Join Aboard Emeraude
In 1910 a paddle steamer called the Emeraude was offering unforgettable cruises in Halong Bay for visitors to what was then French Indochina. The Emeraude was part of a flotilla owned by the Roque family who had left Bordeaux in 1858 in search of adventure and fortune. Over a period of more than 50 years they found both. After several ups and downs including successful trading and timber businesses, near bankruptcy and being taken hostage by pirates, the Roque brothers built Emeraude, Perle, Saphir, Rubis and Onyx to ferry passengers and freight along the waterways of Indochina and cruise on magnificent Halong Bay.
Today the Emeraude offers a regular cruise service on board a luxurious replica steamer with 38 cabins meticulously designed to evoke the nostalgic charm of colonial Indochina. Day 1 - Arrive Hong Kong
| Check-in to your choice of city-center hotel, the superior first class Marco Polo Hong Kong just steps from the world-famous Star Ferry, or the legendary and luxurious Peninsula Hotel – fondly referred to by her loyal fans as The Pen. |
Day 2 - Explore Hong Kong
| Your private car, driver, and guide await this morning to take you across Victoria Harbor through the Cross Harbor Tunnel to begin your round-island exploration of Hong Kong. Ascend Victoria Peak for breathtaking 360° views of the harbor, Hong Kong Island, and Kowloon. Continue on to scenic Repulse Bay and visit Aberdeen Village, home to Hong Kong’s famed Floating Restaurants. Meals B |
Day 3 - Hong Kong at Leisure
| Enjoy a full day free to do just as you please. Your hotel’s enviable city-center location puts the best of the city at your doorstep, so feel free to step out and explore at your own pace. Meals B |
Day 4 - Hong Kong / Hanoi – Cyclo Adventure
Today you fly to Hanoi where you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted by private car to your choice of hotel, the comfortable Sunway Hotel in the heart of the city or the luxurious Sofitel Metropole, Hanoi’s preeminent luxury address for more than a century.
Hanoi is a lovely city of lakes, shaded boulevards, and an Old French Quarter where once-elegant Colonial homes line narrow alleyways still named after the goods that were traded there… Silk Street, Gold Street, and even Fried Fish Street. After a tasty lunch of Vietnamese cuisine, join your private guide for a Cyclo Adventure. This traditional mode of transport is still the best way to get around the city, and your leisurely exploration takes you along tree-lined avenues and past Hoan Kiem Lake into the historic quarters of Hanoi. This evening, you dine at the inviting Wild Rice Restaurant. Meals B,L,D |
Day 5 - Explore Hanoi
| This morning’s privately guided tour includes the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the simple wood house where the leader spent the last years of his life. Admire One Pillar Pagoda, rising form a Lotus pond on a single stone pedestal, and continue on to the Temple of Literature, founded in 1076. Relax over lunch and then visit the Hoa Lo Museum, once known as the infamous Hanoi Hilton. This evening, thrill to a Water Puppet performance, a traditional art form that dates back nearly 1,000 years. Then travel by Cyclo to the beautiful Wild Lotus Restaurant for an enchanting dinner. Meals B,L,D |
Day 6 - Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
| Drive to Ha Long Bay, filled with more than 3,000 limestone peaks that rise dramatically from the deep blue water as far as the eye can see. Your overnight cruise aboard the deluxe Emeraude is the best way to explore this breathtaking region, and includes lunch and dinner onboard with plenty of time this afternoon to enjoy the sweeping vistas of sea, land, and sky. Your elegant vessel is comfortable and intimate, with hand-crafted wooden interiors and spacious air-conditioned cabins with private baths. You’ll explore the most beautiful spots – fascinating rock formations and hidden caves – with opportunity to relax and swim. Ha Long Bay is truly magical, and this is certain to be one of the best travel experiences of your life! Meals B,L,D |
Day 7 - Ha Long Bay / Hanoi / Siem Reap, Cambodia – Angkor Wat
Arise early for a Tai Chi class on-deck and to watch the sun cast its first light across the peaks and waters of Ha Long Bay. Relax over breakfast as your vessel charts a leisurely course through the Bay. Disembark this morning for your flight to Siem Reap, where you’ll be escorted by private car to the hotel of your choice - the Victoria Angkor, a graceful Colonial-style resort, or the luxurious Sofitel Angkor Golf & Spa Resort, offering a unique blend of French elegance and traditional Khmer architecture.
