: Opportunity Travel :

Southeast Asia Profit Expedition
Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand
January 18-31, 2011

"Move aside American consumer. Asian consumers, particularly Chinese, are the ones buying up consumer electronics these days," reports the Wall Street Journal.

For a long time now, Asia’s economies, generally, have been geared toward servicing the West, toward exports. But now we're seeing a transformation, the rise of the Asian consumer.

That's why we're heading there this January. And I'd like to invite -- and encourage -- you to come along.

Leading this profit-minded expedition will be my colleague Karim Rahemtulla, head of Emerging Markets for The Oxford Club and editor of The Smart Cap Alert. CNBC calls this guy a "market maven," and with reason. He travels the world regularly to seek out the best investment opportunities for our time. And joining Karim will be Chris Hunter, finance editor of International Living magazine and editor of International Living Investor, which covers the explosive profit potential of emerging markets. Chris also works with International Living's founding editor and publisher Bill Bonner as investment director of his family office.

These guys spend their days (many in far-flung destinations around the world) in search of value. To my mind, investment strategies come and go, but history shows that buying value is the only reliable way to build your wealth year after year with the least risk.

And, in Southeast Asia today, value is what you'll find. These markets are growing. They're becoming modern economies. And now's the time to position your portfolio to capitalize on that growth.

Consider the disposable income figures: The number of Asians (excluding Japan) with disposable income of $3,000 annually will rise from 570 million to 945 million by 2015.

There is a big mass of consumers that want all the things many of us take for granted -- like Crest toothpaste and blue jeans and air conditioners. That’s a lot of fresh money in the pool -- and companies like Yum! Brands, McDonald’s, Wal-Mart, Carrefour, Starbucks and many others are all jockeying for a share of the prize.

China and India still garner most of the headlines when it comes to Asia, but the economies of Southeast Asia are all growing rapidly.

(If you added the economies of Southeast Asia together, you’d get an economy ranked in the top ten in the world.)

Southeast Asia today offers a chance for investors to get in earlier in this story … and position themselves well for gains. That's why we're going … and I'd love to have you along for the ride …

We’ll start in Singapore…
the "Hinge Upon which World Trade Depends"

Singapore is a place that plays host to lots of cultures. Chinese, Indian, Malay and Europeans all come to Singapore. Immigrant labor laid down the electric cables, tapped the rubber trees and built the roads. Today, Singapore continues to be a hinge upon which the world's trade depends.

This January, meeting experts and insiders on the ground, we'll make sense of this play and find the best-value ways to capitalize on it.

Among the players we'll meet with is Douglas Clayton, Managing Director of Leopard Capital. He'll talk about what may be the greatest untold story of Southeast Asia: Cambodia. It is one of the most unregulated and lightly taxed countries in SE Asia and Doug will tell us about his experiences, what he's found and how we can participate.

In many ways, it still is. Though Singapore has a long history of trading and smuggling, today it also enjoys a reputation as a place to store capital and a financial-services hub.

Today, Singapore is the great financial center of Southeast Asia and the world’s second largest banking center behind Switzerland.

Beyond that, though, there is another layer to Singapore’s 21^st-century prosperity that I find fascinating …

Singapore is also a hub for water companies, a sort of “silicon valley of water.” Tom Rooney, a former CEO of a water company, “the most enlightened place in the world on water.” There are over a hundred water treatment stocks here with a total market cap in excess of $50 billion, according to Jim Rogers, author of A Bull in China.

This January, meeting experts and insiders on the ground, we'll make sense of this play and find the best-value ways to capitalize on it.

Vietnam … A Market Like China
(Only it's Earlier Here)

Next up is a visit to Vietnam. If you still harbor images of Vietnam from 40 years ago, you will be shocked at what you’ll find in this colorful, vibrant and young country. Of the 86 million people in Vietnam, more than half are 25 years old or younger.

Many multi-national companies have opened up factories here. Canon makes more than half of its computer printers around the city of Bac Noh, northeast of Hanoi.

Samsung is building a $700 million mobile phone plant near Hanoi. Intel has a billion dollar factory outside of Saigon. Hon Hai, a Taiwanese company that makes iPhones and computers, has a billion dollar plant in Hanoi. The list goes on and on.

Vietnam exports more than $40 billion worth of merchandise every year. It’s a smaller version of what’s happening in China – except it is still early here.

Agriculture is about 20% of the economy – half what it was in the 1980s, but half of the population still works on farms. (Vietnam is the world’s second-largest exporter of rice.)

There is a migration going on to the cities, much like China has seen. And, the infrastructure has yet to catch-up with poor roads and congested ports, which creates opportunities -- as it did in China.

