WELCOME TO KIPLING & CLARK

We are purveyors of global private luxury travel. Our service is singular, personal and high-touch. In contrast to a more ostentatious style, our sense of luxury travel is under-stated, subtle, aesthetically-pleasing and experiential. Unique among luxury travel providers, Kipling & Clark also provides First/Business Class International air pricing and mileage points conversion service through our sister company, travNET

To state that Kipling & Clark is the premier global luxury travel provider may seem over-stated/pretentious. However, we can, indeed, state that our passion and enthusiasm for our work is unfettered and unrestrained. We are grateful for the array of noteworthy clients we serve and truly enjoy what we do! As we do not advertise, our clients are referred to us exclusively by word of mouth.

Please note that all of the itineraries listed in our web site are actual private tour itineraries we have prepared for clients over the past 18 months. By the very nature of what we do, each private tour itinerary is custom, exclusive and unique unto itself.

Many thanks for giving us the opportunity to serve you!

Randy Lynch, CEO and Founder
rlynch@kiplingandclark.com

ARGENTINA & CHILE

During the months of November through February, Argentina/Chile offers a wide range of cultural/outdoor activities for our clients seeking a distant destination with a warmer climate (after all, it’s their summer!) No jet lag here – based on a time difference of two-three hours from most American cities, recovery from a South American private tour is not so demanding.

Among the many attractions of Argentina and Chile:

Buenos Aires - high-energy European flavored city with lively markets, a vibrant arts/design scene, fascinating architecture and an array of historical sites. The Sunday flea market street scene is much fun, and of course, tango! Many of our clients enjoy an excursion to a private estancia and also to Tigre and the Panama River delta. A one-night stopover in Iguazu Falls is a must, and of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world. For our “foodie” friends, Mendoza has some of the best restaurants in the world and is considered among the world’s most famous wine regions.

Our more intrepid clients have truly enjoyed their extensions to the Argentina and Chile Patagona, including Torres Del Paine National Park, a spectacular national park set in the midst of the Paine Mountain, with blue glaciers and lakes, wild rivers and plentiful trekking and wild life explorations. You may extend further South past Punta Arenas to view the penguins at the Otway Penguin Rookery. Despite the obscure Patagonia locations, the area offers high-touch luxury properties, including the Singular, Patagonia Camp, Eolo Lodge and Llao Llao Hotel. You may end your trip in multi-cultural Santiago, set in the midst of the towering Andes mountains.

PRIVATE LUXURY INTINERARIES

• KC Argentina and Chile-Including Easter Island: 10 Nights
• KC Family Chile-Argentina Family Private Tour: 13 Days
• KC Family Chile-Argentina Family Private Tour Adventure: 13 Days

BURMA

Notwithstanding the bad press generated by its repressive ruling military hunta, we still feel Burma to be among our favorite places in all of Asia.

100 years ago Rudyard Kipling visited Burma and “thought it quite unlike any land you know about.”

Burma has changed little since colonial times.

Burma is best described as a product of times past. – an endearing, leisurely charm and innocence that was perhaps pervasive throughout S.E. Asia fifty years ago. Unlike the rest of Asia, however, Burma has remained reclusive, especially since military junta imposed its rule over the country in 1988.

Due in part to Burma’s self-imposed isolation, Western influence, particularly the grittier commercial aspects, are not to be found here. You will see few Burmese dressed in Western garb and you will see no Starbucks or McDonalds here.

Despite the widespread adoption of Buddhism, the pre-Buddhist practice of nat (spirit) worship is ubiquitous throughout much of everyday Burma. Traditional beliefs encompass a spirit world inhabited by a cast of supernatural beings, none more important than nats, mischievous little spirits that can wreak havoc if not placated with offerings of flowers, food, and money.

Similar to other Southeast Asian countries, Burma is a land of little smiling faces. We are particularly drawn to the young Burmese women displaying their thanaka applied faces. Thanaka, a type of sandalwood paste, is used as a beauty mark as well as a sun protector for many Burmese children and young women.

PRIVATE LUXURY INTINERARIES

CAMBODIA

Based on time constraints, our travels to Cambodia usually entail Phnom Penh and, of course, Angkor Wat (Siem Reap)! Our favorite 5 star hotels in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are the Raffles Hotel Le Royal and the Amansara and Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor, respectively.

