South East Asia Golfing Tour

Inflight meals

On arrival in Hong Kong at 7:55 am, connect to Dragonair flight KA297 departing at 8:45. On arrival in Hanoi at 9:50 am, you will be met by our local guide and transferred to your hotel. The balance of your day is at leisure to relax after your flight.

Tonight, enjoy a 1-hour welcome cocktail reception & dinner at your hotel.

Hanoi, capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is one of the most enchanting cities in Asia - a lovely landscape of lakes, shaded boulevards and verdant parks and home to such beautiful and diverse architectural treasures as a 1500-year-old pagoda, colonial French homes and astounding modern skyscrapers. Its bustling markets, thriving nightlife and excellent food add to the attractions of this ancient city. Birthplace to so much of Vietnam's traditional culture, Hanoi, more than any other city in Vietnam, is a unique fusion of old and new. It personifies the spirit of historic Vietnam in the temples, monuments and pockets of ancient culture in the Old Quarter, yet perfectly reflects the rapid changes sweeping the country

Close to the bustle and excitement of the city, Sheraton Hanoi Hotel is surrounded by lush gardens, sweeping lawns, and tranquil courtyards. This peaceful oasis features picturesque views of West Lake and is less than 10 minutes from downtown Hanoi. Truly a “resort within the city,” The Sheraton Hanoi provides the perfect balance between tranquility and convenience. Inflight Meals, D

Accommodation: SHERATON HANOI, Executive Rooms (4 Nights)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Sightseeing tour of Hanoi with cyclo visit of the old quarter: Begin your day visiting the Temple of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and one of the best serving examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university.

Continue to the miniature One Pillar Pagoda. Also dating from the 11th century, this monument was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. After the Pagoda visit, walk through the park to Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, the simple two-room dwelling where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1958 until his final days (1969). Preserved in the same condition as, during his life, it may be viewed through the windows. Afterwards head to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, located in heart of Hanoi, which contains an islet with the tiny Tortoise Pagoda. En route, we pass other colonial landmarks such as the magnificent Opera House (may be seen from the outside only) and St. Joseph’s Cathedral. From the lake, begin exploring the Old Quater by cyclo. This fascinating network of narrow alleys and shophouses is also known as 'The 36 Streets,' each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics to crafts to medicines to tombstones. A handicraft lover's paradise and an endlessly interesting place to explore local life. In the afternoon, visit the History Museum which is just located behind the Opera House and housed in an elegant building from the 1930s, which used to be the museum of the Ecole Francaise d'Extreme Orient; The Museum offers a good view of Vietnam's history from prehistoric times and includes exhibits spanning the entirety of Vietnam's history including prehistory, proto-Vietnamese civilisations, the Dong Son culture, the Oc-Eo culture and the Khmer Kingdoms.

This evening visit a water puppet show, a fascinating art from originating in Northern Vietnam. Enjoy dinner at Khai’s Brothers Restaurant. BD

Breakfast at your hotel.

Tee off at Chi Linh Star Golf Club includes green fees + caddy + golf cart. Travel by private coach to Chi Linh Star Golf Club. About one hour's drive from Hanoi on the way to Halong Bay, in a magnificent valley nestled beside a large lake and surrounded by rolling forest hills proudly sits the premier golf club of Vietnam “The Chi Linh Star Golf and Country Club” features 27 holes of challenging international standard golf. The golf club is one of the newest in Vietnam, opening in late 2003. Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club played host to the first professional golf tournament in the north of Vietnam, the 2004 Carlsberg Masters Vietnam at which time the pure beauty of the layout was recognized by both golf professionals and amateurs alike.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant. BL

Breakfast at your hotel.

Tee off time at the King’s Island Golf Club includes green fees + caddy+ golf cart

This course is the first in Vietnam, some claim. Situated in Ha Tay province, Kings' Island Golf is an international, 36-hole golf club located 36 km west of Hanoi. The course is built along the shores of Dong Mo Lake/Reservoir in the Kings' Valley and thus the name. Access to the course is by boat. The majestic Ba Vi Mountain Range and over 1,000 hectares of water surface ensure that the course is one of the most scenic golf destinations in Southeast Asia.

