Tailor Made itineraries created to your own individual specifications. The ultimate in private independent travel. “Privileged access” made possible by China Holidays long-standing local relationships, China Holidays best local guide. Private airport transfers on arrival and departure.
Tailor Made Extension Tours
Hong Kong
Day 1:Arrive Hong Kong
Arrive in Hong Kong, and transfer to the Hotel. Harbour Plaza Hong Kong Hotel (B)
Day 2: Hong Kong
Half-day tour. Visit Hong Kong Island, Stanley Market, Repulse Bay and Victoria Park. Harbour Plaza Hong Kong Hotel (B)
Day 3: Hong Kong
Spend the day at leisure. Harbour Plaza Hong Kong Hotel (B)
Day 4: Hong Kong – Home City
Thailand & Cambodia
Day 1: Arrive Bangkok
Arrive in Bangkok, THailand and transfer to the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel.
Day 2: Bangkok
This morning you start with a long tail boat trip on Bangkok’s klongs (canals) visit the Grand Palace. After lunch you see the exquisite porcelain collection displayed in Jim Thompson’s house. Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel (B.L.D)
Days 3: Bangkok – Siem Reap, Cambodia
A short flight brings you to Siem Reap, where you visit Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple and Elephant Terrace. Later today explore magnificent Angkor Wat. Le Meridien Angkor (B.L.D)
Day 4: Siem Reap
Today ‘s explorations take you to Ta Prohm and the temples of the Grand Circuit, including the stunning Preah Khan, currently under restoration by the World Monument Fund.This afternoon enjoy a boat trip through a fishing village. Le Meridien Angkor (B.L.D)
Day 5: Siem Reap – Bangkok
The morning is free to sightsee or just relax at the hotel. Late in the day, you board your flight to Bangkok to connect with your homebound flight. (B.L)
Myanmar
Inle Lake • Mandalay • Pagan • Yangon
Day 1:Yangon,Myanmar - Heho
Fly from Yangon to Heho, gateway to Inle Lake. Inle Lake View Resort (D)
Day 2: Inle Lake
You embark on full day tour of the Inle Lake area, whose people anchor floating patches of weed on the water and use them as flower and vegetable gardens. Late afternoon, you visit the “Jumping Cat” Monastery, where monks have trained cats to perform a variety of astonishing tricks. Before dinner at our hotel, we pause to watch the sunset over the lake. Inle Lake View Resort (B.L.D)
Day 3: Inle Lake - Taunggyi - Heho - Mandalay
You drive up to the colonial hill station of Taunggyi, a cool break from the lowland plains. Here you visit a cheroot (cigar) factory and the local market, where you’re likely to encounter a variety of hill tribe people. Later, you fly to Mandalay where a tour shows us Mandalay’s charms. Sedona Mandalay Hotel (B.L.D)
Day 4: Mandalay
You explore the Mahamuni Pagoda, the Royal Palace and the Mahagandayon Monastery. After enjoying lunch, you head to Mingun to see "the world's largest uncracked bell." Sedona Mandalay Hotel (B.L.D)
Day 5: Mandalay – Pagan (Bagan)
You visit Ava, once a mighty capital and now a sleepy village whose inhabitants specialize in making lacquer ware begging bowls for monks.Then we board an afternoon flight to Pagan. Hotel Tharabar Gate (B.L.D)
Day 6: Pagan
Few sights equal that of the more 2,000 temples and shrines that rise from Myanmar’s central plain at Pagan. You fully explore this treasure trove of Buddhist art history. In the afternoon we take a horse-cart ride to Ananda Temple. Hotel Tharabar Gate (B.L.D)
Day 7: Pagan – Yangon
You board a flight to Yangon, where upon arrival we enjoy a visit to Scott Market and a local glass-blow-ing factory. Sedona Hotel Yangon (B.L.D)
Day 8:Yangon
You explore the wonderful sights of Yangon.Your tour includes the Botataung Pagoda,its interior a mirrored maze of historical relics; Sule Pagoda; the Reclining Buddha; the Gems Museum; the National Museum and the breathtaking sunset at Shwedagon Pagoda. Its great golden dome rises 326 feet into the air, encrusted with a wealth of precious stones. Sedona Hotel Yangon (B.L.D)
Day 9:Yangon – Home City
You visit Bogyoke Market, then transfer to airport we return to Home city (B)
Vietnam
Hanoi • Hue • Da Nang • Ho Chi Minh City
Day 1:Arrive Hanoi,Vietnam
