Asia Mosaic Tour

—- 21 days private tour to Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Chiang Mai, Phuket Island, Bangkok and Hong Kong

ITINERARY:

*ABF – American Buffet Breakfast; B – Breakfast; L – Lunch; D –Dinner; SD –Banquet;
** All time indicated in the itinerary is local time;

Day 01 Toronto / North Pole
You will depart from Toronto in the mid-night of January 14, 2014 with the non-stop flight CX829 at 01:25AM (EST). You will fly across the North Pole today. The whole journey will take about 15 hours 30 minutes. *check-in your luggage all the way to Hanoi, not Hong Kong.

Cathay Pacific Airways CX829 Toronto / Hong Kong 01:25AM / 06:05AM (+1 day);

Day 02 Hong Kong / Hanoi
CX829 will arrive at Hong Kong airport at 06:05AM; Please simply take the FREE HOTEL SHUTTLE (to / from) the airport, check-in the hotel for the entire day – breakfasts will be included in your booking.

Hotel Novotel Hong Kong City-Gate (5 star)
51 Man Tung Road Tung Chung HONG KONG
T: (+852) 3602-8888; F: (+852) 3602-8899;
www.novotel.com;

Dragon Air KA295 Hong Kong / Hanoi 18::00PM / 19:05PM;

In the late afternoon, please proceed to the airport; continue your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, you will be greeted at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake (5*, Deluxe City View);
1A Nghi Tam, Hanoi, 00000;
T: (84 4) 6270-8888;
www.intercontinental.com;

Flower Garden Hotel (4*, Superior Room);
46 Nguyen Truong To Ba Dinh, Hanoi;
T: (84 4) 3715-2888; F: (84 4) 3715-2699;
http://flowergardenhotel.com.vn;

Day 03 Hanoi (ABF)
Hanoi still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries. Today, the tour programs will include the Temple of Literature – a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, one of the best examples of tranditional Vietnamese architecture as well as the site of Vietnam’s first university; One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Museum of Ethnology. In the afternoon, you will explore the Old Quarter (also known as The 36 Streets) by CYCLO within the narrow alleys and shop houses. In the evening, enjoy a Water puppet Show.

Day 04 Hanoi – 4 Hours Excursion to Halong Bay (ABF, L)
Be transferred to the pier in the morning and board a charming traditional wooden junk for cruising through Halong Bay. Seafood lunch will be served during the sail. At the core of the islets, there are two wonderful caves and grottos to visit and they are Thien Cung (Heavenly Residence Grotto) and Dau Go (Driftwood Grotto). The cruise will finish at about 16:30PM and you will be transferred back to the hotel.

Day 05 Hanoi / Hue (ABF)
This morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival, there will be a tour guide greet you at the airport and provide transfer to the hotel, you will be at leisure for rest of the day. Hue served as the capital of Vietnam for more than 140 years. It houses ancient temples, imperial buildings and French style edifices. It was established in the 17th century.

La Residence Hotel & Spa (5 star, Superior New Wing):
5 Le Loi Street, Hue, Hue City;
T: (84-54) 3837-475; F: (84-54) 3837-476;
www.la–residence-hue.com;

Imperial Hotel Hue (4 star);
8 Hùng Vương, Phú Hội, Hue  Huế City
T: (84 54) 3882-222; F: (84 54) 3882-244;
www.imperial-hotel.com.vn;

Day 06 Hue / Hoi An (ABF)
Today’s tour will include an excursion to the Imperial Tombs of Tu Duc – the ongest reigning Vietnamese emperor, designed and built this elegant tomb during his lifetime, using it as a retreat for meditation, reading and theater performances. Take some time to soak in the tranquil atmosphere, wandering among the gracefully proportioned pavilions,, courtyard and lotus ponds. Later on tour Khai Dinh, the Imperial Citadel.
In the afternoon, you will be escorted to Hoi An along the scenic mountainous roads with spectacular views over the coastline.  En route, you will pass the Hai Van Pass – the dividing line between the climate zones of North and South of Vietnam; Lang Co – a lovely stretch of beach curving outwards between a clear blue lagoon and the South China Sea; the Cham Museum in Danang – an elegant colonial building and houses the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world, Non Nuoc Beach – American soldiers’ favourite spot during the Vietnam war. In the afternoon, arrive in Hoi An. Hoi An is a riverside town south of Danang, a major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

