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EXPLORING THE BEST OF VIETNAM plus
CAMBODIA'S ANGKOR WAT
November 12 - 27, 2010

HONG KONG (Optional 2 Nt Stopover) Nov 10 - 12, 2010



Travel Broker Tours invites you to join Jeff Pychel on an exciting 15 Nt journey exploring the best of Vietnam plus Cambodia's extraordinary Angkor Wat and Hong Kong (Optional 2 Nt Stopover)

Limited to only 12 participants!

Join us as Travel Broker Tours travels to South East Asia! Vietnam is fast becoming "THE" destination to visit among world travellers. Come and explore its main cities, the political capital of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (formally Saigon) while discovering Vietnam's fascinating cultural and historical legacy, luscious amazing scenery and French colonial past. Explore many of Vietnam's UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the glorious and stunning Halong Bay, the complex of Hué Monuments, Hoi An's Ancient Town and the My Son Sanctuary. Journey to the Mekong River Delta, south of Saigon which is often referred to as 'Vietnam's rice bowl', one of the most fertile areas in southern Asia. View Vietnam's countryside little changed by the centuries and discover the charms of this friendly country.

One can not travel to the Far East without stopping in Cambodia to visit the monumental magnificence of Angkor Wat, a designated UNESCO World heritage site. One of the greatest achievements, Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and took an estimated 37 years to build. Join us and discover the very best that South-East Asia has to offer, including its culture, cuisine, architecture and riveting history!

Our Program - 15 Nights

  • 2 Nts Halong Bay
  • 2 Nts Hanoi
  • 2 Nts Hué
  • 2 Nts Hoi An
  • 3 Nts Angkor Wat
  • 4 Nts Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)

Optional 2 Nt Stopover

  • 2 Nts Hong Kong (en-route to Vietnam)

Detailed Itinerary

THU Nov 11th - DEPART Home City
Board your overnight trans-pacific flight to Asia. (As a full service travel agency were happy to assist with flight arrangements to join this tour. We suggest booking early to obtain the best flights and rates available.)

Day 1: FRI Nov 12th - ARRIVE in HANOI, VIETNAM
Welcome to SOUTHEAST ASIA! Arriving this afternoon at the Noi Bai (Hanoi International) airport we transfer by road, accompanied by a Travel Broker Tours Escort, to our hotel located in the Old Quarter of the city. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore, relax and settle into our surroundings before regrouping for the tour's welcome dinner. Lodging: Hanoi Elegance 5 Meals: (D) Welcome Tour Dinner

Hanoi Elegance 5 is boutique in size and style with streamlined service and luxury rooms that meticulously blend elegant decor with state of the art technology. The eco-friendly Hanoi Elegance 5 Hotel is perfectly located in Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter, just a 2 minute walk away from Hoan Kiem Lake (the Sword Lake) and the Water Puppet Theatre as well as many other local attractions.

Day 2: SAT Nov 13th - HANOI to HALONG BAY
Enjoy an early morning breakfast before we transfer to Halong Bay (Halong meaning Bay of the Descending Dragons). The bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Upon arrival we'll transfer to our Deluxe Bhaya 'Junk' (traditional Vietnamese sailing vessel) for a 3-day Halong Bay cruise. On board, enjoy a welcome cocktail followed by a delicious buffet lunch as we begin sailing the dramatic seascape and spectacular natural wonder that is 'Halong Bay'. After lunch we visit a local fishing village by tender, then return to our vessel for free time at our leisure. Choose from various activities that include kayaking, sunbathing and swimming, just to name a few. Later enjoy Happy Hour and a Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the vessel's sundeck before our sumptuous seafood dinner. Enjoy the stunning Asian sunset while our vessel cruises to its overnight anchorage. Retire to your cabin or join the optional fishing program. Lodging: Bhaya Cruise Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bhaya Cruise combines oriental style with contemporary luxury. Together they are the perfect recipes for an enchanting and relaxing holiday. In 1917, Emperor Khai Dinh plied the waters of the Bay in a wonderful wooden junk. Almost a century later you too can embark on a voyage through time - in a ship recreated from the original designs and with impeccable service fit for a King. Reside in one of forty luxurious cabins, wine and dine in style and enjoy a relaxing - or exhilarating - array of onboard activities.

