Jewels of South East Asia 2012/2013

South East Asia Luxury Holiday - 24-day escorted tour

Spiritual and magical. Educational and emotional. inspiring yet humbling. This epic journey encounters the wonders of human achievement and the marvels of nature in a land full of eastern promise.

Tour highlights

• Uncovering the secrets of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos
• Gazing at the colourful displays in Singapore’s National Orchid Garden
• Enjoying the eclectic mix of influences in the seaside city of Malacca in Malaysia
• Contrasting the old and new on a fascinating tour of Kuala Lumpur
• Unwinding amongst the sprawling tea plantations in the breathtaking Cameron Highlands
• Falling in love with old world charm and beautiful beaches of Penang
• Recapturing the golden age of rail travel on the luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express to Bangkok
• Touring Bangkok’s temples and palaces
• Marvelling at the sunrise over the incredible Temples of Angkor
• Giving alms to the saffron clad monks as they make their daily progression through the streets of Luang Prabang
• Visiting Chiang Rai in northern Thailand and discovering two surviving hill tribes

Extend your holiday
Your epic tour of South East Asia takes you far and wide, exploring the ancient and natural heritage of this continent. While you’re so close, why not end your tour with a few days of relaxation and indulgence, while you reminisce and contemplate your many and varied encounters? Krabi on the coast of Thailand is an idyllic beach resort. The hotel is set in its own private bay, with white sand beaches lapped by warm water from the Andaman Sea, luxury accommodation and superb facilities.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Depart Heathrow
Your Tour Manager will welcome you in the executive lounge where you can relax with complimentary drinks and snacks before your flight to Singapore.
Meals: In-flight.

Day 2 Arrive Singapore
Today you’ll arrive in the heart of South East Asia, where you will enjoy welcome drinks this evening with your Tour Manager and travel companions.
Meals: In-flight.
Hotel: Swissôtel The Stamford.

Day 3 Singapore
On a morning tour of this cosmopolitan city, you’ll see spectacular modern buildings contrasting with traditional sights like Thian Hock Keng Temple, Little India and Chinatown. After an inspiring trip to see the magnificent floral displays at the National Orchid Garden, you’re free to explore at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Swissôtel The Stamford.

Day 4 Singapore to Malacca
Crossing the sea via the long causeway connecting Singapore to Johor Bahru, you’ll arrive in Malaysia and journey past endless, lush rubber and palm plantations on the way to the historic seaside city of Malacca. On a city tour, you’ll discover St Paul’s Hill and see the small gateway of Porta De Santiago, which is the only remaining gateway to the Portuguese fortress built in 1511. You’ll also visit Cheng Hoon Teng, Malacca’s oldest Chinese temple.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Majestic Hotel.

Day 5 Malacca
Enjoy a day at leisure in Malacca to relax and take in your surroundings. Your Tour Manager can provide suggestions for your free time. Perhaps a visit to the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum, a river boat cruise or an evening stroll down Jonkers Street.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Majestic Hotel.

Day 6 Malacca to Kuala Lumpur
This morning, you’ll head to the capital, Kuala Lumpur, where historic mosques, temples and traditional Malay trading stalls brush shoulders with some of Asia’s tallest buildings. Your tour includes Independence Square, the Royal Selangor Club, the Petronas Twin Towers and the railway station, which all showcase Kuala Lumpur’s famous mix of eastern and western architecture.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Grand Millennium.

Day 7 Kuala Lumpur
Travelling into the northern suburbs, you’ll visit the Batu Caves, one of the greatest Hindu religious sites outside India. 272 steps lead up to the cave and you may spot monkeys scaling the vertical cliff faces. En route, you’ll stop to see how Malaysian handicrafts are made. In the afternoon, you can shop, explore or just relax.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Grand Millennium.

Day 8 Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands
Get ready for a change of scenery as you head up into the beautiful Cameron Highlands, the centre of Malaysian tea production. The cooler temperatures help make this an extremely fertile area with an abundance of vegetables and flowers. After lunch at a Highland restaurant, you’ll tour one of the tea plantations, visiting the factory then completing the experience with a freshly made cup of tea. You’ll then continue to your hotel, where you’ll join your fellow travellers for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Hotel: Cameron Highlands Resort.

Day 9 Cameron Highlands
You have a free day today to make the most of your picturesque, tranquil location. Several nature trails lead directly from the hotel into the peaceful hills and along jungle paths. We recommend a visit to Jim Thompson’s Tea Room for a traditional English-style afternoon tea or unwind in your hotel’s spa where you can indulge body and soul.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Cameron Highlands Resort.

Day 10 Cameron Highlands to Penang
Today’s scenic drive includes several stops en route to Georgetown on the island of Penang. You’ll visit Kellie’s Castle, built by the Scottish rubber tycoon William Kellie Smith, and learn the fascinating story behind the alleged hauntings. You’ll then continue to the famous Cave Temples in Ipoh, up in the limestone hills of Kinta Valley. After lunch in a local restaurant, you’ll cross the Penang Bridge which spans 13.5km, making it the longest bridge in Asia and the third longest in the world. This evening, join your companions for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Hotel: Eastern & Oriental Hotel

Day 11 Penang
Spend your free day relaxing, soaking up the atmosphere, exploring Georgetown and simply enjoying your surroundings.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Eastern & Oriental Hotel.

