Proposal Itinerary Vietnam & Angkor Holiday 1 Dbl Vip May 2017
(15 DAYS) HANOI- HALONG- SIEM REAP - HOI AN – SAIGON
SUMMARY
W
elcome to a new perspective on Vietnam for the discerning luxury traveler. Beginning in Hanoi, the safeguard of Vietnamese culture and the bedrock of its national sovereignty, you’ll take a private tour through the old quarter—a district that has changed little over the centuries—before capturing a moment of old colonial grandeur as you ride by cyclo past old landmarks from the French era. You’ll have the chance to select among Hanoi’s best landmarks for a closer look, and in the evening enjoy VIP tickets to the traditional water puppet theater or a classical performance at Hanoi’s Opera House. The following morning you’ll take a deluxe private market and culinary tour to experience all the tastes of the capital city for yourself. Greet the next day with a private transfer to Halong Bay on the sea airplane, cruising in luxury on vessels shaped like the crimson-sailed junks that have always circumnavigated the towering seamounts there. You’ll be visiting unique villages, great caves in the rock, limestone islets, and kayaking across the turquoise waves. After an awe-inspiring sunrise cruise watching the glow of morning erupt through the mist over the sea, return by private transfer to the airport for flight to Siem Reap, in the presence of the world’s finest ruined temple complex, the incomparable Angkor Wat. Explore the ancient sandstone structures rescued from the
mighty roots of giant trees, or observe serenely from above by private helicopter tour. Cruise across the lake or take an adventure across the paddy fields by quad bike. See the celestial dance of the apsaras or experience a day in the life of a local family—the choice is yours. Hoi An, one of the greatest trading ports of the 17th century. The old covered bridge installed by the Japanese remains the city’s most iconic attraction.
Explore Hoi An with a personal driver and expert guide, heading for the hidden lanes and alleyways where unique storefronts, historic markets and homesteads recall the glories of days gone by. Visit the Trade Ceramic Museum, Phung Hung Ancient House, and Quan Thang House, stopping by smartly-restored shop-houses, Chinese temples and, finally, a lantern-making factory. You may also visit a local silk tailor or take a scenic boat ride along the river beside the town. Beyond the historic town, your exclusive guide will lead you in a private tour of the local farming villages.
Next, fly to Sai Gon. There, the old French colonial facades giving way to prisms of soaring skyscrapers and narrow residences packed together like pastel-colored dominos. Discover the city for yourself with our expert guide; you’ll see the whole story of the city revealed in its landmarks—the old red-brick Gothic cathedral standing opposite the mid-century Reunification Palace, itself just a short stroll from the War Remnants Museum that recounts the nightmare of the war from the Vietnamese perspective. From there, side-step to Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown, with its busy markets of exotic medicinal herbs traded alongside bushels of local coffee, cashew nuts, and wicker trays of banh mi baguettes. Your evening will take you a step closer to the local culture on the back of a Vespa scooter, stopping by selected streetside snack stalls. Optional extras can be arranged on request. On your last full day in Vietnam, visit Cu Chi Tunnels, this underground network of tunnels stretched for over 200km and played a vital part in the U.S.-Vietnam War, allowing the Viet Cong to control a large rural area only 30 to 40 kilometres from Saigon. On the final day of your journey, we take you to the airport by private transfer to prepare for your flight home. Vietnam will always be awaiting your return.
