Join us for a 12-night adventure to Southeast Asia, a land of stunning diversity. Begin with three nights in beautiful Bali where you’ll meet locals and explore the island’s tropical environs. Fly to modern Singapore, brimming with iconic attractions and landmarks, including the exquisite Gardens by the Bay. Plus, learn about Peranakan heritage during unique cultural demonstrations. In Bangkok, witness daily life along the Chao Phraya River and klongs, and gaze at the city’s bounty of shrines and palaces. Venture outside of Bangkok to the early Siem capital of Ayutthaya before crossing into Cambodia. Here, explore remarkable Angkor Wat and other incredible ancient temples. Along the way, delve into each region’s exciting food culture and learn how to make traditional dishes. You’ll enjoy first-class accommodations, an extensive meal plan, including wine with dinner, and flights to Singapore, Bangkok and Siem Reap.
Trip Itinerary:
January 24
Depart gateway city
AHI FlexAir passengers depart for Bali. Please check your luggage from your gateway city to your arrival city. Your claim checks should have the following airport code: DPS.
January 25
Cross the international date line.
Cross the international date line.
January 26
Bali, Indonesia
Arrive at Denpasar Airport. Proceed through immigration to the baggage claim area and retrieve your luggage. After completing customs, AHI FlexAir passengers traveling on flights that qualify for the group arrival transfer and Land Program passengers who have purchased seats on the group transfer should exit the baggage claim area and proceed to the Arrivals Hall, where an AHI Travel representative will meet you.
Transfer to the lovely Belmond Jimbaran Puri. Please note, if you arrive before check-in time, your room may not be immediately available. Spend the remainder of the day resting or getting to know your hotel’s amenities. Perhaps relax in the property's incredible, fragrant gardens!
Gather with your fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception this evening.
January 27
Bali
Discovery: Balinese Village Exploration. Venture into Bali's green hillsides to visit a local school. During a tour of the school and grounds, enjoy engaging with the welcoming students and teachers. Continue to a traditional housing complex, or karang, to see typical architectural designs and family temples and shrines. Many Balinese homes are surrounded by high walls with only a single entrance, called the angkul-angku. This is a great opportunity to observe daily life. After, follow a gentle path to a rice field and gain insight into an ancient irrigation system called subak. Dig into a delicious lunch of Balinese dishes before surrendering your feet to a relaxing massage. (Moderate)
January 28
Bali
Discovery: Ubud Culture and Holy Spring Temple. Head to Tampak Siring, a holy water temple believed to have incredible healing properties. Following lunch in an open-air restaurant, travel to Ubud to tour the Agung Rai Museum of Art, which houses exhibition halls, art classes, cultural workshops and more. Learn about an Indonesian music ensemble called the gamelan and instruments such as metallophones, xylophones, drums, gongs and bamboo flutes. Try your hand at playing a few if you wish! After, you may choose to remain at the museum or visit a colorful market. Ubud's local market is often filled with handmade items, baskets, souvenir t-shirts, curios, art, statues and more. (Moderate)
January 29
Bali | Singapore
After a filling breakfast, fly to Singapore where we'll continue this extraordinary adventure. Upon arrival at Singapore airport, transfer and check in to the Shangri-La Hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to spend how you wish.
January 30
Singapore
Enrichment: Contemporary Singapore. Join a local expert to learn about the rich cultural heritage and economy of modern-day Singapore.
Discovery: Singapore Panorama. Explore Singapore’s sights on a panoramic tour and pass by vistas of the skyscraping Marina Bay Sands resort and Merlion Park. Notice one of Singapore’s icons, the mythical Merlion, a statue that has a head of a lion and the body of a fish. Drive through the Civic District past the Padang, Cricket Club, Parliament House, Supreme Court, City Hall and more. Visit the oldest Chinese temple in Singapore, the Thian Hock Keng Temple, often called the “Temple of Heavenly Bliss.” When Chinese sailors first landed on the shores of Singapore, they built the temple and dedicated it to the Goddess of the Sea in appreciation for a safe passage across the South China Sea. During your visit, admire the façade’s intricate carvings interspersed with statues of mythical beasts. (Mild)
Relax and share stories during a delicious lunch.
