TRAVEL SERVICE & RESERVATION – Dennis Parkinson’s group

Day 1 – 05 Feb. Hanoi (Arrival)

Arrive airport in Hanoi at 11:35 AM, BR397. Please exit and go to pillar 10, our driver will be waiting for you there to transfer you to your hotel.

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

Around 18:30 PM, you take a taxi or walking to Tùng’s Kitchen (02 Hang Bong Street) for enjoy your dinner.

• Overnight at Champton Hanoi Hotel in Hanoi.
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Day 2 – 06 Feb. 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.

08:00 – 08:10 AM, our guide picks you up at your hotel and go to Halong bay on a shuttle bus.

11:45 – 12:00 – welcome at waiting room 26 Tuan Chau harbour in Halong Bay

12:00. You will be taken on our tender from the wharf and make your way out onto the bay to board our luxurious craft, Sapphire Cruise. You will be welcome aboard and greeted with a complimentary drink. Our Crew will conduct a compulsory safety procedures session and then you are free to check into your cabin and freshen up. Take some time to have a look around the vessel or watch the magical landscape go by.

13: 15  While our boat starts to cruise, enjoy the special lunch of fresh  seafood and vietnamese food  cooked by one of the best Chef in halong bay . 

15:00  After cruising for nearly 2 hours to explore the tranquil Bay, passing by thousands of islands and islets , the boat reaches the best area to do kayaking to see a lot of amazing limestone karst landscapes. Our boat will not bring you to the crowded and tiny beach for swimming . Our boat will stop in the middle of the Bay so that you can have chance to jump into water, take a backflip or somersault ..

16:30  Keep cruising to admire the stunning beauty of the Bay from our Sundeck where you can capture great  photos

17:00  Attend the cooking class opened right on the Sundeck , our guide will show you how to prepare and make our vietnamese traditional dish that is spring roll.

17: 45  Join the Sunset party, enjoy fresh fruit, making friends with other members in the group , listening to soft and light music.

19 :00  Enjoy the special Dinner with fusion food prepared by the excellent skills of decoration of our Chef.

20: 30  Your free time.

• Overnight on Sapphire Cruise.
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Day 3 – 07 Feb. Halong bay → Hanoi

05:45 – The nicest time of the day on Lan Ha Bay is the morning. Head to the upper deck to participate in our daily Tai Chi sessions. Relax with an early morning cup of tea, coffee or juice anywhere you wish on the boat and watch the never-ending miraculous scenery unfold before you.

06:30 – Light breakfast will be served in our restaurant (pastries, tea, coffee)

7:00 – 8:15 – Enjoy the last stage of your trip to Dark & Bright cave and islets by local rowing boats which is a wild and mysterious beauty in the middle of the World Heritage. Back to our main board afterward.

09:15 – 9:30 – Check out of your cabin as we draw closer to the mainland.

09:45 Enjoy your brunch on the boat.

11:00 you will board our tender and head back to the wharf where you will be met by your return trip vehicle to transfer you to Hanoi.

11:45 Tour ends at Tuan Chau habour in Halong.

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

• Overnight at Champton Hanoi Hotel in Hanoi.
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Day 4 – 08 Feb. Hanoi (city tour) → Hoi An

Breakfast at your hotel.

08:00 – 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 (15th June -15th August) 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 with 8 delicious dishes.

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

15.15: 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 in Hanoi until Our driver transfer you to airport for flight to Danang.

Arrival airport in Danang, our driver welcomes and transfer you to Hoi An for your night stay.

• Overnight at La Charm Hotel & Spa in Hoi An.
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Day 5 – 09 Feb. Hoi An (visit My Son Sanctuary)

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.

Have lunch at local restaurant.

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

• Overnight at La Charm Hotel & Spa in Hoi An.
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Day 6 – 10 Feb. Hoi An (Leisure time)

Breakfast at hotel. You’re free at leisure in Hoi An for walking around to explore the ancient town on your own and shopping.

• Overnight at La Charm Hotel & Spa in Hoi An.
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Day 7 – 11 Feb. Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh

Morning, enjoy breakfast at hotel. Your leisure time in Hoi An until our driver transfer you to airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh.

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh, our driver tranfers to hotel for check-in.

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

• Overnight at Nesta Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh.
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Day 8 – 12 Feb. Ho Chi Minh (explore city tour & Cu Chi tunnels)

Breakfast at hotel,

07:30 – 08:00 AM, Depart for Cu Chi tunnels, 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.

Enjoy lunch at local restaurant.

