Southeast Asia with Luxury & Style (12 Days): A Sample Itinerary

ID #: DT-SMTM-12-11-4-10-RAIJ

DavidTravel Itinerary Highlights include:

Travel in style through the heartland of Southeast Asia. Hop aboard the opulent Eastern and Oriental Express in elegant Singapore and make your way north to vibrant Bangkok. Explore the temples, markets and palaces of Thailand’s pulsating capital—and take a scenic cruise on the Chao Phraya River. Then it’s off to Myanmar, a little-visited land of golden temples and splendid natural beauty. Visit the gilded Shwedagon Pagoda and explore lively Scott market. In Mandalay—the cultural capital of the country—board your luxurious ship, The Road to Mandalay. Spend the next three nights on board, cruising the Ayerwaddy River on the way to the plains of Bagan, home to hundreds of sacred temples.

Special Note: in order to accommodate the schedules of both the Eastern & Oriental Express as well as the ms Road to Mandalay, this Independent Journey is only available select dates in 2010 and 2011.

Experience a fascinating two-night train journey between Singapore and Bangkok on the luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express, including stops at Penang and River Kwai

Discover the charming English colonial streets of Yangon (Rangoon) and the city’s legendary, gilded Schwedagon Pagoda

Enjoy three nights aboard the luxury river cruiser, ms Road to Mandalay, between Mandalay and Bagan with extraordinary service, gourmet dining and onboard historians

Explore the astonishing concentration of temples and shrines in Bagan

Overview:

SINGAPORE
Cultural melting pot and dazzling example of the region's economic successes, wealthy Singapore assails the senses of the first time visitor.

The former British trading post and colony has carved a unique niche for itself in its two short centuries of existence, nowadays offering a vivid combination of ultra-modern skyscrapers, remnants of tropical rainforest and colorful ethnic urban areas, each with a character very much of their own.

One of the most noticeable features of this tiny but bustling city-state is its cleanliness - indeed, it is sometimes criticized for its many seemingly petty regulations, such as the banning of chewing gum - but crime is virtually unknown, and it is one of the world's safest places to visit.

Despite its rather sanitized reputation, though, Singapore is anything but dull. The visitor is spoilt for choice, for things to see and do, and in terms of vibrant nightlife, its rich cultural mix, and a whole planet's worth of culinary experiences.
Singapore is a veritable feast for the senses, a heady mixture of the familiar and the exotic. It suits all budgets, too, presenting a happy collision of opposites - grand and expensive at the famed Raffles Hotel, but low-key and cheap (but good) in the food markets of Bugis Junction and Clarke Quay.

MALAYSIA
Malaysia, which celebrated 50 years of independence in 2007, is one of the rising stars of South-East Asian tourism, a nation looking to the future while cherishing the ways of the past. Centuries of trade combined with a vibrant mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and tribal influence have created a mix of peoples and culture that make it a colorful and intriguing place to visit.

Tropical island resorts and endless white, sandy beaches offer a taste of paradise, while beneath warm coral seas, world-class dive sites await exploration. Orangutans, the oldest rainforest in the world, city skyscrapers and majestic mosques and temples, plus a gorgeous coastline, are enough to tempt even the most jaded visitor. And if that were not enough, Malaysia's culinary credentials are among Asia's finest.

The British were relatively late arrivals to the region in the late 18th century, following Portuguese and later Dutch settlement, but they played a key role following the European wars of the 1790s and, in particular, the defeat of the Netherlands by France in 1795. The Federated Malay States were created in 1895, and remained under British colonial control until the Japanese invasion of 1942.

After Japanese defeat in 1945, the 11 states were once again incorporated as British Protectorates and, in 1948, became the Federation of Malaya. In 1963, the Federation of Malaya merged with Singapore and the former British colonies of Sarawak and Sabah, on north Borneo, to form modern Malaysia. Singapore seceded to become an independent state in its own right in 1965, leaving Malaysia in its present form.

Its convoluted history highlights why Malaysia is so ethnically and culturally diverse. Even better, the magnificent landscape is no less fascinating - dense jungles, soaring peaks and lush tropical rainforests harbour abundant and exotic flora and fauna.

THAILAND
Each year Thailand is discovered by millions of visitors, drawn to its pristine beaches and aquamarine seas, as well as its rich culture, glitzy shopping malls, chic boutiques and colorful markets crammed with bargains.

With its enticing mixture of established destinations such as Phuket and Hua Hin, and out-of-the-way palm-fringed islands, Thailand appeals to the most varied of travelers, whether they are craving barefoot luxury or hippy chic. From staying on a converted rice barge, clambering into a jungle tree house or bedding down in a hill tribe village, Thailand offers a wealth of choice for every taste and budget.

Pampering is an art form in Thailand, and throughout the country spas offer authentic treatments whether it's in a 5-star luxury resort or a beach-side hut. If it's pulse-raising excitement you are after, head to the hectic sprawl of Bangkok's futuristic high-rise buildings.

Early morning is when the saffron-robed monks leave the sanctuary of their wats (temples) to receive alms from the people, be it in a dusty village or on crowded city streets. Buddhism is a way of life here and the Thai's are also strong supporters of their monarchy. In fact, His Majesty King Bhumibol is the longest reigning monarch in the world, since coming to power in 1946. Following the end of absolute monarchy, Thailand moved towards democracy, but this was thwarted by the military, which has often staged coups in protest at government policies.

MYANMAR
With dense forests, abundant wildlife, friendly people, rich culture and underdeveloped coastal resorts, Myanmar (previously known as Burma) is certainly a beautiful corner of Asia. Sadly, however, an unstable political situation substantially detracts from Myanmar's credentials as an alluring tourist destination.

Would-be tourists face a difficult choice in whether to come. On the one hand, Myanmar has many attractions: thousands of pagodas, fascinating culture and ancient towns among them. Also, tourists are welcomed with open arms by locals hungry for news of the outside world, and for their economic contribution.