Operation Sapa Halong Bay

I had been planning for this trip since three years ago, but I decided to choose Taiwan over this due to the fact that the date is near to Chinese New Year. I started to make arrangement for this trip just two months before, as I had heard and seen so much good review online that is related to this trip. As the Squid Fishing Peak Season is around October and November, I thought it would be good to plan for this trip as it is near to the Squid Fishing Peak Season.

As the Travel Agency Misa Travel is no longer in operation I had send my enquiry to three other reputable Tour Agency, they are ASA, Chan Brother and CTC. ASA actually allow to book the trip directly from their website like Misa but as their itinerary is using Bus Coach instead of Train for the Sapa journey I decided to choose CTC instead.

CTC advertise the package at $498, with Vietnam Airline Flight Ticket of additional $425 the whole package will be $913 per person. It also have the option of topping up additional $90 for better Hotel but I prefer Luminous Hotel over First Eden due to the location and online review.

Chan Brother advertise the package at $548, but the Singapore Airline Flight Ticket is almost twice the amount of Vietnam Airline at $790 which make the package at $1338 per person. But I must honestly say that the Singapore Airline Flight Timing is better as it go early and return late which let you get the most from the hotel check in and check out timing.

ASA advertise the package at $788 with Vietnam Airline Flight Ticket included, but when I try to book on their website I found out that there is an additional charges from airport tax and other subsidiary which make the package $963 per person with a $50 error in the calculation which i can't seem to figure out where does the calculation when wrong. And they also doesn't reply to my enquiry on the package, while Chan Brother reply after a week and CTC reply only the next day. 

The initial itinerary is suppose to go Halong Bay first before going to Sapa, but due to the clash of Flight and Train Timing the Tour Agency had to make last minute change to reverse the itinerary which is quite similar to ASA original itinerary.

King Express Train Cabin

1st Dec Saturday (Hanoi)

At 1400 hrs we had Herbal Chicken Soup ($18.50) for lunch at the Changi Airport Terminal 4 before we board our flight. The new terminal had a lot of latest technology which suppose to make the whole process faster, but due to a lot of traveler not familiar with the new system it actually make the whole process slower. Our flight had an half hour delay and take off at 1640 hrs instead of 1610 hrs, we had our dinner on board the flight with Beef Noodle for me and Sweet and Sour Fish Rice for my wife.
 
We arrive at Hanoi Noi Bai Airport Terminal 2 at 1825 hrs, after clearing custom we found our driver waiting outside the arrival hall at 0700 hrs. The journey to Hanoi from the Airport is around 45 minutes, we reach the Tour Agency Office of Vietnam Open Tour at 2000 hrs and rest there for half hour before they bring us to the Train Station for our ride.
 
We took the 2200 hrs Train SP3 Track 7 Coach 11 Bed 9 and 11, pay the porter $10 for carrying our luggage as we are not familiar with the local custom. Two girls from Australia share the same cabin with us, we off the light and sleep right after the train start to move out and head towards Lao Cai. It was not an easy night for us as the train had a lot of noise and vibration and frequent stop with emergency brake had disturb our not so peaceful sleep and wake us up every few hours.

Mountains View from Sapa Hotel

2nd Dec Sunday (Sapa)
We finally arrived at Lao Cai at 0600 hrs, we found our tour guide  and arrive at Holiday Sapa Hotel at 0700 hrs after a 60 mins ride on the mini van along the mountain track. We thought a dedicated tour guide would follow us throughout the whole journey but we realized that it was not really practical as the whole journey was too far apart. So we were introduce to our other Local Tour Guide and Local Tribal Guide at the Hotel after dropping off other Tourist at other hotels.

Waterfall at Cat Cat Village

We had our Breakfast at 0730 hrs at the Hotel Cafe with a magnificent view of the cloud and mountains, the Local Tribal Guide will bring us to Cat Cat Sin Chai Village 3 kilometers in the valley at 0900 hrs to see the flowers and waterfall. We watch a 30 minutes Local Dance Performance at 1100 hrs, we took a short rest at a drinks stall before we get a Taxi (150000 Dong $10) for the return trip to the Hotel. We had Coconut, Sugar Cane Juice and two Eggs (80000 Dong $6).

We check in to Room 304 at 1230 hrs and had Pork and Spring Roll for Lunch at the Hotel Cafe. After Lunch we rest for an hours to recharge our body and our phones and camera and explore the town in Sapa at around 1500 hrs. We visit the Lake and the Market but the Market is ending by the time we arrive there around 1600 hrs. We brought 500 grams Chestnut (50000 Dong $3.50 ), 500 grams Grape (30000 Dong $2), one Handicraft Bag (120000 $9) and head back to the hotel as the tour guide is going to bring us out for dinner.
 