After that, 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 (Or Tan Dinh Church), 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.

• Overnight at Nesta Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh.
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Day 9 – 13 Feb. Ho Chi Minh city → Mekong Delta

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 Mekong tour as you will be back to this hotel to stay more.

‭07:30 – 08:00 AM, pick up guests at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and depart for My Tho Port.‬ Boat cruise on the Tien River to view the four islets: Long, Lan, Quy, Phung.‬

The‬ ‭boat‬ ‭passes‬ ‭by‬ ‭floating‬ ‭fish‬ ‭farms‬ ‭along‬ ‭the‬ ‭Tien‬ ‭River,‬‭ offering ‬‭a ‬‭view‬ ‭of ‬‭Rach ‬‭Mieu‬ Bridge.‬

‭Arrive‬ ‭at‬ ‭Thoi‬ ‭Son‬ ‭islet:‬ ‭Stroll‬ ‭through‬ ‭village‬ ‭paths,‬ ‭visit‬ ‭fruit‬ ‭orchards,‬ ‭enjoy‬ ‭seasonal‬ fruits, and listen to traditional Southern Vietnamese music.‬

‭Rowing‬ ‭boat‬ ‭through‬ ‭small‬ ‭canals:‬ ‭Enjoy‬ ‭the‬ ‭peaceful‬ ‭riverine‬ ‭scenery,‬ ‭visit‬ ‭a‬ ‭honey‬ ‭bee‬ farm, and taste honey tea and banana wine.‬
‭Continue‬ ‭down‬ ‭the‬ ‭Tien‬ ‭River‬ ‭to‬ ‭Tan‬ ‭Thach‬ ‭Canal‬ ‭(Ben‬ ‭Tre):‬ ‭Visit‬ ‭a‬ ‭coconut‬ ‭candy‬ workshop, and explore traditional handicrafts.‬

‭Motor boat ‬‭excursion ‬‭on ‬‭Tan ‬‭Thach ‬‭canal: ‬‭Discover ‬‭the ‬‭daily ‬‭life ‬‭of‬ ‭local‬ ‭people, ‬‭have ‬‭lunch‬ at‬‭ a ‬‭local ‬‭restaurant.‬‭ The ‬‭eco-restaurant‬ ‭features‬‭ crocodile,‬‭ porcupine ‬‭farms,‬‭ frog, ‬‭and‬ ‭snake‬ farming‬ ‭models,‬ ‭hammocks‬ ‭for‬ ‭relaxing,‬ ‭and‬ ‭bicycles‬ ‭for‬ ‭exploring‬‭ fruit‬‭ or chards, ‬‭coconut‬ groves, and rice fields.‬

‭Bike‬ ‭tour (optional)‬ ‭through‬ ‭village‬ ‭paths:‬ ‭Learn‬ ‭about‬ ‭the‬ ‭everyday‬ ‭life‬ ‭of‬ ‭local‬ ‭residents.‬

‭Return to My Tho Port to continue to Can Tho.‬

• Overnight at Muong Thanh Luxury Can Tho Hotel in Can Tho.
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Day 10 – 14 Feb. Mekong Delta → Ho Chi Minh city

Have breakfast at hotel.

Around 07:00 AM, relaxing‬ ‭boat‬ ‭ride‬ ‭to‬ ‭explore‬ ‭the‬ ‭picturesque‬ ‭tributaries‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭Hau‬ River, followed by a visit to the bustling Cai Rang Floating Market.‬

Visit‬ ‭a‬ ‭local‬ ‭noodle-making‬ ‭factory.‬ ‭Explore‬ ‭Munir‬ ‭Ansay‬ ‭Pagoda,‬ ‭a‬ ‭renowned‬ ‭Khmer‬ ‭pagoda with unique architecture.‬

‭Then, proceed to Son Islet, visit fish farms, fruit orchards, and enjoy seasonal fruits.‬

‭Lunch and return to Ho Chi Minh City.

• Overnight at Nesta Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh.
• B,L

Day 11 – 15 Feb. Ho Chi Minh → Siem Reap

Have breakfast at hotel. Your leisure time in Ho Chi Minh until our driver transfer you to the airport for our flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Upon Siem Reap airport at, our driver welcomes and transfer you to hotel for check in.

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

• Overnight at Hari Residence & Spa in Siem Reap.
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Day 12 – 16 Feb. Siem Reap (Angkor Full day)

Have breakfast at hotel.

