Distinguished Travel Service: Singapore, Vietnam & Cambodia Delights Tour

Explore Singapore, Vietnam & Cambodia October 24 - November 10, 2023

Singapore, Vietnam & Cambodia Delights Tour October 24 - November 10, 2023

Distinguished Travel Service • 207 – 255 Duncan Mill Rd., Toronto, ON M3B 3H9 • Tel.: (416) 444-3822 Fax: (416) 444-7782 http://www.distinguishedtravel.com • e-mail: [email protected] Singapore, Vietnam & Cambodia Delights Tour OOccttoobbeerr 2244 -- NNoovveemmbbeerr 1100,, 22002233 Get to know Singapore: Singapore is one of only three surviving city-states worldwide; the other two are Monaco and the Vatican City. Ultra-sophisticated, Singapore is the only place in the world that is a city, a state, and an island. Sang Nila Utama, a prince from Palembang, named the island of Singapura, which means "Lion City" in Sanskrit, after seeing a creature he thought was a lion. Comprised of Malaysians, Chinese, Indians and Europeans, Singapore is diverse in its culture, and richly varied in its heritage, culture, art and architecture. Known as Southeast Asia's "City in a Garden" because of the many skyscrapers with vertical gardens, and home to an incredible number of sizeable parks and green spaces. Singapore's 12 most famous landmarks: 1.Gardens by the Bay 2.Merlion Park 3.Unesco Listed Singapore Botanic Gardens 4.Marina Bay Sands 5.Art Science Museum 6.National Museum of Singapore 7.Helix Bridge 8.Clarke Quay 9.Lau Pa Sat 10.The Singapore Flyer 11.Raffles Hotel 12.Esplanade Additional Singapore sites worth exploring: Funan Mall - Retail mall with an indoor 200-metre cycling path Singapore Changi Airport - a wonder in itself where you can spend the entire day visiting

This tour will take you through the iconic cities of this region - “Pearl of Indochina”, Ho Chi Minh City & World-Famous Angkor Wat housing the largest religious monument in the world, spread across more than 400 acres. Get mesmerized at the breathtaking landscapes of a variety of wonderful rice paddy fields, colorful floating markets, and huge network of rivers & canals of the Mekong Delta and much more in this delightful journey Vietnam & Cambodia Delights 11 nights / 12 days

Vietnam & Cambodia Delight itinerary 11 nights / 12 days

Vietnam & Cambodia Delight Day 1 29 Oct 2023 / SUN / Singapore- Fly to Siem Reap 29 Oct – Departing Singapore 8.40am/arriving Siem Reap 9.45am – SQ164 Siem Reap, a resort town in northwestern Cambodia, is the gateway to the ruins of Angkor, the seat of the Khmer kingdom from the 9th–15th centuries. Angkor’s vast complex of intricate stone buildings includes preserved Angkor Wat, the main temple, which is pictured on Cambodia’s flag. Arriving at Siem Reap International airport, greet by the local guide and transfer to your resort. Check-in and have the rest of the day free. Our immigration officer will meet you at the entrance to the overhead bridge that connects to the plane or at the entrance of the terminal, with a signboard having your name(s) on it. Then they will assist you to complete your immigration formalities and get a visa stamp. Finally, our immigration officer will take you to the baggage claim to pick up your luggage then to meet the guide, who will be waiting outside the arrival terminal. Note: This service does not include any required visa or associated visa fees. Have dinner at a local restaurant & enjoy a traditional Apsara Dance performance. Overnight at hotel/ Lotus Blanc Resort Day 2 30 OCT 2023 / MON / Full-day Angkor Temple Breakfast at your hotel/ resort. 08:30 Met by tour guide at hotel/ resort’s lobby. You will have full-day today to explore the biggest and the most significant temples in Angkor Complex. You will start from the West Gate of Angkor Thom – undiscovered by mass tourism, the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). See the south gate, Bayon Temple – unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara Baphuon temple: lying just to the north of Bayon, a pyramidal representation of mythical mont meru, the royal enclosure, phimeanakas, the elephant terrace and the terrace of the Leper King. Continue to visit Preah Khan temple, located 2 km north-east of Angkor Thom on the grand circuit. The temple was built in the second half of the 12th century in ad 1191 by King Jaya-varman VII, dedicating it to his father Dharanindra Varman. (Note: NO lunch. Guide will arrange for the group to buy snacks/ light meal on clients’ own expenses) In the afternoon, you will continue to visit the fabulous Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. Ta Prohm was built in the 12t h century. It’s a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of King Jayavarman Vii. Visit the famous temple: Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat has been a world heritage site since 1992, famous for its beauty and splendor. Angkor wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology. Admire sunset over Angkor wat before returning to the town. Dinner at a local restaurant (food only). Overnight at hotel/ Lotus Blanc Resort

