New Year’s Odyssey to Thailand and Vietnam

DEC. 26TH 2010 -  JAN. 8TH 2011

We will enjoy 3 nights in scenic Hanoi Vietnam with an excursion to visit the awe inspiring cliffs and waterways of Halong Bay, one of the greatest natural wonders in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Next it’s on to spend 3 nights in Bangkok Thailand with visits to its Grand Palace, it’s always hopping floating market, the historic and impressive Bridge Over The River Kwai, the dramatic wild tiger preserve and a one of a kind New Year’s Eve celebration.

We finish our tour with the beautiful scenery, sights, beaches and activity of Phuket, including a half day elephant riding excursion, a full day excursion to enjoy the amazing sights, snorkeling and nature trails on Phi Phi island, and a full day excursion featuring the thrills of white water rafting, lunch at a native village where you can meet the local tribe, interact with the families and children and then lastly, enjoy a visit to a local waterfall with an opportunity to swim in the falls natural pools.

Add in hopping nightlife in Bangkok and Phuket, great beaches, sunshine (the average high temp in December and January is in the mid 80’s with lows in the mid 70’s and virtually zero rain.) and you will see why this is a New Year’s trip not be missed !

 
   DAILY ITINERARY:

 DEC 26 – Depart NY-JFK at 10pm on Singapore Airlines, rated the #1 airline in the world for customer satisfaction and comfort.

 DEC 28   After crossing the international date line in flight, we arrival in Hanoi Vietnam mid-day and are transferred to our hotel, the 4 star Melia Hanoi Hotel, where we will enjoy 3 nights accommodations.  The afternoon and evening are at leisure.

 DEC 28-31 - 3 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION AT THE 5 STAR MELIA HANOI HOTEL, DELUXE ROOM with DAILY BREAKFAST

The 22 story Melia Hanoi Hotel is ideally located walking distance from dining, nightlife and shopping and banking (an ATM is located just outside the hotel).  The hotel is also walking distance from the historic old quarter, French quarter and the scenic Hoan Kiem lakefront.  The hotel has a well equipped gym, pool with poolside bar and Jacuzzi, plus massage spa, as well as a nicely stocked breakfast buffet included each morning. The Melia also offers a casino and nightclub and lounge offering live music each night.

You will immediately feel the grand style of the hotel when you enter its huge, well decorated lobby.

In addition to the top most facilities of a luxury five-star hotel, our Deluxe rooms are furnished with full-length windows, large working desks with executive chairs as well as well-stock mini bars and refrigerators.

Click the following link for an independent review of this hotel:
 http://www.visit-mekong.com/melia-hanoi-hotel

 
Large deluxe rooms at the Hanoi Melia Hotel

DEC. 29     FULL DAY HALONG BAY EXCURSION WITH LUNCH

We depart from Hanoi in the morning for scenic Halong Bay, a magnificent UNESCO World heritage site.

 Arriving at the pier around noon, begin cruising on a traditional wooden boat among the emerald waters and craggy limestone cliffs of Halong Bay, stopping at different islands to explore some of the many caves in this area, offering more dramatic and awe inspiring scenery. Sail past floating villages, fishermen casting their nets and pearl fisheries and observe the rhythms of daily life on the bay.

The sight of the cliffs and natural rock formations is astounding in Halong Bay.  The bay features thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various sizes and shapes
      

Halong Bay is one of the most scenic natural wonders in the world and is the most beautiful tourist destination of Vietnam

SCENES OF THE SPECTACULAR BEAUTY IN HALONG BAY VIETNAM

Ha Long Bay, in the Gulf of Tonkin, includes some 1,600 islands and islets, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. Because of their precipitous nature, most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by a human presence. The site's outstanding scenic beauty is complemented by its great biological interest.  The islands feature endless numbers of beaches, grottoes, and caves

Disembark at Halong pier at approximately 4:30 pm and return to Hanoi by private coach

