ITINERARY SNAPSHOT

DAY DATE LOCATION ACTIVITY Transfer to Liberty Central Saigon Centre Hotel; half day city tour 1 Thu Jul 11 HCMC (based on flight arrival)

2 Fri Jul 12 HCMC Full day Mekong Delta tour including lunch

HCMC - Transfer to airport for flight to Da Nang; transfer to Hoi An Historic 3 Sat Jul 13 Hoi An Hotel; free afternoon

4 Sun Jul 14 Hoi An Full day cultural tour as per your preference (at extra cost)

Transfer to Hue; ‘Mandarins and family life’ experience including lunch; 5 Mon Jul 15 Hoi An - Hue checkin at Saigon Morin Hotel Checkout after breakfast; Full day cultural tour; group dinner; overnight 6 Tue Jul 16 Hue - train train to Hanoi Hanoi-Ha Arrive at Hanoi station; breakfast at local restaurant and transfer to Ha 7 Wed Jul 17 Long Bay Long Bay; overnight in Bhaya Classic (including lunch and dinner) Ha Long Bay 8 Thu Jul 18 After early lunch, transfer to Hanoi – The Ann hotel; evening free – Hanoi Hanoi-Siem Cooking class experience at a social enterprise including lunch; transfer to 9 Fri Jul 19 Reap airport for flight to Siem Reap; check-in at Tara Angkor hotel

10 Sat Jul 20 Siem Reap Full day cultural tour; group dinner at social enterprise

11 Sun Jul 21 Siem Reap Full day cultural tour

12 Mon Jul 22 Siem Reap Social Enterprise visits

13 Tue Jul 23 Siem Reap Transfer to airport for return journey

ITINERARY DETAILS

Day 1: Thursday 11 July, HCMC – Arrival

On arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to proposed hotel.

With a population of nearly 8 million inhabitants and an almost equal number of scooters, mopeds and motorcycles all competing for space on the ultra- busy streets, bustling and noisy Ho Chi Minh City is quite literally a metropolis on the move. The most western of Vietnamese cities, Saigon, as it is still commonly known, is a city of contrasts; a place where ultra-modern shopping malls and fashionable restaurants vie for space with local retailers selling all manner of wares and quiet roadside cafes making delicious Vietnamese iced coffee (cafe sua da) and other liquid refreshments. There is always something going on in Saigon and a friendly roadside cafe is the perfect place to take five, enjoy a coffee and absorb the dynamic scene unfolding around you.

Ho Chi Minh City is packed with first-rate museums and some elegant French-era colonial architecture, including the Central Post Office and the stunning Saigon Opera House. Away from the city centre, Cholon, where the treasure trove of temples are best explored on foot, is one of the most vibrant Chinatowns in South-east-Asia whilst Ben Thanh Market is the perfect place for a spot of retail therapy and souvenir-hunting.

Authentica Ventures Pvt. Ltd. | 5 Based on your arrival time, step out for a guided cultural tour starting with the Reunification Palace. Formerly named the Presidential Palace, this important city landmark was assured its place in history on 30th April 1975, when the first North Vietnamese tanks rumbled past, signalling the Fall of Saigon and ultimately the end of the Vietnam War. Now a museum complete with period meeting areas, war rooms and a basement communication centre, after your visit, walk the short distance to the city’s striking French colonial-era post office, whilst Hotel de Ville de Saigon, officially Ho Chi Minh City Hall, is another of the city’s most prominent buildings.

Meals included: None Proposed Accommodation: Liberty Central – Deluxe Room

Day 2: Friday 12 July, HCMC – Mekong Delta tour

The Mekong Delta is a rich fertile region of farmland interlaced with countless waterways crisscrossed by low-lying rice paddies. Today you will explore one of the country’s most enchanting landscapes as you transfer to the region by coach and then motorised sampan (a flat bottomed wooden boat) into the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam.

Exploring Ben Tre, one of the lesser-visited provinces in the Mekong Delta, you will cruise along the Ham Luong River visiting small factories that provide an insight into how the local economy works. Stops include a brickworks, where bricks are still painstakingly made by hand, a salt refinery, a coconut processing workshop where you can sample fresh coconut and see how every single part of this versatile nut is turned into food and other products, and a mat weaving house, where straw mats are woven using a hand loom – you can even have a go at weaving yourself!