Vietnam & Cambodia Delight Day 3 31 OCT/ TUE/ Tonle Sap Lake & Meet Polpot Suvivor – Airport - Hanoi Breakfast at hotel/ resort and check-out. 8:30am depart from your hotel. We transfer out of town to visit one of the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake. En route, make a stop to visit Cambodian countryside villages, interacting with locals, seeing markets, pagodas. Afterward, continue your drive until you reach the port where you embark on a local wooden boat. The trip will take you to discover the floating village on how people live and trade. This village is home to thousands of families, and it’s the largest floating village in Tonle Sap. During this uncivilized period from 1975 to 1979, the Khmer Rouge tried to force the residences from the cities to work on communal farms in the countryside. As a part of Angkor Complex exploration, you will be transported towards a private house, nestled away in a rural village to have an incredible opportunity to meet and talk with the local Khmer villager for an overview about the survival and overcoming life before and after the Pol Pot regime. Note:- NO lunch. Guide will arrange for the group to buy snacks/ light meal on clients’ own expenses - Group will have a mini-hotel to shower & refresh after the tour and before dinner Early dinner at a local restaurant (food only). Transfer to the airport for evening-flight to Hanoi. Departing Siem Reap 8.45pm/arriving Hanoi 10.30pm - VN 842 Arriving at Noi Bai International airport, greet by the local guide and private transfer to your hotel. Optional Service: Airport Arrival Assistance Service – International Arrival Our immigration officer will meet you at the entrance to the overhead bridge that connects to the plane or at the entrance of the terminal, with a signboard having your name(s) on it. Then they will assist you to complete your immigration formalities and get a visa stamp. Finally, our immigration officer will take you to the baggage claim to pick up your luggage then to meet the guide, who will be waiting outside the arrival terminal. Note: This service does not include any required visa or associated visa fees. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi/Melia Hotel

Vietnam & Cambodia Delight Day 4 01 NOV 2023 / WED/ HANOI – ORIENTATION Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, start our visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on west lake, one of the oldest pagodas in Hanoi and continue to visit Quan Thanh Temple, with its spacious and charming landscape that helps highlight the ancient romantic beauty of this area. Next, visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum* and its complex including the One Pillar pagoda, ba dinh square and the presidential palace (see from outside) * At the mausoleum, visitors are required to wear proper attire, covering shoulders and knees (no short miniskirt or short trousers) Note: NO lunch. Guide will arrange for the group to buy snacks/ light meal on clients’ own expenses In the afternoon, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which focuses on the 54 officially recognized ethnic groups in Vietnam. Let’s have an overall view of the capital by a “cyclo” visit, which will start around the old quarter of Hanoi, stop at Ngoc Son temple located on the Hoan Kiem Lake (the “sword” lake). Late afternoon we will enjoy a unique fascinating show of water puppetry, a traditional stage art of northern Vietnam. Dinner at a local restaurant (food only). Overnight at hotel in Hanoi/Melia Hotel

Vietnam & Cambodia Delight Day 5 02 NOV 2023 / THU / Hanoi – Mai Chau (North Mountain): easy hiking Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check-out. 08:00 Leave Hanoi for Mai Chau. Located in Hoa Binh province, the picturesque Mai Chau Valley is famed for its splendid vistas of mountains surrounded by lush landscapes and stilt houses, inhabited mainly by the Dzao, H’mong, and White Thai ethnic group. Not only are these areas easily accessible and incredibly beautiful, but they also provide excellent opportunities for hiking, cycling, and interacting with local hill tribe people Morning departure from downtown Ha Noi for a scenic 3-hour drive southwest to Mai Chau. Located in Hoa Binh Province, Mai Chau is famed for splendid scenery of mountains and valleys surrounded by lush landscape. Arrive in Mai Chau town, wind your way to the remote Mai Hich village, inhabited by the White Thai people, where traditional lifestyle and customs have been preserved despite the rapid development of outside modern society. Stop for lunch in a local family homestay. This afternoon is time for exploring surrounding areas. Enjoy the cool mountain breeze on a leisure walk passing by lush corn and rice fields with opportunities to stop and observe the daily activities of local farmers. Notice the ever- changing landscape as you hike to a lot of beautiful spots. End up this peaceful afternoon by the rafting journey, floating along a tranquil stream and learning how to paddle and traditionally drive your handcrafted rafts. Dinner (food only) at the hotel's restaurant. Special offer from Mai Chau Edolodge: The Thai are well known for their folk dances in traditional costumes. What's more attractive than watching a folk-dance performance while enjoying the local rice wine. Surely, you can join and these ladies will lead your steps. Overnight in Mai Chau/Mai Chau Eco Lodge