Day 3: SUN Nov 14th - HALONG BAY
Start your day with Tai Chi on the sundeck before enjoying an early breakfast in the vessels dining room. Then it's off to Lan Ha Bay for guided kayaking, swimming & snorkeling at Three Peach Beach, a pristine natural beach lapped by the turquoise water. We'll enjoy a fresh seafood lunch as we sail to Ho Ba Ham Islet, the most remote point in Lan Ha Bay. Upon arrival we visit Lan Ha Bay's quaint fishing village and lagoon. There is also the possibility of kayaking through an amazing tunnel under a karst mountain (time permitting). Our vessel cruises back through the bay to its overnight anchorage near Ho Dong Tien where we'll enjoy cocktails with our fellow travelling companions before dinner. Retire to your cabin or join the optional fishing program. Lodging: Bhaya Cruise Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: MON Nov 15th - HALONG BAY to HANOI
Enjoy Tai Chi on the sundeck while complimentary tea and coffee are served. Our vessel cruises through the Bay to Surprise Cave (Sung Sot), which we explore before enjoying a wonderful brunch onboard our vessel. Afterwards our vessel cruises leisurely back to Halong Bay harbour. We disembark and return by road to Hanoi where we'll enjoy a half-day city tour of Vietnam's capital city, including Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda and the bustling streets of the Old Quarter. Hanoi is without question one of S.E. Asia's most fascinating cities. No other can compare in terms of the concentration of quality architecture, built during the Chinese and French colonial era. This evening enjoy dinner in the Old Quarter and a performance at the famed Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. Lodging: Hanoi Elegance 5 Meals: (BD) Brunch, Dinner

Day 5: TUE Nov 16th - HANOI to HUÉ
Enjoy breakfast before transferring to the airport for our short flight to Hué, not to be mistaken by the thought of colours, and pronounced as "Hway". It was well known to be the ancient imperial capital under the Nguyen dynasty, where it was modeled after Beijing's very own Forbidden City. Hué was not only the political but also the cultural and religious centre until a Communist government was established in Hanoi in 1945. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel before heading out on an afternoon city tour that includes the elaborate mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. The rest of the day is at leisure. Lodging: Orchid Hotel Meals: (B) Breakfast Flight: Hanoi to Hué

Orchid Hotel is just few steps away from the Huong River and the Hue Citadel and is in a convenient position on a quiet street with several tourist information spots, exciting restaurants, bars and shops only minutes away. Elegant and inviting, the spacious rooms feature gorgeous wood furniture and floors, two twin beds, large working desks with executive chairs, free ADSL and Wi-Fi internet access with a private computer in every room.

Day 6: WED Nov 17th - HUÉ
After breakfast we enjoy a boat ride on the Perfume River to visit the Seven-story Thein Mu Pagoda. The pagoda was built in the 14th century and is adhere to a legend of a fairy lady in red, therefore is has the name of Thien Mu (Fairy lady from the heaven).We then visit Hué's Imperial Citadel, situated on the Northern bank of the Perfume River, the Citadel is broadly a system of three circles of ramparts comprised of the Kinh Thanh (Capital Citadel), the Hoang Thanh (Royal Citadel) and the Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Citadel). The royal complex of Hué has been officially recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, possibly taking part in a Royal Dinner that evening with other interested travelling companions. Lodging: Orchid Hotel Meals: (B) Breakfast

Day 7: THU Nov 18th - HUÉ to HOI AN
Today enjoy a relaxed breakfast before beginning our land transfer to the city of Hoi An. We travel the Pass of Mountain Clouds, en route visiting the attractive fishing village of Lang Co before arriving in Hoi An Ancient Town, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Hoi An is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. The rest of the day and evening is at leisure. Lodging: Ha An Hotel Meals: (B) Breakfast

Ha An Hotel is a boutique style hotel is located in a quiet area, just a short stroll from the old town. The hotel is situated amid a peaceful garden area, highlighted by water features and potted orchids. The hotel has twenty well-appointed and comfortable rooms, some with shared balconies with garden views, all with private en suite facilities. The hotel has a lovely traditionally decorated restaurant that offers a beautiful view of the charming garden. Guests can enjoy traditional Vietnamese and international cuisines while enjoying breezes form the sea.

