VIETNAM 16 Night 5* Premium Luxury Tour
AUG 23 – SEPT 08 2013: $ 3485 pp + Airfare SS $ 795
With Finesse Holidays
For further information: http://www.finessebridgeclub.com.au
director@finessebridge.com.au Ph: 02-9596 1423 or 0410 127 326
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TABLE OF CONTENTS: Page No
1: TRIP DOSSIER 2
2: FLIGHT DETAILS 2
3: HOTEL ADDRESSES & PHONE NUMBERS 3
4: ITINERARY & BRIDGE PROGRAM 4
5: MAJESTIC HOTEL 5* – HO CHI MINH CITY 5
6: MIA RESORT & SPA 5* - NGA TRANG 6
7: SUNRISE RESORT 5* – HOI AN 8
8: INDOCHINE PALACE 5* - HUE 9
9: HILTON OPERA 5* – HANOI 11
10: OPTIONAL EXTRA – BHAYA JUNK CRUISE 12
11: BRIDGE PROGRAM 13
1: TRIP DOSSIER
International Flight will be with Vietnam Airlines if travelling with your hosts. We will arrive in
Saigon at our hotel around 17:15 pm on 23 rd August 2013. There is an Optional Extra for a cruise on
Halong Bay for 2 nights at the completion of the holiday. Deposit of $ 200 required asap to secure
your position and full payment required by May 01 2013. Payable to Finesse Bridge Club @ 29
Poplar Pl Lugarno 2210 or telephone for Bpay.
2: RETURN FLIGHTS from Sydney to Saigon: Email for flights from other cities:
Holiday commences in Vienna and the following flights are recommended. If you deviate from these
times you may find you have additional transfer costs. Contact Greg before doing your flights.
Fri Aug 23 Vietnam Air VN 772 Depart Sydney Fri 23 Aug 2013 10:15 9 hrs
Arrive Saigon Fri 23 Aug 2013 16:15
Sun Sept 08/10 Vietnam Air VN 1155 Depart Hanoi Sun 08/10 Sept 2013 17:00 2 hr
Arrive Saigon Sun 08/10 Sept 2013 19:00
Sun Sept 08/10 Vietnam Air VN 773 Depart Saigon Sun 08/10 Sept 2013 20:45 8 hr 50 mins
Arrive Sydney Mon 09/11 Sept 2013 08:35
Inclusions: Saigon – Hanoi
� All tipping & gratuities � 16 nights finest accommodation
� 8 morning tours with Air-Conditioned coach � English speaking tour guides
� All dinners, all breakfasts & 4 Lunches � 3 Internal flights
� All transfers � Fully escorted tour
� All bridge fees including Pairs and Teams � Workshops & Lesson Material
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3: HOTEL ADDRESSES AND PHONE NUMBERS for EMERGENCIES:
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MAJESTIC HOTEL – HO CHI MINH CITY August 23-25
1 Dong Khoi Str., Dist. 1 Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Tel: (84-8) 3829 5517 Email: majesticsaigon.com.vn
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MIA RESORT – NHA TRANG August 25 – 29
Address: Bai Dong, Cam Hai Dong, Cam Lam, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam
(T) +84 (0) 583 989 666 (E) info@mianhatrang.com
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SUNRISE RESORT – HOI AN August 29 – September 03
Address: Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An Town, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam
Telephone: ++84 (0) 510 393 7777 Email: resa@sunrisehoian.vn
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INDOCHINE PALACE RESORT - HUE September 03-06
Address: 74 Tran Quang Khai street, Tan Dinh ward, District 1, 5/F, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: +84 (0)8 3848 4924 Email: sm-hcm@bwp-indochinepalace.com
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HILTON HANOI OPERA HOTEL - HANOI August 06-08
Tele: (04) 3933 0500
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BHAYA JUNK CRUISE – HALONG BAY AUG 08 - 10
Tele: 84 4 3562 5225 sales@cruiseshalongbay.com
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3: TRAVEL INFORMATION:
Tipping: Everyone in Vietnam tips. Its customary to tip between 30 cents to a $ 1 for baggage
handling and daily room service. It is also customary to tip tour operators about 50 c - $ 1 each per day.
