Itinerary

Day 1 Bangkok

Bangkok is a frequently chaotic jumble of traffic, temples, savory food and entertainment. Over the last few years, the opening of a slick new elevated tramway that enables visitors to glide over the chaotic scenes below, coupled with the cheap and frequent river boats and the reasonably priced air-conditioned taxis, have made tourism in the city newly appealing. Within the city limits is a wealth of over 300 Buddhist temple and shrines. Most famous are Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple), Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Trimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha). One of the largest temple complexes in the country is Wat Pho. Altogether, there are over 30 individual temples scattered here, of which the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is the largest. The Buddha's statue is enormous, an amazing 47.5m (156ft) long and 15m (49ft) high. Wat Phra Kaeo is a temple complex that houses the Emerald Buddha.

A private vehicle with English speaking guide & driver will transfer you between the airport and your hotel.

Explore China town and local food with your english speaking guide. Continue onto the night market at Sapanput. Finish up with a stop at Pak klong Talad (flower market). Your guide will then take you to a local restaurant for dinner.

Dream Bangkok blends the drama of the exotic East with the whimsy of the West. The hotel is located in the heart of Sukhumvit, five minutes from Asoke BTS and MRT, and 45 minutes from the international airport. All rooms at Dream Hotel feature the finest linens, most comfortable beds and modern amenities, including high speed broadband Internet access (both LAN and wireless), cable LCD televisions, IDD telephone with voicemail and data port, fully stocked mini bar, and preloaded Apple iPod Nano (upon request). Flava Restaurant serves an eclectic blend of Thai and Western food while the Avatar Spa offers the ultimate in pampering.

Overnight at Dream Bangkok .

Day 2 Bangkok

The Blue Elephant Cooking School has fully equipped facilities offering you the chance to put your hand to practicing Thai Cuisine. In most recent times, Thai food has emerged as one of the world’s favourite cuisines. Thai food is not just delicious; it is also extremely healthy with the emphasis on fresh ingredients and a subtle balance of flavours. Most of the ingredients used in Thai cooking carry medicinal benefits. A wide range of fresh herbs and spices, such as cumin, nutmeg cloves or bay leafs plus, of course chilli, ginger and garlic are always found in Thai kitchens.

Dream Bangkok blends the drama of the exotic East with the whimsy of the West. The hotel is located in the heart of Sukhumvit, five minutes from Asoke BTS and MRT, and 45 minutes from the international airport. All rooms at Dream Hotel feature the finest linens, most comfortable beds and modern amenities, including high speed broadband Internet access (both LAN and wireless), cable LCD televisions, IDD telephone with voicemail and data port, fully stocked mini bar, and preloaded Apple iPod Nano (upon request). Flava Restaurant serves an eclectic blend of Thai and Western food while the Avatar Spa offers the ultimate in pampering.

Overnight at Dream Bangkok .

Day 3 Bangkok

This busy full day tour takes you first to the rural yet world-famous floating market of Damnern Saduak, situated around 100 kilometers west of Bangkok. It is generally known as Klong Ton Khem Floating Market or Damnern Saduak Floating Market. Damnern Saduak has officially three floating markets. A narrow canal flanked with food stalls and souvenir shops forms the principal market at Ton Kem. Farther south are the rarely visited markets at Her Kui and Khun Pitak. Photographers at Ton Kem will get their best shots from the bridge, which crosses over the canal, and from the produce shed on the right. Nowadays, the market is bustling with activity from very early in the morning until about 11.00 am. We continue to the world famous bridge on the River Kwai, built during World War II by the prisoners of war. The bridge is located near the town of Kanchanaburi, 130 kilometers west of Bangkok. You will visit the well-kept Wat Cemetery of Allied Prisoners, which contain the graves of an estimated 9,000 Allied soldiers who lost their lives while building the bridge and constructing the notorious  "Death Railway” which the Japanese had hoped to stretch all the way to the Burmese border. This tour will bring you also closer to the past, as paying a visit to the JEATH Museum (the name “JEATH” is derived from Japan, England, America/Australia, Thailand and Holland), where the past has been created and relived with pictures and artifacts out of this time. We will return back to Bangkok in the late afternoon to your booked hotel.  Due to time constraints in relation to the train times, we are unable to include a train ride over the Death Railway in this program.

Overnight at Dream Bangkok .

