Tour Plan
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Day 1 Arrival in Siem Reap
On arrival in Siem Reap, warm welcome by your tour guide and transfer to your hotel for relaxing.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Your hotel, Raffles Grand D’Angkor remains unrivalled for luxury, charm, and service. The imposing colonial facade gives way to a marble lobby, connected by art deco black-and-white tile halls to the many rooms and fine services.
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Day 2 Angkor Wat - Angkor Thom - Pre Rup at sunset (B,L)
We will have full a day of exploration in this vast temple complex at Angkor. Angkor Wat was built by King Suryavarman II at the height of the Khmer Empire in the 12th century dedicated to the Hindu god-Vishnu. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon we visit Angkor Thom, Bayon, Elephant Terrace, Terrace of Leper King, and see Pre Rup at sunset.
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Day 3 Banteay Srei - Ta Prohm- Country Side tour-Textiles (B,L)
Early morning, we visit Ta Prohm and Banteay Srei then have lunch at the local restaurant.
Afternoon, we drive into the surrounding country side passing verdant rice paddies and visit a local home in a village, to learn more of local peoples daily activities. After we will visit IKTT institute of Khmer Traditional textiles, fabric, natural dye and ikat weaving, golden silk, http://www.ikttearth.org
Option: Dinner with Apsara show at Raffles Grand D’Angkor Hotel
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Day 4 Siem Reap – Luang Prabang, Laos (B,D)
Morning, drive to visit the isolated monument of Banteay Srei, well-known for its pink sandstone carvings. Back to Siem Reap airport to take a short flight to the lovely town of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage town with beautifully preserved Buddhist temples and French fusion architecture.
After a short rest, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai, then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi to watch the setting sun reflecting off the Mekong River.
Welcome dinner at Les 3 Nagas restaurant with Baci Ceremony, one of the most important ceremonies in Laos in which the joy of life is experienced by generosity.
Your hotel, La Residence Phou Vao, offers deluxe accommodations, excellent service, and a lofty perch away from the fray of the busy town center. The Phou Vao is named for the hill on which it stands.
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Day 5 Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave (B,L)
Early risers will have a chance to witness the moving ritual as long lines of barefoot monks walk silently along the streets on their morning alms round, collecting donations of food.
After breakfast, we will enjoy a full day boat trip on the Mekong River to holy Pak Ou Cave with plenty of Buddha statues of all styles and sizes. Stop over at the nearby villages of Xang Hai, Thin Hong. Then take a boat to return to Luang Prabang and overland to the traditional hand-weaving village of Phanom.
The rest of day is at leisure.
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Day 6 Luang Prabang – Hanoi (B)
Have breakfast at the hotel, relax and check out the hotel.
Free time until transfer to the airport for the flight to Hanoi.
Upon arrival at Noi Bai airport, you will have a warm welcome by our tour guide and be transferred to hotel. Hanoi is a peaceful city of lakes, shaded boulevards, verdant parks and grand French colonial architecture.
Your hotel, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is a French colonial hotel in the heart of Hanoi, near Hoan Kiem Lake and the magnificent Opera House. Boasting a classical white façade, green shutters, original wrought iron detail, and a lush courtyard, the hotel is one of the region’s few remaining of its era, recently restored to its former glory.
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Day 7 Hanoi street food and city tour – Private water puppet show (B,L)
Morning stop at Bach Ma temple and continue walking along the narrow streets to Hang Be market. Taste street foods and learn about “local cuisine culture”, such as cha que (sausage with cinnamon), banh cuon (Vietnamese rolling cakes), bun cha (rice noodles served with cha que), nem (deep fried “square-shape” spring rolls) and che (a popular dessert soup with many varieties kinds of beans). Take a rest at a local cafe.
Afternoon, continue visiting the Presidential Palace (façade only), One Pillar pagoda, the Temple of Literature. Enjoy a cyclo ride through Hanoi's Old Quarter, followed is the private water puppet show at artist Phan Thanh Liem house.
This evening, you have the option to join the history tour to “the Lost Bomb Shelter” of Sofitel Metropole Hotel, an honorable mentioned in 2013 UNESCO Heritage Awards.
(Reservation should be made in advance, tour duration around 50 minutes)
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Day 8 Hanoi – Halong (B,L,D)
In the morning, depart on a scenic drive to Halong.