Vietnam & Cambodia Delight 03 NOV 2023 / FRI /Mai Chau – Ninh Binh Day 6 Choose to walk up early in the morning to experience a unique vibe and rural atmosphere that is formed by stunning mountains and tranquil villages. Have a leisure walk on the silent village paths, saying hello to friendly villagers along the way. After enjoying your breakfast at the hotel and sadly saying goodbye to Mai Chau, head to Ninh Binh Province, also famed for amazing karst mountains, misty caves, historic relics, and wildlife. Arrive Ninh Binh at noon – have lunch at a local restaurant (food only). In the afternoon, explore the stunning wetland of Van Long Nature Reserve by sitting on a traditional rowing boat gliding through the magnificent natural landscape that is created by mountain ranges and water. With an area of nearly 3000 hectares, Van Long eco-tourism area offers stunning scenery of local villages dotted among the limestone karsts and caves. On arrival, hop on your bicycle and enjoy a relaxing ride over easy terrain as you travel through narrow village lanes lined with rice field, fruit orchards, and cottages. Along the way, you might see cows or buffalos working on rice fields with farmers or relaxing under shade (depending on rice season). Check-in your accommodation and relax for the rest of the day. Dinner at a local restaurant (food only). Overnight in Ninh Binh/Emeralda Resort

Vietnam & Cambodia Delight Day 7 04 NOV 2023 / SAT / NINH BINH - HALONG BAY Breakfast at hotel and check out. 08:30 depart for Ha Long Bay – UNESCO World Natural Heritage – where thousands of spectacular limestone islets and grottoes rise from the clear emerald Gulf of Tonkin. Upon arrival at the port, check in procedure. Enjoy a welcome drink on board before having lunch. Relaxing time while the boat is cruising through many stone islets, floating villages, small beaches. Visit a floating fishing village, talk and meet with local villagers prior to your swimming or free time on your own on the sundeck. Dinner would be ready at the time the boat anchors off at a quiet designated overnight area. Stay overnight on board in Ha Long Bay – Lan Ha Bay. Note:- Itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions or local administration regulations. The program will be a little varied upon your chosen cruise. - Drinks are not included in the meals on board Day 8 05 NOV 2023 / SUN Halong Bay – Hanoi – fly to Ho Chi Minh City Ha Long Bay, designated a UNESCO world heritage site for its limestone rock formations, is home to about thousands of isles and islets of different shapes and sizes, creating a truly breath-taking seascape. Ha Long Bay is also attractive for beautiful beaches on the small islands. Awake early and join the Tai Chi session on the sundeck or enjoy the breath- taking views of the bay while the boat cruises leisurely in Ha Long Bay. Cave excursion after breakfast. Then go back to your cabin to freshen up and check out of your room. Enjoy brunch on board while cruising toward the pier, and disembarking around noon time. Take your return journey and arrive in Hanoi’s airport at around 15:00 pm to take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Flight time to be advised Arrive at Tan Son Nhat airport and transfer to the hotel to check-in. Dinner at a local restaurant (food only). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City/Grand Saigon Hotel

Vietnam & Cambodia Delight Day 9 06 NOV 2023 / MON/ Ho Chin Minh City – City tour & Culture show Breakfast at a hotel. Formerly known as “Saigon” before 1975, Ho Chi Minh City today is Vietnam’s commercial centre that never sleeps. Although the city is a dynamic metropolis undergoing dramatic change, it still retains the strong link to the past through historic landmarks and beautiful French colonial buildings dotted throughout the city. Set off with your guide for a half-day excursion taking in some of the important sites of the city. Visit the War Remnants Museum which presents a partial yet vivid view of the American War through the Vietnamese’s eyes as it contains fascinating remnants and photographs of the past including US armored vehicles, artillery pieces, bombs, and infantry weapons. (Please note that some of the displays are very graphic and sensitive). Wind your way to one of the most significant historical sites of the city, the Reunification Palace which is former Residence of the Indochina Governor-General and later of the President of the Republic of Southern Vietnam until the downfall on April 30, 1975. Take a stroll around the Palace and admire the amazing work of its architecture while learning from your guide the untold stories connected to great changes in Ho Chi Minh City’s history. A short drive or walk away is one of Saigon’s most historic landmarks, the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires, based on the original construction from Paris. Then head across the square to the Central Post Office, designed by the French architect, Gustav Eiffel, before he had risen to fame for the Eiffel Tower. Note: NO lunch. Guide will arrange for the group to buy snacks/ light meal on clients’ own expenses