Day 4 Hanoi

Hanoi is nestled on the banks of the Red River, it is a beautiful city that retains an air of French colonial elegance with pretty yellow stucco buildings lining leafy streets. Hanoi is also a city of lakes, which adds to its air of sleepy grace. In the middle of the city lies the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake with the 18th-century Ngoc Son Temple sitting on an island in its center. To the north of Hoan Kiem Lake is the Old Quarter, a fascinating maze of small antiquated streets lined with markets and pavement restaurants and cafes. Also worth a visit, the former Ville Française was the old French administrative center and is characterized by enormous colonial-era châteaux and wide spacious boulevards. It also houses Hanoi’s most popular attraction, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

A private vehicle with English speaking guide & driver will transfer you between the airport and your hotel.

Enjoy this 2 hour flight from Bangkok, Thailand to Hanoi, Vietnam.

You will be met and transferred between the airport to your hotel in a private vehicle with an English speaking driver.

You will be picked up by private car and english speaking driver for your own private cooking lesson. Start the morning with a visit to the local produce market with your chef. This will give you a very traditional shopping experience, providing you with local knowledge of how to select the freshest ingredients. You will then go to back to the restaurant and the chef will share their cooking secrets with you. Try your hands at cooking typical main dishes, desserts and drinks. After finishing, enjoy your meal!

Vietnamese charm and traditional Japanese hospitality are combined to create the renowned Hotel Nikko Hanoi. Situated in the centre of the city, the hotel is only moments away from prominent office locations, embassies, historic sites, and popular shopping areas. The 260 guest rooms are spacious and equipped with all modern amenities and excellent health club and spa facilities are also offered. Featuring three exquisite restaurants and a bar lounge, Hotel Nikko Hanoi is considered one of the premier places to dine in Hanoi, offering flavors from France, California, China and Japan. The hotel’s ideal location, combined with its spacious rooms, elegant furnishings, and sophisticated facilities combine to make Hotel Nikko the ideal choice for an enjoyable stay in Hanoi.

Overnight at Nikko.

Day 5 Hanoi

Visit the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh and his former residence, One pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. After lunch, continue your city tour to one of Hanoi's many museums: Fine Art, History, Revolutionary, War, Ethnology (of your choosing), then head to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Experience a one hour cyclo ride. Finish your day off at the Thang Long Opera Theatre for a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show.

Overnight at Nikko.

Day 6 Halong Bay

Ha Long Bay is located 160km (100 miles) north of Hanoi, this is an amazing complex of 3000 chalk islands rising out of the South China Sea. The area is strange, eerie and very beautiful. Many of the islands contain bizarre cave formations and grottoes. An entire culture of floating villages has evolved with interlinked boats that can move from island to island.

You will be picked up at 8am for your private transfer to Halong City. This takes roughly 3 hours. You may stop enroute to admire the local scenery. Arrive at the port around 11:30am and board the ship. Begin sailing and pass through a magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waves like dragons’ teeth. After lunch, take a short trek to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay dotted with golden sails, go swimming on a quiet beach or sunbath on the sundeck. Later in the afternoon, you will visit an interesting fishing village with an opportunity to interact with local people who have been living in the bay for almost three generations. A optional Kayaking trip is available weather permitting. Back on board enjoy a lavish dinner. Overnight on board.

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Launched in November 2008 and March 2009, the first two Paradise Cruiser feature 17 luxurious cabins each furnished in a cozy colonial style. Each boat can accommodate up to 34 passengers for cruises on Halong Bay. Paradise 3 went into service in December 2009. Sister ship of the Paradise 2, Paradise 3 offers the same standards of comfort that these two predecessors. Overall, the fleet of the three Paradise Cruiser will host 51 luxurious cabins and lavish suites as well as an exciting array of activities to be enjoyed while experiencing the natural beauty and spectacular scenery of the Bay of the Descending Dragon.

Overnight at Paradise Cruises.

Day 7 Hue

Hue was the capitol of Vietnam, from 1744 until 1945, when the last emperor abdicated. The city was severely damaged in the war, but many architectural gems remain. The city features the old Imperial complex, the Citadel and the Forbidden city, pagodas, and the many tombs of the emperors that lie a few kilometers south of the city. Each tomb is a walled compound containing temples, palaces, and lakes. Hue is divided between the older fortified Citadel, containing almost everything interesting, and the new, smaller sprawl that has developed across the river. The new side contains most of the facilities, the hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and banks. It is a quiet, relaxing city, big enough to be interesting but small enough to bicycle around.

Wake up to Tai Chi exercises on the sun deck and continue cruising the bays. Breakfast buffet will be served in the restaurant, then you will visit the limestone grotto. Disembark in Halong City around 11am and transfer back to Hanoi with your private vehicle, guide and driver.

You will be met and transferred between the airport to your hotel in a private vehicle with an English speaking driver.

