Day 1: Singapore
Singapore—its very name evokes the mystique of the East. As the commercial hub of Southeast Asia, this vibrant city-state of five million people offers a mix of modern skyscrapers, traditional Chinese shop-houses with red-tiled roofs, Victorian-era architecture, Buddhist temples, and Arab bazaars. Established in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles of the East India Company, Singapore is a cultural melting pot where Malay, Chinese, English, and Tamil are official languages, and Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity are the main religions. The island is renowned for its colourful traditions, luxurious accommodations, and some of the world's best duty-free shopping.
Day 2: At Sea
Day 3: Phuket, Thailand
Known as the "Pearl of the Andaman Sea," Phuket is an island with a rich history situated off Thailand’s southern coast. Once a crucial trade hub, Phuket has been influenced by Thai, Malay, Chinese, and Western cultures. Its significance over the centuries has been fueled by its natural resources like tin, hardwoods, and rubber. In recent decades, Phuket has emerged as a top Southeast Asian travel destination, attracting visitors with its stunning beaches, clear waters, and lush, forested hills.
Day 4: Langkawi, Malaysia
Langkawi, a cluster of 99 tropical islands off Malaysia’s northwestern coast, is home to the main island of Pulau Langkawi. Steeped in myths and legends featuring ogres, giant birds, and fairy princesses, the islands are also celebrated for their geological wonders. UNESCO has designated Langkawi as a Geopark, recognising its 500-million-year-old geological formations, including dramatic rock formations, caves, and fossils.
Day 5: Penang, Malaysia
In 1786, Francis Light convinced the Sultan of Kedah to cede Pulau Pinang—the "Isle of Betel Nut"—to the British Crown. According to legend, Light used a cannon filled with gold coins to persuade his men to clear the island. Renamed Prince of Wales Island, with its main town named Georgetown after King George III, Penang quickly became a significant trading port for tea, spices, china, and textiles. Today, George Town stands as a vibrant city blending European, Malaysian, Hindu, Arabic, and Chinese cultures. Listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2008, it retains its rich heritage and unique character.
Day 6: Kuala Lumpur (Port Kelang), Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, once a collection of lawless kampongs in the jungle, has evolved into a dynamic metropolis. The city now features sleek steel and glass towers alongside elegant colonial buildings and mosques with slender minarets. As Malaysia's commercial, financial, and cultural hub, Kuala Lumpur, or KL, is a diverse melting pot of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and other cultures, with a population of 1.6 million. Founded in the 1850s as a tin mining outpost, the city lies at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers.
Days 7 & 8: At Sea
Day 9: Nha Trang, Vietnam
Nha Trang, a popular seaside resort in Vietnam, is known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees. The city, home to about 300,000 people, has a rich history as the former capital of the Champa Kingdom, which ruled the region for 13 centuries. North of the city, the Cham Tower complex offers a glimpse into the kingdom’s past with stunning views of the river and bay. Nha Trang's tourist area features colonial-era beachfront hotels and cafes, and the city has historical ties to the Vietnam War era.
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, remains a bustling trading center despite three decades since the Vietnam War. The city, situated on the Mekong River, is alive with the sounds of street vendors, honking traffic, and a vibrant mix of bicycles, motorbikes, and cars. Phu My (pronounced "Foo Me") serves as the port for exploring Ho Chi Minh City and the nearby seaside resort of Vung Tau.
Day 11: At Sea
Day 12: Laem Chabang (for Bangkok), Thailand
Laem Chabang is the gateway to Bangkok, Thailand’s enchanting capital on the Chao Phraya River. Bangkok is famed for its elegant dancers in silk gowns, golden-spired temples, and scenic riverboat cruises. As the only Southeast Asian country to avoid colonial rule, Thailand has preserved its rich and ancient culture. Bangkok, founded in 1782 by King Rama I, is home to over eight million people and is officially known as Krung Thep, meaning "City of Angels."
Days 13 & 14: At Sea
Day 15: Return to Singapore