Stop at a peaceful village for a short walk to see more of local life in the community before travelling by bicycle or xe loi, a design of cyclo used only in the Delta, through fruit orchards before stopping at a riverside restaurant for a delicious lunch. The lunch will feature local specialities such as elephant ear fish and river shrimp. After lunch, there will be time to explore the garden or wander along the riverbanks with your guide before taking a rowing boat along narrow canals back to the main boat. Return to the pier in Ben Tre and transfer back to your hotel for a free evening.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Proposed Accommodation: Liberty Central – Deluxe Room

Day 3: Saturday 13 July, HCMC – Danang – Hoi An

Checkout after early breakfast and transfer to airport for flight to Danang. Upon arrival in Danang, transfer to hotel in Hoi An and explore the town at your own pace. Located 30KM south of Danang, the sublime riverside town of Hoi An is a feast for the eyes. Devoid of most forms of motorised transport, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of this ancient port is ideal for exploring on foot. Discover beautifully preserved old merchant houses, atmospheric temples and lively markets as you stroll through the back streets of this enchanting destination.

Meals included: Breakfast Accommodation: Hoi An historic – Deluxe room

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Day 4: Sunday 14 July, Hoi An

Explore the town at your own pace or take one of following optional tours:

1) Half Day Visit to the Ancient Ruins of My Son (6 hours, $32 pp)

Meaning ‘Beautiful Mountain’ in Vietnamese, My Son was once the most important city in the Champa Kingdom, the centre for both intellectual and religious activities as well as the burial place of choice for the Cham kings. My Son received UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999 and is considered one of the foremost Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia. Discovered by French archaeologists in the late 19th century, the site then consisted of nearly 70 temples, many of which were in remarkably good condition. Sadly this all changed during the Vietnam War when the area surrounding the temples was subjected to an intense US carpet bombing campaign. Nowadays, only 20 or so structures still stand, however the complex remains a place of rural tranquility and is a delight to discover. Departing from either Danang (70KM northeast of My Son) or Hoian (40KM east of My Son), both journeys travel through rustic countryside, passing fields of rice and small market towns. The final approach to the temples necessitates a 500-metre walk through lush vegetation before finally emerging at the main site.

NOTE: Suggested time: 8.30 – 14.00

2) Half Day Visit to Tra Que Village Farming Community by bike (5 hours, $50 pp)

Start the day with a short drive to the village of Tra Que. Located on the edge of Hoian, this small settlement is renowned for its organic gardens crammed with wonderfully fresh herbs, spices and vegetables. Observe the local farmers as they go about their daily business and learn a little about their customs and traditions. Then it's time to help out and assist with the preparation of the land for sowing and planting. Traditional farming implements in hand, you will help fertilise the ground using seaweed from the nearby river, then water it using twin watering cans supported on a bamboo pole across the shoulders before finally assisting with the picking and packaging process. You will be rewarded for your hardwork with a revitalising herbal foot massage. Then have fun making Tam Huu, spring rolls made with local herbs and vegetables, before enjoying a scrumptious meal using locally produced ingredients and age-old family recipes.

NOTE:

- Suggested time: 08.30 – 12.30 - Local lunch included - By bike only, from/to Hoian tow/beach

3) Hoian Half Day Countryside Tour by Antique Vespa (Private/5 hours, $130 pp)

Setting off from Café Zoom in Hoi An, ride over the bridge to Cam Kim island into the beautiful rural countryside, riding along the river, then stopping at an Ancestral House and a traditional boat builders yard (seasonal) before we set off to explore the sleepy island villages. Zig-zag through breathtaking scenery of rice paddies and farmland, stopping along the way to learn from friendly local families the art of mat weaving, farming and how to make (and eat) the perfect Banh Dap (rice cracker). After our snack, we ride out riverside to cross a spectacular & adrenalin pumping 300 metre long bamboo bridge to the opposing landscape of the seaboard side of the island. Making our way to the coast at the Thu Bon river mouth, along roads lined with Casuarina Pine & Cashew Nut Trees. Riding into a small village, we stop at a local café to fuel up on local drip-coffee & learn the art of coffee roasting. Then, it's up high and over the new bridge offering spectacular panoramic views of Hoi An, which takes us to the water coconut palm fringed Cam Thanh and then on to a delicious local lunch at a pictureseque setting in Hoi An (seasonal).