DEC 30      FREE DAY AT LEISURE TO EXPLORE THE TOWN, SHOP, OR TAKE AN OPTIONAL TOUR

OPTIONAL FULL DAY TOUR TO CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK

Tropical plants and exotic animals abound in the jungle region of Thanh Hoa, making this park home to an extraordinary variety of species. Visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center and explore some of the natural beauties of the park

Other sights worth a visit in Hanoi on your free day include the former Ho La Prison, which is now a museum, offering a historical account of its days in the Vietnam War when it housed American airmen captured by opposing forces (there are compelling stories, accounts and photos  - there is even a photo of a young Senator John McCain, one of the prison’s most famous inmates during the war.)

Dong Xuan Market is an interesting diversion to watch locals buy, sell and trade local goods or to shop for bargains yourself.  It is only open in the afternoon and at night, where it becomes a lively night marketplace.

Hanoi’s lively Old Quarter comprises nearly 40 streets packed with shops selling all kinds of goods, each street named for its primary good or service

The Ngoc Son Temple, alongside Hoan Kiem lake is also worth a visit on your free time today.

DEC 31       This morning we will be transferred by private coach to the airport for our non-stop flight of less than 2 hours to Bangkok, where upon arrival we will be met and taken by private coach to the Grand Palace for a private tour of this amazing complex. 

If there is one must-see sight that no visit to Bangkok would be complete without, it's the dazzling, spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city's most famous landmark.

Built in 1782 - and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government - the Grand Palace of Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed, that continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people.

Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom.

Within the palace complex are several impressive buildings including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which contains the small, very famous and greatly revered Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century.  It is considered the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand.

 The robes on the Buddha are changed with the seasons by HM The King of Thailand, and forms an important ritual in the Buddhist calendar. Thai Kings stopped living in the palace around the turn of the twentieth century, but the palace complex is still used to mark all kinds of other ceremonial and auspicious happenings

The Grand Palace complex is unquestionably one of the wonders of the world today.  Within its enormous ground is the most exotic Buddhist temple and at the heart of the temple itself is a fabulous Buddha image, carved from one piece of Jade, which is the holiest and most revered of religious objects in Thailand today.

                               
You can also see the Royal Funeral Hall and the Royal Coronation Hall.

The Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha are without doubt, the most spectacular in Thailand.

The Grand Palace in Bangkok

Following our tour, we will be taken to the 5 star Sofitel Silom, where we will check in for our 3 night stay. 

This evening is at leisure to enjoy the festivities of New Year’s Eve, celebrated in grand style across Bangkok. 

If you wish, join us for our optional NYE dinner party at Red Sky, a hip, chic dining establishment offering fun and festivities, a fantastic alfresco view of Bangkok and of the midnight fireworks over the city skyline.

 DEC 31 – JAN 3 -  3 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION AT SOFITEL SILOM HOTEL, LUXURY ROOM CATEGORY with DAILY BREAKFAST

Sofitel Bangkok Silom Hotel is ideally located on Silom Road, in the heart of the commercial and entertainment districts. This 38-story property is the first true five-star hotel on the Silom Road. Within walking distance are both the sky train and subway stations, making it almost effortless to access all parts of the city. From the Sofitel you can also easily walk to the Patpong Night Market and the entertainment areas of Silom. Guests also enjoy a range of dining options both on-site and in the nearby vicinity

The hotel has 3 restaurants, 2 bars and 24 hour room service, a well equipped gym, spa, and sauna.

                http://www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-3616-sofitel-bangkok-silom/index.shtml

 JAN 1        Today we will enjoy a mid morning visit to the most unique market place .

THE DAMNOEN SADUAK FLOATING MARKET is a collection of local vendors that sell fruits and vegetables from long boats that float around the narrow waterways.  The sight of the buying and selling of locals is quite interesting and the opportunity for tourists arriving at the marketplace by boat to join in the purchase of local foods is fun.

An exhilarating narrow long tailed speedboat ride through the marshes and past most unusual houses built on stilts along the canals and waterways prepares you for this unique market.

