TRAVEL SERVICE & RESERVATION – Ivy Arbuckle

Day 1 – 04 Sep: Hanoi (Arrival)

Arrive airport in Hanoi at 21:50 PM – JAL751 , our driver welcomes and transfers you to hotel.

• Overnight at MayFlower Hotel in Hanoi.
• N/A

Day 2 – 05 Sep: Hanoi (Leisure)

Morning breakfast at your hotel.

Rest of the day is your own time to explore the city yourselves.

• Overnight at MayFlower Hotel in Hanoi.
• B

Day 3 – 06 Sep: Hanoi → Halong Bay

Breakfast at your hotel then check out your hotel, you can leave big luggage at hotel (please note to hotel staff to keep for you) and bring small bag for Halong bay trip as you will be back to this hotel to stay more.

At 07:50 – 08:00 AM, our guide picks you up at your hotel and go to Halong bay on a shuttle bus.

11:45 – 12:00 Meeting at TuanChau harbour. Check in Royal Palace Cruise and you are warmly welcomed by a professional and friendly crew.

13:00 – Check-in cabin and enjoy specially prepared lunch while cruising through most beautiful parts of the magical bay with thousands of amazing limestone islands emerging from emerald water. Sailing with Royal Palace Cruise in very tranquil route, exploring the exotic beauty of the legendary Bay, a feeling in paradise will come to you.

14:30 – Keep cruising to the most beautiful parts of Halong Bay. This is the best time to relax after lunch and enjoy your privacy, capturing stunning photos of the legendary bay. 

15:30 – Small tender brings you to visit Titop island, hiking to the top of the island from where tourists can capture a panoramic view of Halong Bay.

16:30 – Kayaking & swimming 18:00 – Join the sunset party on the sundeck in a warm and romantic atmosphere, making friends with other members in the group, enjoy fresh local fruit, listening soft, light music, wearing traditional costumes for kings, queens, and mandarins.

19:00 – Enjoy the special dinner cooked by our professional chef.

20:30 – The moment you choose your own way to relax after dinner, listening to music, singing karaoke, relaxing on the sundeck, squid fishing available for entertainment during the night time.

• Overnight at Royal Palace Cruise in Halong Bay.
• B,L,D

Day 4 – 07 Sep: Halong bay → Hanoi

06:00 – Take photos of sunrise, morning exercise with our Tai Chi master, a perfectly healthy way to start a new day.

07:00 – Enjoy your breakfast, coffee, tea, fruits.

07:45 – Visit Surprising Cave – the most beautiful one in Halong Bay.

09:00 – Back to Royal Palace Cruise for check-out. Keep cruising towards Ha Long Bay, passing by hundreds of islands and islets with different shapes depending on your imagination.

10:00 – Cooking class opened right on the cruise.

11:00 – Farewell lunch served on the cruise before you arrive at harbor.

12:30 – Tour ends at Tuan Chau habour.

Get on bus to go back to Hanoi. Arrival in Hanoi around 15:30pm.

Rest of the day is your own time to explore the city yourselves.

• Overnight at MayFlower Hotel in Hanoi
• B,L

Day 5 – 08 Sep. Hanoi → Hoi An

Morning breakfast at hotel.

08:15 – 08:30 AM , Get picked up by our friendly guide and start to explore Hanoi City.

08.45 – Arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda located on Golden Fish IsLand in West Lake. It is the oldest pagoda in Ha Noi built in the 6th century.

09.30 – Visit Ho Chi Minh complex, you have a chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh then walk around the garden to see 2 houses where he lived & worked from 1954 to 1969. Then visit One Pillar Pagoda where worships the Godess of Mercy – It is the most unique padoga in the world

• Should dress modestly by covering from shoulders to knees when visiting Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, temples, pagodas…

• Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays.

• Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed at least 2 months (15thJune -15thAugust) for the annual maintaining but still can take picture Mausoleum and visit around that area

11.15 – Visit Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups living in the whole country of Vietnam.

Special Note: we will visit Women Museum instead of Ethnology Museum closed on Mondays

12.45 – Have lunch at our restaurant. You have an opportunity to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine.

14.00 – 14.15 : Continue to visit Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam, established in the 11 century.

Leave for Hoa Lo Prison Museum which originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this later period, it was known to American POWs as the “Hanoi Hilton“.
After tour, back to hotel your leisure time until at our driver transfers you to airport for flight to Da Nang.

• Overnight at Kim An Hoi An Hotel  in Hoian.
• B,L

Day 6 – 09 Sep. Hoi An (visit My Son Sanctuary)

Have breakfast at hotel.

07:30 – 08:00 AM, Our guide picks you up at hotel and leave Hoi An for visiting My Son Holly Land – the ruins of Cham people and was an imperial city during Cham dynasty. Here you can have more chance to explore and understand of technique of Old Cham people in making red bricks to build Tower which still now a secret to everyone, you can see a large complex of religious relics that comprises more than 65 architectural works. It also surprises for those who are curious with architectural art. In 1999, UNESCO labeled the Cham architecture in My Son as a World Cultural Heritage Site.