Itinerary Overview TRANSFER EXCURSIONS
FLIGHT
CRUISE
Day 3: Hanoi Street Food (B) Day 1: Hanoi
VIP meet the client at the gate of the airplane and be escorted to your private vehicletransfer to hotel in Hanoi . Stay at a palatial colonial-era residence. Accommodation : Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi/Legendary Suite room
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour (B)
Private tour on cyclo ride past old landmarks from the French era, visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and museum ,visit Temple of literature. Cyclo ride through the old quarter Afternoon taking vintage car to Ho Tay West Lake to enjoy the sunset. Accommodation : Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi/Legendary Suite room
Deluxe private market culinary tour and cooking class to experience the tastes of the capital city for yourself. Cultural exploration suited to your interests with the flexibility to cover museums (such as Ethonology & Hilton museum), galleries, and shopping for your personal itinerary before traditional water puppet or Opera House performances. Optional Tickets to Tu Phu Show Optional Hanoi Cooking Class Accommodation : Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi/Legendary Suite room
Day 4: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B,L,D)
Transfer to the airport for flight to Halong on the sea airplane, with luxury cruise on traditionally-styled ships between the seamounts visiting unique villages, caves, and limestone islets with kayaking across the turquoise waves. Accommodation on Paradise Peak Charter
Day 5: Halong Bay(B,L,D)
Cycling to Viet Hai Fishing village. Cooking class with Chef Private Yoga teacher on board Spa is included Accommodation on Paradise Peak Charter
Day 6 : Halong Bay- Ha Noi /Flight To Siem Reap (B)
After an awe-inspiring sunrise cruise on the bay watching the glow of morning erupt through the mist over the sea, Return by sea airplane to Hanoi for your flight to Siem Reap. Accommodation: Amansara/Pool Suit
Day 7 : Siem Reap (B)
Daily excursion to Angkor temples Accommodation: Amansara/Pool Suit
Day 8 : Siem Reap (B)
Daily excursion to Angkor temples Accommodation: Amansara/Pool Suit
Day 9: Siem Reap Flight To Da Nang (B) Transfer to the airport for the flight to Da Nang. Once arrival, vip meet at the gate of the airplane, private transfer to Hoi An. Accommodation :Four season Hoi An 1 bed room pool villa
Day 10: Hoi An City Tour
cathedral, Reunification Palace, and War Remnants Museum. Visit the busy markets and silk stores of Chinatown. In the evening, ride on the back of a Vespa scooter, stopping by selected streetside snack stalls. Accommodation :Park Hyat -Park Executive Suite
Day 11 : Hoi An Freeday
Day 14 : Sai Gon Cu Chi Tunnel By Speed Boat (B)
Explore Hoi An with a personal driver and expert guide on the walking tour then village visit . Optional “Red Bridge” cooking class Accommodation : Four season Hoi An 1 bed room pool villa Free on your own Optional visit My Son sanctuary & Cham museum Optional sidecar trip Accommodation : Four season Hoi An 1 bed room pool villa
Day 12 : Da Nang – Sai Gon (B)
Private transfer to airport . Vip check in to your flight to Sai Gon and then on arrival meet your guide at the gate of the airplane,private transfer to your luxury hotel. Accommodation: Park Hyat -Park Executive suite
Day 13 : Sai Gon (B)
Discover Saigon with our expert guide, seeing the old Gothic
Depart to visit the Cu Chi Tunnel by speed boat. Optional Saigon and Cholon Heritage Tours Accommodation :Park Hyat -Park Executive Suite
Day 15 : Sai Gon Depart (B)
On the final day of your journey, we take you to the airport by private transfer to prepare for your flight home.
Itinerary In Details TRANSFER EXCURSIONS
Day 1: Hanoi
FLIGHT
CRUISE
Welcome to a new perspective on Vietnam for the discerning luxury traveler. You’ll truly feel in a class of your own.VIP immigration, meet your guide at the gate of the airplane ,private transfer to the hotel directly. The passport & the luggages will be transfered after with another car & guide to the hotel. Take a look around you as your private transfer from the airport delivers you to your luxury hotel. This is the thousand-year capital of Hanoi, the safeguard of Vietnamese culture and the bedrock of its national sovereignty, one of its most ancient living towns that
still maintains the tranquil atmosphere of its earliest days. It is a microcosm of peace in a location that was once, to Western observers, the very definition of war. Enjoy its poetic soul while you can—if the pace continues unimpeded, by 2025 this will be the world’s fastest-growing city. Meal: None
Accommodation : Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi/Legendary Suite room Distances and journey times: Noi Bai airport – Hanoi (38km): 1 hour
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
You’ll spend the morning getting to know Hanoi intimately with your personal expert guide and driver, who will host a private tour for you to make your own connections with the capital’s thousandfold streets and alleyways. Then, capture a moment of old colonial grandeur as you ride by cyclo past old landmarks from the French era, stopping at Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and museum the burial spot of the adored Vietnamese leader. Then visit the first university of Vietnam ,temple of literature.Wander at will through the old quarter on the cyclo , a Hanoian district that has changed little over the centuries, where every street is devoted to a particular trade. In the late afternoon, taking 2 hours vintage car to Ho Tay West Lake to enjoy the sunset. Notes: • Availability: Morning
• Suggested start time: 09:30 • Duration: 6 hours Meal: Breakfast Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi/Legendary Suite room
Day 3: Hanoi Street Food
Every destination in Vietnam has its own unique take on the local cuisine, and Hanoi is one of the epicenters of Vietnamese dining. Spend your morning on a deluxe private market and culinary tour with your expert driver and guide to experience all the tastes of the capital city for yourself. Following the market tour, travel with chef and cook book author Daniel Hoyer on a journey through Hanoi’s maze of side streets, ferreting out the best local ingredients at the Cho Hom or Chau Long markets, a fascinating insight into the buying and selling rituals of Vietnamese trade and an open tableau for vibrant,
colorful photography. The tour is fully customizable and can include lakeside snacks and lunch with Daniel at a classic Bun Cha establishment. Embrace the culture of the region during your afternoon exploration, with the flexibility to cover museums (such as Ethonology & Hilton museum), galleries, and shopping destinations selected for your personal itinerary. Your cultural immersion experience will culminate in an evening performance; you may select from the water puppet theater—a fascinating art form unique to Vietnam—or opt instead for some classical inspiration at the Hanoi Opera House. Other additional options can also be arranged upon request, including insider access to local artists and gallery owners, a visit to a recommended tailor, and tickets to a performance at the Hanoi Opera House.