Our speedboat ride takes in a glimpse of the way of life of the Thai people that live along the canals. Most people live densely along both sides of the canal from one end of the canal to another. 

 Upon arrival at the marketplace, we will have the chance first to engage in the floating market.   

Thai style canoes laden with colorful fruits, vegetables, sweets and meats gently ply their way through the canal buying and selling their goods to locals and visitors alike.

Next, we will enjoy free time at leisure to browse the adjacent marketplace on the shore with rows of vendors offering clothing, art, crafts and more food.

We will return to the hotel in the early afternoon and this afternoon is free at leisure to explore Bangkok at your own pace .

JAN.  2     Today we will enjoy a full day tour of the historic Bridge Over the River Kwai and a visit to the dramatic tiger preserve and monks community.

Visit historical sites in Kanchanaburi including the world renowned Bridge over the River Kwai, Built during World War II by prisoners of war.

Be amazed with an extreme experience of a "Tiger Watch" in the Buddhist temple which keeps numerous animals, among them several tame tigers that walk around freely and can be petted by tourists.

Visit JEATH War Museum, a realistic depiction of prisoner of war living quarters, with photographic, pictorial and physical memorabilia dating from World War II.

Continue to Kanchanaburi War Cemetery which contains the graves of 6,982 war prisoners (mostly the British, Dutch, Australian and American) who lost their lives during the construction of the Bridge over the River Kwai and the railway to Burma (the Death Railway.)

Visitors to the Bridge Over the River Kwai will also be able to walk across a segment of the bridge that was constructed by POWs  in WWII.

Often visitors will see large water fowl, including hippos lounging along the banks of the river below.

We will enjoy an included lunch and then, this afternoon we will visit Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua - well known as Tiger Temple. The Tiger Temple is a rescue centre for wild animals and the home of wild tigers, wild pigs, deer, antelopes, water buffalos, apes and a hand full other animals.

The animals are rehabilitated by a community of Thai monks.

The tame tigers roam freely on the grounds and visitors and given a chance to interact and even pet the tigers if desired.

    
The tigers at Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua (Tiger Temple)
With visitors and resident monks

We will return to Bangkok with one more evening at leisure to enjoy the nightlife of Bangkok.

 JAN 3        This morning is at leisure to relax, shop, or visit local sites at your own leisure.  We will be picked up at 11:30am and transferred to the airport for our 2pm flight to Phuket.  Our flight is less than 90 minutes and we will arrive at 3:20pm, where upon arrival we will be transferred to our 5 star hotel – The Hilton Arcadia Hotel

 JAN 3-8    5 NIGHTS ACCOMODATION AT HILTON ARCADIA HOTEL, SEAVIEW ROOM With DAILY BREAKFAST BUFFET

Unwind with a traditional Thai massage in the Spa at the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa. Cool off in one of 3 pools, take a free scuba diving class or just relax to the sound of the waterfalls. This stunning resort, set on the sandy Karon Beach, stretches over 75 acres of lush tropical gardens.

From Hilton Guest Rooms up, all Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa rooms have balconies offering spectacular views.

Gaze at the sea view from the balcony of this bright and airy 474 square foot room.

Re-energize in the bathroom with separate bath tub and walk-in shower. Special touches include bathrobe, slippers, magazines and chocolates.  Mini bar, hair dryer, and in room internet access add to the amenities.

                The resort features a beauty salon, barber shop, laundry facilities, fitness room, spa, tour and concierge desks & 4 restaurants

                                           THE HILTON PHUKET ARCADIA RESORT ON KARON BEACH

Wake up to this innovative room with a balcony and seating area with sofa. The spacious room has sliding patio doors. Get to work at the desk, surf the web with high-speed internet, enjoy a meal at the dining table or relax in the easy chair in the fluffy bathrobe

The huge fitness center at our resort

Lost Horizon Pool
Plunge into one of 3 pools at the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa. Take an aqua-aerobics class or play water volleyball. Enjoy a poolside cocktail on a sun lounger gazing at the waterfalls. Try a free scuba diving class and let the kids play on the slide.

