There are multiple excursions available on this itinerary. Please ask us for more details.
DAY 1 – SINGAPORE
This island nation at the end of the Malaysian peninsula offers an extraordinary array of culture, history and cuisine. Embrace exotic sights and sounds strolling through Chinatown, the Arab Quarter or Little India. Head to the Boat Quay for unrivaled views of the harbor before dining at one of many international eateries. Shop along Orchard Road for treasures from every corner of the Pacific Rim; embark on a night safari at the Singapore Zoo or relax in the verdant shade of the Bukit Timah Nature Preserve. Wander the wondrously futuristic Gardens By the Bay before relaxing with a refreshing Singapore Sling at the iconic Raffles Hotel.
DAY 2 – CRUISING THE GULF OF THAILAND
DAY 3 – KO SAMUI, THAILAND
An isolated, self-sufficient community called ‘Coconut Island’ until tourists began arriving in the early 1990s, Ko Samui is today the second most popular island destination in Thailand (after Phuket). You’ll find a plethora of white-sand beaches, dazzling coral reefs and unspoiled rainforest dotted with waterfalls. At a picturesque plantation, learn how locals use monkeys to pick ripe coconuts from towering trees. See the Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple), a striking, 49-foot-tall gleaming gold statue that’s beautifully silhouetted against an azure sky and sea. Dine on simply prepared yet incredibly tasty cuisine with a cold, coconut cocktail, lost in Thailand’s bright-blue bliss.
DAY 4 & 5 – BANGKOK, THAILAND
From the port city of Laem Chabang, discover the contrasting charms of Krung Thep (City of Angels) amongst the exotic temples, lavish palaces, teeming markets and urban skyline of Bangkok. Once a small trading center, Thailand’s capital city thrums equally on vendors selling legendary street food, graceful Thai architecture and saffron-robed monks. Ride a ubiquitous tuk-tuk to Wat Pho, home to an immense, reclining, gold-plated Buddha. See floating grocery stores and teakwood houses built on stilts on a boat tour along the Chao Phaya River. After shopping for Thai silk and jewelry, dine on classic Bangkok dishes like pad Thai, Khao mun gai and mango sticky rice.
DAY 6 – CRUISING THE GULF OF THAILAND
DAY 7 – HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM
Phu My is the gateway to Ho Chi Minh City, which is best explored on foot so that you can escape the bustle and find tranquil parks, peaceful pagodas and timeless alleyways. You may also cruise down one of the great rivers of the world, the Mekong. In Vietnam, the river divides itself into dozens of tributaries and becomes the Cuu Long (Nine Dragons) that fan out into a rich delta, covered with green rice paddies and orchards of coconuts, mangos, pineapples and bananas. On your river boat, head toward Thoi Son Island to taste the local fruits and honey tea.
DAY 8 – CAM RANH, VIETNAM
A quieter town than its neighbor Nha Trang, Cam Ranh offers a landscape of white beaches, turquoise waters and lush forests. Those with an interest in history will have plenty to explore, as Cam Ranh has been a military stronghold for various world powers, including France, the Soviet Union and the United States. For a cultural experience, set off to tour peaceful temples and pagodas. Journey an hour north and you’ll be in the heart of Vietnam’s most popular seaside resort town.