Discovery: Multicultural Singapore. Spend the day exploring Singapore’s diverse cultures and rich, eclectic history. Begin with an excursion through Kampong Glam, a Malay enclave that originated as a fishing village at the mouth of the Rochor River. This area of Singapore was famed for its thriving gelam trees that were used for building ships. Then continue your tour by viewing Chinatown’s shophouses and Little India’s exotic flower and spice market. (Mild)
January 31
Singapore
Discovery: Peranakan Heritage. The region’s Peranakan community arrived in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore between the 15-17th centuries and settled in port towns. Today, come face-to-face with Singapore’s rich, multicultural heritage as you visit a Peranakan enclave. Meet a family who will share secrets of Chinese dumplings. These delightfully savory and sweet dumplings usually consist of pork, mushrooms and a tangy array of spices and seeds. Enjoy a taste of this regional favorite. Then visit a local home to learn about traditional beadwork and embroidery. This type of Nyonya needlework is an important aspect of Peranakan heritage. (Mild)
Discovery: Gardens by the Bay. Prepare for an excursion to Singapore’s landmark Gardens by the Bay, a true sanctuary for nature lovers and horticulturalists. This 250-acre garden oasis boasts spectacular floral features, vast conservatories, unique garden artistry and whimsical elements, including award-winning cooled conservatories and 18 vertical gardens, or Supertrees. These iconic Supertrees are made up of more over 150,000 plants and hundreds of varieties of bromeliads, orchids, ferns and blossoming climbers. Enjoy a quiet walk and find a serene spot to reflect and enjoy the scenery. Your outing also includes entrances to the extraordinary Flower Dome, the largest glass greenhouse in the world as listed in the 2015 Guinness World Records, and the Cloud Forest, home to unique, mist-filled aerial walkways. (Mild)
February 1
Singapore | Bangkok, Thailand
Transfer to the Singapore airport for your flight to Bangkok, Thailand. Arrive and transfer to a local restaurant for delicious Thai meal. Continue to your hotel, the beautiful Peninsula Bangkok. Take some time to unpack, relax and become acquainted with the hotel’s amenities.
Enrichment: History and Culture of Thailand. Discover the history and intriguing culture of this fascinating nation during a discussion with a local expert.
Discovery: Chao Phraya River Cruise. Soak up Bangkok’s illustrious landmarks from the water this evening as you embark on a scenic cruise along the Chao Phraya River. Sit back in comfort aboard a converted rice barge and enjoy views of monuments illuminated at night and the sparkling city skyline. Enjoy signature drinks and a dinner of authentic Thai and international dishes along the way. (Mild)
February 2
Bangkok
Discovery: Vibrant Bangkok. Discover Thailand’s colorful river life as you cruise the Chao Phraya River and Thonburi canals. Along the way, enjoy viewing the riverbanks full of stilted wooden homes, colonial buildings and a vibrant local market. Bangkok merchants still use the canals for travel and to transport their merchandise throughout the city. End your cruise at the Tha Chang pier and continue your excursion with a visit to the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple. Dating from the 15th century, this beautifully decorated wat, or temple, is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Thailand. Next, take a tuk-tuk ride to Wat Po to see the reclining Buddha. This temple that sprawls over eight hectares is also considered the country’s first university. (Moderate)
Discover the culinary pleasures of Thai cuisine during lunch at the Blue Elephant, Bangkok. The prestigious restaurant is housed in a century-old building along the historical Sathorn Road. Built in 1903, the restaurant was originally the site of the Bombay Department Store. It was restored in 2002 and became the prestigious Blue Elephant Cooking School and Restaurant, Bangkok.
Free Time: The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure in Bangkok. Browse for souvenirs, such as a small painted Buddha and some lovely silk fabrics, or delight in a delicious strong and sweet Thai iced coffee.
Elective Activity: Sala Rim Naam. Enjoy an evening immersed in Thai culture. This unique cultural experience features a Thai dance show and a savory dinner of Thai cuisine. Centuries-old Eastern and Western influences created Thai food, which is often a harmonious blend of textures, tastes and herbal flavors. You may experience a mélange of salty, spicy, sweet and sour on your palate before completing your meal with Thai dessert. Following dinner, delight in viewing the intricate colors and detail of traditional Thai costumes while watching a Thai dance performance in a beautiful pavilion. (Mild) Available at an additional cost.