Spa
Relax among coconut groves in the Spa at the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa, with 15 private treatment rooms. Re-energize with the Spa’s Equilibrium Therapy, using wild mint oil and Thai herbs. Soothe tired muscles in the steam room or Jacuzzi. Enjoy a haircut or a pedicure at the beauty salon.

Beach
Swim laps or enjoy free scuba diving classes at one of the 3 pools at the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa. Stay in shape at the fitness centre or soothe your muscles with a herbal massage in the Spa. Plunge into the sea at Karon beach, in front of the hotel, or go horseback riding nearby.

Tennis Court
Hire a racket and challenge a friend to a few sets at the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa. Enjoy one of 3 tennis courts, which can be hired free until 6pm each day. Prefer to play indoors? Two air-conditioned squash courts are open daily.

Thai Thai Restaurant
Enjoy views of the lagoon at this informal yet romantic Phuket restaurant. Complete your true experience of the authentic Italian specialties with a glass of wine from our all Italian wine list. Enjoy the casual atmosphere indoors or take in the view of our lagoon on our outdoor patio. Watch the sun rise with the buffet breakfast.

The evening is at leisure to relax, watch a gorgeous sunset along the beach at our resort and then head to the hopping nightlife district of Phuket

 JAN. 4      Today we will enjoy a full day tour to Phi Phi island.

We will enjoy a full day visiting two of the most famous islands in southern Thailand, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Lay, and the beautiful surrounding seascapes.

The Phi Phi islands are some of the loveliest in Southeast Asia. Just a 45-minute speedboat jaunt from Phuket, these picture postcard islands offer the ultimate tropical getaway.

Classic beaches, stunning rock formations, and vivid turquoise waters teeming with colorful marine life - it's paradise perfected.

There are two islands, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh.

We will enjoy a speedboat ride to Phi Phi Lay, the smaller of the two islands which is home to Maya Bay, the famous beach from the 1999 Hollywood film “The Beach” starring Leonardo Di Caprio.

Maya Bay is a stunningly beautiful bay that's sheltered by 300 foot high cliffs on three sides.

Inside the bay there are several beaches.   The main beach has silky soft white sand, underwater colorful coral and exotic fish in exceptionally clear water.  The whole bay is one big reef.

Snorkeling is excellent throughout the bay, large underwater boulders are encrusted with coral and brightly colored fish are numerous. Visibility is excellent.  Sea kayaking is also popular

              
           SCENES OF MAYA BEACH ON PHI PHI LAY ISLAND

...

Phi Phi Viewpoint

The viewpoint is elevated to 558 feet, which isn't really that high. If you're feeling energetic, it's a brisk 20 minute walk and if not you can have a leisurely 30 minute stroll to the top.  The trail is paved most of the way and really not a difficult walk.

Once you're at the top, the view will take your breath away.

When you arrive at the top you'll be pleased to find cold drinks, ice creams and other snacks on sale. The hammocks will be extremely welcome for some and the flat rocks also make comfortable seats if you wish.

The view is, of course, magnificent. You can see Phi Phi Leh and all of both Tonsai and Loh Dalum bays. From here you will be able to appreciate the 'dumbbell' shape of the island and marvel at the island's beauty.

An ample Thai Lunch will be served at a beachside restaurant before we are taken to Phi Phi Don with ample free time here to relax where you can enjoy great swimming and snorkeling opportunities for the afternoon, before we return to Phuket with the evening at leisure to enjoy the hopping nightlife of Phuket or the restaurants and ambience of our resort.                                    

JAN. 5   

This morning is at leisure to relax at our resort, savor the beach, pools and other amenities.

This afternoon we will enjoy a real adventure:

 
Half Day Safari ( 4 in 1 Adventure )

This is perhaps the most popular combination tour on the island of Phuket.