Sunset at Sapa Hotel

We had Duck and Chicken for Dinner, and order Mango Juice (40000 Dong $3) and Ginger Tea (20000 Dong $1.50). My wife brought two Handicraft Bag (180000 Dong $13.50) and we head back to hotel and rest for the night at 2000 hrs.

Terrance Padi Field at Lao Cai Village

3rd Dec Monday (Sapa)
 
We woke up at 0630 hrs and had Breakfast at 0700 hrs, the Tour Guide had help us arrange for the Van (US$15 $22) to Lao Cai Village which is 12 kilometers down the valley at 0830 hrs. A local tribal old lady had been following us since we got off the van, I thought she is going to kidnap me and make me her son in law until she finally approach us for selling of some handicraft. We brought a Scarf (100000 Dong $7.50) from her and she give us additional two charm bracelet for good luck.

We arrive at Ta Van Village around 1000 hrs after a 3 kilometers walk and try crossing the Hanging Bridge (20000 Dong $1.50). We return to the hotel at 1100 hrs and manage to have shower before we check out at 1150 hrs. The special arrangement of the private van by the tour guide had allow us some spare time in the afternoon for our own activity. We had Pork, Chicken and Spring Roll for Lunch at the restaurant beside the hotel and order additional Strawberry Tea (18000 $1.35) and Apple Juice (30000 Dong $2)

 Hanging Bridge at Ta Van Village

We did not plan for our adventure to the highest peak in Vietnam Fansipan Mountain (3143 meters) at 1300 hrs, but the Local Tribal Guide had recommend it. The Tram (100000 Dong $7.50) in Sun Plaza  took about 15 mins to reach the Cable Car Station and the Cable Car (1400000 Dong $105) took about 30 mins to reach the Peak. We took another Tram (300000 Dong $22.50) and finally reach the highest point of our whole journey after another 10 mins ride.

 Scared Peak at Fansipan

I brought some Souvenir (370000 Dong $22.50) and make our way back to the hotel at around 1630 hrs to change our clothes. We brought two Sweet Potato (30000 Dong $2), one Corn (10000 Dong $0.75) and 500 grams Mini Mandarin Orange (15000 Dong $1) for our dinner tonight. The tour guide pick us up at 1730 hrs and we arrive Lao Cai again at 1830 hrs.


We never expect that we would be able to spend two hours at a restaurant near the Train Station at 1900 hrs for proper dinner, we had Pizza (175000 Dong $13.5), Coconut (55000 Dong $4.5) and
Mango Lassi (55000 Dong $4.5). We tips the Tour Guide and Local Tribal Guide (US$12 $18) as per the US$3 per day per person as advice by the Tour Agency in Singapore. We took the 2140 hrs Train SP4 Track 3 Coach 11 Bed 5 and 7 back to Hanoi, and to our surprise we are sharing the same cabin again with the two girls from Australia.

Surprising Cave at Halong Bay

4th Dec Tuesday (Halong Bay)

We arrived Hanoi at 0530 hrs, maybe is was because we are too tired or maybe we are located at the front of the train we manage to get better sleep. The tour guide brought us to First Eden Hotel for Breakfast at 0615 hrs, as there are four different exit at the Train Station we are told to wait for him at the Train. Another Tour Guide came to pick us up at 0800 hrs, we follow the Coach Bus around the town to pick up other tourist. Five is from Chile, two from Argentina and three from Japan. 

I had an Ice Cream (45000 Dong $1.35) when we stop for 30 minutes Toilet Break at around 1030 hrs at a Handicap Handicraft Centre about halfway between Hanoi and Halong City. We arrived at Halong City around 1230 hrs after a 3.5 hours Bus Journey. The tour guide make a last minute arrange for us to upgrade from two stars boat cruise to three stars, I am not sure if it was because our luggage were too bulky to ride the small boat or it is because they know my birthday is coming.

I brought two Phone Water Proof Casing (160000 Dong $8) from the jetty as I did not expect we would get wet from the Kayak Cave Exploration Activity. We check in to Room 104 of An Nam Junk at 1245 hrs, there were already a family of four from Germany when we board then another four Indians friends from Canada decided to join us at the last minute and delay the departure by half hour.
 
We had Fish, Shrimp, Clam, Squid and Fish Cake for Lunch at 1330 hrs as the boat sail off the harbor I order two additional Pineapple Juice (US$8 $12) for the sumptuous five course meal as compare to our usual three course meal we had at the hotel and restaurant. The upgrade is like a halfway point where we had food that are from those Luxury Cruise while sailing on normal boat.