Phnom Penh
Although small by comparison to other Asia capitals, dusty, sleepy, undeveloped Phnom Penh makes us feel that we are visiting a place from time’s past. Ubiquitous French-colonial architecture, genuinely friendly, unpretentious natives, and history – this is a nice place to unwind. We particularly enjoy lunch or dinner at Foreign Correspondents Club/FCC on the banks of the Mekong. Although somewhat grisly and sobering, you may opt for a visit to the Choeung Ek (“Killing Fields”) just outside Phnom Penh and Tuol Sleng Prison/museum, the former high school where the Khmer Rouge interrogated and executed so many victims of the Pol Pot regime.

Angkor Wat
We feel the various temples of Angkor represent the most amazing and enduring architectural achievement of any religious site in Asia. The temples, built between the 8th and 13th centuries, when the Khmer civilization was at the height of its development, are spread out over approximately 40 miles around the village of Siem Reap. We particularly love Angkor Thom, Banteay Srei, and, of course, Angkor Wat!

Among our recommended activities in Cambodia: Helicopter fly-over of Angkor Wat, spiritually uplifting sunrise Wat Damnak blessing ceremony in Siem Reap, countless altruistic opportunities to help the strikingly kind Cambodian children, including New Day Cambodia and COSO Orphanage, and visits to Choeung Ek “Killing Fields” and Tuol Sleng Genocide (Prison) Museum. Although somewhat grisly and sobering, both stops drive home the scale of terror perpetrated by the Pol Pot regime.

PRIVATE LUXURY INTINERARIES

CHINA

China enjoys over 5,000 years of amazing achievements in technology, art, and philosophy. Chinese culture ranks among the oldest and most complex civilizations in the world. Through the famed Silk Road, Chinese inventions and cultural influences spread far and wide across Asia to Europe. Confucianism reigned supreme, and has been the foundation of Chinese ethics. Although it struggled to retain its value during the Communist era, Confucianism has re-emerged as a major influence in the 21st century new China, particularly in terms of its reverence for education.

Among our favorite parts of China are historical Beijing and the Wall at Mutianyu, metaphorical Shanghai – young, dynamic, and super confident, Chengdu and a private panda audience; lush and picturesque Guilin; remote Yunnan with its rich minority culture on the southern edge of the Qinghai – Tibet plateau; a 3-night Yangzi River luxury cruise, and ending in Hong Kong. Although we really love Shanghai, it’s hard to beat Hong Kong. The backdrop of the harbor is among the most striking skylines in the world: an array of sleek, glass and steel buildings (Bank of China building being our favorite!), unmatched by any other city at night. This is a place of hyper-drive commerce, world class luxury hotels/dining and pervasive status-consciousness, where it seems material success is everyone’s ultimate goal.

Among our favorite luxury hotels in China are the new Peninsula in Shanghai, as well as in Beijing, the two AMAN properties in the Summer Palace/Beijing and Hangzhou respectively, HOMA (Hotel of Modern Art) in Guilin, and the two amazing Banyan Tree resorts in Lijiang and Zhongdian, Yunnan Province. For cruising the Yangzi River, the only real luxury option is the 5 Star Yangzi Explorer.

PRIVATE LUXURY INTINERARIES

EGYPT

Similar to China in terms of depth and scope of its ancient history, Egypt is at once enigmatic and mesmerizing. Noisy, chaotic Cairo, one of the world’s largest urban centers and arguably the educational/cultural center of Islam. The Egyptian Museum has no peer and, of course, an excursion to the Pyramids of Ginza is compulsory. A Nile River cruise is a must with stopovers in Luxor, Qena, Edfu, Aswan and later Abu Simbel.

One of our favorite activities is a private yacht (dahabreih) cruise down the Nile River. If time restricted, we also very much enjoy the luxurious 4-night Nile River cruise aboard the Sun Boat IV. If possible, plying the Nile River toward the end of the month on full moon dates is a special experience. Traveling with your private Egyptologist makes your entire trip so much more educational and culturally engrossing. A very special, though not inexpensive treat, is a private opening of Queen Nefertari’s tomb. Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, and Temple of Luxor are all such extraordinary sites. The evening bazaar in Luxor has particularly unique shopping. Back at Cairo, we always love staying at the Four Seasons Nile River Plaza Hotel, and the shopping at El Khalili Bazaar!

PRIVATE LUXURY INTINERARIES

TURKEY

The fulcrum of the delicate balance between Europe and Asia, Christianity, and secularism and Islam, Istanbul manages to be one of the most beautiful cities on earth and yet accommodate constant change. It is a young, international, wildly commercial city with an extraordinary vibrant street scene, open 24 hours and genuinely alive.