NOTE:

- Suggested time: 08:00 – 13:00 - Seafood lunch at a local restaurant included - Cold water, drinks & snacks at designated stops

Meal included: Breakfast Proposed Accommodation: Hoi An historic – Superior room

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Day 5: Monday 15 July, Hoi An - Hue

After breakfast, meet your guide and transfer around 3 hours to Hue via Hai Van pass.

Mandarins and family life: home meal, boat and bike ride (or cyclo ride) of max.10km on flat roads.

Upon arrival, embark on a leisurely bike ride around Kim Long village to immerse into the greenery of a so-called “Garden City”. Slow down to unveil Hue’s unique landscape-architecture, philosophy of gardening, the mandarin and village temple and handicraft workshops on the way. Be welcomed to an ancient Garden-House of a three-generation family who will not only share with you their lifestyle, traditions but also warmly invite you to cook and enjoy an authentic home meal. Indulge yourself with a relaxing herbal footbath before returning to Hue by boat. An enriching wander around Hue’s best-kept heritage!

HIGHLIGHTS

 Emotional journey through the exploration of unique architectures, exclusive mandarin temple and private garden-houses to absorb Hue’s distinctive lifestyle, traditions and religious practice  Enjoyment of family atmosphere when cooking and enjoying a delicious home meal, followed with a relaxing herbal footbath.  Visit to some local handicraft workshops (i.e. wood carving and nacre, votive objects making, etc)  Leisurely bike ride along beautiful shady country roads, scenic cruise on the Perfume River. If you can’t do bike, we can arrange cyclo as per alternative option.

Evening Foodie & Cyclo Tour Approx. 3 hours, from 18:00, by cyclo, food and drink

Explore slow living through slow food and an evening slow tour on cyclo. Warm up with a welcome drink and light finger food at a charming bar. Your guide will give some basic introduction about Hue cuisine, as well as teach you some survival Vietnamese before moving to a vegetarian restaurant, where you can see Buddhist traditions imprinted in Hue’s food art. Farther and farther away from the tourist quarter, in a laid-back cyclo, the night tranquillity will show you the inner soul of Hue. Suddenly, the street food stalls come into sight and a crispy Hue styled pancake or lemongrass skewers will be worth a try with both your hands and your tongue. Sweet soups may not be your favorite desserts, but Hue’s varieties of colors and flavors, will be a promise of a sweet ending for a sweet night! Take it easy and make it funny.

HIGHLIGHTS

 An insightful introduction to Hue typical gastronomy at some insider’s selected shops  Some easy Vietnamese phrases related to food and daily communication  3-hour experience filled with exciting moments of true discovery, on a leisurely cyclo ride and walk.  A true immersion into local life with five senses.

Meal included: Breakfast, Dinner Accommodation: Saigon Morin – Colonial Deluxe

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Day 6: Tuesday 16 July, Hue – Cultural tour & overnight train to Hanoi

Situated on the banks of the romantically named Perfume River, the town of Hue is known as the Imperial City of Vietnam. The capital of the Nguyen dynasty’s empire from 1802 until 1945, Hue was the religious, economic and cultural epicentre of Vietnam for more than a century. For many, exploring the moated citadel on the northern banks of the river is a highlight of their visit to the city. Built by Emperor Gia Long in the early 1800s, and containing within its walls his private residence, the exquisite Forbidden Purple City, the fortress has suffered from both natural and manmade destruction over the years, including cyclones and battle damage during the Vietnam War. Yet the enclosure remains extremely palatial and received UNESCO World Heritage status in 1993.

Hue city tour:

Start with a visit to the tombs of emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Located in attractive settings along the banks of the Perfume River, the tombs of the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty were not just designed as their final place of rest. Here, the emperors would come during their twilight years to enjoy recreational activities such as fishing and hunting as well as the company of their many concubines. Of these tombs, that of Emperor Tu Duc is considered to be the most magnificent. Tu Duc lived a life of excess and this is reflected in the grandeur of the traditional architecture, majestic walkways and ornate pavilions that fill the grounds of his mausoleum. In contrast, Emperor Khai Dinh was effectively a Puppet Emperor for the ruling French colonialists and this is evident in the eclectic mix of European and Vietnamese styles that influenced the design of his final resting place.

Back to city with a visit to the Imperial Citadel. Built between 1804 and 1833, this heavily fortified structure is still very much the centerpiece of modern-day Hue and despite a chequered history, the fortress remains superbly intact.