The course, covering over 300 hectares, consists of two 18-hole courses separately designed and built. The Lake View Course, as the name suggests, has water as its main feature. Not least designed by Robert MacFarland, nature herself has created a superb setting for this very challenging 6,454-yard Par-72 course with more than 10 holes heavily guarded by water hazards. The Mountain View Course, designed by Pacific Coast Design Pty. Ltd. of Australia, takes maximum advantage of the natural layout of the mountain and surrounding trees. Measuring 7,000 yards, this course is suitable for all levels.
Lunch is included at a local restaurant. BL

Breakfast at your hotel.

Transfer to Hanoi airport for your flight to Saigon. On arrival in Saigon, transfer to your hotel where the balance of your day is at leisure.

Tonight, enjoy a dinner cruise aboard a traditional wooden barge along the Saigon River. Dine on an extensive selection of Asian and Western cuisine, and enjoy a mix of live western jazz, classical and traditional Vietnamese music as well as dance performances.

Ho Chi Minh City is the heart and soul of Vietnam. It is a bustling, dynamic and industrious city, and economic capital. The streets, where much of the city's life takes place, are a myriad of shops, stalls, stands-on-wheels and vendors selling wares spread out on sidewalks. Within the teeming metropolis are the timeless traditions and beauty of an ancient culture

The exquisitely appointed 5-star Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon features 336 deluxe rooms and suites over 21 floors, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Saigon River as well as stunning city views. BD

Accommodation: RENAISSANCE RIVERSIDE HOTEL SAIGON, Deluxe City Views (4 Nights)

Breakfast at your hotel.

Half-day sightseeing in Saigon. A vibrant metropolis, Saigon teems with energy, activity and motion. Everywhere you look, you see the meeting of traditional and modern life. The emerging modern skyline stands cheek by jowl with colonial buildings and traditional temples. Outside on the streets, young professionals zip by on motorbikes, chatting on cell phones; inside the quiet temple courtyards, worshippers pray amidst clouds of incense. Begin your tour into modern history with a tour of the Reunification Palace. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s-style building was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates. Afterwards driving to the historic center to visit the Emperor of the Jade Pagoda, one of Saigon's most interesting pagoda. Proceed to pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Pass by the classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel de Ville), and the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside). Finally, end up at the famous central Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

Your afternoon is at leisure. BL

Breakfast at your hotel.

Round of Golf at the Vietnam Golf & Country Club includes green fees, a caddy, and a golf cart.

Vietnam Golf & Country Club has two 18-hole championship-length golf courses. Located just 20 kilometres from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Golf and Country Club is also the nearest golf club to the city. Open since November 1995, the 7,106-yard West Course at Vietnam Golf & Country Club features narrow tree-lined fairways and fast smooth greens. The Par 72 Championship Course hosted the Vietnam Open (Asian PGA Tour Event) in both 1995 and 1997. The course winds its way through the trees offering challenging tee shots to the tree-lined fairways before playing to the softly contoured Bermuda Tifeagle greens, which provide beautiful putting surfaces all year round. The second course at Vietnam Golf & Country Club is the 6,946-yard East Course. Lee Trevino, six-time Major Champion Winner (US Open 1968,1971, USPGA Championship 1974, 1984 and The Open Championship 1971 and 1972), designed the East Course which opened in September 1997. The East Course offers more generous fairways than the West Course but is protected by 110 well-positioned bunkers, water hazards and undulating Bermuda Tifdwarf greens. The layout is so challenging even a seasoned tour pro will think twice before "going for it." The East Course’s undulating greens are the undoing of many an unsuspecting player. To score well on this course, a player must play smart and set up a good approach shot that will give him a relatively straight putt - which is something easier said than done on these greens. Many side bets have been won or lost due to the putting skills of the players.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant. BL

Breakfast at your hotel

Tee off at Long Thanh Golf Club includes green fees, caddy & golf cart. The Long Thanh Golf Club offers 36 holes of golf in the former rice paddies and scenic countryside surrounding Saigon. This Excellent year-round golf course in Vietnam is a long-time favourite among locals, with some even preferring Long Thanh Golf Club over its more famous neighbour Vietnam Country Club.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

Afternoon excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels: Never discovered by American forces, the Cu Chi Tunnels were an important Vietcong base during the American War. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapon factories. Today, you can walk through the area and learn about the day-to-day life of the VC, see the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps, and even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate tourists. BL

Breakfast at your hotel

Transfer to the airport for your flight from Saigon to Siem Reap in Cambodia. On arrival, you will be met by our local representative and taken on your first tour of the temples of the Angkor Wat site.