Turkey’s popular prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has announced bold plans for Istanbul’s monumental facelift (per Financial Times article 9/1/12). To the north, beyond the two bridges that already span the Bosphorus strait, a third is soon to be constructed. In addition, the prime minister unveiled plans for the city’s third airport, which is planned to handle 100 million passengers, as well as a dramatically remodeled Taskin Square (on the European side).

Perhaps Mr. Erdogan’s boldest plan is to build a giant mosque, a 15,000 sq. meter building, on the high Camlica Hill area of the Asia side, with community views to be seen in all of Istanbul. The hills of the old city of Istanbul are crowned by mosques built by the sultans of the past, and the skyline is dominated by Suleymaniye, erected by Suleiman the Magnificient, the ruler whose troops reached the gods of Vienna. The giant mosque Mr. Ergodan plans for the opposite Asian side of the straight could overshadow them all.

The mosque, the bridge and the airport, together with the remodeling of Turkey’s iconic Taskin Square, are a sign of the scale and scope of Mr. Erdogan’s ambitions for Istanbul, a city that has suffered from a lack of planning in the past. The prime minister’s ties with Istanbul run deep. A former mayor, Mr. Erdogan keeps a house just below Camlica Hill and spends much of his time on the city, working out of an office in the Dolmabahce Palace where the Ottoman Sultans once lived.

In addition to Istanbul, Cappadocia is a very interesting city that you will find to be unlike any other you have ever seen - “Fairy Chimney” rock formations, rock houses, rock-cut temples, and underground labyrinths. The sunrise hot air balloon ride is most fun!”

PRIVATE LUXURY INTINERARIES

FRANCE

Perhaps the most culturally compelling country in all of Europe, France brings together natural beauty, culture and among the most notable museums/art attractions in the world.

All of us feel Paris to be the most romantic and aesthetically pleasing city on the planet. Its overall cultural artistic environment is magical. The quality of Paris museums is unmatched – the Louvre, Versailles, Orsay, Saint Denis Basiclica, et. al. Staying the the Hotel le Bristol or the Four Seasons Hotel George V is special.

We think Owen Wilson's character in the Woody Allen film, Midnight in Paris, gives a perfect summation of Paris: "How's anyone ever going to come up with a book or a painting or a symphony or a sculpture that can compete with a great city [Paris]? You can't. When you look around, every street, every boulevard is its own special art form."

Among our other favorite stops are Antibes and Provence. The ancient resort town of Antibes has long been a number one leisure destination for the wealthy and noteworthy. Several of our clients feel the Hotel du Cap-Eden Roc is perhaps the most beautiful hotel/resort in the world. Its private, lush 9-acre gardens/forest coupled with its spectacular seawater pool and striking architecture, make this property awe-inspiring. A one day private tour of nearby St. Paul de Venice is always a treat.

We feel Provence to be spectacularly beautiful, with its rolling hills and verdant nature, dotted with churches, art galleries, and art-conscious villages. Staying at the Le Couvent des Minemes is a unique experience, well worth at least a two night stay.

PRIVATE LUXURY INTINERARIES

ITALY

With a history spanning 2,500 years, the “Eternal City” of Rome is simply overwhelming in terms of ancient monuments/history – the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Forum, the amazing underground Church of San Clemente, the Vatican – too numerous to name! Rome’s preoccupation and obsession with aesthetics fuses with a wonderful urban lifestyle to make it a city where you feel chic and “smart” simply strolling the streets.

A recent UNESCO report (Financial Times, 7/21/12) claims that 60% of the world’s most important art is in Italy - half of that, amazingly, is in Florence! Florence is Italy’s Renaissance-jewel and few cities can match its classic beauty. As Florence is situated in a low basin surrounded by hills, summers are very humid, a fact that did not deter our first trip there!

Beginning in the 14th century and blossoming in the 15th, Italian Renaissance artists were truly masters of the universe. Perhaps no other period in human history has ever been dominated by such a small group of artistic giants all concentrated in one tiny area of the planet – Florence… Donatello, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Sanzio, and Michelangelo. Truly extraordinary!

And then there is Venice, the Amalfi Coast, idyllic Tuscany, and of course, George Clooney’s northern Italy sanctuary, Lake Como.