Sunrise Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa (5*, Garden Del);
Au Co Road, Cua Dai Beach, Hội An, Quảng Nam;
T: (84 510) 3937-777;
www.sunrisehoian.vn;

Victoria Hoi An Resort & Spa (4 star, Standard);
Hội An  Quang Nam Province;
T: (84 510) 3927-040;
www.victoriahotels.asia;

Day 07 Hoi An (ABF)
In the morning, an excursion to My Son will be arranged for you. “My Son” is the former religious center of the Champa Kingdom and a sophisticated civilization which held sway over the region from 4th – 13th centuries,  in addition, you will walk through the 5 archaeological sites from different periods, in a beautiful green setting of hills and winding streams. Followed is a walking tour through the city will cover Japanese Covered Bridge Pagoda, Sa Huynh Museum, Tran Family Chapel and Lantern Marking Workshop. You will be free in the afternoon.

Day 08 Hoi An (ABF)
You will be at leisure on the beach for the whole day today.

Day 09 Hoi An – Danang – Saigon [Ho Chi Minh City] (ABF)
In the morning, you will be transferred to the Danang airport for your flight to Saigon. You will be greeted at the airport and transferred to the hotel.
Saigon [Ho Chi Minh City] is the largest of Vietnamese cities, and one will see the hustle and bustle of Vietnamese life everywhere. There are street markets, pavement cafes and sleek new cafes and pubs. The city churns and bubbles. Yet within this teeming metropolis are 300 years of timeless traditions and the beauty of an ancient culture. To the west of the city is district 5, the huge Chinese neighborhood called Cholon, which means ‘Big Market’.

Hotel Sofitel Saigon Plaza (5 star)
17 Le Duan District 1, Ho Chi Minh City;
T:  (84 8) 3824-1555; F: (84 8) 3824-1666;
www.accorhotels.com;

Equatorial Hotel (4.5*);
242 Trần Bình Trọng, 4 Ho Chi Minh City;
T: (84 8) 3839-7777; F: (84 8) 3839-0011;
www.equatorial.com;

Tentative flight: Vietnam Airlines VN1313 Danang / Saigon 11:15AM / 12:25PM;

Day 10 Saigon (ABF)
Your one day tour will start from the Cu Chi Tunnel which was an important base during the American War, because of its strategic location. The Vietcong built a 200km long network of tunnels connecting command posts, hospitals, shelters and weapon factories. Dug out of hard laterite by hand tools without the use of cement, this amazing network was never discovered. Followed will be visiting the Reunification Palace, Emperor of Jade Pagoda, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, City Hall (Hotel de Ville), the Old Opera House. You will finish the tour at the central Ben Thanh Market where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts.

Day 11 Saigon / Phnom Penh (ABF)
A morning flight will bring you to Phnom Penh – the capital of Cambodia.  Graceful tree-lined boulevards and riverfront promenades are reminders of bygone eras of Phnom Penh; today they teem with life and activity. You will start your tour with an insight into Cambodia’s cultural heritage with a visit to the Royal Palace – still the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoni. Followed,  tour the Silver Pagoda (also known as Emerald Buddha), National Museum.

Intercontinental Phnom Penh Hotel (5 star)
296 Boulevard Mao Tse Toung Phnom Penh 00000;
T: (855 23) 424-888;
www.intercontinental.com;

Sunway Hotel Phnom Penh (4*);
1 Daun Penh, Phnom Penh 12202;
T: (855 23) 430-333;
http://phnompenh.sunwayhotels.com;

Tentative Flight: Vietnam Airlines VN3851 Saigon / Phnom Penh 08:30AM / 09:15AM;

Day 12 Phnom Penh / Siem Reap (ABF)
You will be escorted to the airport this morning and fly to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, you will take an excursion to the Kampong Kleang with boat trip. Kampong Kleang is located about 50 km from Siem Reap town. The place is situated northeast shore on the edge of Tonle Sap Lake.  The road to the site is good but rather narrow. This boat trip will explore the floating fishing villages that live at the edges of the lake, passing submerged forests and fishing farms.

Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa (5 star)
Central Park, P.O. Box 93145 Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia;
T: (855 63) 760-428; F: (855 63) 760-350;
www.victoriahotels.asia;

Khemara Angkor Hotel (4*)
National Road 6, Airport Road, Salakanseng  Siem Reap 17259;
T: (855 63) 760-999;
www.khemaraangkor.com;

Tentative Flight: K6103 Phnom Penh / Siem Reap 10:00AM / 10:45AM;

Day 13 Siem Reap (ABF)
The crowning jewel of Khmer architecture, ANGKOR WAT is the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, Angkor impresses visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings. To approach the temple, first cross the vast moat, continuing along a broad causeway lined with naga balustrades. As you enter the main building, ascend through a series of galleries and courtyard before reaching the central sanctuary, which offers beautiful views back over the causeway and across the surrounding countryside. En route, you will make stop-over to enjoy the intricate stone carvings that adorn nearly every surface, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted into the walls. Along the outer gallery walls run the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which narrates stories from Hindu mythology, including the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk? Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones. The fortified city of ANGKOR THOM covers an area of 10 square km. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats; the city includes many of Angkor’s most popular sights. Enter by the monumental SOUTH GATE over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga. Continue to the TERRACE OF THE ELEPHANTS and the TERRACE OF THE LEPER KINGS, former spaces for public ceremonies, both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. Visit the ruined BAPHUON, ROYAL ENCLOSURE and PHIMEANAKAS before continuing to the mysterious BAYON TEMPLE. In this temple, one of the most popular and compelling in Angkor, explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs and ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where you will find giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down at you from every angle. Visit TA PROHM, one of the most popular attractions of Angkor as much of the jungle has not been cleared and it looks very much as most of the Angkor monuments would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across them. Watch the sunset over the Cambodian countryside from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkor temple.

Day 14 Siem Reap / Bangkok / Chiang Mai (ABF)
Your tour guide will meet you at the hotel lobby for your transfer to Chiang Mai with stop-over in Bangkok.  Of all Chiang Mai’s cultural achievements, none are more remarkable than their handicrafts. Chiang Mai is, quite simply, Thailand’s major centre for quality handicrafts. The artisans produce an extraordinary range of quality products which are in variably the first choice among shoppers, silverware, lacquer-ware, silk and cotton products, ceramics, parasols and jewelry. You will be greeted at the airport in Chiang Mai and be transferred to the hotel.

Shangri-La Chiang Mai Hotel (5 *);
89/8 Changklan Road.  Muang, Chiang Mai, 50100;
T: (66 53) 253-888;
www.shangri-la.com;

The Chedi Chiang Mai Hotel (4 *)
123 Charoen Prathet Road, T. Changklan A. Muang,
Chiang Mai 50100;
www.lhw.com;

Day 15 Chiang Mai (ABF, L)
Today, you will take an excursion to Patara Elephant Camp  (Joining Basis)

  • 30 AM: Pick up from your hotel and transfer to Patara Elephant Farm.
  • 15 AM: Arrive at the farm. Make registration. Get change to our training outfit. Prepare for training.
  • 30 AM: Training session includes, hiking to find the elephant in the bush. Learn about elephant farm management and our breeding program. Train to approach and be near elephant. Learn to observe elephant temperament. Introducing to every of our elephants. Morning feed. Daily health care for elephant. Pregnancy test for elephant and care taking for mother with small baby. Train to unchain and walk your elephant to the river. Learn about elephant skin care and bath your elephant in the river. Instructed training to get on the elephant neck with difference technique, sitting on the elephant, basic riding skill and spoken commands for elephant Practice on getting upon and coming down from the elephant.
  • 00 AM: Bare-back riding session. Practice on easy riding trip within the farm and a short trip to visit local temple. Learn about elephant the Buddhism and they believe of the Thais people relate to elephant.
  • 00 AM: Setting off for a long uphill trip to visit waterfall for picnic lunch and refreshing in the water with your elephant.
  • 00 PM: Elephant riding trip back to the farm for evening feed.
  • 00 PM: Farewell and photo taking with your elephants.
  • 00 PM: Transfer back to your hotel

Day 16 Chiang Mai (ABF)
You will be at leisure for the entire day.

