New Era in Medicine February 6, 2015 - February 20, 2015 Vietnam & Cambodia Course Description This multi-day interdisciplinary conference offers direct access to a wealth of innovative medical information and clinical advances for primary care providers and physicians in all specialties. Through in-depth instruction and training, health care providers can pursue their professional development in the latest prevention and diagnostic strategies as well as therapeutic innovations. Active group discussion of topics with critical assessment and debate concerning medical innovations in various fields are an essential component, which serves to engage participants and facilitate interdisciplinary relationships. This conference offers direct one-on-one interaction between medical experts and conference attendees, providing an exchange of clinical expertise in an effort to improve patient care and clinical outcomes. This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Travel Dates: From 06 Feb 2015 To 20 Feb 2015 Travel Style: Culture Destinations: Vietnam-Cambodia Remarks: ITINERARY *** Friday 06 Feb 2015: Arrive in Hanoi (Flight information to be advised/airfare not included) Meals: None Accommodation: Moevenpick Hanoi Hotel/Premium Deluxe Address: 83A Ly Thuong Kiet st., Hoan Kiem Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3822 2800 ( ext.6110). Fax: (84-4) 3822 2822 www.moevenpick-hanoi.com Saturday 07 Feb 2015: Hanoi Full Day City Tour - Cultural Talk By Historian/Writer Dr. Doan Tran Lam With ochre-colored colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes, Hanoi is full of charm. Start the tour at the historic Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, an imposing monument lavishly built using marble and granite, and where the preserved body of “Uncle Ho” resides. Behind the Mausoleum, you can see Ho Chi Minh's House. The simple house where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked is made of wood and enjoyed a tranquil setting, with a view of a lotus pond. Ho Chi Minh‟s belongings are on display and you can walk up the steps of his house to see his bedroom. A short walk from the mausoleum is the lotus shaped One Pillar Pagoda – resting on a single stone pillar emerging from the water. Wind your way afterwards to the Temple of Literature, the first University for the sons of mandarins, for an overview about Hanoian culture and appreciation for ancient Vietnamese architecture. Having lived through the war era, the strict Communist era and the present modernization of Vietnam, Dr. Doan Tran Lam is a well-known scholar and writer. Participate in a 45min lively presentation on Vietnamese history spanning three thousand years and the varied aspects of Vietnamese culture. This is also a great opportunity to find out how he introduces the nation‟s culture and his life experiences to the world. Click here to see our film about Dr. Lam Enjoy lunch in Madame Hien‟s restaurant (only meal/no drinks). In the afternoon, visit the serene Museum of Ethnology is a 20 minute drive out of town that offers a fascinating insight into Vietnam‟s 54 ethnic minority groups. (Museum of Ethnology is closed on Mondays) Drive back to central Hanoi for an hour cyclo tour through the Old Quarter to enjoy the bustling local life, then cap off the day with a show at the water puppet theatre - a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes of rural life and episodes of national history. Click here to see our film about Hanoi Enjoy the dinner in the hotel by on your own. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Moevenpick Hanoi Hotel/ Premium Deluxe Sunday 08 Feb 2015: Private Culinary Experience At EZ Cooking Class - Ancient Cuu Village (Walking Tour) Visit a vibrant market with a local chef from EZ cooking class centre, where the trainers have been sourced from famous restaurants & hotels around Hanoi. Select locally produced food, fresh vegetables and spices under the chef‟s guidance before returning to the kitchen to learn how to prepare Vietnamese traditional cuisine in this hands- on cooking class. Demonstrate your culinary flair in the kitchen before you have a chance to enjoy your creations with the chef. Bon appétit! Click here to see our film about Culinary in Southeast Asia Hanoi‟s surrounding countryside is filled with captivating natural beauty and images of tranquil village life. Take this chance to explore the forgotten village of Cuu, once the North‟s premier tailoring village during the French colonial period. Many traces of its illustrious past are still visible today through the ancient architecture. Stroll around the village to appreciate the old charm. Stop at a local house and have a chat with the host over a cup of tea before driving back to Hanoi. After the tour, transfer to