Notes: • Availability: Morning • Suggested start time: 09:30 • Duration: 6 hours Meal: Breakfast Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi/Legendary Suite room Optional Ticket to Tu Phu Show The Tu Phu show, the product of four years of research into the spiritual world of the Mau religion, is an uplifting spiritual performance that delves into the colorful customs and lively dance of the region. A 45-minute exploration of the rich transcendental culture of this region. Presented at the Cong Nhan Theatre (just three minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake) every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Optional Hanoi Cooking Class Relaxed, hands-on cooking classes with cuisinier and author Tracey Lister, studying the quintessential cuisine of Hanoi. International and children’s classes are also available. There’s an optional food tour along with the class.
Day 4: Hanoi - Halong Bay
Transfer to the airport for flight to Halong on the sea airplane . The flight takes 1hour to see Ha Long from up. Halong Bay for the World Heritage Site, an astonishing natural wonder where almost 2000 gigantic pillars of limestone karsts reach heavenwards from the ocean bed. Cruise in luxury on vessels shaped like the crimson-sailed junks that have always circumnavigated these seamounts, visiting unique villages, vast caves in the rock, limestone islets, and kayaking across the turquoise waves. Optional Spa 1 hour /2 hours Optional Flowers will be arrged on boat & room Optional Live band music in the evening 2 hours Optional Private Yoga teacher on board Notes: • Suggested start time: 10:00 • Duration: 6 hours
Meal: Breakfast,Lunch ,Dinner Accommodation: Paradise Peak Charter Distances and journey times: Hanoi - Noi Bai airport (38km): 1 hour Noi Bai – Halong by sea airplane :60minutes
Day 5: Halong Bay
Cycling to Viet Hai Fishing village. All 80 household’s villagers are the Halong Bay’s residents of origin as their ancestors had lived there for hundreds of years ago. The locals mainly live on fishing, farming and breeding in the valley of the heart of Cat Ba National Park. (You can trek to Cat Ba national park start to trek into the island’s thick jungle –and far from the beaten path. Break through forest canopy to the top
of a limestone formation with superb summit views. ) Cooking class with Chef Optional Spa 1 hour /2 hours Optional Flowers will be arrged on boat & room Optional Live band music in the evening 2 hours Optional Private Yoga teacher on board Notes: • Suggested start time: 11:00 • Duration: 4 hours Meal: Breakfast,Lunch ,Dinner Accommodation: Paradise Peak Charter
Day 6 : Halong Bay- Ha Noi /Flight To Siem Reap
After an awe-inspiring sunrise cruise on the bay watching the glow of morning erupt through the mist over the sea, Return by sea airplane to Hanoi for your connecting domestic flight bound
for Siem Reap,the base of the old Angkorian culture and home to the temples and architectural wonders left behind by the era. After VIP immigration at the airport, you will experience a private transfer to your luxury hotel. Welcome to the ancient seat of the Khmer empire, once representing some of the most advanced civilizations on the globe. Now only ruins remain of this once dominant world power, dwarfed by the mighty trees of the jungle that have all but swallowed many of its structures. Distances and journey times: Halong – Noi Bai airport by sea airplane :60minutes Noi Bai – Siem Reap Flight : 60 minutes Siem Reap Airport – Siem Reap (8km) : 15 mins Meal: Breakfast, Dinner Accommodation: Amansara/Pool Suit
Day 7 : Siem Reap
Daily excursion to Angkor temples with English-speaking guide and transportation. This is your chance to experience the full spectacle of the Angkor temple complex, a representation of the Hindu universe in sandstone. With your expert guide and private driver, explore the ancient temples and ruins of Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and BayonSee the Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King; Ta Prohm held in the clutches of powerful tree roots, the tiny pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei, and the tranquil old monastic school of Preah Khan, among other attractions on the vast site. Notes: • Availability: Morning • Suggested start time: 09:00 • Duration: 6 hours Distances and journey times:
Siem Reap – Temples (06km): 10 mins Meal: Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner Accommodation: Amansara /Pool Suit Optional: • 1 day temple visit with Dr. Olivier Cunin, a qualified architect and doctor in Khmer architecture • Private Dinner at a temple (07.00pm to 10.00pm). Note: It is subject to the permission of Apsara Authority. Inclusion : - Choice of GALA SET MENU (Khmer or Western) - Pre-dinner cocktails for 30minutes, Beverages: Soft drinks, Local Beer, Sparkling wine, Red wine, White wine, served with Canapé - Open Bar for two hours: Beverages: Soft drinks, Local Beer, Red wine, White wine, Gin tonic - Light up with Drum Sound - Portable Restroom - Traditional performance ( 5 performances) - Catering service with flower decoration on each tables
- Temple fee • VIP immigration service terminal at Siem Reap Airport upon arrival OR on the departure • Private Helicopter flight to Preah Vihear DAY 8 : SIEM REAP Following on from breakfast, take the opportunity to experience the full spectacle of the Angkor Wat, a representation of the Hindu universe in sandstone, riding by bicycle along rarely-traveled pathways. Angkor Wat is built after the form of the fabled home of the deities on Mount Meru, and murals depict a mixture of spiritual motifs, Apsara dancers, and the battle victories of King Suryavarman II, during whose reign it was constructed. Your late afternoon will be spent on the moat of Angkor Thom, taking fine condiments and champagne while cruising on a gondola paddle boat as the sun sets over Prasat Chroung temple.
Notes: • Availability: Morning & Late Afternoon • Suggested start time: 09:00 • Duration: 6 hours Distances and journey times: Siem Reap – Temples (06km): 10 mins Meal: Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner Accommodation: Amansara/Pool Suit
Day 9: Siem Reap Flight To Da Nang
Sadly, the time draws near to leave this place. You will enjoy a private transport back to the airport with your VIP immigration treat ment,leaving part of your heart behind you but taking so much more with you on your onward flight. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Da Nang. Once arrival, vip meet at the gate of the airplane, private transfer to Hoi An This was a trading port in former times; one of the greatest among the seafaring nations of the 17th century. The old covered bridge installed by the Japanese remains the city’s most iconic attraction. From your private hotel transfer, you’ll sense an arrival at a location where you’ll see the country through a more authentic lens. Enjoy your afternoon and evening at leisure at your almost celestially luxurious resort. Notes: • Start time: 09:00 • Duration: 6 hours Meal: Breakfast Accommodation: Four season Hoi An 3 bed room beach front pool villa Distances and journey times :
Siem Reap to Siem Reap Airport (8 km): 15 mins Danang airport – Hoi An (40Km): 50 minutes
Day 10: Hoi An Free Day
Free on your own to enjoy the resort Meal: Breakfast Accommodation: Four season Hoi An 3 bed room beach front pool villa
Day 11: Hoi An Free Day
Optional : Walking tour exploring Hoi An with a personal driver and expert guide, heading for the hidden lanes and alleyways where unique storefronts, historic markets and homesteads recall the glories of days gone by. During your walking tour, you’ll stop by the Trade Ceramic Museum and Phung Hung Ancient House, a masterpiece of fusion architecture that has stood here for over a century. Quan Thang House nearby is two hundred years older still, also replete with Sino-Japanese flourishes. Along the
way, make stops at smartly restored shop-houses, Chinese temples and, finally, a lantern-making factory. Beyond the historic town, the region’s rural heartland provides glimpses into the traditional Vietnamese way of life. Your exclusive guide will lead you in a private tour of the local farming villages, laboring on the land as their ancestors did before them. Optional “Red Bridge” cooking class Go to the colorful Hoi An market with chef, experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market. We will have an opportunity to interact with the local sellers and purchase some of the ingredients to be used in the cooking session later. We then board the Red Bridge boat for a 2.5 hours leisure cruise along Hoi An river to the cooking school. We can observe the local life along the river. Upon arrival, we will explore the cooking schools’ herbs and vegetable garden. The cooking lesson is about 2 hours and each Hoi An’s well-known dish will be demonstrated by a chef, before we prepare dish yourself. There is also a brief Vietnamese cuisine food carving (place decoration) included. Optional visit My Son sanctuary & Cham museum Morning Proceed to My Son to visit the Cham Sanctuaries, which dated back at Champa Kingdom, and the Cham Museum, which displays the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world. Distances and journey times: Hoi An to My Son (60km): 1.5 hours Optional sidecar trip