Half-day sightseeing in Angkor. The fortified city of Angkor Thom covers an area of 10 square km. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats, the city includes many of Angkor's most popular sights. Enter by the monumental South Gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga. Continue to the Terrace of The Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper Kings, former spaces for public ceremonies, both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. Visit the ruined Baphuon, Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas before continuing to the mysterious Bayon Temple. In this temple, one of the most popular and compelling in Angkor, explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs and ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where you will find giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down at you from every angle. Watch the sunset over the Cambodian countryside from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkorian temple.

Dinner is included at your hotel.

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra offers five-star accommodations close to the magnificent Angkor Wat World Heritage Site. Experience all the offerings of this luxury resort, consistently rated as one of Siem Reap's best hotels, which beautifully combines Khmer and French architectural design. Enjoy the Resort's many features including; landscaped gardens, 5 restaurants, 2 bars, conference facilities, an indulgent Spa, Cambodia's largest free form swimming pool and the world-class 18-hole golf course - the Phokeethra Country Club. BD

Accommodation: SOFITEL PHOKEETHRA ROYAL ANGKOR WAT GOLF & SPA RESORT (3 Nts)

Breakfast at your hotel.

Round of Golf at the Phokeetra Royal Angkor Wat Golf Course includes green fees, a caddy and a golf cart.

Located 15km west of Siem Reap, Cambodia’s first internationally managed golf course, Phokeethra Country Club opened in early 2007 and has a par of 72 and stretches 7,145m. The picturesque, undulating course has sweeping, tree-lined fairways and generous greens, however the ever-present natural lakes and water hazards, fast greens, and tricky bunkers challenge players of all abilities. Whilst playing you are never far away from reminders of the magnificent Angkor Empire as the course features the 10th century stone ‘Roluh’ bridge, a direct link to the country’s glorious past. BL

Breakfast at your hotel

Half-day sightseeing in Angkor: The crowning jewel of Khmer architecture, Angkot Wat is the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The largest, best-preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, Angkor impresses visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings. To approach the temple, first cross the vast moat, continuing along a broad causeway lined with naga balustrades. As you enter the main building, ascend through a series of galleries and courtyards before reaching the central sanctuary, which offers beautiful views back over the causeway and across the surrounding countryside. On the way, stop to enjoy the intricate stone carvings that adorn nearly every surface, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted into the walls. Along with the outer gallery, walls run the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which narrates stories from Hindu mythology, including the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk. Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Dinner is included at the Apsara Theatre & Restaurant where you will dine while being entertained by a traditional Khmer dance performance. BLD

Breakfast at your hotel

Transfer to the airport for your flight from Siem Reap to Bangkok. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.

In the few years since the hotel opened, the luxurious riverside Peninsula Bangkok has quickly established itself as one of Bangkok's finest hotels, winning many awards and accolades, including "World's Best Hotel" in 2003 by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine and by Conde Nast Traveler (USA) 2006 Gold List No. 1 in Bangkok for the forth consecutive year by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. Thanks to its unique waved-shape design and location on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, The Peninsula Bangkok is a stunning, 37-storey hotel offering uninterrupted panoramic views of Bangkok from every one of its large, luxurious guest rooms and suites. Dinner is included at your hotel. BD

Accommodation: THE PENINSULA BANGKOK HOTEL, Deluxe room (4 Nights)

Breakfast at hotel

Morning half day Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. This most popular tour will take you to the unspoilt rural floating market of Damnoen Saduak, situated 110 km west of Bangkok. Your journey commences with a leisurely drive past rice paddies and salt fields. Arriving at the jetty, you board long-tailed boats and cruise through the many small canals that make up the market at Damnoen Saduak. Here, you will be fascinated by bats of various shapes and sizes used by local merchants to ferry their goods. Your tour includes a visit to Nakorn Pathom where the world’s tallest Buddha monument is located.