Enjoy late lunch at local restaurant. Transfer to train station and embark on overnight train to Hanoi, with a packed dinner box.

Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch and Packed Dinner Accommodation: Overnight train (sharing 4-berth cabin)

Day 7: Wednesday 17 July, Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise

Arrive early at Hanoi’s train station. Meet local guide and transfer to The Ann hotel (booked on day-use basis) for breakfast and freshening up. You can choose to leave your big bags at the hotel and carry an overnight bag for the cruise stay.

Around 09:00, transfer to Halong City, a journey time of approximately 2.5 hours. On arrival, you will transfer to a junk for your cruise on Halong Bay.

12:00 Arrive at Bhaya Group Cruise Centre at Tuan Chau International Passenger Port.

12:45 Embark your cruise onboard Bhaya Cruises. Enjoy welcome drinks while the Cruise Manager does the itinerary and safety briefing.

13:00 Buffet lunch.

15:00 Discover the mysterious Tien Ong Cave which is not only a beauty spot but also an archaeological site. Covering an area of 1,000 m2 with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, the cave is one of the finest caves in Halong Bay.

17:30 Join exciting “Master-Chef Competition” and fruit carving demonstration, learn and try your hands with authentic Vietnamese food. The winner or the Master-Chef of Bhaya Cruise would be awarded with surprising gifts. It’s also time to admire the sunset over enchanting Halong Bay while the boat anchors for overnight stay.

19:00 Enjoy set-menu dinner on board while your Cruise Manager introduces the following day program.

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21:00 Retire to your cabin or join the staff for squid fishing. Overnight on board.

Notes:

 Inclement weather, tide levels and operating conditions at sea may force changes in cruise itinerary and schedule at any time.  Port authorities insist on advance registration including full name, gender, date of birth, nationality, and passport number. At check-in, a valid passport is required. Port authority may deny boarding if these conditions are not met.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Accommodation: Bhaya Classic (join-in Cruise) / Private Deluxe cabin

Day 8: Thursday 18 July, Halong Bay Cruise - Hanoi

06:15 Start off your day with a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck with complimentary tea and coffee being served. Rejuvenate your body and mind with the slow movement of Tai Chi and enjoy the dawn on the bay.

07:00 Light breakfast is served onboard.

07:45 Visit the beautiful Cua Van floating village. You can choose either kayak or traditional rowing boat to go around discovering local life on the waters.

09:00 Return to your boat and relax.

09:30 Enjoy your Brunch while the boat cruises through Lom Bo Islet, Soi Sim Island, Hoa Cuong Islet, Chicken Cock Islet, and Ba Hang Village.

10:45 Disembark at Tuan Chau International Passenger Port. Transfer back to Ha Noi and drop off at hotel.

Free afternoon.

Meals included: Brunch Accommodation: The Ann Hanoi – Deluxe room

Day 9: Friday 19 July, Hanoi – Siem Reap

8 am: Checkout and depart for service learning experience at the Hoa Sua School for Disadvantaged Youth. You’ll meet with the hospitality students and teachers and then proceed to prepare lunch for the group. You will be divided into two groups and each group will work with a different set of hospitality students. You will then work with the banquet services students to set up dining tables for lunch.

Post lunch: Presentation and Q&A at Hoa Sua School: You’ll visit some classes and talk with disadvantaged students. You’ll then meet the school’s representatives at the hall and see the videos introducing the school’s activities. This will be followed by an interactive session with the teachers/management. Before departing, you could buy handmade products at their showroom to support them, if you wish.

Transfer to airport for your flight to Siem Reap.

Meet your local guide transfer to hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch Proposed Accommodation: Tara Angkor Hotel – Superior room

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Day 10: Saturday 20 July, Siem Reap

Step out for a guided cultural tour. Start with a boat trip to Tonle Sap Lake, the largest fresh water lake in South East Asia, the heart of the Cambodian fishing industry and the lifeblood for millions of Khmers living on and around it. Every year – during the monsoon season –the Mekong River changes direction, forcing water back into the Tonle Sap lake and bringing nutrients that fertilise the rice fields and support the breeding of 200+ fish and other species. You will board a comfortable boat to see the authentica way of life in one of the floating villages of the Tonle Sap; here, you can see how Khmers and Vietnamese live and work side by side.