Day 17 Chiang Mai / Phuket Island (ABF)
In the morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Phuket Island. Upon arrival, there will be a tour guide waiting for you; he/she will help you check-in the hotel. You will enjoy the Indian Ocean sunshine beach in the next few days.

Anantara Phuket Villas – highly recommended (5*);
888 Moo 3, tumbon Mai Khao, Amphur Thalang  Phuket, 83110;
T: (66 76) 336-100; http://phuket.anantara.com;

Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa (4*);
555, Moo 3, Mai Khao, Talang Phuket 83110,
T: (66 76) 363-999;
www.marriott.com;

Day 18 Phuket Island (ABF)
You will be on your own on the beach for the whole day.

Day 19 Phuket Island (ABF)
You will be on your own on the beach for the whole day.

Day 20 Phuket Island / Bangkok (ABF)
You will be escorted to the airport and fly back to Bangkok today. A tour guide will meet you at the Bangkok airport and provide transfer service to the hotel.

The Peninsula Bangkok (5 star);
333 Charoennakorn Road Klongsan, Bangkok 10600;
T: (66 2) 861-2888;
www.peninsula.com;

The Royal Orchard Sheraton Bangkok (4 star);
Charoen Krung 47/2 Suriya Wong, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500;
T: (66 2) 266-0123;
www.sheraton.com;

Day 21 Bangkok (ABF)
In the morning, you will visit two of the most impressive temples. The Reclining Buddha at Wat Po is an enormous Buddha covered in gold leaf and lying majestically on its side. The Grand Palace has no equal and is the Must see for every visitor to Bangkok. Built by King Rama I in 1782, it was the center of power more than 150 years. Today it is Bangkoks major landmark. Within the compound is the Temple of The Emerald Buddha – Wat Pra Kaew-which houses Thailand most precious image of the Lord Buddha. Lunch will be served in a Thai restaurant near the River. In the afternoon travel on the picturesque Chao Phraya River- The River of Kings, and through the Klongs (canals) of Thonburi on the west side of the river from Bangkok. There will be a chance to observe and photograph the serene family homes and temples along the waterways which gave the city the name Venice of the East. We also visit a major riverside landmark, the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun).

Day 22 Bangkok / Hong Kong / Toronto (ABF)
The tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby for the transfer to the airport; you will fly back to Toronto with transfer in Hong Kong.
Dragon Air (under Cathay Pacific) KA708 Bangkok / Hong Kong 09:25AM / 13:05PM;
Cathay Pacific Airways CX826 Hong Kong / Toronto 16:45PM / 18:40PM;

The whole trip is finished!

The above tour arrangement is INCLUSIVE of – “International Quoted Separately”:

  • All internal flights within Asia (Hanoi – Hue – Hoi An – Saigon – Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Phuket Island – Bangkok);
  • Superior first class accommodations throughout (based on double occupancy);
  • Daily American Buffet Breakfast through out;
  • Daily lunch as indicated in the itinerary (some meals are missing in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand. This arrangement may give you more flexibility. It is convenient on locating local restaurants and there is no language barriers in the hotels we selected for you);
  • All related taxes, hotel service charge, airport tax & construction fees in Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand;
  • Comprehensive sightseeing with all transfers in each city with private vehicles;
  • All admission fees for the programs listed in the itinerary;
  • Vietnam visa (landing visa will be stamped into your passport at the immigration office in Cambodia, no visa required for Thailand);
  • English speaking private guide;

The above tour arrangement is EXCLUSIVE of:

  • Travel Insurance;
  • International Round-Trip air ticket economy class (Toronto / Hong Kong / Hanoi | open for tour | Bangkok / Hong Kong / Toronto);
  • Some tour, lunch, dinner not listed in the itinerary;
  • Gratuities to tour guides, private tour coach drivers (suggest CND$12 / per tourist, per day);
  • Any personal expenses like laundry, long distance phone call, hotel mini-bar beverage and postages.

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

Terms & Conditions prepared by China Travel Service (Canada) Inc. is attached and it will apply for the whole trip to China.