We’ll explore Vietnam’s two biggest cities, Hanoi and Saigon (officially, Ho Chi Minh City, though the locals still call it Saigon). We’ll meet with local players on the ground and get the real-world, boots-on-the-ground story about the best ways to take advantage of this exciting market. And, while we're at it, we'll get to experience a little of each city’s own history, cuisine, and architecture.

From Bangkok to Cambodia …
Like China Was 10 or 15 Years Ago

We will also visit one of Southeast Asia’s most celebrated cities, Bangkok. Thailand is also a booming economy. The government recently boosted its growth forecast for the second time in three months. It should grow 6% this year. We’ll explore investment opportunities here and also experience what this unique and ancient culture has to offer.

We'll end in Cambodia, where we make a visit to one of the great cities of the medieval world, Angkor. Buried deep in a tropical forest, Angkor Wat's magnificent ruined temples are one of the wonders of Asia (and it would be a crime to come this far and not see them).

Doug Clayton from Leopard Capital, whom we'll have met in Singapore, is going to join us here, too, to answer questions and tell us about his thoughts on Cambodia and investing in Asia's frontier markets.

I believe this region of Southeast Asia will be an important one for the world economy over the next ten years. This trip is a way to get an early peek at the transformation taking place here.

Throughout this program, we'll take time out to meet with local experts on the ground who will share their insights about the current state of the local market, the places where the best values exist, and the best ways to take advantage of the growth here.

Some will be formal "seminar" sessions. Others will be meetings we arrange over lunch or dinner.

Our goal is to come away with the kinds of insights you simply cannot gain from simply reading a prospectus or second-hand news reports. This is boots-on-the-ground. It'll be fun, enlightening, and I believe, potentially very profitable as well.

Seeing Southeast Asia today is like visiting China 10 or 15 years ago. You should see this region as it is now … before it's gone forever and before the best opportunities have played out. Please, come along …

Read on below for all the details about our day-to-day schedule … or call 800-926-6575 or 561-243-6276.

P.S. Please contact Barbara Perriello of Opportunity Travel with any questions and to reserve your place. Naturally, this group cannot be a mob, so space is limited to 35. To reserve yours, call 800-926-6575 or 561-243-6276.

Day 1 — Jan 18 – Flight departure to Singapore

Crossing the International Date Line you will lose one calendar day.

Day 2 — Jan 19 - Arrive Singapore

When we arrive at the Singapore Airport, a driver will meet us and take us to the luxurious Marina Mandarin. (Executive Deluxe room).

Day 3 — Jan 20 - Singapore

In the morning after a full American breakfast, we'll take a half-day city tour of Singapore – to include Little India, Chinatown, the Botanical Gardens and a ride to the top of Mt. Faber for a panoramic view of the city. The afternoon is free for you to relax. In the evening, we'll have dinner at a Clarke Quay Restaurant. (AB, D)

Day 4 — Jan 21 - Singapore

After breakfast, we'll gather for a day-long seminar that includes coffee breaks and lunch at the hotel. We'll meet and hear from local experts about the best value plays in Southeast Asia and have a chance to ask questions and dig into this vibrant market. (AB, LH)

Day 5 — Jan 22 - Singapore to Saigon, Vietnam by Air

After breakfast, we'll head to the airport for our flight to Saigon. Once there, we'll take a transfer to the Renaissance Riverside Hotel where we'll stay for 2 nights. This evening we'll have dinner at the La Carmargue French Restaurant, which is in a beautiful restored French Villa. (AB, D)

Day 6 — Jan 23 - Saigon

We'll have breakfast and then head out for a day of exploration in Saigon and Cholon (Chinatown). A vibrant metropolis, Saigon teems with energy, activity and motion. Everywhere you look, you see the meeting of traditional and modern life. The emerging skyline stands cheek-by-jowl with colonial buildings and traditional temples. Outside on the streets, young professionals zip by on motorcycles, chatting on cell phones; inside the quiet temple courtyards, worshippers pray amidst clouds of incense.

We'll begin our tour of this exciting city in the historic center, strolling along Dong Khoi Street, formerly known as the Rue Catinat, the main shopping thoroughfare and heart of old colonial Saigon.

Here you'll pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), the oldOpera House (both of which may only be viewed from the outside), and pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

After, we'll dive into modern history with a tour of the Reunification Palace. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s-style building was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975, signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates.

From there, we'll continue to the War Remnants Museum, which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam-American War. Inside are extraordinary photographic exhibitions; outside is a collection of tanks, planes and weapons. A powerful experience, this museum is very much worthwhile, though guaranteed to provoke strong emotions.

From there, we'll drive back to the historic center to visit the Emperor Of Jade Pagoda, one of Saigon's most interesting pagodas.

We'll have lunch together, and then in the afternoon, we'll head out to Cholon (Chinatown). This is a fascinating area, and we'll begin with a brief visit to Binh Tay Market, the vast wholesale market selling every kind of good from dried foods to tee-shirts to electronics.

