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Splendours of Southeast Asia – A Voyage from Thailand to Vietnam Including Malaysia

Splendours of Southeast Asia – A Voyage from Thailand to Vietnam Including Malaysia

From GBP £6,995

Description

There are countless tours available of Southeast Asia which fly from one city to another abruptly introducing you to cultural and architectural contrasts that can be bewildering and, in many ways, unfulfilling. In our view, there are regions of the world which need to be absorbed slowly and at eye level in order for the experience to be enjoyable and enlightening and Southeast Asia is one of those regions. All so often it is the unheard of and out of the way places that form the happiest of memories. Join the all-suite MS Island Sky for the opportunity to journey in comfort whilst exploring Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam for what promises to be a great adventure with just over 100 fellow, like-minded travellers.
Our exploration begins in Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, a land of contrasts from pulsating streets and modern facilities to idyllic swathes of beaches interspersed with limestone cliffs and groves of mangrove trees. After a day of exploration we head to Malaysia where, if you enjoy immersing yourself in culture and wildlife, you will find our days endlessly fascinating with its vast rainforests, endemic wildlife and diverse culture. The best way to explore the region is by sea and from the geological wonders of Langkawi to the varied architecture and rich historical heritage of Penang and the jungle paradise and pristine beaches of Pulau Tioman, marvellous experiences are to be had. Continuing to Singapore, we discover this dynamic city before our final days are spent exploring southern Vietnam visiting the remote Con Dao Islands and the largest of the islands, Con Dao, where we can explore the market, hike in the forest or swim from the palm fringed beaches before heading to our final destination, the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh.
Afloat and ashore, our voyage will be filled with unforgettable images and experiences, heritage filled cities, tropical forests with endemic flora and fauna, remote idyllic islands and littleknown beaches. The privilege of exploring this remarkable region from a small ship is an opportunity not to be missed and we hope you can join us as we discover the astonishing beauty, richness and splendours of Southeast Asia.