The first activity is visit to Surprising Cave (45 mins) at 1530 hrs after a two hours scenery voyage in Halong Bay. It is the biggest Lime Stone Cave in the World and it just add on to our World Record Tour since the Taiwan Trip, China Aquarium Visit and Europe Cruise about three years ago.

 Kayak in Lime Stone Cave

I had to go alone for Kayak at Lime Stone Cave (30 mins) at 1630 hrs as my wife doesn't know how to swim, it was very tiring for me as I am unable to sit upright and keep laying down due to my big stomach. The last time I had participate in such activity was more than 20 years ago.

I had a shower and we went for Cooking Lesson at 1800 hrs which teach us how to make Vietnamese Spring Roll, some boat also had fruit and vegetable craving demonstration too. We had Fish, Crab, Shrimp, Chicken and Spring Roll for Dinner at 1900 hrs. We start Squid Fishing at 2000 hrs after the dinner but give up after an hour later and went to sleep at 2100 hrs.

Sunset at Halong Bay

5th Dec Wednesday (Halong Bay and Hanoi)
 
We woke up at 0600 hrs to see the sunrise and had Taichi Lesson at 0630 hrs at the top deck. We had Breakfast at 0700 hrs and arrive at Ti Top View Point (60 mins) around 0745 hrs for Trekking, the journey going up took about 20 minutes and we had enough time for Coconut Drink (50000 Dong $3.75) and Beach Chair (60000 Dong $4.5) before we return to the Boat.

 Halong Bay View from Ti Top

We manage to had shower before we Check Out at 0930 hrs, we stay at the top deck for scenery before we had Pork and Squid for early lunch at around 1030 hrs. I settle the bill for the Drinks (eight Pineapple Juice, one Coke and one Mineral Water. US$43 $61.50) and tips (US$20 $30) the boat crew for their hospitality during our stay on board.

We alongside the jetty at Halong City around 1100 hrs and get off the boat to wait for our tour guide to pick us up at 1215 hrs. We arrive back in Hanoi at 1630 hrs and Check in to Luminous Hotel Room 506 at 1700 hrs after dropping off the other 18 tourists at various hotel all around the town.

We went for a walk around town after we settle down in the hotel, my wife brought a packet of Peanut Candy (20000 Dong $1.50) and I brought five T Shirt (500000 Dong $37.50). We had our dinner at a restaurant near to our hotel at 1800 hrs, I had Beef Noodle (80000 Dong $6) and my wife had Spring Roll with Vermicelli (60000 Dong $4.50). I also order a Coke (30000 Dong $2.25) and we had a Egg and Cheese Crepe (25000 Dong $1.80) for dessert.

 Night Market at Hanoi

My wife brought a pair of running shoe (300000 Dong $22.50) and I brought 500 grams of Jack Fruit (50000 Dong $3.75). We went back to the hotel to drop off the things we had brought earlier, we explore the town further after a short break in the hotel. My wife decide to buy three T Shirt (350000 Dong $27) which is same design but different color to match mine for the coming Chinese New Year.

We manage to get two boxes of Green Bean Cake (Coconut and Taro 52000 Dong $4), my wife finally decide to buy the Pants (60000 Dong $4.50) and I brought Sugar Cane Juice (15000 Dong $1) before we head back to our hotel and rest for the night at 2200 hrs.







6th Dec Thu (Hanoi)
 
We check out at 0430 hrs and had a Hotdog Bun (50000 Dong $4)
and two Honey Tea (110000 Dong $8.50) for our Breakfast at the Airport at 0545 hrs after we had check in our luggage. I brought some Souvenir (210000 Dong $15) at the shop near to the boarding gate and borad our flight at 0755 hrs. We arrive back in Singapore half hour early at 1235 hrs and concluded our adventure in Vietnam.

Chimelong Safari Park 2016 - Tarzan and Jane at Madagascar

I have try to book for this trip in September and November but had delay until December to finally embark on this trip due to the Typhoon Season. December is a good month as the Weather is cooling and will not rain due to the Typhoon Season from May to October. So I book for the Tiger Airway Flight Ticket ($427) and Angel Baby Theme Hotel (676 RMB $139) from 11th December 2016 to 13th December 2016 for our visit to Chimelong Safari Park. The Park is celebrating its 15 Anniversary and free entrance for children which is below 1.5 Meter for November and December. The White Tiger Buffet Restaurant also had 15 Percent Discount for Birthday Person from 1st to 15th December.