Vietnam & Cambodia Delight This afternoon, drive out to the bustling Chinatown, locally known as Cho Lon, with its colourful atmosphere and mysterious temples. Visit the lively Thien Hau Temple which was built by the Cantonese congregation in the early 19th Century honor the Goddess of the sea. Admire the enormous burning incense-coils that never fail to impress while your guide will explain to you how the Chinese have immigrated to Vietnam and brought their cultural, religious and philosophical thought to their new home-country. Opt to enjoy a leisure walk through the narrow streets to admire the Chinese architecture through the local houses, pagodas and temples, explore the sights and sounds of Chinatown Return to downtown and make a stop at Ben Thanh Market to enjoy shopping and discover your bargaining power and come away with unusual items that will always remind you of this exciting day. Dinner at a local restaurant (food only). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City/Grand Saigon Hotel Day 10 07 NOV 2023 /TUE/ Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels – Ho Chi Minh City Breakfast at a hotel. Morning, from 8:00am, pick up at the hotel and visit Cu Chi tunnels, one of the few remaining monuments to the fierce Vietnam war. Beneath the ground lie 200km of tunnels, dug by hand and inhabited by the forces of the Vietnamese guerillas during the conflict. At its peak, prior to the tet offensive in 1968, the tunnel complex was base to almost 10,000 troops. To this day, it remains one of the most impressive examples of how fierce the war used to be. Back to Ho Chi Minh City, being free in the afternoon. Note: NO lunch. Guide will arrange for the group to buy snacks/ light meal on clients’ own expenses 18:00 Picked up from the hotel's lobby for dinner at a local restaurant (food only). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City/Grand Saigon Hotel Optional culture show: A O show Duration: 60 minutes The A O Show, for Ahhh! Ohhh!, depicts the charming beauty and cultural richness of Southern Vietnamese life in the countryside, in contrast with the nation’s racing urbanization. Performed on the stage of the Saigon Opera House, a perfect example of French colonial style circa 1900, this 60-minute-show is a unique mix of cirque, acrobatics, contemporary dance and live music, plus a creative use of bamboo and rattan props from ordinary life. All these elements harmonize to capture the essence of Vietnam’s fascinating culture.

Vietnam & Cambodia Delight Day 11 08 NOV 2023 /WED/ HCM City – Mekong Delta Tour -HCM City Breakfast at a hotel. The Mekong Delta, “the rice bowl of Vietnam”, is a highly fertile plain with its myriad waterways, lush and green paddy fields, tropical fruit orchards, and fish farms. Rural life here remains in many ways similar to how it was lived far back in the past. Geographically featured as the gateway to the Delta, Ben Tre is an ideal gem for travelers who are seeking a glimpse of agrarian river life. This morning, depart for a 2-hour drive from downtown Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre province. Take in the lush surroundings of rice paddies and fruit farms alongside the highway as you leave behind the high-energy city. Arriving at the waterfront pier, set off for a slow journey along the Mekong River on the charming Apricot boat, a newly tradition-inspired river barge that features the combination of modernity and tastefully traditional riverboat style. Gain a glimpse at countryside scenery and river life while enjoying seasonal tropical fruits and local specialties. Shore excursions include the home of a tropical fruit farmer. Have a walk around his orchard and observe how the local farmers harvest the fruits using the traditional method. Enjoy the opportunity to taste fresh coconuts and grapefruits while engaging with local farmers for an overview of their daily farming tasks. Stop for a visit at the family- run business where you learn how the coconuts are processed and then enjoy country hospitality as you sip a cup of honey tea and taste the sweet flavor of coconut candy in a rustic yet cozy atmosphere. Tour a hidden island by traditional tuk-tuk or bicycle, passing through sleeping villages, local cottage industries, canals, and fruitful orchards. Locals will often friendly greet you with a hello or “xin chao” as you pass by. Relax while discovering more of the Delta from a small rowing sampan as you are paddled slowly through the maze of small canals covered by water coconut trees. Cap off your memorable trip by a tasty lunch with Mekong Delta specialties at the peaceful Apricot Riverside restaurant. After lunch, opt to relax in a hammock, enjoying the cool breeze from Mekong Delta before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City/Grand Saigon Hotel Day 12 09 NOV 2023 / THU/ HCM City departure – Toronto Breakfast at a hotel. Enjoy your free time until your transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure. Departing Ho Chi Minh City 11.10pm/Seoul 6.10am Nov. 10 – KE 0476 Departing Seoul 10.20am/Toronto 9.20am – KE 0073