We will be taken to by 4 wheel drive vehicle to Siam Safari elephant camp at the top of a mountain. Here we will meet and learn about elephants and the mahouts who take care of them and also about Thai elephant conservation.

See how young elephants are trained. You can touch them and feed them bananas.

Next, we will Trek on elephant back in Chalong highlands, with good views over Chalong Bay and out to Phi Phi Island which can be seen along the way.

This is Phuket’s best elephant trek with Phuket’s best cared for elephants and it is one of the best treks in the country.  It is the only elephant camp in Southern Thailand to have attained the Thai government standard award.

The camp’s setting, high in the hills between Chalong and Kata, is breathtaking and peaceful.   At no time is this more obvious than during the 30-minute elephant trek, where the stunning sea views extend for miles.   You’re on an elephant’s back on top of a small mountain !

Our elephant back safari takes us along scenic forested trails with amazing views.

After the trek, through the forest, we will return to the elephant camp where we will enjoy an entertaining show featuring the elephants painting (they actually hold the paintbrushes with their trunks ) and the elephants dancing to music)

 
Also, see how Thai jungle curry is made and try some if you dare.

See how rubber trees are “tapped” to produce natural rubber latex.

We will watch how monkeys are trained to pick coconuts and see them in action.

 Next, meet the buffaloes and enjoy a unique ride on a wooden cart pulled by buffalos.

See how coconuts are processed to make coconuts milk and oil.

Our last adventure takes us on a sunset dinner cruise aboard a traditional wooden “junk boat” in Chalong Bay where you can see good views of Phuket and surrounding islands and watch a gorgeous sunset over the sea while enjoying dinner along with a glass of wine or beer if you prefer.

A free glass of wine or beer is included along with dinner.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the view as the sun goes down amongst the idyllic tropical islands.

                               
                               
            Sunset Dinner Cruise in Chalong Bay on a traditional Thai “Junk Boat”

We are returned to our hotel after an active, educational and rewarding adventure

Tonight is again at leisure to savor the hopping nightlife of Phuket

JAN 6              Today we will enjoy another unforgettable full day of both activity and relaxation, featuring a thrilling white water rafting excursion in the morning.  We will enjoy lunch at a village where you can interact with the locals, see how they live, work and even how their children go to school.  The day will conclude with a visit to a local scenic waterfall where we will be given an opportunity to swim in the warm waters alongside the waterfall.

Our day starts with pick up at our hotel and transport to the river banks where we will be placed into rafts, each with an experienced professional local rafting guide.  All gear is provided including helmets and life jackets.

This tour, in Southern Thailand's lush Phang Nga Province, takes you on an action-packed ride along mountain rivers fringed with forest.

A great lunch is served at Sea Gypsy Village on Panyi Island.  Here you will have the chance to interact with a local Thai community.  Visit the school where the local island children attend and visit the humble abodes of some of the families.  The interaction with the kids and families will create lastly memories.

After lunch we will be taken to a most scenic local waterfall where passengers can relax, swim and play in the warm waters alongside the falls. And lush greenery.  When you think tropical delights, it does not get more magical than luxuriating under a warm waterfall with lush greenery in this the most tropical of Thailand’s islands.

 
SWIMMING AT THE BASE OF WATERFALLS IN PHUKET

After our relaxing swim along the lush waterfall, we will be transported the short drive
back to our hotel with the evening at leisure.

 JAN. 7                Our final full day is free to relax at our resort, enjoy the beach, the pools and other amenities.  If you prefer, you may have the hotel concierge/tour desk book an optional excursion for you.

Some of the optional excursions that you may enjoy feature some of the best scuba diving in the world, horseback riding, ATV riding, guided hiking excursions, sea cave canoeing, sea kayaking, sea kayaking by starlight, bamboo rafting, or bicycle tours

Brief descriptions of optional excursions available today:

                   Optional scuba diving day trip:

Phuket diving is famous, and it’s no mystery why – the Andaman Sea is home to some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.  Elixir Diving Daytrips is making the most of this and raising the bar for scuba trips in the region. The speedboat reaches the dive spots in less than an hour, and the small number of divers onboard means you always enjoy personal attention

Phuket is one of the top 10 Scuba destinations in the world: it boasts crystal clear water, spectacular reefs and rock formations plus a vibrant ecosystem teeming with marine life. 