Relax during this short domestic flight travelling between Hanoi and Hue, Vietnam.

Airport transfer with private guide, driver and vehicle.

La Residence Hotel & Spa is brilliantly located on the river banks of the Perfume River in the centre of Hue. Its incredible location overlooking the Citadel and the Perfume River gives this resort its uniqueness, embracing total serene tranquility. Art Deco inspired rooms are stylishly decorated with lovely details of the great 1920's and 1950's era. Dine at Le Parfum restaurant, ideal for breakfast and dinner buffets, and have a tantalizing cocktail at the lobby bar. Indulge your senses at La Flamboyant Spa, or merely laze around the pool all day and gaze out toward the river.

Overnight at La Residence (5*).

Day 8 Hue

In the morning you will be transferred by private vehicle to visit the Hue Citadel - Vietnam’s former imperial capital and a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site. With an area of 500ha and a system of three circles of ramparts, this citadel is far more elaborate than those constructed by previous empires. After lunch (included), continue your tour with a boat cruise along the Perfume River. Enjoy this romantic cruise and visit the Minh Mang Tomb. Finish up at Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious worship in Hue.

Enjoy a dinner in a Royal Residence with a descendant of Vietnam's Imperial Family. Dinner includes private transportation and guide.

Overnight at La Residence (5*).

Day 9 Hoi An

Hoi An is a small town in Central Vietnam famous for its wooden houses, for its family chapels, for its Assembly Halls and for its silk shops. The town of Hoi An, known as Faifo in Europe, played a central role in the commerce between Vietnam and the rest of the world from the 16th to the 19th century. Nowadays the town attracts tourists from all the continents.

Transfer between Hue and Hoi An with private car and English speaking Driver.

Pick up in the morning for a transfer to visit My Son - Vietnam's most important Cham site. My son became a religious center in the late 4th century and lasted till 13th century – the longest period of development of any monument in Southeast Asia.

On 5-hectares of unspoiled tropical gardens sits The Palm Garden resort which features more than 400 palm trees and 106 well-decorated standard and suite bungalows that intermingle among a grass-covered landscape. Located on Cua Dai Beach, in the town of Hoi An, the resort is just 25 minutes from Da Nang International Airport and 5 minutes to the ancient town of Hoi An. Both Vietnamese and International cuisine is served at the restaurants and delectable cocktails are mixed at the resort’s various bars. Take part in a variety of exciting water sports or relax at the resort’s luxurious Shiseido Spa. The wonderful ambiance, design and high standards of service at The Palm Garden resort adds to an amazing holiday experience for you and your fellow travelers.

Overnight at Palm Garden Resort.

Day 10 Hoi An

You will be picked up by mini-bus today along with other travellers for a full day tour. Pick out your ingredients at the local market and take a boat 25-minutes up the river to the cooking school. Watch the fishermen cast their nets on the water and experience the life along the river. We arrive at a small town and walk to the cooking school. The lesson is in an open-air pavilion next to the river. Chef Thanh will teach you how to cook a traditional Vietnamese meal. Work off that lunch with an afternoon cycling tour to Cua Dai beach (5km) and relax. You will return back to your hotel by about 4:00PM.

Overnight at Palm Garden Resort.

Day 11 Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur - KL, as it is locally known, is Malaysia’s hub; a huge, bustling, cosmopolitan city that is the business heart of the nation. Its very ethnic diversity is part of the attraction with Malays, Chinese, Indian and European cultures melting together on the tropical streets. Often overlooked by many tourists, KL has a wealth of attractions, with the voluminous Petronas Twin Towers, at a height of 436m (1453ft), amongst the tallest buildings in the world. From the viewing level of the Towers the city unfolds with its old mosques and ramshackle buildings, contrasting with the gleaming skyscrapers that have sprouted as Malaysia has become one of the regional economic powerhouses.

Airport transfer between Danang airport and Hoi An with private vehicle, Driver, and English-speaking guide.

This short domestic flights travels from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Fly from Ho Chi Minh City To Kuala Lampur.

Transfer between Kuala Lumpur airport and your hotel with private vehicle and English speaking Driver.

Located in the hub of the exciting Golden Triangle, JW Marriott is centered in Kuala Lumpur's prime business and shopping district and is connected to the luxurious and highly fashionable Starhill Gallery as well as Bintang Walk, the lively and vibrant shopping strip complete with cute boutiques, lively restaurants, cafés and pubs. The hotel's 561 rooms are styled with elegant sophistication and enhanced with the comforts of home. There is certainly no shortage of dining options and varied taste preferences are sure to be accommodated at one of the 11 food establishments. As a haven of informal luxury, the hotel offers attentive and personal service with elegant accommodations and superb dining choices geared toward the most discerning traveler.

