (See page 70 and 71 for hotel recommendations) Bangkok, a city that never sleeps, smoothly combines tradition and modernity that guarantees amazement. The capital of Thailand, also called Venice of the East, due to its majestic Chao Phraya River and countless canals throughout the city, is a must-see destination, at least once in a lifetime.

Bangkok certainly lives up to its reputation as a travel hot spot in Southeast Asia. It offers funky markets, luxury malls, from Street food to Michelin star restaurants, a lively riverside, a vibrant nightlife scene and many fabulous sights and attractions that reflect its unique heritage.

Boasting spectacular city and river views of Bangkok City, lebua at State Tower has its own idea of what defines luxury and is regarded as the “world’s first vertical destination”

DAY 1 SAWADEE KA BANGKOK On arrival in Bangkok take advantage of our VIP arrival arrangements and be transferred to the Lebua at State Tower hotel for your early check-in. Rejuvenate from your long haul flight during a 60 Minute Traditional Thai massage at the hotel spa, before meeting your guide at the hotel lobby to start a tour to the Mahanakhon Skywalk, which is located in the highest building of Bangkok and offers a 360 degree panoramic view over the capital of Thailand. The first day will end in exquisite style with a Royal Thai Cuisine dinner at the famous Blue Elephant restaurant.

DAY 2 EXPLORE BKK LIKE A LOCAL Explore Bangkok’s highlights by public transport and experience how locals travel within the city. First up is the Wat Arun magnificently located on the riverside before you take a longtail boat through Bangkok’s canals. The Wat Pho awaits you next and will leave you amazed by it’s gigantic golden Buddha statue. Enjoy and refresh during a delicious lunch before taking a fun tuk tuk right through the historic streets of old Bangkok with a stop at the Wat Saket. In the evening join the Thai Bus Food Tour- Bangkok’s latest addition to the vibrant food scene. Get served a Michelin awarded set meal on the bus while passing over 20 attractions of Bangkok. End the day with a drink at the sky bar of your hotel, enjoying magnificent views over the city.

DAY 3 ART MEETS MODERNITY Discover the artistic side of Bangkok, with a visit to one of the oldest shopping centres, turned into an art community housing several antique shops and art galleries as well as the OP Place, a heritage hall which offers a selective collection of finer arts and antiques, jewellery and handicraft work. Walk to the OP Garden, which provide unique products before you will make a last stop at the Thailand Creative & Design Centre. In the afternoon you will be dropped at the stunning ICON Siam shopping mall for some leisure time before embarking aboard the Saffron Dinner Cruise to celebrate your last evening in Bangkok.

DAY 4 GOODBYE CITY OF ANGELS Wave goodbye to the capital of Bangkok unless you would like to extend your city break with a relaxing beach stay in the land of smiles. The luxuriant and spacious urban retreat has received worldwide recognition and numerous awards, including #1 in Thailand in the Conde Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice. With great attention to the details, big and small, guests are invited to experience the best of Bangkok – both out on the town and within State Tower itself. The city’s best shopping and sightseeing are just a tuk tuk, Skytrain or boat ride away. And its best dining and bar hopping? Even better—it’s all just floors from the hotel room door.

lebua’s 136 expansive suites, each with separate bedroom and living room, offer spectacular city and river views from their balconies high above Bangkok’s vibrant sightseeing, shopping and business districts. All come with a flat-screen, DVD players, coffee machine and wifi. Known for its finest cuisines, the hotel features a range of dining outlets including the 2 Michelin-starred Mezzaluna restaurant, Sirocco and Sky Bar and the award-winning Pan-Asian restaurant - Breeze. A selection of bars including the newest - lebua No3 are also available. Overlooking an open-air pool, lebua’s Fitness center offers a range of modern equipment, elegant sauna, steam room and spa treatment rooms for all guests who are seeking relaxation. A stateof-of- the-art business center provides total support and solutions for executive needs.