Trip Name
Splendours of Southeast Asia - A Voyage from Thailand to Vietnam Including Malaysia
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 116  Built / refurbished: 1992 / 2010 / 2017 Sister ship to Hebridean Sky. Island Sky and Hebridean Sky are truly sisters. Built in the same Italian Shipyard, both boast spacious, well-appointed suites, stylish common areas, and redundant core technology that allows them to operate smoothly, even under the most challenging of conditions. Both ships are all-suite, all-inclusive small expedition vessels with touches of elegance throughout. The Island Sky is scheduled for additional upgrades in 2017, including the addition of tinted sliding glass doors to all cabins on the Promenade Deck. Services: World-Class Cuisine Complimentary Wine or Beer with Dinner Live Entertainment Complimentary Coffee/Tea station Voyage Photographer On-board MD and Facilities Dedicated Passenger Service Manager Pre-voyage hotel night Complimentary Expedition Jacket Facilities: Elevator serving all passenger decks Upgraded WIFI Internet Library with computers Panoramic Top Deck Observation Platform Bar/Lounge with Live Entertainment Lounge with Audiovisual Facilities DVD Movie Library Tinted sliding glass doors in all cabins on the Promenade Deck World-Class Cuisine: Great expeditions require great food! Our team of world-class chefs offer breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that change daily. They have boat-loads of creativity, so you are sure to experience a variety of remarkable cuisine throughout your voyage. Accommodations: All Suites Feature: Exterior views Your choice of queen-sized or two twin-sized beds Sitting area with sofa and side chair Flat Screen TV with DVD/CD player Telephone Independent temperature controls Mini-Bar Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries Hair dryer 220 square feet or more Sofa can be converted to bed for third person PLEASE NOTE - DECK PLANS CAN VARY.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Phuket.
Arrive and transfer to the MS Island Sky (group transfer available at scheduled time) . Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we moor overnight.
Day 2 - Day 2 Phuket.
There will be a choice of excursions today. An island drive will include Wat Chalong, the largest and the most strikingly ornamented of Phuket’s 29 Buddhist temples. Its intriguing history features a monk believed to have formidable healing powers. To this day, Thais from all over the country flock to Wat Chalong to pay homage to the monk and regain their physical and spiritual powers. Later see the Big Buddha Temple located at the top of Nark Kerd mountain followed by some time at leisure to explore Phuket Town independently. Alternatively, join a local speedboat to visit Phang Nga Bay which is renowned for the limestone islands rising dramatically from the sea including the famous backdrop to the James Bond film ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’. Spend the day enjoying the scenery in the bay before we visit Koh Panyi, a settlement built over 200 years ago with houses built on stilts above the water. Later enjoy some free time to explore Phuket Town at your own pace before we sail in the early evening.
Day 3 - Day 3 Langkawi, Malaysia.
We start our exploration of Malaysia on Langkawi where a morning tour will explore the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark and discover some of the flora and fauna that are unique to the island’s wetlands. We will see the caves that are home to Malaysian fruit bats and during a cruise in the mangrove forest we hope to see white-headed eagles, herons, red eagles, long-tailed macaques and different species of reptiles. Alternatively, those feeling active may wish to visit the island’s rainforest for a guided nature walk up Gunung Manchincang, one of the oldest known geological formations in Malaysia. Our knowledgeable local naturalists will provide tales of Langkawi’s geological wonders and vibrant wildlife as we climb. Our hike will end at the Skybridge, a suspended bridge built from an 82 metre high single pylon which hangs at about 100 metres above ground with views over the rainforest and out to the coastline. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon to relax on board or maybe visit a nearby beach.
Day 4 - Day 4 Penang.
Awake this morning in Penang Island, the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ where we have a choice of excursions. Maybe explore historical Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where we can see the well-preserved cultural and historical heritage of Penang’s capital city. Founded in 1786 by the British East India Company, Penang grew as an important trading port and became a melting pot of Malaysian, Chinese, Indian and European influences which we can see as we pass by the town hall, St George’s Church, Sri Mahamariamman Temple and the Kapitan Keling Mosque. Alternatively, discover the island’s natural beauty as we join the Penang Hill Railway which was constructed in 1923 and takes us to the top of Flagstaff Hill, 830 metres above sea level. Here we take a onemile nature trail through The Habitat, walking across a dipterocarp forest amidst oak laurels and tree ferns. The area’s rich biodiversity encompasses more than 100 species of birds, endangered endemic plants including the Penang slipper orchid, and a multitude of fauna such as flying lemurs, dusky leaf monkeys and the giant black squirrel. As we make our way along the Treetop Walk, we can take in panoramic views of the city and the Andaman Sea below. Return to the ship for lunch and a leisurely afternoon to explore further at your own pace.
Day 5 - Day 5 Kuala Lumpur.
