Signature Vietnam and Cambodia

• Day 1:

  Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, your guide will meet you for your transfer to the hotel for check-in. Accommodation in Hanoi: (5*) Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel (Luxury Room) (two nights) Visa approval letter and immigration assistance at airport: Please provide your agent all passport details at least 10 days prior to your arrival date, and you will get a visa approval letter on time for boarding flight to Vietnam. Your visa label will be stamped upon arrival at the international airport in Vietnam. An immigration coordinator will meet and greet you at the entrance of arrival hall with a signboard with your name on it. As quickly as possible, you will provide the immigration coordinator all necessary documents (original passport, photo, stamping fee). Then, on your behalf, the coordinator completes the visa procedure at the arrival counter. You will get back your passport with a visa stamp. You will be shown to the passport control and baggage claim area, pick up your luggage and go out of the terminal to meet your tour guide. You will need to pay the visa stamping fee (50USD per passport for multiple entry) OPTIONAL: VIP FAST TRACK AT AIRPORT (Additional charge applies) The VIP Fast Track Service offers personal care in a pleasant atmosphere, as well as outstanding flexibility, security and time savings. How it works - Guest will be greeted by an immigration coordinator at the aircraft door or aero-bridge and be escorted to the arrival hall. - The immigration coordinator will collect all necessary documents (original passports, luggage ticket, list of checked luggage) from you. - Without delay, guests will be escorted by the immigration coordinator to the meeting point outside the arrival hall through a private exit ((without immigration procedure) while your baggage is collected from conveyor belt and through immigration and custom clearance. - You will be escorted by your guide and driver to the hotel without delay. Your passport and luggage will be sent to the hotel room right afterward and as quickly as possible.

• Day 2:

  Start your day by visiting the Ho Chi Minh complex where you can visit the Mausoleum (only view from outside in the afternoon) and his Residential Area, including House on Stilts. Continue visiting the One Pillar Pagoda, which dated back to the city’s establishment since 10th century. The day also offers a walk in the Temple of Literature, the First National University in Vietnam, where 11th century architecture and gardens offer an ambient glimpse into the past. You might like to experience Hanoi Old Quarter traffic by taking a cyclo ride to visit streets named after specific products once sold there, and view Hoan Kiemm Lake – where the Hanoi story begins. The city tour lasts through mid-afternoon. Optional Art talk and Cocktail at Green Palm Gallery (additional charge applies) Located at the heart of Hanoi, Green Palm Gallery is one of the most famous and prestigious institutes for Vietnamese Fine Arts. Artists and collectors frequently come to the gallery to feel the pulse of the market and develop their connoisseurship for Vietnamese contemporary arts. Visitors to our physical or virtual galleries will experience our insightful vision of Vietnamese contemporary art while enjoying permanent or special exhibitions. With a talented, passionate and well-educated team of art consultants, Green Palm Gallery creates a special and different experience, where customers can immerse themselves in the cultural space with combinations of fine arts, music and food and drinks. Inclusions: Private roundtrip transfer by car, English-speaking guide, mixed drinks, snacks, art talk Timing and duration: During or after the city tour (one hour)

• Day 3:

  After breakfast, depart from your hotel by road to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty. After arriving at Tuan Chau Island and sampling light refreshments at the Paradise Suites Hotel, you will be transferred to Paradise Elegance Cruise, a meticulously designed steel boat that has reimagined luxury cruising on Ha Long Bay. You will be checked-in and given a short briefing about your cruise while sipping your welcome drink at Le Marin Restaurant. Lunch will be served in Le Marin Restaurant while Paradise Elegance cruises toward Ha Long Bay. You will pass the famous Fighting Cocks Islet, and Thien Cung and Dau Go Caves. Your first stop after lunch is the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, where you can take in panoramic views across Ha Long Bay after visiting the cave. Another option for active guests is to kayak around nearby islets (additional charge applies). Alternatively, you can opt for an afternoon of pampering at Le Parfum Spa (optional - own expense) or an afternoon tea in Le Piano Lounge. Watch a cooking demonstration on the L’Odyssée Sundeck while enjoying pre-dinner Sunset Cocktails at the bar. Savor a delicious dinner at Le Marin Restaurant or choose a special spot anywhere else on board to dine. After dinner, indulge in drinks and live music at Le Piano Lounge, squid fishing, a spa treatment at Le Parfum Spa (optional - own expense) or movies in your cabin. (Please note that live music is not available on Mondays.) Accommodation on Ha Long Bay: Paradise Elegance Cruise (Deluxe Balcony Cabin) (one night) Note: Itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions or local administration regulations.