Wine & Beer and Bottled Water: Buy your bottled water at nearby stands, not in the hotels.
Water will be supplied with your meals by your hosts. Best to buy wines duty free.
Illness: Some people get a little stomach illness and there will be Berberian tablets to take for this.
Variations from our Itinerary: Anyone choosing to alter from our itinerary by a) taking different
flights will incur their own transfer costs to hotels or airports b) taking alternate accommodation will be
at own expense and c) taking alternate tours or transportation are at own expense.
Liability: For events beyond our control, we do not accept liability whatsoever for injury, damage,
loss, delay, additional expenses or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by any events which are
beyond our control including, but not limited to war, civil disturbance, fire, floods, acts of God, acts of
Government or of any other authorities, accident to or failure of machinery or equipment.
Travel Insurance: This tour does not include travel insurance but we strongly recommend you
purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy after booking your holiday. We recommend ABF
Insurance Scheme for $ 100 per year.
Bridge Program: Program will consist of a 8 session B4Red Pairs Event (Best 5 of 6). A 3 session
B5Red Teams event. Additional Green Point sessions will be supplied at the request of customers. A
number of Lessons and workshops will be supplied.
Visa Requirements & Departure Taxes: To enter Vietnam you will require a passport (with at least 6
months remaining validity) and a tourist visa. The cost of the flight and Visa is approximately $ 1100.
This visa must be obtained prior to arrival. A combined entry/exit and baggage declaration form will be
issued to you prior to arrival and the yellow copy of this must be retained until your departure from
Vietnam. Please ensure this paper is kept in a safe place while you are in Vietnam. It is your
responsibility to ensure all visa and entry requirements are met prior to your arrival in Vietnam. Your
departure taxes are now included in your airfare.
Money: The official unit of currency in Vietnam is the dong. Approximate exchange rates at the
time of printing are: Although US$ are also acceptable.
� 1 AUD equals 20300 dong at time of printing
Just bring $A to Vietnam and exchange it at Saigon Airport or any money exchange. The % taken is o
ften less than 1%. Don’t exchange money in Australia especially at Kingsford Smith. They take 20+ %.
Climate: Vietnam spans several climatic zones, resulting in substantial weather condition variations
between the north and the south. Average temperatures year round range from 20 to 35 degrees Celsius
so there is no particularly good or bad time to visit Vietnam.
Central Vietnam is usually dry from May to October. Northern Vietnam also experiences two seasons
though conditions can change dramatically throughout the day. Summer, from May to October, can be
reasonably hot and wet with regular downpours and occasional typhoons.
There is no need for any winter clothing. Take your hat, sunglasses, sunscreen & your swimmers.
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2: TRIP DOSSIER VIETNAM 2013 – Aug 09- Aug 25.
Notes & Recommendation: Vietnam Airways now leaves Kingsford Smith at 10:15 am.
Note that one or two activities may still be interchanged due to some unforeseen alterations.
Arriving 4:00 pm local time. Breakfast is from 6 till 10 am. Times may alter slightly, a printout
will be supplied every 2 nd morning. L=Lunch.
DAY 1 Arrive at Vietnam’s No1 Hotel The Majestic at around 17:30. Have time to Settle in
before enjoying a beautiful dinner with a Vietnamese band.
DAY 2 10:00 am Half day tour to War Museum and other attractions. Return around 14:00.
Champagne Reception on the Ground floor bar at 18:00 before a 100m walk across
the road for dinner on board The Floating Restaurant.
DAY 3 Flight 12:20 VN1352 to Nha Trang arriving 13:15
16:00 Bridge Session 1 and dinner at 20:00.
DAY 4 9:30 Visit Trap Ba Hot Springs for rejuvenation.
15:00 Bridge Session 2 and dinner at 19:45
DAY 5 9:30 am Visit Nagar Temple and City tour.
14:00 Bridge Session 3 and dinner at 19:45.