Embark on Paradise Peak. On board Paradise Peak, you can dine anywhere you choose. Have lunch served in the restaurant, sundeck or your cabin. We will accommodate your wishes.
We cruise past karst limestone islands, islets and towers then visit the Tung Sau Pearl Farm. This is also an ideal destination for kayaking. Your second stop of the day is the magnificent Sung Sot Cave.
The Paradise Peak will anchor overnight at Coconut Tree Island. Indulge in a cocktail or two during Pre-Dinner Sunset Cocktails as you watch the sunset from the sundeck. we follow by a demonstration of easy-to-make Vietnamese recipes.
Enjoy your Paradise Royal Dinner your way. Dine anywhere you want on the ship: your cabin, the sundeck or the restaurant. It really is up to you. After dinner, the rest of the evening you can enjoy squid fishing, a movie in your cabin, more drinks on the sundeck, or even a spa treatment at Le Parfum Spa.
Your luxury Paradise Peak Cruise, the most luxurious ship cruising Halong Bay. Combining opulence, comfort and discretion, the top-of-the-line wooden junk not only meets but exceeds expectations. Each expansive cabin features a spacious balcony or private dining area, Jacuzzi, and includes a butler service. With a day spa, library and fitness room, an exquisite menu and world class wines, Paradise Peak is the epitome of deluxe cruising.
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Day 9 Halong Bay (B,L,D)
Awaken your senses with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck before breakfast.
Your fresh and healthy breakfast is served in the restaurant, ahead of a full day of excursions.
Transfer to the Paradise Explorer tender to go further into the Bay. Visit Titov Island and hike to the top for stunning views of Halong Bay, or go for a refreshing swim in the cool, emerald waters. For a more relaxing visit, you can just people-watch while sipping on fresh coconut water.
Your next stop will be Trong Cave in Bo Hon Island. Have lunch in a restaurant then a trip to Cua Van Floating Village. You will be transported there by locals rowing bamboo boats or you can kayak at your own pace.
Return to Paradise Peak. Watch the sun set while enjoying Pre-Dinner Sunset Cocktails on the sundeck, followed by a cooking demonstration.
Enjoy dinner aboard Paradise Peak. The rest of the evening is can be as active or relaxing as you choose.
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Day 10 Halong – Hanoi – Saigon (B)
Begin your last day in Halong Bay with a calming Tai Chi session on the sundeck, followed by a light breakfast, coffee and pastries. Prepare for the day ahead with a freshly prepared and healthy breakfast. Bill settlement and check-out.
Disembark at the Tuan Chau Marina
Notes: Due to cruising conditions, itineraries may change without prior notice. Wi-Fi is available in the restaurant/bar area, but internet connectivity is limited due to the geography of Halong.
*Additional charges
Exclusion: Spa treatment services on board, Beverages and tobacco
Transfer back to Noi Bai airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon).
Welcome by your tour guide and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Saigon.
Your hotel Park Hyatt Saigon, downtown location overlooking the flamboyant-style Saigon Opera House. The interior is sophisticated and modern, and the décor is luxurious without being flowery.
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Day 11 Full-day trip to the Cai Be floating market, Mekong Delta (B,L)
Morning we will leave Saigon and drive to Cai Be (around 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, get on a cruise and experience the vivid life at Cai Be floating market. Optional stops can be made at local home factories where you can see how pop-rice and popcorn are made. A delicious lunch will be served at Le Longanier, a superb Indochina villa located in a lush tropical plantation by the river. After lunch, we drive back to Saigon in the late afternoon. Overnight in Saigon.
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Day 12 Grain Cooking Class – Saigon City tour – À Ố Show (B,L)
Morning, we will join “Grain by Luke Nguyen cooking class”. Grain’s studio has its own fresh market on site. You will lend a hand to cook a 4-course meal, giving you confidence to prepare your own home cooked Vietnamese dishes. Lunch will be your own preparations and served at the cooking class. It will be an enjoyable Vietnamese cultural and culinary experience. (Notes: no class on Sundays.)
Afternoon, take half day city tour, featuring the City Post Office area and Reunification Palace. Continue visiting the Fine Art Museum and enjoy local coffee at the Art Cafe before heading to Ben Thanh Market.
Tonight enjoy À Ố Show at the Saigon Opera House performed by young talents who want to share their passion and dreams of upholding Vietnamese cultural heritage through performances and other forms of arts. (6-7pm).
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Day 13 Saigon Departure (B)
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End of services.