ENHANCEMENTS

✤ Enjoy a Michelin-starred hawker stall lunch tour and snack around different neighborhoods. ✤ Cosy up your very own private cable car cabin and savor a delectable 4-course meal, as you take in the lights of

Singapore‘s cityscape Singapore is a melting pot in every sense. Chinese, Malays, Indians and emigrants from all over the world make up the colourful mix of residents of this impressive metropolis that unites Asian tradition, colonial charms and Western progress unlike any other place in the world. With over five million inhabitants and located on an island, the size of the city-state is quite manageable. However, with its diverse attractions, it offers more than enough for an unforgettable (short) vacation. Chinatown, Little India or Marina Bay - take a walk through the different parts of the city and be amazed by the variety it offers. As a cosmopolitan hub with the best airport in the world, Singapore is indeed the perfect starting point for trips throughout Asia and awaits your visit!

Raffles Singapore welcomes you aafter an extensive restoration, breathing new life into the storied hotel.Opened in 1887, it is one of the few remaining great 19th century hotels in the world. No visit to Singapore is complete without a stay at Raffles; tradition demands it.

DAY 1 WELCOME TO SINGAPORE On arrival in Singapore take advantage of our VIP arrival arrangements and be transferred to the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Relax in your room or jump into the hotels iconic pool for refreshment while getting a first impression of this incredible city. In the afternoon take a leisurely stroll with your guide to the Gardens By the Bay – a sanctuary for nature lovers and budding horticulturalists alike. End the night with the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show and enjoy a wonderful culinary experience at POLLEN – a restaurant nestled in the Flower Dome.

DAY 2 SINGAPORE SUPERLATIVES Today experience a world bustling with thousands of marine animals, during your Singapore Aquarium VIP Tour! Doors will open for you prior to public admittance, and you’ll have privileged access to back-of-house areas in the company of an expert guide. Stroll amongst colourful marine life whilst manta rays glide around you during a Sea Trek. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that lets you walk and breathe freely as you explore the ocean realm. Afterwards discover the many faces of Singapore during a private tour through Singapore’s bustling streets. Discover culture and ethnic traditions at China Town, Little India and Kampong Glam. To complete the experience, and a must-do thing when in Singapore, is to have a Singapore Sling at the legendary Raffles Hotel.

DAY 3 SINGAPORE AT YOUR PACE Today you can start the day at your own pace, enjoy the hotels facilities or go shopping. In the afternoon experience the thrill of driving one part of the official F1 circuit in a Ferrari California, for approximately 15 minutes’ (or be driven). In the evening start your journey with a leisurely bumboat cruise along the Singapore River, which was a busy water way and the commercial centre of the island for over 150 years. End the day with a seafood dinner along the Marina Bay at the award-winning Jing Restaurant. From there, balmy breezes waft off the water while scrumptious Chinese dishes are whisked to your table.

DAY 4 SINGAPORE DEPARTURE Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your onward journey. Experience the legendary service as you enjoy newly opened bars, restaurants and boutiques whilst exploring graceful courtyards and relaxing in cosy social spaces. With enhanced comfort and splendour for the discerning traveller, immerse yourself in our striking architecture and graceful service for that unique feeling of being somewhere very special in the heart of the business and civic district.

Clustered around the heart of the hotel, all 31 Courtyard Suites provide direct and easy access to the Main Building and many of Raffles’ iconic facilities. Step from your parlour to the verandah to admire lush gardens lined with leafy ferns for a sense of serenity. The legendary Singapore Sling is available at the historic Long Bar in Raffles Arcade. North Indian cuisine is served at Tiffin Room or you can head to The Grand Lobby for an afternoon tea , before enjoying some of the world’s finest cuts at Butcher’s Block. The new Raffles Spa is located within the Raffles Arcade, presenting a holistic sanctuary to hotel guests and members of the public. The new spa features separate lounge areas for ladies and gentlemen and offers unique restorative treatments as well as a private area.