Published on November 29, 2017
Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi, Viet Nam. Image courtesy of the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism.
What You’ll Get
This 22 day/21 night tour is enough to turn you into a Southeast Asia expert, taking you through no less than five countries and the best they have to offer to the dedicated traveler.
Highlights
Have three weeks to spare? Take on this 22-day trip through five countries in Southeast Asia: you’ll start in Singapore and find yourself in places you never dreamed you’d see, from Ha Long Bay’s surreally-shaped islands to Penang’s British colonial shophouses!
Get ready for an itinerary of a lifetime through the following long list of tourist stops:
Singapore: one of Southeast Asia’s most forward-looking cities offers a number of surprises – from Southeast Asia’s first zoo for nocturnal animals, the Singapore Night Safari; to the ultra-modern Gardens by the Bay housing thousands of plants from ecosystems around the world (the scenic SuperTrees are a must-see); to its city streets combining colonial British architecture with the most cutting-edge building designs in the world.
Penang: the British transformed this Malaysian island into one of their finest trading ports in Southeast Asia – you’ll rediscover this history through a tour of buildings around George Town, the hills and temples in the hinterlands, and amazing street food that draws eaters from all around Asia.
Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s capital offers a whirlwind view of history and culture with tours through its historic city center (combining century-old architecture and iconic new buildings like the Petronas Twin Towers), best seen on a night tour that concludes with a buffet dinner and cultural show; and visits to Kuala Selangor nature reserve beyond the city.
Siem Reap: once the capital of the mighty Angkor empire, today it’s a launchpad to the Tonle Sap lake and its waterborne communities; cultural experiences like the Rosana Broadway and the Angkor Silk Farm, and of course the majestic temples left standing around the Angkor temple complex.
Hanoi: The Vietnamese capital is a stepping stone to a number of historical and natural wonders, from Hoa Lu Ancient Capital to the scenic Bich Dong Pagoda to the romantic Trang An Grottoes.
Ha Long Bay: rain and tides have carved the local karst landscape into something approaching a fevered fantasy – gently curving islands jut out of the sea, marked by caves, coves and towering spires – you’ll enjoy the view while cruising through these waters.
Pattaya: this resort town has plenty to recommend it beyond its beaches: orchids at the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden; boat-hopping to the nearby islands of Koh Larn (Coral Island) and its amazing marine landscape; and the gorgeous Alcazar cabaret show.
Finally, Bangkok: an experience worthy of a royal capital awaits – kicking off your tour with a dinner cruise down the Chao Phraya River, you’ll spend a few days exploring highlights like the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Safari World & Marine Park, and the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Penang, Malaysia. Image courtesy of Tourism Malaysia.
The Esplanade in Marina Bay, Singapore. Image courtesy of the Singapore Tourism Board.