11th Dec 2016 Sunday

We arrived at the Changi Airport Terminal 2 at 0400 hrs to check in our luggage, our Tiger Airway Flight TR 2986 take off at 0605 hrs and arrive at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport at 0955 hrs. We have Roast Lemon Chicken Thigh at 0800 hrs on the flight for our Breakfast. We took the Line 3 Train from Airport to Panyu (9 RMB $2) and alight at Hanxi Changlong Station. The Angel Baby Theme Hotel is a Service Apartment located just South of the Chimelong Safari Park, I had book for Madagascar Theme but due to water leakage we are relocated to Doraemon Theme Room 1801 instead. It is a nice setup with Living Room and Bath Room located at below and Bedroom located at the top. I really like the hanging chair near the window and the mirror at the ceiling of the bedroom.

Angel Baby Theme Hotel

After we had check in at Angel Baby Theme Hotel at 1230 hrs, we decided to explore the area. I am surprised that there are a lot of restaurants and eatery shop below as compare to our previous trip to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom at Zhuhai. We will be able to save a lot of cost by staying at a cheaper hotel and eating at cheaper restaurants. We had Century Egg Porridge and Chicken Chop Rice for Lunch at a Taiwan Eatery Shop near to the end of the Food Street at 1330 hrs. After lunch we cross over to the other side of the Expressway by the Train Underground Pavement to Chimelong International Circus to purchase our Tickets (300 RMB $60) for tomorrow night, the Ticket will cost 80 more RMB for Weekend and Public Holidays.

We explore around Chimelong Hotel after we had purchase our circus ticket, this hotel will cost around 1098 RMB to 5298 RMB ($220 to $1060) per night. There are a few room which have balcony facing the White Tiger and Flamingo Enclosure where you can enjoy the excitement of sleeping with Tiger or Birds. We had manage to save about 75 percent of hotel stay costing by staying at service apartment which is within walking distance of the Safari Park. We proceed to purchase the Safari Park Ticket (250 RMB $50) for tomorrow but realize that the ticket could only be brought on actual day and not in advance. We also realize that the package ticket for Safari Park and Circus will get saving of 85 RMB ($17).

White Tiger Enclosure

Flamingo Enclosure

We proceed back to our hotel and brought 4 Drinks (15 RMB $3), and Toothpaste (11 RMB $2) at a convince store below at 1600 hrs and took a short afternoon nap to catch up with the sleep we lost for the early flight. We had dinner at an Italian Restaurant named COMO and order Pizza, Pasta and Sampler Plate for 174 RMB ($35). It is highly recommended to have dinner at this Italian Restaurant as I felt it had a higher standard as compare to the one we ate in Resort World Sentosa. We took a Train to Panyu Square (4 RMB $1) which is only two stations away to visit a newly open Aeon Mall. As there are nothing that interest us at the Mall, we proceed back to our hotel after I finish my Gong Cha (Imperial Tea) (18 RMB $4) at 2100 hrs. There are a few instant Karaoke Booth at the Basement of the Mall which allow couples and friends to past some time at a very cheap price.

12th December 2016 Monday

We woke up at 0700 hrs and proceed for Breakfast at 0800 hrs at a Restaurant nearby the Hotel with the Breakfast Voucher provided by the Hotel. There are Fried Noodle, Porridge, Bun, Hard Boil Egg, Sweet Potato and Soya Bean Milk, we proceed to Safari Park to purchase the ticket at 0930 hrs and start our adventure for the day. We were also offered the purchase of Ticket for Bird Park at 20 RMB ($4) which is an offer hard to be resist. The Bird Park use to be a Crocodile Farm few years ago, it is about one quarter the Safari Park and a 30 minutes Bus Trip away.

Meerkat

Panda Triplet

Koala Bear

The Hippo Show is at 1100 hrs, Elephant Show is at 1230 hrs and the Amazon Show is at 1330 hrs, but the show location is all located at the south side of the park. We should have enter the park from the north side to utilize the time saving advantage base on the design of the park layout, but as the hotel which we stay is located at the south side of the park we did not have a choice but to walk the extra mile up and down the park to cover the maximum area at the shortest time. We had Chicken Chop Rice (68 RMB $14) near the Tiger Exhibit at 1200 hrs.

Hippo Show at Hippo Theater

Elephant Show at Elephant Theater

Amazon Show at Amazon Theater

We proceed to North Entrance after the shows and took the Train Ride for the Open Safari at 1500 hrs and my camera battery went flat on me halfway through the journey, we also visited the Jurassic Trail after the Train Ride at 1530 hrs. We took the Bus at the North Entrance to go to the Bird Park at 1600 hrs, I brought a Drink at the Entrance at 1630 hrs (10 RMB $2) before we proceed for the Bird Show at 1700 hrs. We took a walk around the Bird Park after the show and took the 1800 hrs Bus back as the park closing hour is near.

