Here are the things that Singapore is best known for:

Being super clean: Greenery amidst the city: The ban on chewing gum: Marina Bay Skyline: Fines and corporal punishment: The Singapore Sling: Year round summer (and stickiness): The land of shopping malls…..

Less known: The Singapore Jewish story is of major significance in the Far East and it continues until today….

The most famous of all the islands in Thailand is Koh Samui, a beautiful island that is famed for its stunning palm tree edged beaches and crystal clear waters. Due to its broad appeal the island is visited by all types of travelers from the budget backpacker to mega wealthy celebrities.

There really is something for everyone on this paradise island in Thailand and we will be hard pushed to fit everything in but we’ll do our best!!

Chiang Mai is in the north of Thailand.

It is famous for its historical temples, picturesque mountains and scenic views. The mountain peaks around Chiang Mai make for pleasant weather. Founded in 1296 with rich history and culture with temples that date back to the 13th Century. Chiang Mai is a paradise for animal lovers. It has an elephant sanctuary for retired elephants where you can spend your day playing, feeding and bathing with them.

Not to be missed is Chiang Mai Night Safari; which we visit on an open-sided tram. You will get a chance to hand-feed wild animals. They really are fabulous, warm friendly creatures!!

One of the best attractions in Chiang Mai is a visit with local ancient tribes, who are following old customs and traditions. Hmong tribal village is a must-visit place and it is an eye-opener into real tribal life. Karen Long Neck tribe is also a worth visiting tribe located in Chiang Mai. We’ll see what we can fit in!!

Hot Spring Baths and Natural Water Falls San Kamphaeng Hot Springs are located around 1-hour ride from Chiang Mai is the best place to relax. It is an open-air spa with hot springs, pools lodging in a lush setting with gardens and picnic areas. Fancy feeling you’re 16 again and getting away from everything? We can rent you a motorbike from town and reach San Kamphaeng easily after an hour’s ride There is a unique chance to get a massage from women prisoners in Chiang Mai. Yes, from prisoners, it sounds very different; but actually it is part of Women Prison’s various programs that provide the women with an opportunity to find their way of living after their captivity.

Let’s not forget the wonderful inexpensive shopping, especially the famous Night market, a feature of many towns in the region. A great activity for Motzaei Shabbat. Bargainers’ paradise!! Inside the Chiang Mai old city walls, you’ll be captivated by the mix of eclectic markets, traditional houses, majestic foreign consulates and modern edifices. See locals on their way to or from the pagodas and take note of the small spirit shrines tucked alongside family homes.

Sooooo different!!!

We’ll visit some of the major Hanoi sights: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Hilton “Hotel” Prison and more…

We’ll also do some extreme activities – like learning how to cross a Hanoi road between thousands of scooters and for the hard-core extremists, a chance to ride through Hanoi traffic during rush-hour!!

One day, after a drive on the new highway from Hanoi, we’ll take a seaplane over Ha Long Bay. This is a real treat, enabling you to see the landscape from above and avoiding the traffic – at least one way. In bad visibility, we’ll go by bus!! On our private vessel, we’ll then cruise for several hours between the limestone outcrops and long corridors and visit famous caves and lagoons that helped earn Ha-Long Bay its place among the 7 Wonders of the World. Lunch as we sail!!

A beautiful day, starting in Hoi An with its lovely ancient town, its Japanese bridge and Phuc Kien Pagoda. We’ll also visit a silk factory and local market.

Then off to a pastoral picnic lunch and a very unique tour of the countryside around – so much to see and enjoy!! Back in our hotel there will be time to enjoy the facilities before Shabbat and we’ll find time over the weekend to enjoy more massages and all the other facilities of this gorgeous resort.

Candle-lighting is at 17.30.

Kabbalat Shabbat and Dinner are at the Hotel.
The chef here seems to have taken a shine to our groups and to the concept of Kashrut. He produces some of the most elegant, delicious and interesting meals that we will enjoy on the entire trip!!

Shabbat on our tours is always special. In this gorgeous resort we will have the benefit of being able to learn all sorts of relaxation techniques, something we could all do with in the frantic world in which we live.

A speaker about life during the war will keep us real!!

In addition you will be DELIGHTED TO KNOW that with a few exceptions, you can HALACHICALLY enjoy massages on Shabbat!!!

Davening and late Breakfast (Seuda II) will be followed by a menu of Shabbat friendly activities – or an invitation to chill by your private pool. Late lunch will be seuda III. Havdala is early (18.15) so we’ll have time to go to town before returning for a light late dinner

We’ll complete our Hue touring program and head to the airport for the early afternoon flight to Saigon/HCMC.

It will likely be HOT!! Here we start with an overview tour of this fast-moving, modern pulsating metropolis.

Whereas Hanoi is all old-world, clinging tenuously to its traditions, HCMC is racing into the 21st century, embracing modernity, capitalism and material wealth.

In the Mekong Delta, we’ll tour the Cai Be floating market, take an easy bicycle ride to visit a fruit farmer and taste his delicious fruits.

There is a speedboat tour to the infamous Cu Chi tunnels and there is the War Museum well worth a visit. The modern city itself is a really fun place for (window-) shopping and drinking excellent coffee!! Back to the hotel for lunch and luggage!!

A short direct early evening flight will bring us to our final destination, Siem Reap, Cambodia and to the wonderful FCC Angkor Hotel for Dinner and 4 nights of culture and relaxation.

Surrounded by sacred, centuries-old trees and lush tropical flora, FCC Angkor sees 80 well-appointed, modern rooms with thoughtful Khmer touches—from artisanal textiles and handwoven rattan baskets to bespoke furnishings—two gleaming marble-tiled pools, a holistic spa and wellness centre and serene green views in this historic mansion oasis and annex in the heart of Siem Reap, where the perpetual scent of lemongrass plants (homegrown by staff from nearby Tekvel Village) wafts through the air.

These days we’ll tour the great Angkor Wat temples complex. We’ll also enjoy one of the most exhilarating ATV tours we have ever taken!!!!! In the hot afternoons, there will be time in the hotel for massages, treatments, the pool and heavenly relaxation.