Day 8: FRI Nov 19th - HOI AN
After breakfast we start our day in Hoi An with an authentic Vietnamese Cooking Class. We begin with a shopping tour at the local market for fresh ingredients, before preparing everyday Vietnamese dishes under the watchful instruction of local well-known chef, Ms. Vy. At the close of the class, not only do we feel well versed in the basics of Vietnamese cuisine but we also enjoy the fruits of our labour as our lunch. Afterwards we enjoy a wonderful relaxed walking tour of Hoi An's ancient town centre, visiting former merchant houses, the 400 year old Japanese Covered Bridge and colourful markets. Hoi An's architecture and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site.The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Hoi An on your own. Lodging: Hoi An Ha An Meals: (BL) Breakfast, Lunch

My Son Sanctuary
The My Son Sanctuary is one of Vietnam’s most treasured architectural achievements, and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. As a former centre for spirituality and worship between the 4th and 13th centuries, Over 70 architectural works were part of the large complex, which was built by the nobility of the Champa Kingdom who derived their cultural and spiritual influences from Indian Hinduism, developed on the coast of contemporary Vietnam. Today only 25 architectural works remain as proof to the reign of the Champa Dynasty, with a series of impressive tower-temples being located at a dramatic site 70 km’s south-west of DaNang. My Son was considered to be Champa’s counterpart to the grand cities of South-East Asia’s other Indian influenced civilizations of Angkor Wat in modern day Cambodia and Lo Pagan in Myanmar.

Day 9: SAT Nov 20th - HOI AN to HO CHI MINH CITY
After an early morning breakfast we depart for My Son, a major site in Vietnam, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The Kingdom at My Son dates back to the 4th century and served as a religious and intellectual centre where Champa kings were crowned and buried. We enjoy lunch before making our way to the Da Nang airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formally Saigon. Upon arrival we transfer to our historic hotel situated along the Saigon River. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the sights and sounds of Ho Chi Minh City. Lodging: Hotel Majestic Saigon Meals: (B) Breakfast Flight: Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh (b. 19 May 1890 – d. 3 September 1969)
A Vietnamese Communist revolutionary, Ho Chi Minh (born Nguyen Sinh Cung), was prime minister (1946 – 1955) and president (1945 – 1969) and a historic statesman of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam). Ho led the independence movement from 1941, defeating the French in 1954 at Dien Bien Phu. The former capital of South Vietnam (Saigon), was renamed in his honour after the Fall of Saignon, by the North Vietnamese Army on April 30, 1975

Hotel Majestic Saigon was opened in 1925 as the city's finest abode, the Majestic has gone through several reincarnations over the past 85 years, changes that reflect the tumultuous history of Vietnam. The hotel sits along side the famed Saigon River and is within walking distance of the beautiful Opera House, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Ben Thanh Markets. The hotel is Vietnam's first hotel to receive 5-star recognition and has several restaurants, lounges and a swimming pool among other facilities on the premises. The rooms are decorated in a colonial style, some with balconies overlooking the Saigon River. The Majestic is a hotel of Tradition, Hospitality and Elegance of a bygone era in Saigon.

Day 10: SUN Nov 21st - HO CHI MINH
We enjoy breakfast this morning before setting out on a half day tour of the Ho Chi Minh City (formally Saigon), visiting sights such as the former Presidential Palace and Notre-Dame Cathedral. The city is famous for colourful Chinese Temples and sculptures depicting local deities. The balance of the day is at leisure to enjoy the city. For those interested in touring the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, you may join your Travel Broker Tours Escort on an afternoon half day ($) optional tour. Lodging: Hotel Majestic Saigon Meals: (B) Breakfast

Day 11: MON Nov 22nd - HO CHI MINH to ANGKOR WAT
 After breakfast we transfer to Ho Chi Minh's Airport for our short flight to Siem Reap (modern day Angkor Wat), Cambodia. Upon our arrival we will begin a 4-day discovery of Angkor Wat, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and a historical capital of the Khmer Empire, which flourished from the 9th to 13th centuries. We transfer to our boutique hotel in the 'modern day' city of Siem Reap, before beginning an afternoon tour of of the majestic 12th century Angkor Wat Temple, the single largest religious monument in the world. Later that afternoon, we ascend a hilltop by elephant to Phnom Bakheng Temple, to enjoy a beautiful sunset (weather permitting) overlooking Angkor Wat. After sunset we return to our hotel to enjoy the rest of our evening at leisure. Lodging: Pavillion d' Orient Meals: (B) Breakfast Flight: Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap

Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is one of the most important archaeological sites in all of South-East Asia and a historical capital of the Khmer Empire, which flourished from the 9th to the 13th centuries. King Jayavarman II (802 - 835) is recognized as the founder of the Khmer Empire, which at it's peak dominated a large swath of (modern) South-East Asia, from Myanmar to the west, to the southern border of Laos in the north, to the Malay Peninsula to the south, and Vietnam in the east. During King Suryavarman II's reign (1113 - 1150) he built the iconic and majestic Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument, which was dedicated to the god Vishnu. It took approximately 37 years to build and with its lotus-shaped towers, became the most elaborate temple in the entire empire.