DAY 6 9:30 am Bridge Workshop
14:00 Bridge Session 4 and dinner at 19:45.
DAY 7 Flight 12:15 VN1942 to Danang (Hoi An) arriving 13:30
17:30 Short Walking tour of Hoi An Old Town including Japanese Bridge
19:00 Dinner in Hoi An at the Brothers Reastaurant.
DAY 8 08:30 Morning tour of Marble Mountain, only the fit should walk the mountain.
14:00 Bridge Session 5 and dinner at 19:45.
DAY 9 09:00 Bridge Tutorial. Followed by Tra Que Vegetable Village Tour. (L)
Free afternoon or organise a tutorial with Greg. Dinner at 19:45.
DAY 10 09:30 Bridge Tutorial. Free time for shopping.
14:00 Bridge Session 6 and dinner at 19:45.
Day 11 09:00 Optional tour to Pottery Village via the river.
14:00 Bridge Session 7 and dinner at 19:45.
DAY 12 10:30 Transfer by coach over the spectacular Hai Van Pass. (L)
16:30 Walking tour of the Old Capital City and dinner at 19:45.
DAY 13 09:30 Tour of the Citadel.
14:00 Bridge Session 8 and dinner at 19:45.
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DAY 14 09:00 Bridge Tutorial before going on The Perfume River Cruise (L)
15:30 Bridge Session 9 and dinner at 20:00.
DAY 15 Flight 11:25 VN1510 to Hanoi arriving 12:35
16:30 Walking tour of the city followed by dinner at 19:45.
Day 16 09:30 Shopping tour of Hanoi and some highlights.
15:30 Walk-In Pairs (Greeen Points)
Day 17 Free Day before 13:45 transfer to Airport for flight home, otherwise
08:00 Collection to Halong Bay for 2 night cruise.
COMMON WORDS:
VIETNAMESE ENGLISH
sin chow Hello (or hi)
kwhere khom How are you?
toy kwhere, come ern I’m fine, thank you
come ern Thank you
ten la zee What is your name?
ten toy la My name is….
Bao new toy How old are you?
Toy … too-ee I am … years old
…Bao new How much is …?
Muk kwar Its too expensive!
Kom No
Ya(south), vang (north) Yes
Sin loy Excuse me / I’m sorry
Kom can No need
Voo-ee lum doong tay kung tum coo-ah toy Please do not change my bath towels
Tum bee-et Good bye!
Chook may mun Good luck!
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6: HO CHI MINH CITY & THE MAJESTIC HOTEL 5*:AUG 23 -25
History of Saigon: Like Shanghai or Bangkok, Saigon comes imbued with its own myth. You
have a vision in mind already. You’ve seen it on TV, you’ve seen it in the movies: the city of
war, the city of sin, the city of changing fortunes. Saigon is busy and brash, the commercial hub
of Vietnam, the industrial muscle of the nation. It’s a city of economic contrasts, too. At temple
festivals you will see women in shimmering silk float by filthy ragged beggars. As the Khmer
and Cham (original inhabitants) shrank, the Vietnamese advanced from the north. In the early
17 th century, on the condition they be allowed to settle the south, the Vietnamese agreed to help
the Khmers fight the Thais. Fully in control by 1680, the Vietnamese allowed 3,000 refugee
Chinese Ming soldiers to settle the area of Bien Hoa. A few years later the Chinese started a
market at Cholon. Eventually the Khmers were pushed back to the Mekong Delta.
A hotel of Tradition, Hospitality & Elegance: This hotel sits almost on the banks of the Saigon
River at Dong Khoi street in District One, just 7 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City's
international airport. The hotel is a true gem having been in operation since 1925 and boasting
classic French-colonial architecture. There is a very nice outdoor swimming pool here plus the
Areca Health Club with exercise equipment and sauna. In 2006 Hotel Majestic was awarded
Vietnam’s leading hotel.