Enjoy Thai set lunch at the Supatra River House Restaurant.

Afternoon tour of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) – Together, these two sites form what many consider the greatest spectacle for visitors to Bangkok. Dating back to 1782 (when Bangkok was founded), the entire compound consists of over 100 brightly colored buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics. Because of its popularity, this destination is often extremely crowded, but still an essential part of any trip to Bangkok.

Presently, the Grand Palace is used for the occasional ceremony and is no longer the royal home (the present King Bhumibol lives in Chitralada Palace, located in Bangkok's nearby Dusit district). The interiors of most of the buildings in the Grand Palace are closed to the public Wat Phra Kaew adjoins the Grand Palace in a common compound and is the home of the country's most famous Buddha statue (also known as the Emerald Buddha). BL

Breakfast at hotel

Tee off time at Thai Country Club includes green fees, caddy and golf cart

Thai Country Club. Designed under US PGA international standards by Denis Griffiths, at that time president of the world-renowned American Society of Golf Course Architects, opened in December 1996. The design adapts to everyday member use up to a very tough challenge for major international tournaments featuring the finest players in the world. The 7,157-yard course, from the professional tees, was tested during the 1997 Asian Honda Classic won by Tiger Woods. The high-tech computer-designed greens make for many interesting pin placements. The entire course features immaculate conditions, a neo-classic design and alkali variety from hole to hole, along with an abundance of water and sand hazards. The course is a constant test of one’s golfing proficiency. This is one of Thailand’s best and most prestigious courses and has been voted many times # 1 by golf publications. Is definitely the No 1 with regard to the ambience, the luxurious clubhouse is catered by the Peninsula hotel.

After a round of golf, enjoy lunch at the Mango Tree Restaurant. BL

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the city on your own. Sit by the pool or take in a relaxing spa treatment. Perhaps hit a market as you can shop to your heart’s content in Bangkok. B

Breakfast at hotel

Transfer from hotel to Samui Airport for flight to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok). Arrive Chiang Mai, transfer from the airport to check in at the hotel.

Evening Khantoke dinner: All guests will enjoy the superb Khantoke Northern Thai Dinner with charming Fon Lep (Fingers dance), Sword Dance, Fon Thien (Candle dance), Ramwong which all guests will be invited to participate. Also, there is a special hill tribe show performed by Akha, Yao, Lahu, Meo, Lishaw and Karen Tribes.

Khum Phaya Spa Resort, situated in beautiful Chiang Mai, reflects the ambience of charming Northern Thai (Lanna) traditional heritage in a modernized setting. The 87 boutique-style guestrooms and pool villa suites are designed to refine and enrich the well-known Lanna architecture that has been treasured throughout the long history of over 700 years in Chiang Mai. Antique furniture and local handicrafts blend traditional styles into the modern facilities, and all this is just a step or two away from the large lagoon-style swimming pool and high class spa. The deluxe spa resort is located within the city area. BD

Accommodation: KHUM PHAYA BOUTIQUE RESORT, Deluxe Lanna room (4 Nights)

Breakfast at hotel

Tee off at Green Valley Chiang Mai Golf Course includes green fees, caddy and golf carts

Green Valley has a traditional country club feel. In easy reach of the city centre it is popular amongst the elite of Thai society. The course winds is set under the Doi Suthep mountain range and holds plenty of challenges. Lateral water hazards line many fairways, with luxurious homes overlooking the fairways from the other side. The course is always in great condition with improvements every time you come back. Your golf day will be complete enjoying the 19th hole balcony, overlooking the course.

Afternoon Thai Cooking class/dinner: This afternoon, transfer to the cooking school, a Lanna style school located in a country-side village, just 15 minutes from the city of Chiang Mai. The school offers lessons in how to cook delicious Thai food, Thai sweets, fruit-carving and presentation. When cooking Thai food, various local spices, that enhance your health and physical well-being, are used as ingredients.
The atmosphere surrounding the school is filled with warmth, sympathy and helpfulness, all representing ancient, traditional Lanna customs and culture. It is our aim to teach you how to cook delicious and sumptuous Thai food and to preserve this culinary art for future generations.