PRIVATE LUXURY INTINERARIES

INDIA

Perhaps the most enigmatic, diverse and colorful of any country in the world, Bev, Zen and I feel India to be nothing less than spell-binding. Second only to Japan, we feel India is a most compelling destination. With its intoxicating mix of ethnic groups and cultures, wide contrasts in physically beautiful landscapes, as well as wildlife, you really need multiple trips to adequately explore this country of +1 billion people. We are particularly drawn to India’s rich history, including the Moghul rule and the legacy of the British Raj. May we mention that the Taj Mahal is one of the very few monuments in the world where the reality of seeing this place in person actually EXCEEDS all the hyperbole and pictorial reproductions. As Rudyard Kipling expressed, “this place is the embodiment of all things pure.” Notwithstanding the beauty and awe of this vast land, please be pre-warned that poverty in India is stark, pervasive and somewhat disturbing to western eyes.

Our recommended introductory private tour itinerary includes Delhi (the Imperial or the new AMAN), the most interesting Holy City of Varanasi, Agra (Oberoi Amarvilas) and the Taj Mahal, Ranthambore Tiger Preserve (with its luxurious Vanyavilas), Jaipur (Raj Vilas or Rambaugh Palace), and lovely Udaipur (Taj Lake Palace, Udaivilas, or the more remote Devi Garh).

PRIVATE LUXURY INTINERARIES

KC India, Bali and Singapore: 16 Nights

INDONESIA (BALI)

Bali is our favorite island destination in the Pacific Rim (although at the time this was written, we had not yet visited the island nation of Sri Lanka). The beaches here are nice, though not nearly as impressive as the beaches in Hawaii, or many other places. We do not recommend travel to Bali for the beach, but, rather, for its beautiful lush interior, most unique Hindu-animistic culture and for its luxurious world-class, high-touch resorts. During our last Christmas visit to Bali, Bev, Zen and I very much enjoyed walking through the lush green terraced rice fields and villages near the artists’ enclave of Ubud. Religious festivals are held throughout the year and add a special dimension to any stay. The verdant Bali countryside is quite idyllic and surreal, mirroring all of the beautiful images you see in the various travel images.

Based on our last three visits, our favorite luxury resort/spa properties are the Four Seasons Sayan, the Amandari (Ubud) and Amankila (east coast) and the Como Shambala (Begawan Giri). Although these are among the most luxurious properties in Bali, there are many other nice luxury hotels throughout the island.

PRIVATE LUXURY INTINERARIES

Coming soon!

JAPAN

Bev, Zen and I freely admit Japan is our favorite destination in all the world! Japan is singular among Asian cultures in its amazing ability to assimilate and then synthesize foreign cultures and influences. The contrast between Japan’s orderly, balanced Shinto/Buddhist centered culture and its hyper-innovative technology-driven economy is compelling. One always sees two sides of Japan: Its 21st Century technology as expressed in its auto/electronic industry, sleek designs, and thoroughly modern economy on the one hand seem incongruous to Japan’s structured, conformist set of social norms and religious beliefs. Despite our many travels to Japan, there always seems to be an impenetrable veil in truly understanding this wonderful land.

A big part of Japan’s uniqueness is its wabi-sabi aesthetic. Wabi-sabi represents the Japanese worldview/state-of-mind emphasizing simplicity and purity. You may think of wabi-sabi as a spiritual longing, the beauty and awe of all things humble, unpretentious, ephemeral and imperfect. Our daughter, Zen, says wabi-sabi is “peace” and “everything that is natural and beautiful.”

Among our favorite areas of Japan:

• Tokyo – vast array of shopping/restaurants and we love the fine arts Ghibli Museum featuring the anime works of Hayao Miyazaki. The Peninsula Tokyo is the premier luxury hotel in all of Japan!
• Hakone – 2 nights at the luxury Gora Kadan ryokan is special at this onsen/hot mineral springs mecca.
• Takayama – a mini-Kyoto with much local culture/history, including nearby World UNESCO site of Shirakawa-go.
• Koyasan – This 9th century monastic refuge is set in lush forested mountains – this is a serene, spiritual respite from urban Japan.
• Kyoto – Cultural heartland of Japan – Although we have traveled to Kyoto the past four straight Aprils during the sakura/cherry blossom seasons, there is still so much we have not seen here! We love the many Shinto shrines/Buddhist temples, the wonderful gardens (particularly Saiho-ji), and the ultimate high-touch ryokans, Tawaraya & Hiiragiya. Many cultural options: including a private tea ceremony, private geiko (geisha) – maiko entertainment/kaiseki dinner, etc.