Enjoy lunch at local restaurant.

Afternoon, visit Hoi An town on foot: Hoi An’s Colorful Local Market, Old House of Tan Ky, Fu Jian Assembly Hall, and the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge

Rest of the day is your leisure time to discover the city on your own

• Overnight at Kim An Hoi An Hotel in Hoian
•  B,L

Day 7 – 10 Sep. Hoi An (Leisure)

Breakfast at hotel.

Your leisure time for walking around the Old Town for shopping and relax in Hoi An.

• Overnight at Kim An Hoi An Hotel in Hoi An
• B

Day 8 – 11 Sep. Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh

Breakfast at hotel.

Your leisure time in Hoi An until at we transfer you to airport at for flight to Ho Chi Minh

• Overnight at Cap Town Hotel in Ho Chi Minh.
• B

Day 9 – 12 Sep. Ho Chi Minh (Cu Chi tunnels & city tour)

Breakfast at hotel.

07:30 – 07:45 AM, Depart for Cu Chi tunnel, the trip will take approximately one and a half hours bus driving. Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time. Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purpose during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served.

Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun.

Have lunch at local restaurant.

After that, back to Ho Chi Minh city. Visit Independence Palace, also known at the Reunification palace, was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of the both the Indochina wars.

After tour, dropp hotel.

• Overnight at Cap Town Hotel in Ho Chi Minh.
• B,L

Day 10 – 13 Sep.Ho Chi Minh → Mekong Delta

Breakfast at your hotel.

07:30 – 07:45 AM. Pick up at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and start the trip to Cai Be. Upon arrival in Cai Be, have a boat ride to the remaining site of a renowned wholesale floating market on the Tien River many years ago. This site entitles you to learn something about the local trading habit that has changed due to the age of modern society when more terrestrial transportation and high techniques of agriculture have dominated everywhere. There, you can realize how diverse the area is and how rich orchard gardens are, which makes it the basket of fruit in the lower part of the Mekong River.

Ramble in small villages where you will uncover the beauty of an ancient house and learn about the indigenous culture. Make a short visit to a small family business where the locals make coconut fudges and crispy rice popcorn. Savor delicious fresh fruit and feel the slow rhythms of Southern Vietnamese folk music – a kind of music entwined with the life and culture of the Mekong Delta people. Paddle through small canals – an exciting experience since you can look around, unwind, and soak up the wonderful atmosphere of the Upper Mekong Delta. Additionally, after arrival on Tan Phong Island, immerse yourself in nature’s tranquility.

At lunch time, you not only enjoy luscious food but also get closer to the locals as it is a chance to learn how to prepare Vietnamese specialties. The meal is cooked on your own and served in the heart of the local garden.

Cycle on the village path through orchards. Meet the local islanders to learn more about the local daily life in the Mekong Delta. Visit Ba Kiệt’s ancient house.

Take a boat ride back to Cai Be and meet your bus for the trip to Can Tho City. Proceed to Can Tho City and overnight in Can Tho.

• Overnight at KP Can Tho Hotel in Can Tho.
• B,L

Day 11 – 14 Sep.  Mekong Delta → Ho Chi Minh

Breakfast at hotel.

06:30 – 06:45 AM, you can take a leisurely boat ride to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong River (Bassac River), then visit Cai Rang Floating Market, the most vibrant floating market in the area.

Walking tour of the local noodle factory. Visit Munir Ansay Pagoda – Khmer temple, famous for its unique structure. Then, move by boat to the Con Son tourist area, visit the fruit plantation, and enjoy seasonal fruits.

Have lunch and after that, our driver transfer you to Ho Chi Minh city.

• Overnight at Cap Town Hotel in Ho Chi Minh.
• B,L

Day 12 – 15 Sep. Ho Chi Minh → Siem Reap

Breakfast at the hotel.

Your leisure time in the city until we transfer you to airport for flight to Siem Reap.

Arrive Siem Reap airport, our driver welcomes and transfer you to hotel. Rest of the day is your leisure time.

• Overnight at Ta Prohm Hotel in Siem Reap.
• B

Day 13 – 16 Sep. Siem Reap [Explore the Angkor]

Breakfast at your hotel.
At 08:30 AM, Our guide picks up you to visit the antique capital of Angkor Thom (literally: “Great City”), located in present day Cambodia, was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer empire. Continue your visit at the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Bayon Temple, unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.
Continue your visit to Ta Prohm, one of the most beautiful temples in Angkor. Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery.
In the afternoon, visit Angkor Wat the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture.
Before ending the tour today, enjoy a wonderful sunset scenery from the Top of Phnom Bakhen Hill.
Evening, enjoy buffet dinner and watch Khmer Traditional Dance Show at a local restaurant. Watch a Apsara dance show while dining

• Overnight at Ta Prohm Hotel in Siem Reap.
• B,L,D

Day 14 – 17 Sep. Siem Reap (explore Beng Mealea)

Breakfast at hotel.