We'll then continue to Thien Hau Pagoda, built by the Cantonese congregation and dedicated to the heavenly goddess. We'll end our tour at the central Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, and you'll have time to shop and explore. Overnight in Saigon (AB, L)

Day 7 — Jan 24 - Saigon to Hanoi, Vietnam by Air

After breakfast, we'll head to the airport for a flight to Hanoi. Once there, we'll take you to our hotel the Hilton Hanoi Opera. And we'll stay here for two nights. (AB)

Day 8 — Jan 25 - Hanoi

After breakfast, we'll head out to see this extraordinary city. Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, Hanoi still retains the mystery and charm of centuries past. Narrow lanes and traditional shop houses invite exploration by cyclo (don't worry — they pedal, you sit back and enjoy!), while its many beautiful public spaces — lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments — give the city an air of elegance and harmony with nature unique among Asian capitals.

We'll begin by visiting the Temple Of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and one of the best surviving examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university.

From there, we'll continue to the miniature One Pillar Pagoda. Also dating from the 11th century, this monument was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. Today it stands near the vast Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, a lovely park setting which is home to Ho Chi Minh's final resting place, as well as a museum and other memorials.

If you like, begin at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you can pay respects to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. Then continue through the park to Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, the simple two-room dwelling where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1948 until his final days, which you can look at (and in) through the windows.

Afterwards, we'll head to Hoan Kiem Lake, located in heart of Hanoi, which contains an islet with the tinyTortoise Pagoda. En route, pass other colonial landmarks such as the magnificent Opera House and St. Joseph's Cathedral.

From the lake, we'll begin exploring the Old Quarter by cyclo. This fascinating

network of narrow alleys and shop houses is also known as "The 36 Streets," each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics to crafts to medicines to tombstones.

This is a handicraft-lover's paradise and a endlessly interesting place to explore local life. The cyclo ride lasts approximately one hour. And then we'll all take a break for lunch.

In the afternoon, we'll visit one of Hanoi's famous museums, the History Museum.

Then in the evening, we'll visit a Water Puppet Show, a form of art with its origins in northern Vietnam and enjoy dinner together. Overnight in Hanoi. (AB, L, D)

Day 9 — Jan 26 - Hanoi to Halong Bay by Motor Coach

After breakfast today, we'll take a private excursion by boat through Halong Bay. It includes a seafood lunch and takes about four hours, all told. We'll cruise on a traditional wooden boat among the emerald waters and craggy limestone cliffs of Halong Bay, stopping to explore one of the many caves in this area. We'll sail past picturesque islands, floating villages, fishermen casting their nets, and pearl fisheries. It's the ideal way to observe the rhythms of daily life on the bay. We'll stay for one night at the 4-star Halong Plaza Hotel. (AB, L)

Day 10 — Jan 27 - Halong Bay to Hanoi by Motor Coach / Hanoi to Siem Reap (Angkor Wat), Cambodia by Air

After breakfast, we'll drive back to Hanoi to catch our flight to Angkor Wat, Cambodia. When we get there, we'll head to our hotel, the totally luxurious Raffles Grand Hotel d Angkor, where we'll be based for two nights. We'll get settled and then meet to have dinner at a local restaurant. (AB, D)

Day 11 — Jan 28 - Siem Reap (Angkor Wat)

Today after breakfast we'll head out to see the crowning jewel of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat. It is the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, Angkor impresses visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings.

To approach the temple, we'll first cross the vast moat, continuing along a broad causeway lined with naga balustrades. As we enter the main building, we'll ascend through a series of galleries and courtyard before reaching the central sanctuary, which offers beautiful views back over the causeway and across the surrounding countryside.

On the way, you can stop to enjoy the intricate stone carvings that adorn nearly every surface, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted into the walls. Along the outer gallery walls run the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which narrates stories from Hindu mythology, including the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk.

The fortified city of Angkor Thom covers an area of 10 square km. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats, the city includes many of Angkor's most popular sights. You enter by the monumental South Gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga.

We'll continue to the Terrace Of The Elephants and the Terrace Of The Leper Kings, former spaces for public ceremonies, both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs, and explore the galleries on the way to the central sanctuary, where you find giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down at you from every angle.

We'll have a chance, too, to visit Ta Prohm, one of the most popular attractions of Angkor as much of the jungle has not been cleared. It looks very much as most of the Angkor monuments would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across them. During the day, we'll stop for lunch at a local restaurant. We'll dine together at a restaurant for dinner as well. (AB, L, D)

Day 12 — Jan 29 - Siem Reap to Bangkok by Air

Breakfast is, as always, included. Today, before we head to Bangkok, we'll take an excursion to the Kampong Kleang — a region of floating fishing villages. It's about 50 km from Siem Reap town at Tonle Sap Lake. When we arrive, we'll begin our exploration by boat, seeing the floating fishing villages and learning about the submerged forests and the fish farms. Then we'll head back to Siem Reap and fly to Bangkok, where we'll check into the Shangri-La Bangkok Hotel. (AB, L)

Day 13 — Jan 30 - Bangkok

After breakfast, we'll have the morning to see The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Dating back to 1782, the entire compound consists of over 100 brightly colored buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics.