Swans at Swan Lake

Vulture at Bird Enclosure

 We actually planned for a Buffet Dinner with the White Tiger at the White Tiger Buffet Restaurant which cost about 150 RMB ($30) but the time is not enough so we decided to proceed to Circus Theater instead and had Fried Dumpling (48 RMB $10) for Dinner and brought two Drinks at 18 RMB ($4). We enter the Circus Theater at 1900 hrs and there are Magic Show Performance for half hour before the actual performance start at 1930 hrs. The Circus Performance last for one and a half hour and ended at 2100 hrs, we both felt it was indeed better than the one we had watch in Zhuhai as there are a lot of Animals involve in the performance.

13th December 2016 Tuesday

We woke up early at 0530 hrs and proceed below and had Sandwich (8 RMB $2) and Drinks (11 RMB $2) at 7 Eleven as the Hotel Breakfast will not be available until 0730 hrs. To avoid the Working Crowd for the Train, we had to take Train before 0730 hrs to the Airport to ensure we had a seat in the Train. We check out of the Hotel at 0700 hrs and proceed on our journey home, we took the Tiger Airway Flight TR 2987 at 1045 hrs and arrive back in Singapore at 1500 hrs.

Hainan Tour 2013: Legend of the Phoenix (凤凰传奇）

Brought the 5D4N National Day Special Hainan Tour Package from Deal Website at S$238 each, the package include 4 Night 4/5 Stars Hotel Stay (1 Night Stay at 7 Stars Hotel at Phoenix Island), Tour of Boao Forum, Jade Belt Beach, Betel Nut Valley, South Mountain Cultural Village. As I have to attend the Wedding Ceremony of my wife younger brother on 14th Sep 2013 (Saturday), I book the 13th Sep 2013 (Friday) and 20th Sep 2013 (Friday) Jet Star Flight and book the Tour from 15th Sep 2013 (Sunday) to 19th Sep 2013 (Thursday). Jet Star is having a National Day Promotion where the Return Flight is Free, the flight had cost S$231 each which include 20 Kg Check In Baggage.

Day 1: 13 Sep 2013 (Friday)

We woke up at 0500 hrs and set off for the Airport at 0530 hrs. We arrive at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 at 0600 hrs and had Breakfast at the Airport after we check in our luggage. Brought Two Bottle of Liquor and Two Carton of Cigarette for the Wedding Ceremony at the Duty Free Shop before we proceed to the Boarding Gate. We took off at 0730 hrs and landed at Haikou Meilan Airport at 1100 hrs. As the International Airport had been relocated about one month ago, our transport only manage to pick us up at 1200 hrs.

We arrive at Wenchang at about 1400 hrs and have our Lunch at a Local Restaurant, we finally arrive at the Village at 1600 hrs after another hour drive from Wenchang. We took an afternoon nap and have Dinner at the village at 1900 hrs, I went to sleep early right after dinner at 2100 hrs as I have to wake up early at 0200 hrs the next day to accompany the groom to fetch the bride. Actually that is not really require but since it would be boring waiting at the village I might as well visit Danzhou.

Photo with Bride and Groom

Day 2: 14 Sep 2013 (Saturday)

We woke up at 0200 hrs an set off for Danzhou at 0300 hrs, after 4 hours of journey on the round island expressway we finally arrive at Danzhou at the West Coast around 0700 hrs. The bride side insist that the Bride can only leave at 0900 hrs for auspicious reason and we have to wait like an idiot for two hours. If we have known that earlier, we would have set off at 0500 hrs from the village instead. We were suppose to return to the Village by 1300 hrs or we would have miss the auspicious hour for the groom side and seem like the bride side is purposely stalling our time so that the Bride can dominate the Groom in the future.

We have Breakfast at 0830 hrs and started the Prayer Ceremony at 0900 hrs, the ceremony on the bridge side is also very different from the traditional Chinese Ceremony. Usually Chinese would require both the couple to pray to the ancestor together, but the bride side would require the Groom to pray first and make Cigarettes Offering (Usually Southern Chinese Offer Tea while Northern Chinese Offer Wine) before the Bride do the Prayer.

We finally set off and head back to the Village with the Bride and the Bride Maids from the bride side, the bride side only give a TV to the groom side which I find a bit less as my wife younger sister actually give a Fridge, Washing Machine and Water Heater to the groom side when she got married last year. After 5 hours of journey with a lot of stop in between for the bride side people to go toilet we finally arrive at the Village at 1430 hrs which is way pass the groom side auspicious hour and make prayer to the ancestor before they enter the Village. Most of the friends and relative on the groom side had already left after the Lunch and the Bride is also not willing to make Tea Offering to the groom side.