• Day 4:

  Watch the sunrise with a Tai Chi session on L’Odyssée sundeck, followed by a light breakfast in Le Piano Lounge. You will then visit Titov Island, where you can go swimming or hike to the top for a stunning, panoramic view of the bay. Back on board, an à la carte breakfast will be served as you once again cruise past Thien Cung and Dau Go Caves and Fighting Cocks Islet before your settling your bill, check-out and return to Tuan Chau Island. You will be transferred to Noi Bai Airport for your short flight to Danang (additional charge applies). Landing in Danang, you will be welcomed by your guide and head to Hoi An ancient town. Check in at your hotel and overnight in Hoi An. Accommodation in Hoi An: (5*) Anantara Resort (Deluxe room) (two nights)

• Day 5:

  Take a guided walking tour around Hoi An to see the most iconic sites of this ancient town. The next visit is to the home of a craftsman in the old streets to learn how to make a lantern. Return to the hotel and relax poolside. Before sunset, witness the scenery of river life and a beautiful sunset as you get on a wooden boat sailing along the major branch of the lower section of Thu Bon River. Make sure your camera is handy, the view of the sunset is spectacular.

• Day 6:

  After breakfast, you’re free in Hoi An until your driver comes to pick you up and take you to Danang Airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia (additional charge applies). Arriving in Siem Reap, enjoy a warm welcome from your local guide and transfer into town. Check in at your hotel and relax. Accommodation in Siem Reap: (5*) Belmond La Résidence d'Angkor (Junior Suite Room) (two nights) Visa assistance service at airport Upon entering the arrival terminal, look for a representative who will be holding a signboard with your name on it. After completing the entry visa form, hand the documents (visa form, original passport, visa stamping fee) to the representative. The procedures at the Immigration Desk will be handled by the representative. After the visa stamp is received, you will be escorted to the baggage claim to pick up your luggage (you will pick up the luggage yourself), then out to meet your tour guide. Note: Approval letter for Cambodia visa is not required; you will need to pay 30USD for the stamping fee.

• Day 7:

  In the morning, you will visit Angkor Thom, a part of the Angkor complex that is less impacted by mass tourism. Take a tuk-tuk ride to the West Gate before discovering the South Gate and then move on to the phenomenal and mysterious Bayon Temple. Bayon is completely unique for its no less than 54 towers adorned with over 200 smiling faces that look out in all directions. Nearby Baphuon Temple is a representation of the mythical Mount Meru of Hindu and Buddhist legends. Continue on to the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon, visit the fabulous Ta Prohm, which over the centuries has been embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. This is Angkor’s most atmospheric temple, as well as its most photographed and filmed. Ta Prohm was built in the 12th century and it’s a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of King Jayavarman VII. Next, visit the world’s most famous ancient temple: Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat has been a World Heritage Site since 1992, forever immortalized in uncountable spectacular pictures by photographers from around the world. But Angkor Wat is more than just magnificent towers that reach into the sky, it also features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and beautifully narrates stories from Hindu mythology. Optional quad bike sunset tour (two-hour tour from the hotel) (additional charge applies) In the late afternoon, you will gather at the quad bike center. Meet your quad bike guide and together learn how to use this kind of vehicle. After a test ride to get used to its speed, start your adventure! You can drive yourself or your guide can drive and you can sit behind for sightseeing; it’s your choice. You will go along dusty roads of countryside and through local villages. You will see local people, their daily life, their living conditions, rice fields and buffalos. Many children will run to the road to say "hello" to you. Slow down and say "hello" to them too. You can bring them some candies and take photos with the children. Observe sunset over the rice fields by a small lake. Return to Siem Reap before dark. Inclusions: Private transfers by car, English-speaking guide, quad bike (one pax per quad bike, guide, water and tissue) Timing & duration: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM (two hours including transfer from hotel)