Day 12 Penang to River Kwai
Climb aboard the wonderful Eastern & Oriental Express from Butterworth Station to Bangkok. Lavish cabins and carriages, attentive service, gourmet cuisine and stunning mountain scenery combine to make this a truly memorable experience. You’ll stay overnight in an en suite Pullman cabin, and if you’d like to upgrade, please ask your Personal Travel Advisor when making your booking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Eastern & Oriental Express.

Day 13 River Kwai to Bangkok
When the train pulls in at the River Kwai Bridge Station, you’ll disembark for a remarkable photo opportunity, watching the train cross the historic bridge to the other side and back. You’ll take a cruise past lush greenery and the dramatic gorge, then visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Museum and the Don Rak War Cemetery before returning to the train for lunch on board as you continue your journey. You’ll arrive at your hotel in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Royal Orchid Sheraton.

Day 14 Bangkok
Today you’ll visit the Grand Palace, once the home of Thailand’s kings. The grounds of this enormous complex include many impressive buildings such as the Royal Funeral Hall, the Royal Coronation Hall and Wat Phra Keo, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, one of Thailand’s holiest religious sites featuring a large Buddha carved from one piece of nephrite jade. You’ll then visit the nearby Wat Phra Chetuphen to see Thailand’s largest Reclining Buddha, covered in gold leaf.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Royal Orchid Sheraton.

Day 15 Bangkok to Siem Reap
A morning flight takes you to Siem Reap in Cambodia to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Temples of Angkor. Rich in history, the walled city of Angkor Thom dates from the 12th century. You’ll visit the Terrace of the Leper King; an intricately carved platform which was the royal crematorium, then continue along the Terrace of the Elephants, originally used as a viewing gallery for the king. At the exact centre of Angkor Thom is the enigmatic and enchanting temple of the Bayon, an eccentric expression of the creative genius of Cambodia’s most celebrated king.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor

Day 16 Siem Reap
You have an early wake-up call this morning, but you’ll be rewarded with the unforgettable sight of sunrise over Angkor Wat. After enjoying a picnic breakfast, you’ll view intricate carvings which tell tales of Hindu mythology and the Khmer Empire, before visiting the sacred heart of Angkor Wat, believed to be the world's largest religious building. In the afternoon you’re free to relax or explore further.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor

Day 17 Siem Reap to Luang Prabang
A lunchtime flight takes you to the ancient capital of Luang Prabang in central Laos, situated on the Mekong River.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Shinta Mani.

Day 18 Luang Prabang
A unique and touching experience awaits, as you have the opportunity to watch local monks in their early morning ritual, collecting alms, usually of rice. Laos is the only Buddhist nation to preserve this tradition. After breakfast, a half-day city tour begins with a visit to the Haw Kham Royal Palace Museum, which was built in 1904 during the French Colonial era and now contains a vast array of artefacts. You’ll also visit the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong temple, where the roofs sweep low to the ground.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Shinta Mani.

Day 19 Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai
After your flight back to Thailand, you’ll travel from Chiang Mai to Chang Rai, through mountains and lush greenery, visiting the picturesque Wieng Pa Pao district en route. This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner to share your experiences so far.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Le Meridien Chiang Rai.

Day 20 Chiang Rai
A day of discovery lies ahead, as you pass through the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos meet at Sob Ruak. You’ll cruise the mighty Mekong River to the old capital city of Chiang Saen at the southernmost point of the Golden Triangle, which dates back to 1260. A fascinating history unravels as you explore the many magnificent ruins and temples. You’ll also visit Chiang Saen Museum, the Temple of the Teak Forest, Wat Pa Sak Ngarm, as well as the restored temple of Wat Phrathat Chom Kitti in a superb hillside location overlooking the Mekong River.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Le Meridien Chiang Rai.

Day 21 Chiang Rai
This morning you’ll visit two of the last remaining hill tribe villages. The Akha are known for the artistry of their village gates, while the Padong are recognisable by the heavy brass neck coils worn by the tribeswomen. Your journey takes you on to Doi Tung, 2,000 metres above sea level, which is known by the locals as Thailand’s Switzerland. Lunch is served in these inspirational surroundings before you return to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Le Meridien Chiang Rai.

Day 22 Chiang Rai
You have a free day today, and your Tour Manager will be happy to arrange optional excursions. This evening, meet up with your travelling companions for a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Le Meridien Chiang Rai.

Day 23 Depart Chiang Rai
After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight to the UK, via Bangkok.
Meals: Breakfast, In-flight.

Day 24 Arrive Heathrow
Today you’ll arrive back at Heathrow with many wonderful stories to share with friends and family.
Meals: In-flight.

Any questions? Chat to your Personal Travel Advisor on 0161 491 7616