Divers may wish to take a day trip to Anemone Reef or to the King Cruiser Wreck, or even to shark point to see the docile leopard sharks

Many of these same dive trips can be booked either in advance or upon arrival through the concierge desk at our resort.

                                Optional excursion: Phuket Sea Canoe: Hong by Starlight

It’s no secret that the hongs (caves and inlet cliffs) of Phang Nga Bay are spectacular.  But there’s one secret few know: they’re even more incredible in the evening. On the Hongs by Starlight tour, you arrive at the day’s first stop when most groups are heading home, making these natural wonders your private theatre. A light lunch, a hearty dinner, a special Thai ceremony, and an uncommon respect for the environment are trademarks of this trip. In the dark, the in-depth knowledge of the guides and the thoughtful touches shine even more brilliantly.

JAN 8                  Today we will enjoy the morning and early afternoon at leisure to relax, enjoy the beach or the amenities of the resort once more and then at 3pm we will be transferred to the airport for our 6pm flight back to NY-JFK airport. 

We will make a 2 hour stop in Singapore before flying back to NY-JFK airport and, after crossing the International Date Line (gaining a day in travel), we arrive at noon the same day.

OUR NEW YEAR’S HOLIDAY ESCAPE TO THAILAND AND VIETNAM INCLUDES:

• ROUND TRIP AIR ON SINGAPORE AIRLINES FROM NEW YORK , THE #1 RATED AIRLINE IN THE WORLD FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE AND COMFORT (TO HANOI VIETNAM AND RETURNING FROM PHUKET THAILAND) WITH ALL AIRPORT TRANSFERS

• 3 NIGHTS 1ST CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS IN HANOI VIETNAM AT THE 5 STAR MELIA HANOI HOTEL WITH BREAKFAST BUFFET DAILY

• FULL DAY TOUR OF HALONG BAY

• ONE WAY FLIGHT NON STOP FROM HANOI TO BANGKOK WITH AIRPORT TRANSFERS

• 3 NIGHTS 1ST CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE 5 STAR SOFITEL SILOM HOTEL IN BANGKOK WITH BREAKFAST BUFFET DAILY

• GUIDED VISIT OF THE GRAND PALACE IN BANGKOK

• HALF DAY TOUR OF THE  DAMNOEN SADUAK FLOATING MARKET OUTSIDE OF BANGKOK

• FULL DAY TOUR TO THE  Bridge Over the River Kwai, Jeath War Museum AND , Kanchanaburi War Cemetery WITH VISIT TO THE Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua TIGER PRESEVE AND TEMPLE

• One way flight nonstop from Bangkok to Phuket Thailand with airport transfers

• 5 NIGHTS 1ST CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE 5 STAR HILTON PHUKET ARCADIA RESORT AND SPA IN SEA VIEW ROOMS AND BREAKFAST BUFFET DAILY

• FULL DAY TOUR OF PHI PHI ISLAND

• HALF DAY ELEPHANT RIDING SAFARI EXCURSION, including  elephant back ride through forest with ocean vistas , followed elephant painting and monkey show

•  Jungle cart ride pulled by water buffalos

• Sunset dinner cruise aboard a traditional Thai “junk boat”

• Full day tour including white water rafting, lunch at Gypsy Village & visit with locals in their village, followed by afternoon waterfall swimming

• Free roommate matching based on age, sex and smoking or non smoking preference

• Allsinglestravel trip escort on all segments of your trip

• Local bi-lingual guide on all tours

TRIP COST : $3399 + $568 TAXES

Optional single supplement for those not wishing to take advantage of our free roommate matching service: $1199