Please enjoy this wonderfully, inscrutable land.

PRIVATE LUXURY INTINERARIES

LAOS

The ancient royal city of Luang Prabang is a place where time seems to stand still. The New York Times mentioned Luang Prabang as one of the 43 most interesting places to visit! My family and I have always felt Luang Prabang to be among our favorite hidden treasures in Southeast Asia. It’s a slow, sleepy town nestled on the Mekong River and rich in Buddhist culture. This former royal capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a fusion of monasteries, traditional Laotian dwellings and French colonial architecture. We just love the small, genuinely gentle and friendly Buddhist environment of Luang Prabang. Although many more tourists are now descending upon this tranquil place, Luang Prabang still retains its uniquely peaceful serenity.

Among the special experiences in Luang Prabang are the Baci Ceremony and the early morning “alms” rice offering/Buddhist monk procession. The Baci ceremony pre-dates the arrival of Buddhism in Laos (8th century) and is considered the most respectful form of welcome. During the ceremony the selected individuals tie strings around their wrists believing the strings will protect the wearer. It is suggested the strings must not be removed for at least three days. The ceremony is highlighted by the accompaniment of music and traditional dance. It’s a very moving personal ceremony.

The “alms” rice offering/Buddhist monk procession is most interesting. As the sun rises every morning in Luang Prabang, citizens line the roads to make rice offering to the procession of monks. The splendor of saffron colored robes amidst lush, jade green trees is quite a spectacle to behold, and the amount of meaning infused into this beautiful ceremony is beyond almost anything one is familiar with. The sincerity of the people making their offerings and the humility of the monks walking down the roads in their bare feet make this precious experience unlike any other, yet for them, it is simply a morning routine.

PRIVATE LUXURY INTINERARIES

MOROCCO

The kingdom of Morocco has quickly developed into the new “in” chic destination of North Africa. With a rich native culture and civilization, Morocco boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ancient Roman city of Volubilis and the Medina of Fez, the most amazing walled city dating back to the 13th Century.

Perhaps our favorite stopover point is the enigmatic, romantic city of Marrakech, beautifully set in the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. A stay at nearby Amanjena is a must – a high-touch resort of 32 sunset-red colored private pavilions overlooking the Atlas range and adjacent to nearby Berber villages. A highlight of any Morocco private tour is a Desert Camp/Bivoac tent in Merzouga – rest assured this is a very pampered experience!

PRIVATE LUXURY INTINERARIES

NEW ZEALAND

We absolutely love New Zealand! In addition to the stunning landscapes, unique wildlife and colorful history, the people of this land are among the most friendly, engaging in all the world – Bev and I feel New Zealand to be almost a throw-back to what America may have been like in the 1950’s.

We very much enjoy private touring of Wellington, the capital of New Zealand in the North Island. Think of Wellington as a mini-San Francisco. A short, private helicopter ride brings you to Wharekauhau Lodge & Country Estate. This is a spectacular 5,000 acre working sheep station/country estate that is a big favorite of clients seeking a private idyllic setting with many optional activities (including world-class dining!)

South Island may be our favorite area of New Zealand, particularly the areas of and around Christchurch and the Milford Track. Christchurch has a wonderful English feel with its ubiquitous, colorful gardens and tranquil Avon River running through the city. Continuing the English theme, a stay in nearby Otahuna Lodge is a relaxing, special experience. In contrast to the sprawling 5,000 acre Wharekauhau estate, Otahuna evokes the charm of an intimate, old English manor, with only 7 suites/rooms. This place was once the largest private residence in all of New Zealand. Apart from the luxurious accommodations, Otahuna is most noteworthy due to its gardens and food. In fact, Bev and I feel the Christchurch area in general has among the most colorful, lush gardens we have seen anywhere – so beautiful!

For the intrepid hikers among us, we enthusiastically recommend the Milford Track, commonly known as the “finest walk in the world.” Beginning at the head of Lake Te Anau and finishing at Milford Sound, this 33.2 mile trek traverses rainforests, wetlands and an alpine pass. Part of the fun is meeting your fellow hikers while staying at the most accommodating lodges enroute. Bev and I fully agree that the Milford Track is truly the most wonderful trek we have ever experienced.