After the class, enjoy your meal and take home a cookbook filled with your favourite Thai recipes. BD

Breakfast at hotel

Morning half day Maesa Elephant Camp + Orchid Nursery Farm: Visit the wooden area in the north of the City to see elephants at work at Mae Sa elephant camp. See the demonstration of elephants at work. Watch the elephants take their morning bath in the running streams before starting their daily training and working. After that, continue to visit large Orchid Nursery.

Lunch at Ruen Mai Horm Restaurant

Afternoon half day Doi Suthep & Meo Hilltribe Village at Doi Pui: Drive up to Doi Suthep to visit Wat Phrathad Doi Suthep (built-in A.D. 1384). It is 3,500 feet above sea level, the most sacred temple in Northern Thailand, containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha, with a challenging flight of over 300 walking steps, flanked by enormous mythological Nagas. A panoramic view of the city can be seen from here. Then visit a significant and picturesque of Meo hill tribe village on Doi Pui. You will experience their lifestyles and see the Meo tribesmen dressed in their colourful traditional costumes.

This evening’s dinner is included at The Gallery Restaurant. BLD

Breakfast at hotel

Round of golf at the Chiang Mai Highlands Golf course

Chiang Mai Highlands, designed by Schmidt - Curley, is the creative team responsible for the redesign of Muang Kaew Golf Course in Bangkok as well as many of Asia's exciting new courses The course opened December 24, 2005 and located next to is the hills east of Chiang Mai. Golfers have a magnificent view from every hole. The course is exciting and challenging for a player of all abilities. Chiang Mai Highlands has a superbly maintained practice facility including several practice greens, a short game area and a superb 300 yard driving range.

After your game of golf, enjoy lunch at Sai Naam Phung Restaurant. The balance of your afternoon is at leisure.

Evening: Visit to the Night Market for shopping – this is one of the best night markets in Asia. BL

Breakfast at hotel

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Koh Samui (via Bangkok). On arrival you will be met in Samui and transferred to your stunning resort.

Dinner is included at your hotel.

Our Koh Samui resort is a year round paradise surrounded by 23 acres of exotic gardens.
Mae Nam Beach offers a majestic expanse of white sands, dotted with regal palm trees. Experience the hypnotic effect of watching the surf caress the beach while soaking up the rays of the tropical sun. A wide range of dining options awaits our guests, with three restaurants serving Royal Thai and international contemporary cuisine, a lounge, beach and pool bars. Santiburi Resort offers 59 luxurious villas and 12 Equatorial Duplex Suites, decorated in traditional Thai style. BD

Accommodation: SANTIBURI GOLF RESORT, Orchid Villa rooms (5 Nights)

Breakfast at hotel

Half Day tour around Samui Island: Enjoy an Around The Island Tour that will truly give you the feel of the island. See for yourself the non-spoilt beauty of Samui. We’ll take you to spectacular view points, visiting the famous sites of the area; “Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks” A Muslim fishing village where the first settlers came to Samui. Then tour through a coconut plantation. See a coconut show, try coconut drinks and test different types of fresh coconut. Learn why coconuts play such an important part in local island life. We continue to the Na Muang waterfalls to capture the beauty of this small but beautiful natural source. Towards the end of the tour, you will have chance to take a walk around Nathon, the capital, before returning to your hotel via the Big Golden Buddha.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant. BL

Breakfast at hotel

Round of golf & tournament at the Santiburi Golf course incl. green fee, caddy & golf cart.

Santiburi Samui Country Club is a championship golf course landscaped on the mountain of Samui Island. Each of the 18 holes on this 6,930 yards, par-72 course, has its own unique character and challenges. From steep uphill and downhill slopes to winding fairways that cuts into the coconut forest to cliffs and mountain creeks, Santiburi Samui Country Club is simply one of the most unique golf courses built in perfect harmony with its natural settings. Each hole has its own character and challenges and will be one of the most memorable experiences of any course in Asia. B

Breakfast at hotel

Free day at leisure for relax at the hotel’s pool or beach or an optional game of golf.

Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel. BD

Breakfast at hotel. Most of your day is at leisure.

Later this afternoon, transfer from hotel to the airport for your departure flight home. B, Inflight meals