Vietnam & Cambodia Delight What you’ll get Includes: · Accommodation with daily breakfast as mentioned or similar · Transfer services in air-conditioned vehicle · 1 Overnight- Cruise in HaLong Bay · Entrance fees, and boat fees where applicable · Meals as listed in the program, pre-arranged at local restaurants based on local food · English speaking local guide in each destination · Government taxes & service charges · Fresh water and wet wipe during transfer (two bottles/person/day) Does not include: · Drinks and surcharge for special request on foods and meals · Entrance fees, guide service during free time & other personal expenses · Travel insurance · Gratuities · Visa stamping fees & fast track service - All other services not stated in the program.

Vietnam & Cambodia Delight City Hotels Deluxe 5* Night(s) Siem Reap Lotus Blanc Resort, Landmark (boutique style) 2 Hanoi Melia Hotel, Deluxe 2 Mai Chau Mai Chau Ecolodge, Deluxe 1 Ninh Binh Emeralda Resort, Superior 1 Ha Long Cruise Ambassador Cruise Lan Ha Bay 1 Saigon Grand Saigon Hotel, Premium Deluxe 4 HOTEL CHECK IN & CHECK OUT TIME • Check in time : 15:00 • Check out time : 12:00 • Early check-in or late check-out time is subject to availability and with additional charge. Let us know before check in & check out time you expect for proper arrangement.

Thanks CULTURE HOLIDAYS website: www.cultureholidays.com mail id:[email protected] toll-free:USA800 315 0755 INDIA+919873540000

Distinguished Travel Service • 207 – 255 Duncan Mill Rd., Toronto, ON M3B 3H9 • Tel.: (416) 444-3822 Fax: (416) 444-7782 http://www.distinguishedtravel.com • e-mail: [email protected] Singapore, Vietnam & Cambodia Delights Tour October 24 - November 10, 2023 Travelling Tips: Adaptor plugs In Singapore, the power plug sockets are type G, with 230V standard voltage and 50 HZ frequency. In Vietnam, the power plug sockets are A, C and D, with 110/220V standard voltage and 50 HZ frequency. In Cambodia, the power plug sockets are type A, C and G, with 230V standard voltage and 50 HZ frequency. Climate The average temperature in Singapore in October is 31 degrees Celsius. The average temperature in Siem Reap/Vietnam in November is between 23 and 31 degrees Celsius. Culture customs, etiquetttes and bans In Singapore, chewing gum, littering and jaywalking are banned; smoking is prohibited in certain areas, and is frowned upon to speak of religion or politics. https://www.visitsingapore.com/travel-guide-tips/ For Vietnam, https://vietnam.travel/node/1336 In Cambodia, do not tap someone on their head as it is considered the most important part of the body; footwear needs to be removed before entering temples; do not drink the tap water, and greet by bowing, having both palms to your chest, and saying "Chum Reap Suor." https://www.tourismcambodia.com/ Currency 1 Canadian dollar (CAD) = 1 Singapore dollar (SGD) 1 Canadian dollar (CAD) = 17,646 Vietnamese dong 1 Canadian dollar (CAD) = 3,068.36 Cambodian Riel Footwear With bayside footpaths and shaded walking trails, comfortable and reliable walking shoes are recommended. Reusable water bottle As a growing leader in sustainability and having the WHO-approved water, Singapore is dotted with water refill stations, so it is safe and easy to top up your reusable water bottle from taps. Time Singapore is on GMT+8 timezone, so it is 13 hours ahead of Toronto. Vietnam and Cambodia is on GMT +7 timezone, so it is 12 hours ahead of Toronto. *Acopyofyourpassportisrequired*

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