MUST SEES:
a) War Crimes Museum: Documents American atrocities 1965-1975 period. Politics gets dirty.
b) Cu Chi Tunnels: Near the village of Ben Suc, about 75 km NorthWest of Saigon. These
tunnels were part of the underground network that zigzagged from The Ho Chi Minh trail near
the Cambodian border to the Saigon river. Most Vietcong tunnels in the Cu Chi area have been
sealed but a few passageways have been doubled in width and height to accommodate Western
tourist bodies.
Other Local Attractions within 2kms: Central Post Office, Opera House, History Museum,
Reunification Palace, History Museum & The Saigon River.
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7: NHA TRANG & THE MIA RESORT 5*: AUG 25-29
Nha Trang city has a metropolitan area of 251 km² and population of about 500,000. It borders
Ninh Hòa town by the north, Cam Ranh city by the south, Diên Khánh town by the west and the
South China Sea to the east. The city is located on a beautiful bay, the Nha Trang Bay, which
was chosen by Travel and Leisure in two succeeding years as one of 29 most beautiful bays in
the world. Nha Trang is surrounded on all three sides by mountains and a large island on the
fourth side (in the ocean directly in front of the city's main area) that blocks major storms from
potentially damaging the city.
Mia THE RESORT
Nestled in a quiet bay, on the mountain pass between Cam Ranh Airport and Nha Trang city, Mia
Resort is a haven of tranquillity for couples and families. Set on the slopes of the Nha Trang
Mountains, sheltered by jungle, and with its own private beach, it is unequalled in its beauty,
hospitality, and quality.
The resort was designed and built for those who demand nothing less than the very best. With
only 50 villas in total, set amongst manicured gardens, it is the perfect place to find peace,
relaxation and comfort.
All the senses are satisfied at Mia. As well as being a breathtakingly beautiful resort, the sound of
water is everywhere, to help relax you; the scents of plants and of the sea mix in the air to refresh
you; your taste buds are dazzled in our world-class restaurants; and the Xanh Spa offers a range
of top class services to ease weary muscles, and to re-balance your energy.
Our resort was built and designed on eco-friendly principles and designed to harmonise with the
local environment; it boasts rooftops of manicured grass and shrubs that blend in with the
picturesque landscape; in fact natural products are used throughout the resort, within the
buildings, the spa, and the food. There really is nowhere to rival Mia for its unique, boutique
experience.
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Situated close to the sea, these condos are away from the other villas, with a breath-taking view
of the ocean from the terrace, and are perfect if you love the sound and smells of the ocean. A
quick walk across the beach takes you to the main restaurant and swimming pool area, so you are
never far from the action. Room Size 40 sqm.
Tours Included:
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Trap Ba Hot Springs:
Mud baths have been known for a long time
in the world and it’s also realized as one of
the best measures for caring health and skin.
In Viet Nam, Thap Ba Hot Spring Center
honourably took initiative in developing
mud bath and hot mineral water soak,
creating a wonderful gift for Human beings,
diversifying tour services, and contributing
to tourism development of Nha Trang city,
Po Nagar Temple + City Tour &
shopping:
Nha Trang was called Kauthara, a
principality of the ancient Champa Kingdom.
The population of the kingdom was the
Cham who followed mainly Hinduism and
Muslim. The Cham community at Kauthara
followed Hinduism and they built temples to
worship their kings, queens, gods and
goddesses. Po Nagar was believed to be the
Goddess that taught the local people
civilization, taught them to do agricultural
work and protected their life.
7: HOI AN & SUNRISE RESORT 5*: AUG 29 – SEPT 03
In the middle of the 16th century, when Hoi An was a busy center of the south, Danang was only
a small port for goods in transit and ship repair. It gradually developed into a commercial port
replacing Hoi An in the early 18th century, when European shipbuilding was improved and large
deep draught vessels could easily enter Danang Bay.
