Preconvetion Tour to Vietnam + Cambodia + Thailand
In 2023, a fantastic group of Rotarians from the Caribbean and North America embarked on a memorable journey together. We traversed three Australian cities before concluding our adventure at the Rotary International (RI) Convention in Melbourne. Our experience was so enjoyable that we’ve decided to do it again in 2024.
Tour Outline
- 13 May: Arrival Hanoi
- 14 May: Hanoi City Tour
- 15 – 17 May: Hanoi – Halong Bay O/N Cruise
- 17 May: Halong – Hanoi – Fly to Siem Reap
- 18 May: Siem Reap – Angkor Wat Tour
- 19 May: Siem Reap – Angkor Wat Tour
- 20 May: Siem Reap – Fly to Bangkok
- 21 May: Bangkok
- 22 May: Bangkok – Fly to Phuket
- 23 May: Phuket
- 24 May: Phuket
- 25 May: Phuket City Tour – Departure
What’s Included
- All activities mentioned on the itinerary
- 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 6 dinners
- 4 domestic flights
- Hand-picked 4-star and 5-star hotels
- Private transportation
- Arrival airport transfer
- Accommodation in double rooms. Single occupancy option is available
- Experienced English and French guides with you throughout the trip
Group Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
Upon your arrival, we will be taken to our hotel in the vibrant city of Hanoi. Take some time to unwind and settle in at your own pace. The afternoon is your free time to embark on your initial exploration of the city. In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Dinner / Overnight in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
Begin your adventure in Hanoi by exploring its renowned attractions, such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and various museums. Savour a delightful lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, take pleasure in a one-hour cyclo ride through the charming Hanoi Old Quarter and conclude your day with the captivating traditional Vietnamese water puppet show.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch / Overnight in Hanoi
Day 3, 4 and 5: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay Cruise
In the morning, we’ll set off for the stunning Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its extraordinary beauty. We’ll board a river cruise boat for a three-day, two-night adventure, immersing ourselves in the bay’s captivating scenery and rich culture. Your stay includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and all cabins come equipped with private bathrooms.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Overnight on cruise
Day 5: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay Cruise – Hanoi – Fly to Siem Reap
Rise early to witness the sunrise over the bay, holding a cup of hot tea. Cruise through the stunning Ha Long Bay, savoring a brunch on board. By noon, arrive at Ha Long City Pier, for the transfer back to Hanoi airport for your evening flight to Siem Reap. The evening is free for you to relax and enjoy at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner / Overnight in Siem Reap
Day 6: Angkor Wat
Today, your itinerary includes a visit to the ancient capital of Angkor Thom, where you will explore the Bayon Temple, known for its 54 towers adorned with more than 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara. You’ll also see the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon, your journey takes you to Angkor Wat, then, the Phnom Bakheng Hills, to Khmer Folk Apsara dance show at a local restaurant
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Show / Overnight in Siem Reap
Day 7: Angkor Wat
Your day begins with a visit to the Banteay Srei temple, often referred to as the masterpiece of classical Khmer art. Following this, your journey continues to Banteay Samre, constructed in the third quarter of the 12th century. In the afternoon, you’ll explore the distinctive interior brick sculptures of Prasat Kravan, Srah Srang, Banteay Kdei (enclosed by four concentric walls), Ta Keo, which was built in the late 10th to early 11th century C.E., and Ta Prohm, renowned for its captivating beauty.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch / Overnight in Siem Reap
Day 8: Siem Reap – Fly to Bangkok
After breakfast & check-out. Transfer to Siem Reap Airport for flight to Bagnkok. Upon arrival in Bangkok, the day is at leisure to relax and recover from the flight. In the evening we board a river taxi from/to the hotel pier to the Sky Bar on Chaophraya River (Beverage & Drinks on your own).
Meals: Breakfast / Overnight in Bangkok
Day 9: Bangkok
Our sightseeing agenda encompasses iconic landmarks such as the Royal Palace, Wat Traimit, Wat Pho, the Grand Palace complex, the Emerald Buddha Temple, and more. The afternoon is yours to explore independently and indulge in some shopping. In the evening, you get to experience a 5-course Thai dinner and show at the renowned Sala Rim Naam restaurant.