PRIVATE LUXURY INTINERARIES

SOUTH AFRICA

Although we prefer the vast migration herds in Kenya and Tanzania, no other area in Africa can compare with South Africa’s combination of wildlife/native culture, with a European sense of sophistication. We feel an ideal South African private tour itinerary includes the physical beauty and refinement of Cape Town with a private safari adventure in Londolozi. Cape Town offers the natural beauty of Table Mountain, Cape Point, the 22,000 acre Cape of God Hope Nature Preserve, and beloved by all, Boulders Beach and Penguin Colony. Complimenting Cape Town’s physical beauty is a 2-3 night stay in the picturesque Winelands region. Blessed with a climate that enables this area to produce world class wine, a stay at LeQuartier Francais in the heart of South Africa’s gourmet capital, Franschoek, is an idyllic, culinary experience.

We recommend ending your South Africa private tour with a 3-4 night stay at Pioneer Camp, the most secluded of Londolozi’s luxury game lodge camps. The three private suites here have superb river views with private game drivers to see lions, leopards, wild dogs, (somewhat rare) giraffe, rhino, and elephants. This is where wildlife meets luxury!

PRIVATE LUXURY INTINERARIES

THAILAND

In essence we feel Thailand represents Buddhism and kindness. Buddhism and its intrinsic service culture fully embraces the concepts of kindness/empathy and service to others. We think of Buddhism as the Golden Rule…squared! It is no coincidence that the Buddhist-based cultures of Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Burma, and Sri Lanka, represent the highest levels of high-touch service/hospitality you will find anywhere. It follows that many of the world’s most noteworthy luxury hotel properties have found their home in Thailand.

Our favorite areas of Thailand include Bangkok, the cooler northern areas of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai (Golden Triangle) and the beach resort areas of, Phuket, Krabi and the various remote islands of the southwest. We freely admit the Amanpuri/Phuket is our preferred!

Sultry, sensual Bangkok is the home of the kingdoms most impressive temples, museums, and sights. As Bangkok’s waterways have long been a central part of the Thai lifestyle, a half-day klongs (canals) private tour is most stimulating (notwithstanding the increasingly polluted Chao Phraya River!). Yes, these are several noteworthy 5 star luxury hotels in Bangkok, but we feel the Oriental is the ultimate standard – the service is legendary. The Riverview State Rooms and Author Suites are our favorites.

The northern areas of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai offer cool, diverse contrasts from Bangkok. Here you may discover the hill tribes and some touristy, yet fun bamboo river rafting! Just down the rode from the Four Seasons Chiang Mai, we enthusiastically recommend a half-day visit to the Maesa Elephant Camp. What the Four Seasons, Oriental, and the Peninsula are to 5 star luxury hotels, Maesa is to private, hands-on elephant training. Here you feed, ride, bathe, and even draw pictures with the elephants. Bev, Zen, and I rate the Four Seasons and the sprawling Oriental Dhara Dhevi in Chiang Mai and the Anantara and boutique ultra-luxurious 15 tent Four Seasons, Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai.

PRIVATE LUXURY INTINERARIES

VIETNAM

Vietnam is truly a land of contrasts — wonderfully chaotic city markets, lush green rice fields, verdant jungles, charming historical Hanoi, perhaps representing Vietnam's past, and bustling Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), epitomizing Vietnam's high energy quest for economic development. Vietnam is a unique combination of contemporary history, culinary excellence, and a sincere warmth among its people that is incomparable. When Bev and I think of Vietnam, we think of wonderful food, its most interesting contemporary history, and beautiful French-colonial architecture. You will love engaging with the genuinely friendly and kindhearted Vietnamese!

Among our favorite destinations are Hanoi (we love this city – Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Stilt House, a remarkable array of great restaurants and leafy, green parks throughout the city), a 2 day/1 night luxury Chinese Junk cruise on Halong Bay, the former 17th century seaport town of Hoi An (a great place for custom tailored clothes), and Saigon/Mekong Delta. Time permitting, a 2 day excursion to the former French colonial hill station of Dalat is a nice, cool respite from the heart of southern Vietnam. Bev, Zen and I also very much enjoyed the overnight train from Hanoi northwest to the remote area of Sapa, the lush, green home to serveal of Vietnam’s ethnic minority groups including the Hmong, Dao, Tay and Muong.

Our favorite luxury hotel properties in Vietnam include the early 20th century French-colonial Sofitel Legend Hotel in Hanoi, the opulent, sprawling beach resort of Nam Hai near Hoi An and the relatively new Park Hyatt in Saigon.

PRIVATE LUXURY INTINERARIES

KC Family: Spring Break-Cambodia and Thailand-9 Nights