Vietnam with Sandra Betzina
Including a Weekend in Hong Kong
November 3 to 18, 2012

November 3 Our flight for Hong Kong and on to Hanoi, Vietnam will depart this evening. You can fly with Sandra and Michele, or we can assist with independent flights.

November 4 Cathay Pacific departs a few moments after midnight, due to crossing the International Dateline we fly all day and night. Meals are served inflight.

November 5 We arrive in Hong Kong this morning about 7:00am. We will board a connecting flight on Dragon Air about 8:45am for a short flight to Ha Noi, Vietnam. A Visa is required to enter Vietnam. Our local Vietnamese guide will greet us upon arrival in Ha Noi and travel with the group throughout our stay in Vietnam. Another short flight to Da Nang and a short coach ride to our final destination. Hoi An, a serene Japanese fishing village on the golden sands of China Beach. Arrival at the Golden Sands Hotel and Spa, you will be greeted with a refreshing tropical drink and breathtaking views of the aqua blue sea beyond. The balance of the day is yours to indulge in a five star spa facility, lounge by the pool or take the complimentary shuttle into town.

November 6 The Golden Sands serves a sumptuous buffet breakfast in the seaside dining room each morning. This morning we will travel through rice paddies and local small farms to reach Hoi An, the very center of Vietnamese silk production. We will visit a wonderful silk worm facility to learn how the colorful threads are created, dyed and made into the bolts of exquisite fabric before you make it into clothing. Explore the cultural symbols of the ancient Japanese influence and sounds of song and dance before a delightful lunch at a local favorite, Mango Mango. This afternoon you are on your own to make visits to the custom tailoring shops, fabric market and learn the art of silk lantern making. The evening is on your own; our hotel has a wonderful happy hour and two delightful restaurants. Hoi An is one of the gastronomic capitals of Vietnam, you will have many choices. B/L

November 7 Today you have a totally free day in Hoi An. We can arrange an optional cooking class at Red Bridge Cooking School, known the world over for great cuisine. The cost is about $70.00 per person. You may choose to visit My Son, a smaller version of the famous temples in Cambodia or of course shopping and custom clothing fittings. The spa is a wonderful indulgence every day. Another evening to explore the silk lanterns illuminated in town along with a memorable riverside meal. B

November 8 Our day begins a little earlier, enjoy your seaside breakfast and prepare for an exciting day in Ha Noi. Once again a brief flight from Da Nang to Ha Noi, our gateway to a fascinating glimpse into a centuries old culture. The sightseeing will focus on The Museum of Ethnology and the rich fabric of the more than fifty tribes that make up the Vietnamese people. Everyone says this is a highlight and we will visit the West Lake area for some of Sandra’s favorite shops.
We have planned lunch and dinner at very exquisite French Colonial villas serving scrumptious local specialties. Tonight we will board our first class train for our destination high in the mountains of northern Vietnam. Sapa is the home of several of the Ethnic People and located at an altitude of nearly 5000 feet. We will board the train about 10:00pm this evening, a dining car and other surprises to delight you. No single cabins are available on this train. Truly an experience for the adventurous soul. B/L/D

November 9 Arrival at sun up; in the sleepy town of Lao Cai. After a casual breakfast the journey to Shangri La begins. Our small coach will begin our ascent into the breathtaking verdant green terraces dotted with water buffalo and rural farmers tending their flocks. As we rise above the clouds you will feel other worldly to be sure. Visit Lung Nhin Market and the Muong Khoung district, along with a tea plantation and the pine forests of this mountain high paradise. Arrival at our first class hotel will be later this afternoon. Dinner will be served in the lovely hotel dining room this evening. B/L/D

November 10 You will awaken in this mountain paradise to the smells of fresh air and coffee roasting through the hallways. Vietnam has a wonderful coffee culture and many coffee bars can be enjoyed along our journey. Today we will wind our way to the Black H’mong Village of Cat Cat, they are known for out of this world headdresses and exquisite embroidery. We will also visit the handicraft village of Ta Phin, inhabited by the Red Dzao and their distinctive styles. Many fabulous photo opportunities await today. We will return to Lao Cai, enjoy a casual dinner and board our train for the overnight journey back to Ha Noi. The train will depart about 9:00pm, overnight onboard a first class train. B/L/D

November 11 Arrival in Ha Noi early this morning, we will enjoy a hot breakfast before beginning our coach ride to the jewel of Vietnam, Ha Long Bay. We will board our luxury junk Bhaya Classic before lunch. Every amenity is available for your comfort while cruising through this Unesco World Heritage site. The freshest seafood is prepared and served by our expert crew. Enjoy a sampan ride among the floating villages and homes that dot Ha Long Bay. Many of these people have never walked on dry land. The sea breezes and relaxing style of the junk will suggest a nap and much relaxation. Overnight onboard the junk. B/L/D

November 12 Rise to the sounds of seabirds, monkeys and the bay coming to life for another unforgettable day in paradise. Today enjoy guided kayaking, visits to small beaches for swimming and snorkeling. Massages are available onboard along with sunbathing and relaxation. All of our meals are served onboard. This evening enjoy a Vietnamese cooking demonstration before dinner. We will talk of our memorable day in this breathtaking setting. B/L/D

