ITINERARY

A tiny island republic of 240 square miles, Singapore’s importance is far greater than its size would suggest. The “Lion City,” as its name literally means, was founded in 1819 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles and is considered one of history’s great success stories. Modern in every sense of the word, this metropolis is the cleanest and safest city in Asia. Experience exquisite restaurants offering exotic cuisine from all corners of the earth. Visit Chinatown, Little India, Geylang Serai, Arab Street or Katong and catch a glimpse of Singapore’s many faceted characteristics, with its multi-ethnic population and myriad cultures. Singapore is a shopper’s dream come true. Find bargains galore on a wide variety of merchandise from clothes to fine jewelry and perfumes to electronics. Your 3 night package includes accommodations at some of the choicest hotels, including the Raffles (home of the famous “Singapore Sling”). Also offered are several optional tours to acquaint you with some of the many other sights of this amazing city.

Optional Tours
(minimum 2 persons required):

Breakfast at the Zoo (3.5 hours)
The Singapore Zoological Gardens is recognized as one of the world’s most spectacular zoos. The use of natural barriers like streams, rock walls and vegetation to separate animals from visitors enhances the “open” zoo concept. Here you will find more than 2000 animals from over 240 species, including 40 endangered species. The zoo’s orangutan breeding program has created a large community of these gentle, endangered animals. Share breakfast or tea with an orangutan at the world’s only zoo offering such a treat. ($52)

Night Safari (4 hours)
This is the world’s first and only night zoo. The dark holds many surprises, and more so at the Night Safari, where you can look a rhinoceros in the eye or hear the howls of a pack of striped hyenas. There are over 1,200 animals and more than 110 exotic species to watch out for. The animals are in eight zones that recreate various geographic regions like the Southeast Asian rainforest, African savanna, Nepalese river valley, South American pampas and Burmese jungle. Strike out on your own along the walking trail or relax in a tram ride, whichever you choose. The Night Safari is a wild adventure not to be missed. ($43)

Diving with the Sharks (4 hours)
Visit Sentosa Island, elegantly developed with a wide variety of entertainment options. Enjoy the thrill of diving into the shark tank and reef tank at Underwater World Singapore. 30 minute diving sessions are held on Wed, Sat and Sun. Advance booking is required. ($155) (diving gear included)

ITINERARY

Jan 21: Depart Chiang Mai
Depart Chiang Mai this afternoon for Hanoi by flight. You will be welcomed upon arrival and transferred to the hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.

Jan 22: Excursion to Halong Bay with boat trip
Cruise on a traditional wooden boat among the emerald waters and craggy limestone cliffs of Halong Bay, stopping at different islands to explore some of the many caves in this area. Sail past floating villages, fishermen casting their nets and pearl fisheries and observe the rhythms of daily life on the bay. Overnight in Hanoi. (B)

Jan 23: Hanoi Sightseeing
Hanoi, a city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks, is the capital of Vietnam. It is a very attractive city with French style buildings and less traffic than other cities in Asia. Visit the One Pillar Pagoda, Temple Of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Opera House and Bao Tang Lich Museum. Overnight in Hanoi. (B)

Jan 24: Hanoi - Hue
Transfer to the airport this morning for the flight from Hanoi to Hue. Transfer upon arrival to the hotel. Sightseeing of the Old Imperial City located in the Citadel, and built in the early 19th century and modeled after the Forbidden City in Peking. There are numerous palaces and temples within these walls, as well as towers, a library and a museum. Visit the Imperial Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and the Dong Ba Market. Overnight in Hue. (B)

Jan 25: Hue - Danang
Excursion on Huong Giang River to the Thien Mu Pagoda by boat. Thien Mu Pagoda is just outside of Hue, on the bank of the Perfume River. This was a hotbed of anti-government protest during the early 1960s. Behind the main sanctuary of the pagoda is the Austin motorcar, which transported the monk Thich Quang Duc to the site of his 1963 self-immolation. Continue by road from Hue to Danang, through the Hai Van Pass. The pass crosses over a spur of the Truong Son Mountain Range that just into the South China Sea. It is an incredible mountainous stretch of highway with spectacular views. Check in at the hotel. Sightseeing in Danang this afternoon includes the Cham Museum, China Beach, made famous in the American TV series of the same name and the Marble Mountains: Overnight in Danang. (B)

Jan 26: Danang - Saigon
Enjoy an excursion to Hoi An, a picturesque riverside town south of Danang. Visit several shrines, pagodas and a museum, before continuing on to Danang, to board the flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Saigon. (B)

Jan 27: Saigon Sightseeing
Enjoy a city tour of Saigon commencing in Cholon (Chinatown) this morning. This is the huge Chinese neighborhood to the west of the city in District 5. Cholon means 'Big Market', a good indication of the importance the Chinese have traditionally played in Vietnam's economy. Visit Binh Tay Market, Nghia An Hoi Pagoda and Tam Son Hoi Quan Pagoda. The afternoon is at leisure to pursue independent activities. Overnight in Saigon. (B)

Jan 28: Saigon / Singapore / New York (JFK)
Transfer to the airport this morning to board the flight to Singapore. Upon arrival connect with the onward flight to New York (JFK). (B)

Jan 29: Arrive North America
Arrive in New York this morning.