I finally have my Luncher (Lunch cum Dinner as Brunch is Breakfast cum Lunch) at 1530 hrs and the Bride finally agree to make Tea Offering after much persuasion to the groom side at 1600 hrs. I went to sleep early at 2100 hrs as it was a very tiring day for me today.

Day 3: 15 Sep 2013 (Sunday)

I woke up at 0700 hrs and set off at 0830 hrs for Train Station, we arrive at the Wenchang Train Station at 0900 hrs and brought the Train Ticket at 17.5 RMB (S$3.5) to Meilan Airport. The Train set off at 1100 hrs and we arrive at the Domestic Airport in just 30 minutes, another 30 minutes walk to the international airport to meet up with our Local Tour Guide at 1200 hrs.

The Tour Agency Journey of Dream Pte Ltd seem to have forgot about my booking and made a last minute arrangement on 12th of Sep 2013 (Thursday) after I have send an official complaint to Deal Website when I could not contact the agency for two days to get my booking confirmation for the tour. It is no surprise as I have already expected that there were no other people in the group when the local tour guide met up with us on the Airport on 15th Sep 2013 (Sunday). The local tour guide told us that the Tour Agency had not transfer the payment to them yet and there was no arrangement of one night stay at 7 Stars Hotel at Phoenix Island and we have to pay 838 RMB (S$168) each for the Optional Tour Package.

We arrive at Haikou at around 1300 hrs but we were unable to check in the Hotel at Haikou as the Local Tour Guide was unable to contact the Tour Agency. We went for Lunch at a Noodle Shop nearby while we wait for the Tour Agency to reply the Whatsapp Message which I had send earlier. After trying very hard to contact the Tour Agency, they manage to confirm the booking for the 7 Stars Hotel in Phoenix Island and ask me to pay the Local Tour Guide for the Optional Tour Package and get the Official Receipt to claim from the Tour Agency when back in Singapore. We finally check into Room 1224 of Xing Yuan Hot Spring Hotel at 1400 hrs.

We take an afternoon nap after check in and have Cray Pot Bone Soup 126 RMB (S$25) for Dinner at 1900 hrs, also brought a Nail Clipper Set at 40 RMB (S$8) the Night Market near to our Hotel and Sleep at 2200 hrs.

天下第一寿： 生母七十，生老百年。

Day 4: 16 Sep 2013 (Monday)

The Tour Guide had arrange for Morning Call at 0630 hrs, we had Breakfast at the Hotel Cafe at 0700 hrs and set off for our tour. First stop is Five Sage Temple at Haikou and we reach there at 0830 hrs after 30 minutes drive. Brought the Photo at 10 RMB (S$2).

We set at 0930hrs and arrive at Qionghai for Early Lunch at 1100 hrs, we arrive at Boao Forum at 1230 hrs to take a Boat to Jade Belt Shore (a Reclaim Beach with Fresh Water on one side and Sea Water on the other side). Took Photos with Turtle at Jade Beach Shore at 5 RMB (S$1).

 Photo with Turtle at Jade Beach Shore

We arrive Xinlong Coffee Factory at 1430 hrs and brought some Candy for 60 RMB (S$12). We check into Room 6406 Bright Moon Holiday Hotel (which is very similar to Mahkota Hotel in Melaka, Malaysia we stay last year) in Xinlong at 1530 hrs. We decided to visit my wife younger sister at Xin Zhong Confectionery at 1600 hrs. I help them do some computer maintenance while my wife help them with the Bakery, we then proceed to a Steam Boat Restaurant nearby where they treat us Dinner at 2100 hrs. We proceed back to the Hotel and sleep at 2200 hrs.

Day 5: 17 Sep 2013 (Tuesday)

We got Morning Call at 0700 hrs and had Breakfast at the Hotel at 0730 hrs, the first stop for the day is a Chinese Medical Hall at Xinlong name Hundred Tree Hall. As usual my wife is not happy about the way I made fun of those fake Chinese Doctor which I did during the last Beijing Trip in last year November. The Master will always by chance visit the place for few days and he will always tell you that you got some medical problems which he found out from the foot messager or tour guide who chat with you before. He will always say he could either try to cure you with his internal strength and finally ask you to buy fake medicine from them. I walk out right after and my wife actually pity the foot messager and brought a cheap plaster from them.

We set off at 0900 hrs and I requested the Tour Guide to bring us for Additional Tour of Monkey Island near Sanya at 180 RMB (S$36) each. We reach Monkey Island by Cable Car at 1030 hrs and brought Monkey Food at 10 RMB (S$2) to feed the Monkey before we proceed to watch two performance. We left Monkey Island at 1200 hrs and have Local Specialty Noodle nearby before we go Betel Nut Valley.