At 4 pm Enjoy the Sidecar trip to the countryside Explore the countryside near the town of Hoi An with a different means of transportation - the classic sidecar! Just 5 minutes of driving will take you to a totally different side of Hoi An to experience the beauty of wild nature in this memorable 60-minute adventure around the area. Take in a deep breath of fresh air and let the picturesque landscape amaze you - the endless green fields, canals, the peaceful river dotted by little houses of local fishermen... don’t forget your camera at the hotel because you’ll find it impossible not to snap away at the beautiful scenery. Our 60 minutes tour is sure to revitalize you with a unique look at Hoi An using a unique mode of transportation on display. Notes: • Availability: Morning • Suggested start time: 10:00 • Duration: 6 hours Meal: Breakfast Accommodation: Four season Hoi An 3 bed room beach front pool villa
Day 12 : Da Nang – Sai Gon Flight
Private transfer to airport . Vip check in to your flight to Sai Gon and then on arrival meet your guide at the gate of the airplane,private transfer to your luxury hotel. Meal: Breakfast Accommodation: Park Hyat -Park Executive suite Distances and journey times : Tan Son Nhat Airport – Hotel in Sai Gon( 15km):45 minutes
Day 13 : Sai Gon
Take the day to discover the city for yourself with our expert guide, who will lead you to explore Saigon with all your senses. As the heavy aroma of rich black coffee condenses in gusts of incense smoke from its old temples, you’ll see the whole story of the city revealed in its landmarks—the old red-brick Gothic cathedral standing opposite the mid-century Reunification Palace, itself just a short stroll from the War Remnants Museum that recounts the nightmare of the war from the Vietnamese perspective. From there, side-step to Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown, with its
busy markets of exotic medicinal herbs traded alongside bushels of local coffee, cashew nuts, and wicker trays of banh mi baguettes. Browse the aisles of vibrant Vietnamese silks and then, if desired, step forward in time at the boutiques of leading Vietnamese designers producing local couture garments based on traditional oriental cultural derivatives. Your evening will take you a step closer to the local culture on the back of a Vespa scooter, which will whisk you through the less-visited districts where the best genuine local cuisine is found at selected streetside snack stalls. Notes: • Availability: Morning & Evening • Suggested start time: 10:00 • Duration: 8 hours Meal: Breakfast Accommodation: Park Hyat -Park Executive suite
Day 14 : Sai Gon Cu Chi Tunnel By Speed Boat
Depart to visit the Cu Chi Tunnel by speed boat. This underground network of tunnels stretched for over 200km and played a vital part in the U.S.-Vietnam War, allowing the Viet Cong to control a large rural area only 30 to 40 kilometres from Saigon. The network, parts of which were several levels deep, included innumerable trap doors, living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centre and kitchens. Viewing the tunnels is an unforgettable experience, conveying the horrors endured by people in wartime. Notes: • Availability: Morning • Suggested start time: 10:00 • Duration: 4 hours Meal: Breakfast Accommodation: Park Hyat -Park Executive suite Distances and journey times : Hotel –Cu Chi ( 45Km):70 minutes by speed boat Optional Saigon and Cholon Heritage Tours Trace the evolution of this extraordinary binary-hub metropolis from its
origins as a small Khmer fishing village on the one side, and a small Minh Huong Chinese settlement on the other. Over the centuries, these locales grew and merged into the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City we know today. The two four-hour walking tours are led by local British historian Tim Doling
Day 15 : Sai Gon Depart
On the final day of your journey, we take you to the airport by private transfer to prepare for your flight home.Vip immigration & check in to the airplane with our staff. As your international flight ultimately departs Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll see far below a beautiful chaos of jumbled architecture that has emerged into the modern world from the cultures of the country you have just explored. Vietnam will always be awaiting your return. Meal: Breakfast Distances and journey times : Hotel -Tan Son Nhat Airport( 15km):45 minutes
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Legendary Suite room
Paradise Peak Charter HA LONG
Four season THE NAM HAI
Hoi An 1 bed room beach front pool villa
Park HyaT
HO CHI MINH
Park Executive Suite
Amansara
SIEM RIEP Suit “Amansara Pool”
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