Snapshot
Brochure: Luxury Gold Worldwide 2019
Experience the ultimate in luxury travel, as you journey through Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos, the three crown jewels of Southeast Asia. Get an insider’s perspective on some of the world’s most important religious monuments, watch the sun go down over the mighty Mekong River and explore the colonial style of iconic cities. Along the way you’ll stay in five-star hotels, meet passionate locals and taste delicious flavours.
Inclusions
You will be escorted by one of our fine Travelling Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
Luxury Gold is proud to offer various modes of transportation, from luxury coach to included flight to overnight cruise and more, so that you always travel in comfort and experience your journey and destination in the best possible and most appropriate way.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary, available on departures with 15 or more guests.
At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling, with prompt delivery inside your room.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available, does not apply to Halong Bay Cruise).
From time to time, your Travel Director will enchant you with a Luxury Gold Flourish, which is a local speciality representing the destination.
Complimentary, private airport transfers are included on start and end dates, when flights are included within the itinerary and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold.
Exclusions
Air Tickets (International / Domestic)
Visa and Insurance
Hotel Taxes
Suggested optional activities/ tours if any.
Any meals / snacks other than mentioned in the itinerary
Camera Fee and any other entertainment charges
Tips of any kind – Guides, Driver, Cruise Crew, etc.
Portages at airport
Personal Expenses such as Laundry, Telephone etc
Beverages of any kind
Itinerary
Your complimentary, private transfer takes you to your local departure airport. Transfer to your elegant hotel, which was once the home of royalty. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Stroll through the manicured hotel gardens, relax under the frangipani trees beside the magnificent architect-designed pool or perhaps enjoy a massage to ease your way into your holiday. At 19:00 meet your Travelling Concierge and fellow travel companions for your Welcome Dinner.(Dinner with Wine)
Meals: Dinner with Wine
Hailed as one of the world’s most important religious monuments, Angkor Wat is yours to explore in VIP style. Guided by a renowned Khmer scholar from the Angkor Temple Conservation Institution, learn about Khmer history, culture, archaeology and civilisation as the stories contained in the bas-reliefs and murals are brought to life. Visit Angkor Thom, a perfectly-preserved walled city that served as the Capital of Cambodia from the 12th to the 16th century. At the time it was bigger than any European city. This evening, be dazzled at a youthful performance by the Phare Circus and see how local traditions blend with new creative genres to form a triumph of choreographed acrobatics, dance and storytelling.(Breakfast / Dinner)
Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Day 3
Dynamic Ho Chi Minh City
Fly in style to Vietnam for a journey of a lifetime. Join your Travelling Concierge for a night to remember at the Art Salon Saigon, where you will enjoy a Welcome Dinner set in a sophisticated atmosphere and accompanied by live music.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
Meals: Breakfast,Dinner with Wine
See the best of Saigon as you travel from the city’s glittering skyscrapers to the green paddy fields scattered along the Saigon River. Your destination is the Củ Chi tunnels, which were dug in 1948 for guerrillas to hide from combatant forces during the Vietnam War. These extraordinary tunnels form part of a network of tunnels that cover most of the country. During your visit to these underground villages, meet a Viet Cong veteran who used to live here and find out how challenging the living conditions really were. Back in the city, embark on a leisurely walking exploration that reveals highlights including Notre Dame Cathedral and Gustave Eiffel's Central Post Office. Over a cup of Vietnamese coffee, gain an appreciation for local street-side cafe culture.(Breakfast / Lunch)
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch
Day 5
Cruise the Mekong Delta.
