Au Revoir Good Morning
Paris Vietnam!
To recover fully from our Fashion-Show-Fatigue...The A-List is just back from an epic va-cay to Southeast Asia - Beautifully arranged by bespoke travel service, Audley Travel. 'Tailor-Made Journeys for The Discerning Traveler'.
Why we love them: Audley not only customizes your dream itinerary according to your time, budget & preferences but you are met in each city by your personal guide and driver and sent on your journey with an amazing information packet including dossiers for each country that help to guide you on matters of the people of the area, the culture, history, useful facts, packing tips, photos of food to try and even ethical options for shopping, eating, reading and organizations to get involved with after your trip.
Travel Perfection.
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First Stop: MILES away from the FROW - Siem Reap, Cambodia. (Town closest to Ankor.)
Hotel: La Residence d'Angkor Hotel
Pack: For every city in this itinerary, pack light-weight clothes (light-colored, cotton & linen is ideal). You must wear long sleeves and pants when touring religious centers, temples and churches. Respect of the local people and their culture and beliefs is of the utmost priority.
Sights: Ankor Complex, including: Ankor Wat, Ankor Thom & Bayon. Ta Prohm, the Tonie Sap Lake villages and the amazing Beng Mealea.
Eat: Try local Khmer (pron: Ka-my) favorites such as, Amok - Chicken or fish, Loc Lac, Banh Chao or Bok L'Hong (papaya salad)
Shop: Artisans D'Angkor. Awarded the UNESCO Award of Excellence for Handicrafts in South and Southeast Asia. The NGO (Non-Government Organization), Artisans D'Angkor, is dedicated to preserving traditional Khmer art & skills, while sponsoring and educating local Cambodians toward a better life.
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Next Stop: Hanoi, Vietnam
Hotel: Sofitel Legend Metropole, Hanoi
Sights: The Temple of Literature, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Old Quarter & Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum (WOW! Ho Chi Minh is embalmed there and lies in state). Hanoi is a 'sight' unto itself. Take a walk through the city and take in the local people, architecture, parks and manic streets.
Eat: Become addicted to Pho Rice Noodle soup. A local fave.
Shop: The treasures that await you in the Old Quarter.
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Next Stop: Halong Bay, Vietnam. Get your camera ready for blow-your-mind-views.
Stay: Indochina Sails - Sail and sleep aboard a traditional Vietnamese Junk (boat).
Do: Cruise, cocktails, kayaks & caves. Heaven.
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Next Stop: Saigon, Vietnam (also known as Ho Chi Minh City)
Hotel: Caravelle Hotel - World famous host to journalists while covering the Vietnam War (known as the American War).
Chill: Head to either of the roof-top bars of The Caravelle or The Rex hotels at sunset. At The Rex, evoke the memories of journalists from around the world gathering for the 5 O'Clock Follies.
Know: Ho Chi Minh still reigns paramount in the hearts and minds of the Vietnamese. Be respectful!
Know: The Vietnam War is known as The American War. A trip to the Museum of War Remnants - a view of the war by the Vietnamese - is haunting, sad & unbelievable but a must-see to understand...
See: Rue Catinat, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace & the Museum of War Remnants. Cholon (Chinatown) is great and you will definitely want to experience one of the many markets.
The Cu Chi Tunnels - the vast hidden network of Viet Cong tunnels, bunkers and field hospitals dug during the French-Indochina wars and later expanded during the Vietnam conflict.
Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. Float along the river on a small local ferry and later aboard a traditional Sampan. Must be experienced to be believed! An A-List Must!
Eat: Elephant Ear Fish on the Mekong Delta. Back in Saigon try 'Quan an ngon' at 138 Nam Ky Khoi Hghia. Traditional Vietnamese street cuisine, normally only available from street-side stalls - prepared for 'western-tummies' in a traditional setting. Immensely popular with both locals and visitors.
Shop: Dong Khoi Street. (so much goodness!) Nguyen Freres at 2 Dong Khoi Street is like shopping a movie set and DON'T MISS - Mai Lam's boutique at 132 Dong Khoi Street. An A-List Must!
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Next Stop: Phuket, Thailand
Hotel: The Surin Phuket (best beach!)
Do: Lounge, Leisure, Sip, Sup, Shop, Swim, Massage.
Visit: The Amanpuri Hotel next door for sunset cocktails & de-lish dining.
Party: At the Infamous Patong. Head to Bangla Road for World-renown night-life, The Tiger Bar, The Ice Bar and GORGEOUS Lady-Boys.
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And finally - A very big THANK YOU and heartfelt 'Wai' to Hannah at Audley Travel for creating the trip of a lifetime!
Congratulations Audley Travel! You Just Made...The A-List.