Arrive in Hanoi, Vietnam and transfer yo your Hotel. Hotel Sofitel
Days 2 - 3: Hanoi & Ha Long Bay
Our morning sightseeing includes both cultural and historic highlights, including Ho Chi Minh’s house; the One Pillared Pagoda; and the city’s Fine Arts Museum. In the afternoon sightseeing includes a nearby village famous for its ceramics; and in the evening we attend a traditional water puppet show. Next day, we depart for a day long excursion, we will visit to one of Vietnam’s most picturesque areas, Ha Long, the “Bay of the Descending Dragon.” Hotel Sofitel (B.L.D)
Day 4: Hanoi – Hue
Today we fly to Hue,the former imperial capital of Vietnam.We visit the Imperial Citadel, Royal Museum and Dong Ba Market. Royal dinner in the dragon boat on Perfume River. Saigon Morin Hotel (B.L.D)
Day 5: Hue – Da Nang
On our morning excursion we visit the Tu Duc and Kai Dinh Mausoleums, before driving to Da Nang via the scenic Hai Van Pass. Furama Resort (B.L.D)
Day 6: Da Nang
The culturally-eclectic trading port of Hoi An is the day’s first stop, followed by a visit to the Japanese Covered Bridge and Museum and al look at the Cham Museum’s collection of masterworks of terra cotta and sandstone sculpture. Furama Resort (B.L.D)
Day 7: Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City
Board a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, where sightseeing includes the Thien Hau Pagoda and the busy streets of city’s Cholon (Chinatown) district. Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Tower (B.L.D)
Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City
Our morning excursion is to the Cu Chi tunnels of the Vietnamese War. During the height of the conflict,Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces dug an extensive network of tunnels which served as effective hiding places.This afternoon we tour Ho Chi Minh City, visiting the former Presidential Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral. The day ends with a boat ride on the Saigon River. Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Tower (B.L.D)
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City – Home City
Transfer to the airport to board your homebound flight. (B)
Laos
Vientiane • Luang Prabang
Day 1:Vientiane – Luang Prabang
Arrive Vientiane where you are met and transfer to town.Visit Laos’ capital includes Wat That Luang, Wat Sisaket and the Monuments aux Morts. Later afternoon, fly to Luang Prabang, the former imperial capital. La Residence Phou Vao Hotel
(D)
Day 2: Luang Prabang
A sunrise visit to Phoussy Temple and Phoussy Hill begins your day. Board a riverboat for a Mekong excursion to the Pak Ou caves, visit a hilltribe village of weavers and attend a local Baci ceremony. La Residence Phou Vao Hotel (B.L.D)
Day 3: Luang Prabang – Bangkok,Thailand
After a visit to the historic Royal Palace Museum and morning market, fly to Bangkok to connect with your homebound flight. (B)
India
Deccan Odyssey – Luxury Train Mumbai •Jaigad •Ganapatipule •Ratanagiri • Sindhudurg • Takarli • Sawantwadi • Goa • Pune • Aurangabad • Ajanta • Nashik
Day 1: Mumbai
Arrive in Mumbai, the commercial capital of India. The grand odyssey begins in Mumbai, the city of dreams, the city of stars-Bollywood. One can see is all in Mumbai. Modem, yet preserving its antiquities, the city’s gothic and modem architecture stands side-by-side, providing some awesome views. And once the evening dawns, you are set to board “The Deccan Odyssey” for dinner and the journey. (D)
Day 2: Jaigad, Ganapatipule, and Ratanagiri
This morning arrive at Bhoke Station from where you go to Jaiade Fort. The fort's awesome pride and stance is sure to leave you speechless. Travel next Ganapatipule, the beach bathed in golden sunshine and silver moonlight all for you to relish. And after a sumptuous lunch here, head straight to Ratnagiri, the Land of Alphonso mangoes. Visit the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak Fort and then you are back on the laps of luxury "The Deccan Odyssey" for dinner. (B.L.D)
Day 3: Sindhudurg, Takarli, and Sawantwadi