Tours Included:
a) Marble Mountain: Rows of marble shops sell gravestones to locals and souvenirs to
the tourists. The marble shops have some curious souvenirs-Uncle Ho images, engraved in flat
marble, depictions of Jesus Christ etc. The marble comes in a variety of colours and you can see
craftspeople at work in the shops lining the road to China beach. )
b) Japanese Covered Bridge on the west end of Tran Phu Street. Hoi An's best-known
landmark consists of a covered bridge and pagoda. The bridge was constructed in the early
1600's by the Japanese community, roughly 40 years before they left the city to return to Japan
under the strict policy of sakohu enforced by the Tokugawa Shogunate.
c) Tra Que Vegetable Village Tra Que vegetable village located in Cam Ha Commune,
Hoi An Town (Quang Nam). Tra Que vegetable were famous for a long time with many
vegetable products were grown on fertile soil, fertilized with seaweed from Co Co River so they
have own unique flavour.
Tra Que is not only a brand known for making high-quality fresh vegetables, but also as an
attractive destination for travelers inside and outside of the country. In warm spring weather, we
went to Tra Que village to enjoy aromatic floral aftertaste of vegetables and watch the local
people to organize tourism.
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7: HUE & THE INDOCHINE PALACE RESORT 5*: SEPT 03 - 06
Hai Van Pass: We take a 3 hour bus tour to arrive at our hotel in Hue via the scenic Hai Van
Pass. It usually looks like an overcast day at Hai Van pass, one of the most scenic hillside roads
in Vietnam. This is also a place where the cold front from China meets the warm front from
southern Vietnam.
Hue is one of places, which has many cultural heritages. Up to now, there is no places like Hue
remaining a lot of originally historical vestiges as in this ancient Capital City.
The BEST WESTERN PREMIER Indochine Palace is surrounded by lush green gardens that
make it an outstanding landmark in Hue, setting new standards of excellence that is difficult to
match by any hotel in Vietnam.
This world class hotel is designed to appeal to the affluent, up-market leisure and business
travellers; and offers excellent facilities for Mice events (meetings, incentives, conferences, and
exhibitions).
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It‘s luxuriously appointed rooms are spacious and start from 35sqm, highlighted by its 42-inch
plasma television and new a generation open bathroom concept. The cosmetics and toiletries
carry the exclusive Indochine Palace fragrance.
The graphics on every item in the room, from specially designed matchboxes to the In-room
Dining menu, reflect the attention to detail Indochine Palace has given the hotel. Most of them
are good keepsakes that are worth remembering the Indochine Palace by. Should any of these
items catch your fancy and you wish to keep them, please contact the Gift shop at L’Arcade for
assistance.
Tours Included:
1) The Citadel
2) The Perfume River Cruise and Lunch:
You wouldn’t imagine that the Royal City of Hue,
mid-way down the coast of Vietnam, bears the
slightest resemblance to Egypt. But think again. The
broad, aptly named Perfume River meanders through
this former Imperial City and beyond and its distant
scorched-baked hills could easily be mistaken for the
Egyptian Nile. Even more of a coincidence, along
these riverbanks are the tombs of former Vietnamese
emperors. With this in mind, as you cruise
downstream, with a little imagination you could be in
the heart of Egypt. Except, that is, for a whacking
great red flag with yellow star fluttering high in the
wind and the locals looking suspiciously Asian.
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The Forbidden Purple City was modelled
after the Imperial City in Beijing and
served as the residence of the Nguyen
Emperors. The impressive citadel was
nearly completely destroyed during the 25
days of Tet Offensive in 1968, but has
been partially restored and is once again
open to visitors. Outside the city, the main
attraction is a sampan cruise up the tranquil
Perfume River to the seven imperial tombs
(including Minh Mang, Tu Duc and Khai
Dinh) and the revered Thien Mu Pagoda.
7: HANOI & THE HILTON OPERA HOTEL 5*: SEPT 06 - 08
Although the history which most people associate with Hanoi is that related to the Vietnam War
and the relationship between Hanoi and the United States as a result of that conflict, but this
period should be remembered as bad governments not bad people. There is much history which
comes before this particular time period. Much of the prior history of Hanoi is related to
domination by other countries and cultures. It has only been in recent times that the city, along
with the rest of Vietnam, has fully developed as an autonomous area relatively free of conflict
with other areas.