Bobby Chin‟s restaurant for your dinner (drinks are not included). Return to your hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Moevenpick Hanoi Hotel/ Premium Deluxe Monday 09 Feb 2015: Hanoi To Halong Bay (3.5 driving by car)/ Kayaking in Halong Bay Depart for a 3.5 hour journey to Halong Bay stopping for a break at Dai Viet Center – the best place to stop and stretch your legs en route. On arrival in Halong Bay, board your junk, settle into your cabin and prepare your appetite for an enjoyable buffet lunch on deck. Then explore Sung Sot grotto where stalactites hanging from the high ceiling takes on numerous shapes and forms. Later this afternoon, stop for swimming or hiking at Titov island where you give you a chance to view panorama view of Halong bay from the top. Before dinner, attend the chef‟s cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking. Back to your cabin for a rest or enjoy movie, board game and Spa service (on your own expense) Note: the cruise program is subject to change without prior notice due to the weather condition or wind direction. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Paradise Luxury (join-in)/Private Deluxe Balcony Cabin www.paradisecruises.vn Tuesday 10 Feb 2015: Halong Bay Early birds can attend a Tai Chi demonstration on the sundeck at the break of dawn. After full buffet breakfast, transfer to the day-trip boat and cruise deeper into Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island. Cat Ba Island is famous for its national park, with more than half the island designated. This island, far and away the largest in the Gulf of Tonkin, is covered by a dense rainforest home to numerous indigenous species of flora and fauna. The secluded village of Viet Hai, situated in the middle of this pristine environment, is easily accessible thanks to a 7km cycling trip up and down hill on paved paths. Return to the day-trip boat for lunch. Continue to cruise toward the Dark & Light cave area - an ideal place for swimming and kayaking. Return to the main boat and enjoy dinner. Back to your cabin for a rest or enjoy movie, board game or Spa service (on your own expense) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Paradise Luxury (join-in)/ Private Deluxe Balcony Cabin Wednesday 11 Feb 2015: Halong Bay To Hanoi Early birds can attend a Tai Chi demonstration on the sundeck at the break of dawn. Start the day exploring Luon cave by local rowing boat. Return to your boat for a full buffet breakfast while cruising back to shore. Arrive at the jetty around 10.30am then transfer back to Hanoi. (Light snack provided en route. Option to stop at a small pottery workshop en route). The remainder of this day is free at your leisure. Meals: Brunch Accommodation: Moevenpick Hanoi Hotel/ Premium Deluxe Thursday 12 Feb 2015: Hanoi - Danang via Vietnam Airlines VN7169@1340/1455 (Economy class)/ Danang - Hoi An Free until transfer from hotel to the airport to have a flight to Danang. Upon arrival at the airport, meet with your guide and transfer to hotel in Hoi An. Enjoy lunch and dinner on your own. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Anantara Hoi An Resort/Junior River View Suite Address: 1 Pham Hong Thai st. Tel: (84-510) 3914 555. Fax: (84-510) 3814 515 www.anantara.com Friday 13 Feb 2015: Half Day Walking Tour Between the 17th and 19th centuries, Hoi An was a prosperous trading port. Today, this World Heritage-listed ancient town boasts well-preserved buildings, pedestrianized streets and unique cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. The narrow lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour. There is plenty to visit including the old merchant‟s houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with outstanding wood carvings; and the colorful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two. Click here to see our film about Hoi An ancient town Transfer to Ancient Faifo restaurant for the lunch (drinks not included). The remainder of this day is free at your leisure. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Anantara Hoi An Resort/ Junior River View Suite Saturday 14 Feb 2015: Hoi An - Hue (3.5 hours driving car)/ Cooking Class At Ancient Hue Restaurant After breakfast, drive 3.5 hours to Hue via the scenic Hai Van Pass – meaning Pass of the Ocean Clouds – which boasts a spectacular panoramic view of the central coastline from the summit. On arrival in Hue, check into hotel. Enjoy lunch in the hotel on your own. In the afternoon, enjoy the cooking class and dinner at Ancient Hue restaurant. Set in a lush garden, the peaceful Ancient Hue site boasts a ceremonial gate backed by 8 protective pillars. More than just a restaurant, Ancient Hue has 5 distinctive ancient houses offering a glimpse of the city‟s splendid past.