Pavillion d' Orient Boutique Hotel is an old Colonial Style Mansion, which respects the ancient traditional Cambodian architecture. There are two main buildings hidden in a lush tropical garden, with large air-conditioned rooms, furnished with an Art Deco style, which will bring guests back to the Indochina Time period. All rooms include either a bathtub or rain-shower and all have their own private balcony overlooking the tropical garden and unique salt-water swimming pool with infinity edge and waterfalls. Guests may enjoy the hotels open air restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Cambodian and European cuisines are made from fresh products selected everyday by our chef from the local market.

Day 12: TUE Nov 23rd - ANGKOR WAT
After breakfast we will begin a full day exploration of Angkor Wat including the South Gate of Angkor Thom (a 20 meter-high gate crowned by 4 stone faces and bordered by a double row of 54 stone figures carrying a huge Naga serpent), The Elephant and Leper King Terraces (the impressive remains of the Khmer Kings palace), and the famous Bayon (the 12th Century Angkor Thom Buddhist Temple, with 54 enigmatic four-faced towers). We'll enjoy lunch before setting out in the afternoon to explore some of the other spectacular sights of Angkor, including Ta Keo, Ta Prohm, Thommanon and Preah Khan. The temples of Angkor, were built from 802 - 1220AD, when the Khmer civilization was at its height, and represents one of the most astonishing and enduring architectural achievements in the world. The structures one sees at Angkor Wat today (more than 100 temples in all), are the surviving remains of a grand social and administrative metropolis whose other buildings - palaces, public buildings, and houses - were all built of wood and are long since decayed and gone. Lodging: Pavillion d' Orient Meals: (B) Breakfast

Day 13: WED Nov 24th - TONLE SAP LAKE
This morning we enjoy an early morning breakfast before taking a boat ride on the Tonle Sap Lake, where we will see fishing villages, the Sunken Forest and the Prek Toal Biosphere Bird Sanctuary. Afterwards we return to our hotel to enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure before regrouping for dinner and a traditional Apsara Khmer Dance performance that evening. Lodging: Pavillion d' Orient Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14: THU Nov 25th - ANGKOR WAT to HO CHI MINH CITY
After breakfast we transfer to the Siem Reap International airport for our return flight to Ho Chi Minh City. An ever changin city and the main commercial centre in the southern part of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City has been highly influenced by its French colonial past. Upon our arrival we make our way back to our historic Saigon hotel, with the remainder of the day being free to discover at your own leisure. For those interested in doing some bargaining Ben Thanh Market is where clothing to food are traded daily. Lodging: Hotel Majestic Saigon Meals: (B) Breakfast Flight: Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City

The Mekong Delta and Floating Markets
The Mekong Delta is one of two ‘rice baskets’ in Vietnam, the other being the Red River region in the north. The country is the 2nd largest exporter of rice in the world, with the delta region accounting for over half of Vietnam’s yearly rice production. Life in the Mekong Delta revolves around the water, with inhabitants toiling on the life-sustaining river for their livelihoods. The area is densely populated and intensively farmed, with rice paddies, fish farms and local orchards dominating the numerous river tributaries and canals. The area is famous for its floating markets, held every morning from 5h00 till about 11h00. Hundreds of local traders converge in their boats to buy and sell mostly fruits, coconuts, vegetables and fish. 

Day 15: FRI Nov 26th - MEKONG DELTA
This morning we enjoy breakfast before departing from our hotel lobby at 7am for our day tour of the Mekong Delta. We will visit Cai Be Town and cruise on the Mekong river to see the Cai Be floating market. We also set foot on a nearby island and visit a local handmade coconut candy and rice paper workshop before returning to Ho Chi Minh City via the local countryside. Upon our return to our hotel, we will have some time to relax before regrouping with our fellow travelling companions for the tour's farewell dinner. Lodging: Hotel Majestic Saigon Meals: (B,D) Breakfast, Farewell Tour Dinner

Day 16: SAT Nov 27th - DEPART VIETNAM for HOME CITY
After breakfast we make our way to Ho Chi Minh City's International Airport for our journey home, filled with memories of vibrant South-East Asian. Meals: (B) Breakfast

INTERESTED in extending your holiday....
As a fully licensed travel agency we are happy to assist in arranging your flights or any other custom arrangements either before or after this program.