08:00 – 08:30 AM, Our guide picks up you visit to 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. Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool (representing the paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake), Ta Som, built in late 12th century C.E. the most distant temple on the grand circuit, small but classic.

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.

In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a nice local restaurant in Seam Reap. Watch a Apsara dance show while dining.

• Overnight at Hari Residence & Spa in Siem Reap.
• B,L,D

Day 13 – 17 Feb. Siem Reap (explore Beng Mealea)

Have breakfast at hotel. We depart the city at 08:00 AM and head to Koh Ker, which takes about 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, we will venture into the deserted ruins and surrounding forest and explore the Koh Ker temple complex, the former capital of the Angkorian empire during the years AD 928 to AD 944.

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

13:30 PM, 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.

• Overnight at Hari Residence & Spa in Siem Reap.
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Day 14 – 18 Feb. Siem Reap (Tonle Sap Lake) → Phuket

Enjoy breakfast at hotel.

Around 08:00 AM, start the tour by visiting the National Museum. Here, you can explore a collection of Khmer art, artifacts, and historical exhibits that provide insights into the culture and history of Cambodia.

After the museum, take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake, one of the largest lakes in Asia. This is an opportunity to enjoy stunning views of the lake and see some of the local fishing villages and floating communities that call it home.

After the lake tour, head to downtown to visit Artisan’s D’angkor, the carving art school, where you can witness the intricate art of stone carving and other traditional crafts. Next, continue your visit to Wat Thmei, a beautiful pagoda that is known for its memorial stupa that contains the skulls of Khmer Rouge victims.

Spend your leisure time in Siem Reap until our drivers picks you up and drive to airport for flight to Phuket.

Upon Phuket airport, our driver welcomes and transfer you to hotel for check in.

Rest of the day is your leisure time for relaxation at beach in Phuket.

• Overnight at The Charm Resort in Phuket.
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Day 15 – 19 Feb. Phuket (leisure time)

Breakfast at hotel. Your leisure and relaxation at beach in Phuket.

Phuket is a paradise for those who love to relax, sunbathe and swim. You can enjoy some delicious Thai food or freshly cooked seafood on the beach, or go horse riding around Phuket.

• Overnight at The Charm Resort in Phuket.
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Day 16 – 20 Feb. Phuket (leisure time)

Breakfast at hotel. Your leisure and relaxation at beach in Phuket one more day.

• Overnight at The Charm Resort in Phuket.
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Day 17 – 21 Feb. Phuket → Bangkok (City tour)

Breakfast at hotel. Your leisure and relaxation at beach in Phuket until our driver transfer you to airport for flight to Bangkok.

Arrival in Bangkok, Start Bangkok city tour: visit famous temples in Bangkok including Wat Traimit (The Golden Buddha Temple), Wat Pho
The last one we visit is Wat Benjabophit.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Then transfer to your hotel to check in, Free at leisure.

• Overnight at Mandarin Hotel Bangkok Manage By Centre Point in Bangkok.
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Day 18 – 22 Feb: Bangkok (Ayuthaya)

Opreate on Wednesday – Sunday

06:00 – 07:15 AM, Pick up from hotel and transfer to the river city shopping complex, Siphraya, next to Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel.

07:30. Departure from Bangkok by Grand Pearl luxury air–conditioned coach with English speaking guide.

09:00. 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 Mandarin Hotel Bangkok Manage By Centre Point in Bangkok.
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Day 19 – 23 Feb. Bangkok – Train market (Talad Rom Hoob) & Damnern Saduak

Breakfast at your hotel.

At 06:30 AM: Pick up time at hotel.

7:15: Departure from Bangkok to train market

8:40: Arrive at the market, wait to see the train pass market, enjoy taking photos

9:15: Continue to go to Damern Saduak

10:00: When we arrive at the floating market, there is 1 hour to walk around. After that, taking a long boat to see the villagers’ life along the canal.

11.15 – 11.30 am. Enjoy with Set Lunch, Phad Thai + Mango sticky rice + Fruites + 1 Drinking Water

11:30: Back to Bangkok

13:30: Arrive in Bangkok.

• Overnight at Mandarin Hotel Bangkok Manage By Centre Point in Bangkok.
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Day 20 – 24 Feb. Bangkok (Departure)

Breakfast at hotel. You’re free at leisure in Bangkok for walking around to explore on your own and shopping.

Check out room at 12:00 PM.

At 13:00 PM, our driver transfer you to airport for your departure fight at 17:10 PM (BR68, flight code: 5JA8I8).

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End of service!