From our berth in Port Klang we spend a full day in Malaysia’s capital city of Kuala Lumpur. Our walking tour begins in Independence Square, also known as Dataran Merdeka. This is the historical place where the Union Flag was lowered, and the Malayan flag was raised for the very first time on the 31st of August 1957. Continue to the Masjid Jamek Mosque, the oldest Islamic place of worship in Kuala Lumpur. Overlooking the Klang River, it offers breathtaking vistas due to the combination of ancient Moorish, Islam and Mughal architectural styles, verdant surroundings, and distant views of the city’s other iconic landmarks. Also see the Central Market, Chinatown and the extravagantly decorated Sri Mahamariamman Temple before ending at the Petronas Twin Towers which were once the tallest buildings in the world. Alternatively, those wishing to discover the flavours of Malaysia may wish to join a culinary tour which will include the chance to sample Nasi Lemak, a dish originating in Malay cuisine that consists of fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan at a well-known local breakfast meeting place. This decade-old melting pot is one place where you can see Malay, Chinese and Indian customers having their packed ‘nasi lemak’. Continue to the Central Market for more tastings including roast duck, roti canai, char kuey teow and putu bamboo.
Day 6 - Day 6 Malacca.
With more than its fair share of colonisers from Malaysian princes to the Portuguese, Dutch, British and Japanese, this strategically placed city has a fascinating history which is brought vividly to life in the excellent Ethnographical Museum. On a guided walk we also visit the 16th century Portuguese fortress, the former Dutch Governor’s house and the impressive Christ Church. Later we continue our journey along the Malacca Strait which was named after the Malacca Sultanate that ruled over the archipelago between 1414 and 1511. It is from here that early traders from Arabia, Africa and Persia would trade glassware, camphor, ivory, sandalwood, and perfumes and today the Strait is one of the most important shipping lanes in the world. Please note we will be at anchor today and will use the vessel’s Zodiacs or local tenders to land.
Day 7 - Day 7 Singapore.
Spend today in Singapore where there will be a choice of excursions this morning. A city tour will start in Little India including the magnificent Sultan Mosque before seeing the bright colours and vibrant hues in Singapore’s exciting Chinatown. Narrow streets centred on the pagoda lead you to a treasure trove of apothecary shops, quaint teahouses and a cornucopia of stalls selling trinkets as well as the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, Sri Mariamman. Here we join a cruise along the Singapore River sailing past a mix of colonial buildings and modern skyscrapers ending at Merlion Park. Alternatively, visit the National Orchid Garden which displays the largest collection of orchids in the world with 2,000 hybrids. After lunch on board, the remainder of the day is free to explore further at your own pace, maybe visit the Gardens by the Bay or the iconic Raffles Hotel before we sail tonight.
Day 8 - Day 8 Pulau Tioman, Malaysia.
After a leisurely morning at sea, we return to Malaysia at Pulau Tioman, one of eight islands that form the Tioman Island Marine Park. From our anchorage we will use Zodiacs to land and you can choose between spending the afternoon relaxing on the beaches or join a nature walk to see the unique and protected flora and fauna found in the island’s jungles. Please note we will be at anchor today and will use the vessel’s Zodiacs or local tenders to land.
Day 9 - Day 9 At Sea.
Spend a relaxing day at sea as we sail to Vietnam.
Day 10 - Day 10 Con Dao, Vietnam.
We arrive in Vietnam at the Con Dao archipelago. Consisting of fifteen islands, the largest, Con Dao, is the perfect base from which to enjoy palm-fringed beaches, crystal clear waters and hidden inlets. A designated National Park, Con Dao is swathed in lush vegetation, almond trees and tropical fruit plantations yet also has a sombre history as it was used by the French to incarcerate political prisoners. We have a full day to explore the island, you may choose to visit the Palace of the Island Lord, the historical Con Dao Prison or to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Con Dao market. Those feeling active may want to join a hike on the lookout for wildlife in the forests whilst taking in some breathtaking views of the islands.
Day 11 - Day 11 Ho Chi Minh.
From our central berth in the Vietnamese capital, we take a guided tour of the city which was built by the French in 1850. We begin our day with a visit to the Central Post Office and along the way we will also view the Saigon Opera House, constructed by the French in 1898 and the Notre Dame Cathedral. We will visit Independence Palace, also known as Reunification Palace, which was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. The palace was the home and former workplace of the president of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. After lunch on board, the afternoon is free to relax or explore this bustling city further independently.
Day 12 - Day 12 Ho Chi Minh
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport to continue with your onward travel plans.
Day 13 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 
Day 14 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
12-03-202623-03-2026GBP £6,995Magellan Deck Standard Suite
12-03-202623-03-2026GBP £7,395Columbus Deck Superior Suite
12-03-202623-03-2026GBP £7,595Marco Polo Deck Premium Suite
12-03-202623-03-2026GBP £8,095Magellan Deck Standard Single
12-03-202623-03-2026GBP £8,195Marco Polo Deck Corner Suite
12-03-202623-03-2026GBP £9,195Columbus Deck Superior Single
12-03-202623-03-2026GBP £9,295Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
12-03-202623-03-2026GBP £9,595Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
12-03-202623-03-2026GBP £9,995Explorer Deck Island Suite

Inclusions

    • Phuket’s Wonders: Explore the ornate Wat Chalong temple, Big Buddha Temple, and the scenic limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay.
    • Langkawi’s Nature: Discover Langkawi’s unique flora and fauna in its UNESCO Global Geopark and experience breathtaking views from the Skybridge.
    • Ho Chi Minh City Tour: Visit iconic sites like the Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Opera House, and Independence Palace in Vietnam's vibrant capital.

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