 Betel Nut Valley

We arrive Betel Nut Valley at 1300 hrs after 30 minutes drive. Betel Nut Valley is a Tourist Spot with Tribal Culture, it is similar to the Tribe in Yunnan where they know Black Magic. They will put all the poisonous creature into a jar and let them fight and the last survive will be grind into powder for the black magic. It will be cast by getting the husband to ingest the powder by adding into his food, if the husband is unfaithful to the wife he will become very sick and no medication could cure him. The only way is to beg for wife forgiveness before the antidote is given to him.

Tribal Culture are dominated by Women where the Man must work three years in the Girl Family before he can ask for marriage. The first year he must learn to plant rice,  the second year he must learn to collect sap from rubber trees, and the third year he must collect enough Silver Ore to learn to craft 25 kg of Silver Wares as Downy for the Bride (A Head Dress, A Bracelet, Two Bowl, Two Pair of Chopsticks) before he can get married. If any time the bride family are not satisfy with him performance, they will give him a bag of rice and a red hard boil egg and ask him to leave.

 Phoenix Silver Head Dress which weight more than 15 Kg

The Silver Bracelet they wear have strong medical properties as they soak it in Medical Herbs for a long period of time after they have craft it. They usually wrap the Silver Bracelet in an hard boil egg and rub it on the body to remove any poison from themselves. The Egg and the Bracelet will turn Black after the treatment as it had absorb the poison from the body. They usually clean and polish the Silver Bracelet with Soy Sauce, Tooth Paste or Coke after it had turn black from absorbing poison. I brought a Phoenix Craving Sliver Bracelet for 1612 RMB (S$322) for my wife and also brought Two Packet of Honey Coconut for 30 RMB (S$6) and Two Photos for 30 RMB (S$6).

We left Betel Nut Valley at 1500 hrs and arrive at South Mountain Cultural Village at 1600 hrs.

View the Golden Goddess at 20 RMB (S$4) each and brought Blessing Ribbon at 30 RMB (S$6). We had Dinner at 1900 hrs before we go for additional Las Vegas Show at Beauty Crown Theater which recommended by our tour guide at 280 RMB (S$56) each at 2030 hrs.

Tower 5 Room 2003 at 7 Stars Beauty Crown Hotel in Phoenix Island

Finally check into Tower 5 Room 2003 of Beauty Crown Hotel at Sanya Phoenix Island which is the major highlight of the whole tour at 2330 hrs.The Curtain is Automated Open the moment we step into our room, all the switches are touch sensing type. The shower room have three different type of jet spray from the ceiling and a open bath tub at the balcony. With such a impressive Hotel Room of course it will be Sexy Time for me and my wife.

Day 6: 18 Sep 2013 (Wednesday)

We got Morning Call at 0700 hrs as usual and have Breakfast at Tower Three at 0730 hrs. As the Phoenix Island is a very big Reclaim Island ready for the Casino Project, the tour guide have to drive us from Tower Five to Tower Three for Breakfast.

First stop for the day is Dr Tea Tea Shop at 0900 hrs, I decided to buy some high grade Puer Tea as an investment for 1600 RMB (S$320) as it have very good medical properties and will age and increase value like vintage wine. Together with the purchase is a Tea Set that change color at high temperature, Low Grade Puer Tea, Kuding Tea which is local specialty. As usual my wife is not happy like the last time I brought the Tianqi Flower in Shanghai Trip last year September, but at least she very impress by the Color Changing Tea Set which I could have brought it at 10 RMB (S$2) at any Bazaar in Guangzhou.   

We arrive at Silk Factory around 1000 hrs, my wife brought five pair of Silk Socks at 100 RMB  (S$20). As we thought we could leave, the tour guide insist that we have to stay for 90 minutes to fulfill the tour package terms an conditions. My wife pity the Sale Girl who had just started the job two months ago and I have to buy a Micro Fiber Blanket at 680 RMB (S$136) which I could have brought at S$40 in Singapore or 150 RMB (S$30) in Guangzhou. The Sale Girl was very happy and sold us a 680 RMB (S$136) Silk Pillow to us at the staff price of 200 RMB (S$40), I was thinking what kind of bullshit is that.

Resort Room at Bird Nest Paradise in Yalong Bay

We finally arrive at Bird Nest Paradise at 1200 hrs, it was another additional tour which I have requested at 260 RMB (S$52) each. It was the famous Rain Forest Resort where the Chinese Movie You are the One 2 (非誠勿扰2) use as the shooting location. We visit the Hanging Bridge for 20 RMB (S$4) brought Photos for 30 RMB (S$6). The Famous Room which use to film the movie cost 9999 RMB (S$2000) per night stay, it use to be 4000 RMB (S$800) per night stay before the movie make it famous. We get to visit the Room for a 50% discount price of 50 RMB (S$10) each due to tourism down season and it come with one free photo per person. The weather suddenly turn bad with haze and thunder storm due to the Typhoon Season, but we were lucky that our tour have come to a fruitful end.