Pricing:

$3,825.00 CAD Per Person
(Based on double occupancy sharing a twin/double room)

  • Price includes LAND TOUR + INTERNAL FLIGHTS indicated in tour itinerary
  • International Airfares are not included in tour price, though we are happy to assist in booking them for you to join up with this tour
  • A $750.00 CAD Deposit required upon booking
  • Final payment due on July 23, 2010
  • Single supplement available at $800.00 CAD

Tour Inclusions:

  • 13 Nights first class or better accommodations in hotels with private en suite facilities
  • 2 Nights cruise aboard the Deluxe Bhaya 'Junk' (traditional Vietnamese sailing vessel) on Halong Bay in a deluxe cabin
  • Breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 5 dinners (Including tour welcome and farewell dinners)
  • All internal flights on tour per itinerary (Hanoi - Hué, Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, Siem Reap - Ho Chi Minh)
  • All airport, land and sightseeing transfers and entrance fees per itinerary
  • Half day city tour of Vietnam's capital of Hanoi and Water Puppet Theatre performance in the Old Quarter
  • Two half day morning tours of Hué including sightseeing of the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Doc and a boat ride on the Perfume River in Hué to visit the Seven-story Thein Mu Pagoda and the Imperial Citadel
  • Walking tour of Hoi An's ancient town centre, a visit to a traditional fishing village, a cooking class and lunch at Mrs. Vy's Gourmet Cooking School
  • Half day city tour of Ho Chi Minh City including the former Presidential Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral
  • Full day tour of the Mekong Delta including the Cai Be floating market
  • Visit the temples of Angkor Wat including the Victory and South Gates of Angkor Thom, the Terrace of Elephants and Leper King, Bayon, Ta Keo, Ta Promh, Thommanon and Preah Khan
  • Visit of (5) UNESCO World Heritage Sites including; Halong Bay, Imperial Hué, Hoi An's Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary and Angkor Wat
  • Fully escorted from Canada by Jeff Pychel of Travel Broker Tours
  • Experienced local English-speaking guides and drivers
  • All baggage handling and guaranteed shared option
  • All Taxes

Tour Exclusions:

  • International Airfare to Hanoi, Vietnam and return from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
  • Optional 2 Night Stopover in Hong Kong (See below for add-on pricing.)
  • Personal Insurances (medical, baggage, cancellation, etc.)
  • Immunizations and Visas
  • Alcoholic beverages and bar beverages (soft drinks)
  • Laundry & personal hotel charges
  • All gratuities, items of personal nature and souvenirs
  • All optional excursions or deviations from the itinerary

Hong Kong (Optional 2 Nt Stopover) Add-on Pricing:

$385.00 CAD Per Person
(Based on double occupancy sharing a twin/double room.)

  • A $150.00 CAD Deposit required upon booking
  • Final payment due on July 23, 2010
  • Single supplement available at $175.00 CAD

Hong Kong Tour Inclusions:

  • 2 Nights deluxe or better accommodations in hotels with private en suite facilities
  • Breakfast daily and return airport transfers - (Hong Kong airport to Hong Kong hotel.)
  • Hong Kong sightseeing entrance fees and transport for Duk Ling Ride (Chinese Junk Harbour Cruise) and the Victoria Peak.
  • Fully escorted by Jeff Pychel of Travel Broker Tours.

Hong Kong Tour Exclusions:

  • Airfares to Hong Kong are not included in tour price, though we are happy to assist in booking them for you to join up with this tour
  • Personal Insurances (medical, baggage, cancellation, etc.)
  • Immunizations and Visas
  • Alcoholic beverages and bar beverages (soft drinks)
  • Laundry & personal hotel charges
  • All gratuities, items of personal nature and souvenirs
  • All optional excursions or deviations from the itinerary

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For more information or to register for this tour please contact Jeff Pychel at:

Travel Broker Tours
A division of The Travel Broker & Cruise Centre
1758 Bath Road Kingston, ON Canada
Telephone: 613-389-7914 or 1-800-387-7678
Email: jpychel@thetravelbroker.ca
Web: www.thetravelbroker.ca