• Day 8:

  Optional Blessing Ceremony at Khmer Pagoda in the morning (additional charge applies) When in Cambodia, a country of Buddhism and temples, beyond visiting the famed UNESCO World Heritage temples, you have the chance to deeply understand and feel the culture, historical, and spiritual values of the country by coming to a pagoda and being part of a blessing ceremony with the monks. Located in the heart of Siem Reap town, Wat Preah Prom Rath is one of the most beautiful pagodas in town with French colonial architecture reflecting its history and a large garden filled with statues. Participate in a private good luck blessing ceremony, performed by local monks who reside at the temple. Sit on carpets while the monks chant blessings and sprinkle holy water and flowers on you, a traditional ritual which is believed pass on the good luck of the gods. Afterwards, a sacred thread will be tied around your wrist. This will protect you from any evil spirits or accidents. Then say goodbye to the monks and head for the next destination or back to your hotel. Best time to do: Early morning before main activity of the day Duration: Two hours including transfers. Inclusions: Private transfers by car, English-speaking guide, donation and offerings to the monks After breakfast, you will be free until time to check out of your hotel for transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Phnom Penh (additional charge applies). Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in the city center for check-in. In mid-afternoon, visit the infamous Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school that the Khmer Rouge converted to an interrogation center and prison in 1975 during the genocide. More than 17,000 people were tortured there before being murdered at the killing fields outside of the city. Pol Pot’s brutal attempt to create a society without class resulted in nearly two million people dying from execution, starvation, or disease. Next, visit the peaceful stretch of green fields at Cheung Ek known as 'The Killing Fields', 11 miles from Phnom Penh. The scene, perhaps at first, does not indicate what kinds of horrors took place there. A large memorial has been built to commemorate the 17,000 victims who died here under the reign of Khmer Rouge leader, Pol Pot. The remnants inside the memorial and the mass graves that dot the area remind you of the suffering of the victims. It will give an appreciation of the struggle that Cambodian people have faced and their tremendous courage to move on and rebuild their nation. Accommodation in Phnom Penh: (5*) Raffles Hotel Le Royal Hotel (State Room) (one night)

• Day 9:

  After breakfast at your hotel, continue discovering this charming city with a wealth of history and unique architecture. Start with a visit to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, two of the most striking buildings in the capital, considered to be some of the finest examples of Khmer architecture. They were initially constructed in 1866 by the French. The Royal Palace is home to the current monarch, King Sihamoni. The neighboring Silver Pagoda stands out in its own distinctive way. The floor consists of 5,329 solid silver tiles to which the building owes its name. Next head to the National Museum, which houses the world's foremost collection of Khmer art. You can then opt to explore the shops and boutiques in Street 240 area, or visit the small hill within the city known as Wat Phnom and learn how the city got its name. In the afternoon, board the Aqua Mekong Cruise for a three-night discovery cruise on the Mekong River to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. You will be welcomed over custom sundowners like the Salted Watermelon Crush with Thai basil. Celebrate the journey towards the heart of this mighty river with a Khmer Apsara performance, an indigenous tradition memorialized on the temple walls at Angkor Wat. Accommodation on Mekong River: Aqua Mekong Cruise (First Deck Suite) (three nights)

• Day 10:

  Say "Good Morning, Vietnam" while crossing the border and sailing towards Tan Chau, a vibrant border town where you can take the local rickshaw called xe loi for a trip around town, or pedal 11 miles on the peaceful island of Long Khanh. In the afternoon, visit a typical Mekong Delta village called My An Hung where you will walk through verdant plantations. You will be invited to a local's home to taste local fruits while hearing traditional folk songs performed by villagers, followed by a unique unicorn dance. A biking option is also available if you wish to explore on two wheels.