February 3
Ayutthaya
Discovery: Ayutthaya. Visit the European-style Bang Pa-In Palace, a summer residence for the kings of Thailand. The property has ornamental ponds, an elegant Thai-style pavilion and a Thai Buddhist temple that resembles a Gothic church. Continue to the World Heritage site of Ayutthaya, Thailand’s ancient capital from 1350-1767. As you stroll the grounds, you may see massive brick ruins, lion guardian statues, seated Buddha figures and many other amazing artifacts. Board a boat to cruise along the Chao Phraya River toward Bangkok. Enjoy a delicious lunch on board while taking in scenes of local life on Thailand’s waterways. Witness colorful temples, bustling markets and shops along the banks. (Mild)
February 4
Siem Reap, Cambodia
After breakfast, fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival, transfer to the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort. Take some time to unpack and explore your hotel’s amenities before joining your group for lunch.
Discovery: Siem Reap. Discover this quaint provincial capital as you tour Siem Reap in a tuk tuk. The city offers a bounty of well-preserved colonial buildings, small cafes, souvenir shops, art galleries, and more. After your tour, visit an arts and dance center to see demonstrations of local talent. (Mild)
Enrichment: The Temples of Angkor. In preparation for your visit, join a local expert to learn about the spectacular temples and ruins at Angkor, a World Heritage site. A suburb of Siem Reap, Angkor is one of the most culturally significant places in Cambodia. The planning and construction of these grand temples indicate the engineering prowess of the ancient Khmer Empire. The temples are a showcase of water features, including canals, dams, reservoirs, and an irrigation system that served the entire region. In addition, the Angkor period also fostered the rise of Khmer art.
February 5
Siem Reap
Discovery: Angkor Wat. Discover breathtaking Angkor Wat. Built in the 12th century, it is the largest temple in the world and the crown jewel of the Angkor Archaeological Park. Angkor Wat is the grandest of the temples that sit within the 155-square-mile park. Originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, the temple eventually became filled with Buddhist elements as the new religion spread through the empire. See the extensive gallery of bas-relief murals, one of the highlights of the temple. (Active)
Discovery: Local Life. Uncover a culinary tradition as a local family invites you into their home to show you how to make rice noodles, a local specialty. (Mild)
Free Time: You may enjoy visiting Phsar Chas, the Old Market, which offers a bizarre collection of meats, dried fruits and checkered scarves as well as a selected of spices and other interesting wares. Take a stroll through the heart of Siem Reap and dig in to Phnom Pleung, a Cambodian BBQ where you can cook the meat yourself on a small burner on your table.
Discovery: Cambodian Circus. Enjoy an energetic Cambodian show with a blend of dance, music, acrobatics and juggling combined with enlightening stories of Khmer culture. (Mild)
February 6
Siem Reap
Discovery: Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm and Thommanon. Explore Angkor Thom, a great walled city that once was home to 1 million people. Built in the late 12th century, Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Khmer Empire, which ended in the mid-15th century. The Bayon is the imposing temple in the center of the city. Its 54 towers feature carvings of more than 200 smiling faces. The bas-reliefs of epic battles are among the must-sees. Explore the haunting temples of Ta Prohm, where roots of massive kapok trees have overtaken the buildings. Built by the same king who directed the construction of Angkor Thom, this Buddhist monastery once was a powerful religious center serving 80,000 people. After centuries of human neglect, the jungle has claimed the temples, courtyards and paths. Continue to Thommanon, a recently restored temple with exquisite Apsara carvings. (Active)
Free Time: Make your own schedule on your final afternoon at leisure in Siem Reap.
Tonight, gather for a Farewell Dinner, and delight in a lively event featuring Khmer classical dance and music.
February 7
Depart for gateway city
After breakfast, bid farewell to Cambodia.
AHI FlexAir passengers traveling on flights that qualify for a group transfer and Land Program passengers who have purchased seats on the group transfer depart for Angkor International Airport for your return flights home. Your Travel Director will provide the details.
Some passengers will arrive in North America today. Others will arrive tomorrow depending on their individual flight itineraries.
Map:
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