As far back as the ninth century, the area was dominated by strong countries. At that time, the
domination came from China. At the beginning of the eleventh century, it became the capital of
Vietnam and has been such ever since, although various conflicts have interrupted its activity as
a capital city. The first such issue was in the end of the fourteenth century, when the capital was
moved for a time to Thanh Hoa. Shortly after this time period, the Chinese again moved in and
dominated the area.
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Stretch out in a spacious 387 sq. ft. Guest Room with separate sleeping and working areas at the
Hilton Hanoi Opera hotel. Connecting rooms make a great option for groups and families.
Upgrade to an Executive Room to enjoy panoramic views of Hanoi Opera House over
complimentary buffet breakfast and evening canapés in the Clubroom. Hilton Hanoi Opera hotel
suites feature all the comforts of home, with 775 sq. ft. and an in-suite refrigerator, ideal for
entertaining. Relax and pick from an extensive range of cable TV channels on the 46-inch flatscreen
TV. Sample specialties from all the corners of Vietnam and beyond at Hilton Hanoi Opera
Hotel.
Tours Included:
Hoan Kiem Lake
Our walking tour on the afternoon of Day 14 will commence with a visit to the Ngoc Son pagoda
on the north end of the lake. Cross the red Bridge of the Rising Sun to reach the temple. From
this most prominent point in the city, follow the northern edge of the lake heading west and cross
over the busy traffic circle. This busy square is known as the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square (the
Tonkin Free School Movement Sq.), named for the early-20th-century nationalist movement that
would eventually spawn grass-roots Communism in Vietnam.
Other Sites that may interest you:
1 Temple of Literature - ~1000 years old National University, very well known, all foreign
presidents visit Vietnam must see it first.
2 National Fine Arts Musem
3 Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Ho Chi Minh museum
4 One Pillar Pagoda
5 Army Museum
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OPTIONAL EXTRA – 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS HALONG BAY CRUISE:
Cost = $ 485 pp Twin Share – All Inclusive – Single Supplement = $ 185
Must book early for this cruise as I cannot reserve rooms.
Halong Bay, a visually stunning archipelago of around 1600 islands and islets, was
inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1994. This amazing seascape of virtually
uninhabited limestone outcrops is an exhilarating destination to explore and experience on
every sensory level. Discover the splendors of the bay aboard a wooden junk that
combines classic beauty with modern comfort.
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Day 1:
Itinerary:
Enjoy a warm welcome aboard the Halong Jasmine, and sit back and drink in the spectacular
vista during our passage into this magical bay.
Once lunch has been served and taste buds and tummies thoroughly satisfied, we weigh anchor
near a secluded beach. Take a short trek to a nearby summit to enjoy the panoramic view of the
bay with Jasmine’s golden sails arcing elegantly against the skyline before splashing down for a
swim, or recline on Jasmine’s wicker sun loungers on our expansive wooden sundeck. Later that
afternoon, we visit a local fishing village where you have the opportunity to interact with some of
the more colorful locals who have lived and fished in the bay for almost three generations.
At sunset, slip into a kayak or board a bamboo row boat to explore water tunnels and discover
pristine coral reef in a scenic lagoon setting. Once back on board the ship, watch the shimmering
sun slip down the sky as you sip expertly-blended cocktails as an aperitif for Jasmine’s
extravagant evening meal.
Day 2:
After breakfast, transfer with a small private crew to our day-trip boat to cruise to the bay’s most
untouched areas. Enjoy swimming in deliciously cool, emerald-green water; basking on quiet
beaches; and exploring tunnels and caves cut into the rock. Soak up the vibrant atmosphere as we
cruise around fishing villages, or take in things at your own pace in a kayak. Lunch will be
served on board by your private chef before you return to the Jasmine for the night.
Day 3:
Greet the new day with some Tai Chi exercises as the sun rises once more over the bay. Enjoy an
elegant continental breakfast before we visit a beautiful limestone grotto to admire its many
unique rock formations. Then it’s back to the boat to form your final lasting impression of
Halong Bay’s awe-inspiring beauty as we cruise back to the dock.
Bridge will be played in the evenings after dinner.
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