Dress Code: Please note that the chapel is a national shrine and that you will be required to wear proper attire (no bare shoulders, knees, or strapless-heel shoes). Shoes must be removed before entering the temple buildings as a matter of respect. Please note that photography is permitted in the Royal Palace Grounds and in the compounds of the Emerald Buddha Temple, but not inside the buildings.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner / Overnight in Bangkok
Day 10: Bangkok – Fly to Phuket
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. After check-out, transfer from the hotel in the centre of Bangkok to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (Domestic Terminal) for your internal flight to the South of Thailand, specifically Phuket Beach. Upon arrival in Phuket, transfer to the mainland hotel. Check-in and have some free time at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast / Overnight in Phuket
Day 10: Phuket – Phang Nga Bay
Today we take an island-hopping adventure with a full-day tour to explore the nearby islands. Explore James Bond Island and the famous rock (Koh Tapu) in the early morning without the crowd. Stop at the Siam Adventure World private canoe station at Lod Nai Cave away from the other tours and enjoy being paddled through the mangroves and the cave. Discover the beauty of Phang Nga Bay, renowned for their breathtaking landscapes and pristine, crystal-clear waters.
Meals: Breakfast Box, Lunch, Dinner / Overnight in Phuket
Day 11: Phuket City Tour
Embark on a day trip exploring Phuket City and its temples, including visits to Wat Chaithararam (Wat Chalong), Cape Promthep, The Big Buddha, Old Phuket Town, Freedom Beach, Karon Beach, Central Phuket Floresta, and Wat Ko Sire.
Meals: Breakfast / Overnight in Phuket
Day 12: Phuket – Fly to Singapore
Embark on a half-day city tour of Phuket, including visits to the Phuket Aquarium and Wat Charoen Samanakij temple. Following the tour, you will depart for Singapore.
Meals: Breakfast / Overnight in Singapore
May 26 to May 29 – RI Convention Singapore
Attend the Rotary International Convention. No events organized by Soca Islands are planned to allow for full engagement with the Rotary Convention activities.
Thursday May 30: Depart for Los Angeles /Home
Accommodations We LOVE!
Here’s a glimpse of the hotels we occasionally select for this adventure. The specific accommodations for your departure will be disclosed to you one month prior to your departure date.
Le Jardin Hotel and Spa, Hanoi
Hanoi Le Jardin Hotel & Spa resides in Hanoi, positioned within a kilometer of Quan Thanh Temple and just a 16-minute stroll from West Lake. This establishment boasts amenities such as a restaurant, room service, and a 24-hour front desk, complemented by complimentary WiFi accessible throughout the premises.
Indochine Cruise, Ha Long bay
Indochine Cruise Lan Ha Bay, provides luxurious 5-star lodging in Ha Long. The establishment features a communal lounge, restaurant, and bar for guests to enjoy.
Borei Angkor Resort, Cambodia
Surrounded by lush private gardens, Borei Angkor Resort & Spa provides roomy Khmer-inspired lodgings in Siem Reap. The resort boasts an outdoor pool, and patrons can savor meals at any of its four dining venues. Complimentary WiFi is accessible across the entire property, and the staff is proficient in conversing in Chinese, Khmer, and English.
Riva Surya, Bangkok
Elegantly adorned with modern furnishings, the accommodations at Riva Surya showcase a flat-screen TV, an iPod docking station, and a secure safety deposit box. Guests can enjoy the convenience of a minibar and an electric kettle. Complimentary toiletries and a plush bathrobe are thoughtfully included in the private en suite bathroom.
The Pavillions, Phuket
Nestled majestically atop one of Phuket’s elevated peaks, our exclusive villas and suites provide a sanctuary of serenity. Whether commemorating a momentous occasion or seeking a retreat to unwind and rekindle connections, we ensure every essential is at your disposal for a complete immersion in the enchanting island lifestyle.