Wat Phra Kaew adjoins the Grand Palace in a common compound and is the home of the country's most famous the Emerald Buddha. This important figure has a long and interesting history that is tied to the royal family and once resided in nearby Wat Arun. It is relatively small (about 66 centimeters) and is situated in a high position in the Wat to signify its important status in the Thai kingdom.

Lunch is on your own today, and then you have the afternoon at your leisure. We'll meet in the evening for a farewell dinner at the Shangri-La Hotel’s Salathip Thai Restaurant, overlooking at the Chao Phrya River. (AB, DH)

Day 14 — Jan 31 - Bangkok to San Francisco

We'll depart very early in the day for the airport and our return flight home. Crossing the International Date Line we will arrive on the same day.

Meal Code: AB = American Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner; DH = Dinner in the Hotel

If we can answer any questions for you, please don't hesitate to ask. We're keeping this group small, so you won't feel as if you're being herded around. We'll have Chris Mayer and Eric Fry along the entire time and, of course, meet with experts on the ground as we go.

Price per person, based on double occupancy:

Sharing room, per-person: $6,697 (total for two is $13,394)
Not sharing room, per-person: $7,897*

Early Bird Discount:
Save $100 per person when you reserve your place by September 30, 2010. That Early Bird discount is ON TOP OF any additional discounts you may be eligible for. But it's only good if you sign on by the end of September.

Additional Discounts:
Save $100 any time if you have traveled on a tour with us in the past or if you’re a member of the Agora Financial Reserve, the Oxford Club Chairman’s Circle, the Stansberry Alliance, International Living’s Publisher’s Roundtable, The Sovereign Society’s Trader’s Ring, or Freedom Alliance group, Mount Vernon Lifetime Member, or a Lifetime member of any other Agora publication. Only one discount applies.

Price for the Main Program Includes:

Round-trip international airfare on United Airlines from San Francisco (Note that low-priced add-on airfares are often available from other cities, so please ask us about it when you reserve your place.)
All internal flights, as outlined on the itinerary
13 nights' accommodation, as outlined on the itinerary
Meals as outlined on the itinerary
All transfers, sightseeing, and excursions
All currently applicable taxes
Mineral water on the coach and during the meals
English-speaking local guide for sightseeing as per the program
Tips and gratuities to bellhops at the hotel and waiters during the meals
Meetings scheduled with experts on the ground
A member of our tour staff here at Opportunity Travel, who remains with the group for the full program
Travel insurance is included if you have residence in the United States or Canada.

Price Does Not Include:
The fee for your visas to Vietnam and Cambodia (though we will be happy to help you arrange these); meals other than those mentioned in the program; and personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, camera fees at monuments, or tips to local guides.

We Can Help You with Your Travel Arrangements:
We would be happy to help you book your add-on flights from your home and square you away with the necessary visas. Simply ask us about these services when you reserve your place on this trip. You can reach us by phone at: 800-926-6575, or e-mail us now at info@opportunity-travel.com.

* Note on Single Price: If you are traveling alone and wish to share a room with another participant, we will try to find a roommate for you, although we cannot guarantee a match. The single pricing is due when you register. If a roommate is available, we will issue you a credit for the difference.

The Next Great Consumer Market
"It's like China, only 10 or 15 years ago..."

We’ll start in Singapore…
the "Hinge Upon which World Trade Depends"

Vietnam … A Market Like China
(Only it's Earlier Here)

From Bangkok to Cambodia …
Like China Was 10 or 15 Years Ago

Your Expert Travel Companions Bring
Profit-Minded Insights to this Expedition

The Next Great Consumer Market "It's like China, only 10 or 15 years ago..."

We’ll start in Singapore… the "Hinge Upon which World Trade Depends"

Vietnam … A Market Like China (Only it's Earlier Here)

From Bangkok to Cambodia … Like China Was 10 or 15 Years Ago

Your Expert Travel Companions Bring Profit-Minded Insights to this Expedition

The Next Great Consumer Market
"It's like China, only 10 or 15 years ago..."

We’ll start in Singapore…
the "Hinge Upon which World Trade Depends"

Vietnam … A Market Like China
(Only it's Earlier Here)

From Bangkok to Cambodia …
Like China Was 10 or 15 Years Ago

Your Expert Travel Companions Bring
Profit-Minded Insights to this Expedition