Overnight at JW Marriott.

Day 12 Kuala Lumpur

You will be picked up from your KL hotel and taken by private car with english speaking driver to tour the highlights of the most historic city in Malaysia. Enjoy a visit to the Stadthuys, built in 1650 as the official residence of the Dutch Governor. It now houses the Ethnography Museum. On display are traditional bridal costumes and relics from the past. Also visit Christ Church, built in 1753. Christ Church is a living testimony to Dutch architecture.

Overnight at JW Marriott.

Day 13 Singapore

Singapore is the East's great melting pot, a cultural potpourri that leaves the unsuspecting visitor dazzled. Sir Stamford Raffles, a British civil servant, brought the ‘Lion City’ to world prominence after searching for a trading station to counter the Dutch influence in the Straits of Malacca, and trade has remained the island’s mainstay. The best way to experience the remarkable diversity of the city is on foot: the traditional architecture, customs and cuisine of the various ethnic areas are in fascinating contrast to the lavish luxury shopping arcades of Orchard Road and Raffles City. Buddhist and Hindu temples, mosques and Anglican and Catholic cathedrals are all likely to be encountered during a comparatively brief walk around some of the central areas of Singapore. St Andrew’s Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, the Al-Abrar Mosque, the vast and florid Kong Meng Sang Phor Kark See Temple Complex, the Chettiar Hindu Temple and the Sri Mariamman Temple are only a few of these.

Transfer between Kuala Lumpur airport and your hotel with private vehicle and English speaking Driver.

Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, and English-speaking driver.

You will be picked up from your Singapore hotel by private car and English speaking Guide for an orientation tour that showcases the history, multi racial culture and lifestyle that is Singapore. See the city’s colonial heritage as we drive around the Civic District past the Padang, the Cricket Club, Parliament House, Supreme Court and City Hall. Stop at the Merlion Park for great views of Marina Bay and a picture-taking opportunity with the Merlion, a mythological creature that is part lion and part fish. The tour continues with a visit to the Thian Hock Keng, one of the oldest Buddhist-Taoist temples on the island, built with donation from the early immigrant workers from China. Next drive past Chinatown to a local handicraft centre to watch Asian craftsmanship. From there we proceed to the National Orchid Garden, located within the Singapore Botanic Gardens, which boasts sprawling display of 60,000 orchid plants comprising 400 species and more than 2,000 hybrids. Our final stop at Little India will enthral you with the scent of joss sticks, jasmine and spices. Rates include admissions as per itinerary.

Located within easy access to the bustling Orchard Road, The Elizabeth Hotel (4*) exudes a unique charm and mixes between traditions of the East with modern facilities of the West. Rejuvenate in the comfort of the 256 guest rooms, and enjoy the hotel’s discreet service and gastronomical delights. As a preferred choice for business, as well as leisure travelers, The Elizabeth perfectly combines classic sophistication with modern European architecture. Guests are sure to have a rejuvenating stay at this lovely and charming Neo-Classical style hotel.

Overnight at The Elizabeth (4*).

Day 14 Singapore

You will be picked up from your Singapore hotel by private car and english speaking driver for a visit to a Malay Ethnic Area that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Malays. Let your guide recount stories of collective spirit that rose through the darkest times of World War II as you continue your journey to visit the Changi Chapel & Museum. Drive through the rustic and laid-back Changi Village giving you a chance to see the relaxing side of Singapore and provides a contrast to your final stop at Tampines New Town, a typical heartland township of present day Singapore. Rates include admissions as per itinerary.

You will be picked up today by private car and english speaking guide to visit Sentosa. This island of peace and tranquility is just minutes away by a scenic Cable Car ride from Mount Faber. On the island visit Dolphin Lagoon, where you can watch adorable pink dolphins perform their natural antics such as spy-hop, tail-flapping and vocalizations. At Underwater World, you will be taken on a ‘voyage to the bottom of the sea’. Its 80-metre transparent acrylic tunnel allows you to view over 2,500 sea creatures in close proximity. At Images of Singapore, you’ll embark on a journey to experience the colourful culture and vibrant heritage of Singapore, re-told through life-size figures, animatronics and special effects. Head for Songs of the Sea – Singapore’s multi-sensory extravaganza – to watch a world-class water show comprising dramatic effects, water jets, lasers, bursts of fire and foot-tapping music set in the sea. Rates include admissions as per itinerary.

Overnight at The Elizabeth (4*).

Day 15 Singapore

Airport transfer with private vehicle, and English-speaking driver.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).

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