The train chugs into the tip of Konkan Coast, Sindhudurg Nagri Station. THis morning a coach transfers you to Malvan Jatty take boat ride to the unconquered Ocean Fort of Sindhudurg. Visit the temples dedicated to Bhavani, mahadeo, Jarimari, mahapurush and Shivaji in its premises. The next stop, Tarkarli a virgin beach at the confluence of river Karli and Arabian Sea. A hard day at the sea is imminent, so rest at the Tarkarli Beach Resorts "Konkani" style cottages is soothing. From here, you sail on to Tarkarli Jetty for a romantic Boat to Kals Jetty. A coach then takes you to Sawantwadi. Enjoy a royal dinner on the train. (B.L.D)
Day 4: Goa
Goa, the fabled land for many, is the next stop. Brilliant lust green field surrounded by the villages and hamlets, whitewashed churched standing against the occasional empty patches of startling soil. Some of India’s finest golden sand beached along with jungle-cold hills, imposing ancient churches and elegant mansions dot this state. Perhaps that’s why people from all over the world flock here in droves. Start off with Old Goa, as you walk amid the ruins of vast gardens and old churches of born Jesus, Se Cathedral and the Church of St. Assissi. Also on the cards is a walk through Fontanhas, the Latin quarters at panjim. Followed by typical Goan styled lunch, after which you are free to explore Goa on your own. As the day ends, you can look forward to a splendid dinner onboard “The Deccan Odyssey” (B.L.D)
Day 5: Pune
This morning, the royal train pulls into Pune, the erstwhile capital of the Marathas, also known as the cultural capital of the state. Pune is the hometown of the Marathas awakening and the traditional centre of the Maharashtrian culture; many famous writers, poets, singers and artists were either born or lived here. Start off with a visit to the Raja Kelkar Museum, a treasure house enriched with antiques of 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Next stop, the magnificent Shaniwarwada built by the Peswas in 1732. And after a splendid lunch, visit the imposing Aga Khan Palace. On to the world famous Rajneesh(OSHO) Ashram next. Finally, the David Sassoon Synagogue, built by Sir David Sassoon in 1867, the synagogue is believed to be one of the biggest and finest in the world.The day is finally ended with a royal dinner, which is all hot and steaming on board “The Deccan Odyssey” (B.L.D)
Day 6: Aurangabad
It’s Aurangabad the next morning. Get set to travel along the rolling hills and picturesque ruins of the past. After a scrumptious breakfast in the train, a luxury bus takes to the majestic fortes of Daulatabad. An impregnable defence in its days, it still stands tall and proud. Aurangabad, founded by the ruler Aurangzeb, has scores of monuments, tombs and Buddhist caves.Visit the world famous Ellora Caves.The World Heritage Site’s 34 brilliantly carved rock-cut temples represent Buddhist, Jain and Hindu faiths. Back to Aurangabad for lunch with live cultural entertainments. Also on the itinerary will the Bibi-Ka-Maqbara. And for the perfect memorabilia, do spend time shopping at Aurangabad. (B.L.D)
Day 7: Ajanta & Nashik
Seventh day brings you to Jalgaon railway station. After a royal breakfast in the train, board the MSRTC bus to surround yourself by the dramatic views of the Waghora Valley; the hideout of the Ajanta Caves.Older than Ellora Caves,these caves once lost to the world, were discovered accidentally by a party of British soldiers on a hunting trip. ‘Bodhisattva Padmapani’. ‘Boddhisattva Avalokitesvara’. ‘The Birth Place of Buddha’ and ‘The Thousand Buddha’ are few amongst the many fine murals and sculptures you’ll cherish. Then lunch as you reach Nasik, from where you travel to vineyards at Govardhan Park in comforts of a coach. On your way to Sula Winery Yard, you will visit the Old Ghat (The Kumbh Mela is held here once every 12 years) and see some great views of the Gangapur Dam Site. And get set for a lavish wining and dining session at Wine Yard. (B.L.D)
Day 8: Mumbai
This morning, you enjoy a breakfast onboard as the sun rises over the beautiful Mumbai.You arrive at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus then transfer to the airport, where you board a flight to your home city. (B)