November 13 Awaken early to the swirling mists in the Bay, a good cup of coffee or tea and more excursions are planned. Explore caves and inlets before our buffet brunch is served. We will disembark in the late morning and board our coach for the journey to Ha Noi. The journey is about three hours and a stop will be made at a very interesting craft village. Your home for the next three nights is the world famous Metropole Hotel, simply six stars. An afternoon cyclo ride will introduce you to this historic city and the Old Quarter, a world class shopper’s paradise. There are many optional activities available in the evening, jazz clubs, fine dining, night markets and the world famous Water Puppets. Our concierge can assist you in choosing the perfect entertainment. B/L

November 14 The Metropole Hotel serves an exquisite buffet breakfast each morning for your indulgence. A comprehensive morning sightseeing program is offered to include the Temple of Literature and the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex. You will have a good understanding of the culture and the layout of the city for your own exploration. By mid-afternoon we will gather at the Metropole Hotel for a real highlight, a chef led market visit and cooking class in the famous kitchens of this landmark hotel. Prepare to be amazed, entertained and fed very well. We end with our dinner served in the incomparable Spices Restaurant. B/D

November 15 A full free day for shopping, market visits, custom tailoring, hotel spa and exploring this fascinating city. We will have detailed shopping itineraries with suggestions for meals, best values and of course an entire street devoted to silk…… This evening we will depart Ha Noi for Hong Kong. Plan to depart the hotel
about 5:00pm. We will arrive in Hong Kong this evening, about 10:00pm. Our local expert guide will meet us and assist with transportation to our great Hotel Kowloon in the very center of all the activity. B

November 16 Each morning a sumptuous buffet breakfast is served in the hotel. The activity today is shopping in the fabric, notions, accessories district of Hong Kong. Many of the places we will visit are open only to the trade, making your buying opportunity very exclusive. This evening we will board an historic vessel for the evening cruise to see the spectacular Symphony of Lights with a cocktail. Balance of the evening on your own. The concierge can assist with dinner reservations. B/C

November 17 A fashion diva’s dream day, full day with a private guide shopping for the very best off price clothing and designer trends. It is said you can spend a week here and not see it all. Bring your swatches and designs for creating your custom garments. We will travel on the MTR, a great underground system. As time allows we can visit the Mong Kok Market (Ladies market) and perhaps the Jade Market. Lunch and dinner are your choice in this food capitol of the world. Today we will have several shopping options, fabrics, discount clothing, jewelry, shoes and bags plus much more. Of course you can explore on your own, everything you will need to plan your time is included with your final documents.
Our flight back to San Francisco leaves late tonight. We will depart the hotel about 9:00pm for the trip to the airport. Many duty free shops and restaurants are available for your pleasure as well. We will cross the International Dateline having us arrive in San Francisco this evening. B

November 18 The Cathay Pacific flight departs at 1:00 o’clock this morning. You will be ready to sleep as we wing our way home. Your mind filled with sights, sounds and many inspirations for your projects at home. Flight arrival in San Francisco is on November 17 at 9:00 in the evening. Meals served onboard.

Included:
Twelve nights deluxe hotel, train and junk, breakfast daily, five lunches, five dinners, luxury cooking class Hotel Metropole, two night luxury cruise Ha Long Bay, all transportation for included activities in Vietnam and Hong Kong, airport/hotel/train/ship/hotel/airport transfers, sightseeing: Hoi An, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, Ha Noi, Hong Kong with expert local guides, all intra-Vietnam domestic flights, two day Octupus Card, Hong Kong, harbor cruise in Hong Kong, service of Hong Kong shopping expert, services of local Vietnamese expert guide and drivers, pre-trip planning guides and maps and the full time services of Michele Abrate CTC, expert tour manager.

 

Cost: $3995.00 per person double occupancy with a minimum of 15 passengers.
$1450.00 single occupancy (except round trip train)
Cost: $4795.00 per person double occupancy with a minimum of 10 passengers
Trans Pacific air travel San Francisco to Hanoi and return $1100.00, plus $320.00 for air taxes, security surcharge and fuel surcharges (subject to change until tickets are issued)
Trans Pacific air travel San Francisco to Hanoi and return $1100.00, plus $320.00 for air taxes, security surcharge and fuel surcharges (subject to change until tickets are issued)
Travel Insurance: $169.00 per person, to cover pre-existing conditions this must
be included with your tour deposit.

Not Included: Gratuities to guides, drivers and tour manager.
Deposit to confirm your reservations: $500.00 per person nonrefundable.
Final payment due: August 15, 2012.
We accept checks and American Express, Visa and Mastercard for payment. Credit card payments are subject to a 3% surcharge for processing.

Complete details: Armstrong & Hedges LTD
29 Brehaut Court, Alameda, CA 94502
Tel. 510-521-1141 FAX 510-521-2022
Email: micheleabrate@gmail.com
CST# 205 4400 40