Then, visit Angkor National Museum, a profound cultural landmark in Siem Reap and a world-class museum that showcases the Golden Era of Khmer Kingdom. Nearby is The Cultural Mall, a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike for the lifestyle recreation services it provides for the community.

Have an early dinner at Marum restaurant by Friend’s International, who train disadvantaged youth.

After dinner, head out to experience Phare, the Cambodian Circus: Uniquely Cambodian, Daringly Modern! It is more than just a circus – Phare performers use theatre, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories; historical, folk and modern. The young circus artists will astonish you with their energy, emotion, enthusiasm and talent. Show schedule: Daily from 20:00 to 21:00

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Proposed Accommodation: Tara Angkor Hotel – Superior room

Day 11: Sunday 21 July, Siem Reap

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, visit Ta Prohm temple, the temple that has been left largely in its natural state since its “re-discovery” by French explorers. Surrounded by jungles, its labyrinth of stone hallways is overgrown with the roots and limbs of massive banyan trees, which envelop the stone like tentacles. It is one of the largest temples at Angkor, dedicated in 1186, and renowned for its mystical charm.

Visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom "The Great City" and continue to Bayon to experience the last capital of the Khmers, with it’s the Bayon temple, Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. This 12th century masterpiece lies at the very centre of Angkor Thom and is an archaeological wonder of symmetry and grandeur. The exterior gallery walls have extensive bas-reliefs but the highlights are the “faces”, more than 200 of them, silent but with the famous half-smile playing on their lips. PJ de Beerski wrote of them; “godliness in the majesty and the size, mystery in the expression.”

Lunch on your own.

This afternoon, visit Angkor Wat temple, the largest temple in the world, with a volume of stone equaling that of the Cheops pyramid in Egypt. It is unlike all the other Khmer temples, in that it faces west, and is inspired by 12th Century Hinduism. Its symmetrical towers are stylized on the modern Cambodian flag. Conceived by Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat took an estimated 30 years to build. It is generally believed to have been a funeral temple for the king. It has been occupied continuously by Buddhist monks and is well preserved. Intricate bas-reliefs surround Angkor Wat on four sides. Each of them tell a story. The most

Authentica Ventures Pvt. Ltd. | 11 celebrated of these is the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, which is located on the east wing. In it, the Naga serpent is twisted by demons and gods to spurt out the elixir of life.

Note: During the visit of the Bakan tower of Angkor Wat temple, visitors are required to wear appropriate attire, covering shoulders and knees, as this temple is still considered a sacred site (no shorts, miniskirt or short trousers). Children under twelve years old are not allowed to climb up this tower. It will be closed on the Buddhist Sabbath Days, the Buddhist religious days and four days a month in accordance with the Lunar Calendar.

Dinner on own.

Meals included: Breakfast Proposed Accommodation: Tara Angkor Hotel – Superior room

Day 12: Monday 22 July, Siem Reap

This morning, you will depart to visit:

Samatoa Center

For the best in eco-friendly fabric and quality apparel, you can count on Samatoa to bring you a complete line of fashion forward clothing and accessories designed for the way you live. Since 2003, Samatoa has been bringing lines of quality, affordable eco-friendly products to the world and we have built a solid reputation as an industry leader in natural fibers. Samatoa was built on the three pillars of sustainable development: economic efficiency, social equity and protection of the environment. It was after numerous experiments and research conducted in remote villages that Samatoa revived in Cambodia a forgotten expertise. We are pioneers in the field of ethical couture in Asia and have even received the UNESCO award of excellence, with a Sarong made from Lotus fabric.

Les Artisans d'Angkor Workshop:

Return to Siem Reap to a development project teaching young adult’s stone and wood carving, lacquer application and other traditional Khmer arts at Les Artisans d'Angkor. This is a heart-warming reminder that progress in Cambodia can go hand in hand with the renaissance of traditional crafts. Artisans d’Angkor offers some of the finest arts, crafts and silks available anywhere in Southeast Asia.

Lunch on your own. Afternoon free.

Meals included: Breakfast Accommodation at: Tara Angkor Hotel – Superior room

Day 13: Tuesday 23 July, Siem Reap – HCMC – Return Journey

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer with guide to Siem Reap International Airport for flight to HCMC dep. 11:35 am arr. 1:05 pm. NOTE: your return flight to US could depart from HCMC any time after 6pm.

Meals included: Breakfast

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