Cruise the Mekong Delta aboard a private charter. At your first stop see coconut production and processing, then enjoy a taste of the freshest juice possible. Further along, stop to see where locals still use centuries-old methods to make bricks at a small brick kiln. Next you'll enjoy a ride on a tri-motorcycle along narrow village roads, arriving at a rice noodle factory to see the most popular breakfast in the region being produced. Continue your cruise to Mango Home for a tasty lunch of Mekong Delta specialties. Then walk along the shady village roads to the home of Mr. Sau Tuong, a former soldier who fought the deadly Khmer Rouge, known for orchestrating the Cambodian genocide. Learn how life in Vietnam has evolved for him and his wife since the 1960s and how they earn a living from making rice paper.(Breakfast / Lunch)
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch
Day 6
Royal Refinement in Hue
Marvel at vistas of lush countryside, as you fly to Hue for the next chapter of your journey. Enjoy a cycle ride through rice fields to Thanh Toan village and visit the Vietnamese Agriculture Museum for an insight into rice production. Then you will stroll along the canals, visit the vibrant local market and admire the ancient, arched, tile-roofed Thanh Toan Bridge, which was built in the 17th century. This evening, you will savour a delicious meal at a local restaurant.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
Meals: Breakfast,Dinner with Wine
Rise early for a private VIP visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Imperial Citadel, before it opens to the public. Enjoy an escorted journey on a state-of-the-art electric cart, as a renowned local historian guides you through the towering main gates and shows you the majestic architecture and splendid gardens of the former royal court. Return to your hotel for breakfast, then visit the royal tomb of Minh Mang, the second Emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. Your exploration continues to the 18th Century Dong Thuyen Pagoda, where you can relax in the peaceful precinct and enjoy a delightful vegetarian lunch specially prepared by the Buddhist nuns. You'll have the opportunity to speak with the nuns and gain a better understanding of their beliefs and food philosophies. After lunch you will meet the headmaster of the Vietnamese Royal Martial Arts Academy at an ancient temple. Learn about the intricate training activities of the practitioners and attend a performance showcasing the different martial arts techniques. The evening is at your leisure, perhaps ask your Travelling Concierge to make restaurant reservations for you.(Breakfast / Lunch)
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch
Enjoy a scenic drive over the spectacular Hai Van Mountain pass to reach Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During your walking exploration of this ancient town, see the old merchant's houses, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, Assembly Hall and the market where stalls are brimming with local specialities, including silk. Enjoy time at leisure to explore as you wish or ask your Travelling Concierge for local recommendations. Perhaps admire the spectacular sunset on a kayak trip along the poetic Thu Bon River, or board a local river boat to the Cua Dai Sea if you prefer a gentler pace? For a Your Choice Evening, take your pick of one of three hand-selected, local restaurants, each specialising in different cuisine from traditional to modern Vietnamese, or an east-meets-west fusion.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
Hotel: Anantara Hoi An Resort.
Meals: Breakfast,Dinner with Wine
Day 9
The locals in Hoi An.
Visit the beautiful Cam Thanh Village with its dense coconut jungles that were once a shelter for local people and soldiers during the Vietnam War. Today the village is an important supplier of seafood, vegetables and rice to the region. Step into a traditional bamboo-basket boat and glide across the water to the Thanh Dong village where you'll learn from the villagers how they cultivate and harvest vegetables according to local customs. Continue your voyage through a peaceful water coconut forest to a riverside restaurant overlooking the rice fields. Enjoy traditional Vietnamese folk games and participate in a hands-on cooking class alongside a local chef. Savour your creations for your Highlight Lunch.(Breakfast / Lunch with Wine)
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch with Wine
Day 10
Hanoi street-food tasting tour
Board a morning flight to Hanoi, Vietnam’s glistening capital city known for colonial-style architecture, ancient temples and vibrant culture. Enjoy a ride aboard an electric cart to see the historic Opera House, avenues lined with French mansions, Sword Lake and the 18th century Jade Mountain Temple. Join a local foodie in the Old Quarter for an exploration of Hanoi’s robust street-food culture, that will delight all the senses. Learn what locals love to eat and taste the city’s very best dishes, including rice paper rolls, crab spring rolls, beef noodle soup, com cake and other delights. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax at your five-star hotel or ask your Travelling Concierge to recommend city-centre attractions nearby.(Breakfast)
Hotel: Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11
Cruise along Ha Long Bay
Travel to Ha Long Bay, known as the bay with a thousand islands and glistening emerald water. Step aboard a deluxe junk for a memorable overnight cruise. Visit the mysterious Tien Ong Cave, where human bones dating back to 10,000 B.C. were discovered by archaeologists, and explore the Cua Van area. In the evening you'll have the choice to participate in a hands-on cooking class with the on-board chef, or simply relax on the top deck as the sun gently dips beyond the horizon, before sitting down to dinner.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Start the day with a session of Tai Chi on the upper deck, or enjoy an early morning swim, or perhaps venture to a white sandy beach and climb the hilltop for views over Halong Bay? Return to the boat for breakfast as you cruise to Ha Long City to disembark. On return to Hanoi, stop at Dao Thuc village to meet a traditional artisan puppet maker and enjoy a delightful water-puppet performance, hosted in a lotus pond and accompanied by a live orchestra. The evening is yours to spend at leisure in Hanoi.(Breakfast)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13
The Temple of Literature