Join General Tours expert to begin your privately guided exploration of the stunning jungle ruins of Angkor, once the royal seat of the mighty and wealthy Khmer Empire. This afternoon you visit Angkor Wat, the largest temple in the world with a volume of stone equaling that of the Cheops Pyramid in Egypt. Inspired by 12th century Hinduism, it took an estimated 30 years to build Angkor Wat, including the intricately carved bas-relief which adorns all four sides of the temple. Late in the day, your guide will lead you to a prime vantage point to witness the sun set over Angkor, a magnificent and unforgettable spectacle. Meals B |
Day 8 - Explore Angkor
This morning you’ll discover the monumental magnificence of Angkor Thom – the last capital of the Khmers, with its Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King, and the stunning Bayon temple. This 12th century masterpiece lies at the very centre of Angkor Thom and is an archaeological wonder of symmetry and grandeur.
In the afternoon, your privately guided touring includes Ta Prohm, a 12th century temple that has been left largely un-restored and in its natural state, surrounded by jungle with massive Banyan roots and limbs enveloping the stone like tentacles. Continue your exploration at Chau Say Tevoda, a Hindu Temple from the 12th century. Return to your resort hotel for dinner and a restful overnight. Meals B,D
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Day 9 - Siem Reap / Luang Prabang, Laos
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your private car transfer to the airport. Fly to Luang Prabang where you’ll be greeted by your guide and driver, and escorted to the hotel of your choice – the Villa Santi, a charming boutique hotel, or the luxurious Maison Souvannaphoum, rich with history and exquisite style.
Surrounded by rivers and mountains, the enchanting town of Luang Prabang is filled with historic temples and Colonial architecture. It has a tranquil, old world charm which is rapidly disappearing in other parts of 21st century Asia. Join your personal guide this afternoon to explore the highlights including the National Museum, housed in the former Royal Palace, and Vat Mai, built in 1796 with a traditional 5-tiered roof. Late in the day, as the sunlight softens, ascend Phou Sii Hill for panoramic views over the temples and rooftops of the city. Sample Luang Prabang-style Laotian cuisine at dinner tonight and then join your guide for a stroll through the bustling outdoor night market. Meals B,D
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Day 10 - Luang Prabang – Excursion to Pak Ou Caves
| The day begins with a personally guided visit to Wat Xieng Thong, a beautiful temple with dramatic architecture and exquisite gold-stenciled murals. Then journey to the riverbank for a boat excursion up the Mekong to the sacred Pak Ou Caves where you’ll see thousands of Buddha images that have been brought here by local residents since the 16th century. Enjoy lunch and then return to Luang Prabang for a private car excursion to the nearby village of Ban Phanom, renowned for the weaving artistry of its Lu minority residents. This village was once famed for producing silks exclusively for the Royal Palace. Meals B,L |
Day 11 - Luang Prabang – Morning Alms and Day at Leisure
| An ancient tradition begins early every morning here in timeless Luang Prabang. At dawn, hundreds of saffron-robed monks move silently through the streets collecting food offerings from city residents. Arise early this morning and join your guide for this daily ritual, still very much a part of everyday life in Laos. Return to your hotel for breakfast and enjoy the rest of the day free to explore and shop at your own pace. Meals B |
Day 12 - Luang Prabang / Bangkok, Thailand
| Your car and driver await to take you to the airport for your flight to Thailand. Upon arrival in Bangkok, you’ll be met and escorted to your choice of hotel - the deluxe Marriott Riverside Bangkok, a lovely city resort on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, or the Peninsula Bangkok, a luxury oasis in the heart of the city. Meals B |
Day 13 - Explore Bangkok
Buddhist traditions are strong here in Bangkok, and more than 400 wats (Buddhist temples) are scattered throughout the metropolis. Today, you’ll visit three of the city’s most impressive. In the bustling Chinatown district, you’ll tour Wat Trimitr, the Temple of the Golden Buddha, home to the largest solid gold Buddha in the world, standing 15 feet tall and weighing more than 5 tons!
At Wat Po, built in the 16th century, you’ll marvel at the enormous gold-leafed reclining Buddha – stretching nearly 150 feet from head to toe! You also visit the Marble Temple, a fine example of Thai architecture with European Neoclassical influences, built from imported Carrera marble and housing a large cast bronze statue of Buddha. Your afternoon is at leisure to explore at your own pace. Meals B
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Day 14 - Depart Bangkok
| Your program with us finishes this morning after breakfast. You can extend your travels with General Tours flexible and affordable FreeStyle Add-ons. The rich artistic and cultural traditions of Chiang Mai offer the perfect complement to this tour. Or, unwind on the pristine beaches of Phuket! Meals B |
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