At 08:00 AM, we drive out of the city to go to Koh Ker. Abandoned to the forests of the north, Koh Ker, capital of the Angkorian empire from AD 928 to AD 944. It takes about 1.5 hour to reach Koh Ker. On arrival, we start to explore the complex.

10.30 am, we drive back to Siem Reap. On the way back, we stop at two famous temples: Prasat Neang Khmau & Prasat Pram. Lunch at a local restaurant near Beng Mealea temple.

After that, we visit Beng Mealea temple. Enjoy a short walk through the dense jungle and discover the wonders of an overgrown temple, Beng Mealea, which lay undiscovered for centuries. We proceed to the last one that we visit today, Banteay Srey, the “gem” of the Angkor area.

Rest of the day is your leisure time to explore the city on your own.

• Overnight at Ta Prohm Hotel in Siem Reap.
• B,L

Day 15 – 18 Sep. Siem Reap → Phuket

Breakfast at the hotel.

Your leisure time in the city until we transfer you to airport for flight to Phuket .

Arrive Phuket airport, our driver welcomes and transfer you to hotel. Rest of the day is your leisure time.

• Overnight at Woraburi Phuket Resort and Spa in Phuket.
• B

Day 16 – 19 Sep. Phuket (Morning Green Elephant Sanctuary)

6:45 AM. We pick you up directly from your hotel and you enjoy a ride through remote rolling hills, past idyllic beaches directly into the jungle in north-west Phuket. After arriving at the “Green – Elephant Sanctuary Park” you will have the opportunity to feed the large elephants and young animals.

We then continue to a short presentation in English of our visions, the park and Asian elephants. After changing, you can rub the elephants and yourself with mud in the spa Pool. It makes for the most beautiful souvenir photo taken by park photographers during the entire visit.

Then you can wash the mud off the elephants and yourself in the freshwater pool before having fun with the elephants under the XXL adventure shower. After showering, you can enjoy a rich, authentic Thai buffet. And finally you can say your goodbyes to the elephants before we bring you back to your hotel.

WHAT TO BRING: A change of clothing and good shoes or sandals that can get wet and dirty. Swimsuit and towel, Sunscreen, Insect repellent.

• Overnight at Woraburi Phuket Resort and Spa in Phuket.
• B,L

Day 17 – 20 Sep. Phuket (leisure)

Breakfast at hotel. It’s your leisure time for relaxation at beach in Phuket.

• Overnight at Woraburi Phuket Resort and Spa in Phuket.
• B

Day 18 – 21 Sep. Phuket → Bangkok

Breakfast at your hotel, your leisure time until Our driver pick up from your hotel and transfer to Phuket airport, Flight to Bangkok.

Arrival in Bangkok at, Meet and greet our driver and guide, Then transfer to city tour in Bangkok. Free time in the city.

• Overnight at Bizotel Hotel in Bangkok.
• B

Day 19 – 22 Sep. Bangkok-Ayuthaya (Join Tour) Morning by Bus+Afternoon By Cruise

Breakfast at your hotel

06.45 AM Pick up from hotel and transfer to the river city shopping complex, Siphraya, next to Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel.

07.30 am. Departure from Bangkok by Grand Pearl luxury air–conditioned coach with English speaking guide.

09.00 am. Arrival at Bang Pa-In, visit the Summer Palace of King Rama V with its mixture of Thai, Chinese and Gothic architecture such as Aisawan Thiphya-At, Warophat Phiman, Wehart Chamrun, etc.

10.30 Arrival at Ayutthaya, a World Heritage City and historic capital of Thailand. Visit Wat Mahatad, the royal monastery, served
as the residence of supreme monk. Wat Phrasrisanphet, the largest and most important temple. Its was used as a residential palace. and Wihan Phramongkhon Bophit, the large bronze Buddha image was originally enshrined in the open area outside.

13.30 Welcome aboard the Grand Pearl Cruise Liner at Wat Chong-lom Pier (Nonthaburi). Sumptuous buffet lunch with a choice of a variety of oriental and western cuisines will be served, while you may relax and enjoy the fascinating scenery on the River of Kings. The cruiser will then head towards Nontaburi, past Koh Kred, The monn community before reaching Bangkok city.

15.00 Coffee will be served while you enjoy the enchanting sights along the River banks such as the colorful Royal Barges House, Thammasart University, Siriraj hospital, The Royal Grand Palace and the graceful Temple Of Dawn, with its magnificent 79 M. spire, Wat Kallayanamitr, one of the most renowed temples.

16.00 Arrival and disembark at the River City Shopping Complex Pier. Transfer back to hotel by air-conditioned van.

• Overnight at Bizotel Hotel in Bangkok.
• B,L

Day 20 – 23 Sep. Bangkok (Leisure)

Breakfast at hotel. It’s your leisure time for relaxation in Bangkok.

• Overnight at Bizotel Hotel in Bangkok.
• B

Day 21 – 24 Sep. Bangkok → United States

Morning, we will prepare breakfast box for you.

At 05:05 AM our driver transfers you to airport for departure flight back home (depart at 08:05 AM – JAL708).

• N/A
• B

End of service!