We had Late Lunch nearby at 1430 hrs and proceed to Bamboo Factory at 1530 hrs. The Factory is specialize in Bamboo Charcoal and Fiber, Activated Charcoal created in vacuum condition at high temperature of 2000 Deg Celsius is good for absorbing toxic substances from water and air, it is commonly use in Water and Air Filtration Equipments worldwide. It is also known that acidic water is good for cleaning the body while alkaline water is good for consumption. Activated Bamboo Charcoal have the ability to turn water into alkaline and absorb toxic substances. 

Bamboo Fiber is a new concept which was develop recently during the Shanghai World Expo few years ago. It does not turn moldy like cotton and has higher absorbent rate of three to four times of cotton. It also have a natural anti bacteria properties which make it an excellent choice for clothing over cotton. I brought a Thermos Flask, Seven Towels, Two T Shirts, Five Pair of Socks, Six Pair of Underwear, Two Boxes of 12 Pieces Activated Charcoal Cube, Two Tube of Tooth Paste, a Tap Filter, a Soap for 1847 RMB (S$370).

I was given two chance in Lucky Dip Scratch and Win, the first try didn't get any luck but the second try got me first prize. I was entitled to buy two pieces of Jewelry at 85% Discount so I brought a Sapphire Ring and Necklace for my wife at 1944 RMB (S$390). My wife scold me stupid and choose to ignore me for the rest of the trip but she didn't know that I actually knew how they play the trick and kind of play along with them.

The trick is very simple, there are two bowl of lucky dip. one with all the no prize tickets and the other with all the first prize tickets. They will let you pick from the first bowl and get nothing, then they will let you pick from the second bowl and get first prize. The jewelery price have already been adjusted to 85% more and with the discount you are actually buying the jewelery at the normal price. I remember I did brought a Sapphire Necklace at Penang, Malaysia for my wife few years ago when we went Star Cruise. It cost about 900 Ringgit (S$390) and now I am getting two at the same price instead of one, the only problem is whether it is real or it is of the same grade. 

We finally set off at 1700 hrs for Haikou, the tour guide say he left his tour guide license at the resting room and turn back to search for it, but we know he just went back to collect his commission for the sale. At least it will make him work harder to please us and keep hoping that we would look for him again the next time we visit. The weather had turn very bad with heavy rain as we head back, the tour guide suggest we stay Xinlong for the night as it is not very safe for a drive at the highway in this weather condition. We were lucky that the weather turn better after a while and we stop by at Huangzhu for dinner at 1930 hrs.  

We finally arrive at Haikou at 2100 hrs, the tour guide told us that the 2030 hrs Special Effect Light Show was canceled due to weather and suggested to replace it with Massage. I found out later from the internet that the show ticket was 165 RMB (S$33) each while the Massage was only 65 RMB (S$13) each from the Massage Girl. I have to pay additional 50 RMB (S$10) for an hour extension and 88 RMB ($18) for my wife facial. We check into Room 1011 at Xing Yuan Hot Spring Hotel Haikou at 2300 hrs and pay addition 350 RMB (S$70) one more day extension. My wife realize that she had left her purple gold earring at the Massage Parlor and I had to call the tour guide to go back to search for it. 

Day 7: 19 Sep 2013 (Thursday)

We woke up at 0800 hrs and have Breakfast at 0830 hrs at the Hotel Cafe. We waited for my wife younger brother at the Hotel before we went for Lunch at 1230 hrs. Our plan for shopping was disrupted by the heavy rain and decided to head back to the Hotel. We meet up with the bride family for Dinner at 1900 hrs as it is Mid Autumn Festival. We went for Foot Massage at 2100 hrs and proceed back to Hotel and sleep at 2300 hrs.

Day 8: 20 Sep 2013 (Friday)

We woke up at 0800 hrs and have Breakfast at 0830 hrs at the Hotel Cafe. We set off for Airport at 0900 hrs and arrive at 0930 hrs. Our flight took off at 1200 hrs and landed in Singapore at 1530 hrs. It was told that the Phoenix cast itself into the fire and reborn again, traveling oversea for tour is just to learn the different cultures and try to get along with it. A Tour is like daily life, you can choose to ignore all the setback and learn to enjoy it or you can give up and cry about the petty things and spoil the whole purpose of the tour.