Visit the Temple of Literature, built in 1076 as the first university for the sons of mandarins. Meet a scholar who will share their insights into this famous institution. Learn about Hanoian culture and Vietnamese architecture before exploring the temple grounds. In the evening, join your travel companions and toast your travels during your Celebration Dinner.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
Meals: Breakfast,Dinner with Wine
Start the day with a flight to Luang Prabang, known as the centre of Lao culture and once the royal seat of the Lane Xang Kingdom. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a sleepy town nestled in a mountain valley at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan Rivers. On arrival at the airport, you'll be welcomed and transferred to your hilltop luxury hotel, where there is free time to relax. In the evening, enjoy dinner at your beautiful resort.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
Meals: Breakfast,Dinner with Wine
Day 15
UNESCO Heritage Discovery and Sunset Cruise
In the morning, you may wish to rise early and participate in offering alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks, a living Buddhist tradition going back generations. Then watch as the town comes to life at the morning market. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, before walking to the top of Mount Phousi to admire spectacular views of the Mekong and Khan rivers and surrounding mountain ranges. Experience a delectable family-sharing style lunch at local restaurant, Khaiphaen, named after a popular Laotian snack that is unique to Luang Prabang. The restaurant focuses on vocational training with all profits re-invested in the trainees and their supporting social programs, enabling them to become skilled, productive professionals with a more secure future. During your free time, discover the secret alleyways and hidden gems as you explore Luang Prabang at will. Hear stories of the rural lifestyle of the local people as you travel to visit Wat Xiengthong. Known as the the Temple of the Golden City, it remains a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art for the locals. Your adventure culminates with a private sunset cruise on the mighty Mekong River. Witness the vibrancy of daily life along its banks and enjoy a cool drink as you toast your newfound friends.(Breakfast / Lunch)
Hotel: The Luang Say Residence, Luang Prabang.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch
Day 16
Depart Luang Prabang
Your journey draws to a close after breakfast, with private airport transfers timed to meet your onward flight. On arrival at your home airport, your driver will greet and escort you to your waiting car for your private transfer home.(Breakfast)
Meals: Breakfast
Accomodations
4 STAR
Anantara Hoi An Resort or Similar, Jasmine Cruise Ha Long Bay or Similar or similar
5 STAR
Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort or Similar, Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi or Similar, InterContinental Saigon or Similar, Pilgrimage Village or Similar, The Luang Say Residence or Similar or similar
Policies
- Above rates are subject to availability.
- Cancellation charges as per company policy.
- The above rates are subject to change in case of travel during the festive season
- In case we are not able to provide the same hotels as mentioned, then we shall provide similar alternate properties, change in the cost if any will be advised.
- In case of Political Unrest, bad weather or sudden breakdown of the vessel we may shift guest to alternative govt ferry and no refund will be entertained during that situation.
- Our Executive may change your itinerary depending on the weather condition and ferry availability same will be update to you daily basis.
Siem Reap: More than just a circus, the Phare Circus is transforming the lives of disadvantaged young Cambodian performers through theatre, music, dance and modern circus acts. See them in action, as they tell unique stories of Cambodia on a dazzling stage. After the show, meet one of the performers to hear how their lives have changed since joining the circus.
Siem Reap: Enjoy a short flight from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh city.
Ho Chi Minh City: Experience the vibrancy of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, as you visit its most iconic attractions and learn about its street food and coffee culture.
Ho Chi Minh City: Join a Viet Cong veteran to visit the underground Củ Chi tunnels and learn about their experience.
Ho Chi Minh City: Enjoy a private Meekong River Cruise and learn about coconut processing.
Ho Chi Minh City: Enjoy a ride on a tri-motorcycle through tropical surroundings and learn about how rice noodles are produced.
Hue: Enjoy a short flight from Ho Chi Minh to Hue.
Hue: Cycle through rice fields to Thanh Toan village, visit the local market and soak in the agricultural way of life.
Hue: Visit the Imperial tomb of Emperor Minh Mang.
Hoi An: Explore the traditional old town see the Japanese covered bridge, fruit and vegetable market and look out for the coloured lanterns.
Hoi An: Ride a traditional bamboo basket boat to Thanh Dong village and learn about the village's traditional way of life.
Hanoi: Enjoy a short flight from Hoi An to Hanoi.
Hanoi: Ride an electric cart and see the main sights of Hanoi including the Opera House.
Halong Bay: Board your deluxe junk boat for an overnight cruise to experience this UNESCO world heritage site.
Halong Bay: Visit the spectacular Tien Ong cave and explore the Cua Van area.
Luang Prabang: Take a short flight from Hanoi to Luang Prabang.
Luang Prabang: Participate in an age-old Buddhist tradition, by offering alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks.
Luang Prabang: Uncover the highlights and secret gems of Luang Prabang with your Local Expert during a walk through this UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the fusion of traditional architecture with the colonial styles of the 19th and 20th centuries, as you wander through the alleyways to witness local life. Also learn about the treasures and traditions of the area.
Luang Prabang: Take a walk to the top of Mount Phousi for the most spectacular views over the Meekong and Khan rivers.
Luang Prabang: Join a sunset cruise on the Mekong, observing rural life along the tree-lined banks of the river. Enjoy a chilled drink and take brilliant photos of the sunset over the river.
Luang Prabang: As the city is waking up, visit the bustling morning markets.
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