• Day 11:

  Begin the day at Binh Thanh mat weaving village or opt to visit Sa Dec to peruse the vibrant market and see the famous house of Marguerite Duras' legendary lover, Mr. Huynh Thuy Le. Continue downstream for Cai Be, zigzagging in the boat past lone fishermen on their long tail boats. Later, the boat moors at a wooden pier. Here in Cai Be, walk or ride bike among high-roofed open courtyard houses, some dating back more than 100 years, currently inhabited by gracious locals who will invite you to glimpse their properties.

• Day 12:

  En route to Ho Chi Minh, you will stop at Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the largest Mahayana Buddhist temples in the region. You will notice the mixed architectural style and see three large Buddha statues plus an impressive collection of bonsai trees. Disembark and transfer to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. You wil be picked up by your tour guide and taken to your hotel. Around 6:00 PM, you will be picked up by a Vespa scooter for a special Saigon night tour. Saigon is absolutely a fantastic place for your food adventure. The principle of yin and yang is applied in every single dish, whether street food or a home cooked meal. “The balancing act between warming and cooling ingredients, between heavier meats and lighter rice-based carbs, fresh herbs to round out the taste, never gets old” - written on Legal Nomads. This evening, your food adventure will include a ride through many small alleys to sample many different dishes. Before the tour ends at your hotel, enjoy a drink at an exciting music bar. Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City: (5*) Park Hyatt Hotel (Park room) (two nights)

• Day 13:

  You have a whole day to explore this bustling city. You will have your private car and guide at your disposal to go shopping at local markets, enjoy coffee at local coffee shops or visit the historical War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Central Post Office. All this will give you a complete insight of the vibrant Saigon city. Return to the hotel with the rest of your day at leisure. Optional A O show (or The MIST or The DAR) (Additional charge applies) Tonight, enjoy the A O Show (Ahh! Ohh! Show) which depicts the charming beauty and cultural richness of Southern Vietnamese life in the countryside, in contrast with the nation’s racing urbanization. Performed on the stage of the Saigon Opera House, a perfect example of French colonial style circa 1900, this 60-minute show is a unique mix of bamboo cirque, acrobatic acts, contemporary dance, and live music, plus the creative use of bamboo and rattan props from ordinary life. All these elements harmonize to capture the essence of Vietnam’s fascinating culture. In case there is no AO show on your date, alternative may be The Mist or The Dar show. Includes: Transfers and show tickets Show time and date: Subject to availability

• Day 14:

  Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transferring to the airport for your flight.

May 01 – September 30, 2020 (Except for public holidays)

Per Person Sharing:      $5,599

Single Supplement:       $2,499

Inclusions:

• Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast as mentioned or similar
• One night cruise to explore Ha Long Bay inclusive of accommodation, food and entrance fee
• Four days, three night cruise package on Aqua Mekong River cruise with accommodation, food and sightseeing
• Transfer services in private air-conditioned vehicle
• Sunset cruise in Hoi An
• Vantage Vespa foodie tour in Saigon
• Entrance fees and boat fees where applicable
• Visa assistance service upon arrival
• Meals listed in the itinerary (if any)
• English-speaking local guide in each city (in-house guide on cruise in Ha Long Bay and Mekong River)
• Bottled water on coach during transfer
• Government taxes and service charges

Exclusions:

• International and domestic flights, along with airport taxes (including airport departure tax), unless otherwise mentioned
• Meals not mentioned
• Drinks and surcharge for special request on foods and meals
• Entrance fees, guide service during free time and other personal expenses
• Hotel upgrades
• Kayak equipment in Ha Long Bay
• Insurance
• Gratuities for guides and drivers
• Surcharge for public holidays and/or peak periods (if applicable)
• Any compulsory meal by the hotels (during Christmas and New Year)
• Any type of visa and fee
• All other services not stated in the program

PLEASE NOTE

Standard hotel check-in time is 14:00 and check-out time is 12:00 (Early check-in time or late check-out time is subject to availability and with additional charge.)