Classic Malaysia & Thailand Itinerary

Discover sultry Singapore, a city that merges towering megamalls and skyscrapers with emerald green parks and vibrant colonial history. Arrive early to take in the fragrant spices of little India, get a whiff of incense in Chinatown or escape the heat by ducking into an air-condtioned oasis for a shopping extravaganza on Orchard Rd.

Travel to Melaka, a former colonial outpost, which retains a distinctive old-world air. Absorb its character on a trishaw ride through its winding streets and sample flavours of the exciting fusion of Chinese and Malay cuisine in a nonya cooking class.

The cosmopolitan capital of Malaysia is the first stop, with its mix of Chinese, Indian and Malay cultures. Perhaps soak up the view from atop the Menara Kuala Lumpur before being treated to a cultural performance and buffet dinner. Be entertained with traditional dances from around the Malaysian Peninsular and Borneo.

Be treated to a memorable homestay on a small island located in the centre of a picturesque lake. Enjoy traditional delicacies, don a sarong and get into the swing of things - Malay style.

From its elaborate Indian temples to its Chinese shop houses and statuesque Islamic mosques, Penang is packed with cross-cultural historic attractions. Take time to tour the magnificent Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, poke around the antique shops of Chulia Street or enjoy a final group dinner to celebrate the end of this Malaysian odyssey.

With miles of white, sandy beaches, lush tropical rainforest and plenty of sleepy traditional Malay villages, Pulau Langkawi is the perfect place to get away from it all. Swim with shoals of colourful fish in the Pulau Payar Marine Park, indulge in a barbecue seafood dinner and take a cable car ride to enjoy spectacular views over this tropical haven. Be sure to spend some time channelling holiday vibes while kicking back on a soft, sandy beach.

Travel to Thailand and discover Bangkok - a modern city with an ancient heart. Visit the Emerald Buddha housed beneath the gleaming spires of the Grand Palace. Cruise down the narrow khlongs to see the contrast between city and canal-side life.

Venture north to Chiang Mai and learn to whip up local delicacies at a Thai cooking class. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride to the ruined city of Wiang Kum Kam to explore its well-preserved ruins. Chat with friendly monks at the Wat Chedi Luang temple complex and visit the local market. In the evening, climb up to Doi Suthep, a sacred mountain famous for its copper-plated chedi and sweeping views, before enjoying a traditional dinner and cultural performance.

Head into the Thai countryside where rice fields meet the forest. Get acquainted with Thailand's second-largest hilltribe group - the H'mong. Admire the embroidered aprons, sashes and silver jewellery worn by many H'mong females and gain an insight into local customs during a cultural performance.

Nicknamed the Dawn of Happiness, Sukhothai still recalls Siam's golden age with its superb statues, monuments and blooming lotus flowers. Spend a memorable day exploring these important remnants of Thailand’s ‘golden age’.

Make a sobering visit to the Hellfire Pass Memorial. Board a train at Nam Tok station - the main terminal of the Death Railway - and ride along these historic tracks, passing over the original wooden viaduct, the bridge on the River Kwai. Afterwards, pay a visit to Jeath War Museum.

Return to Bangkok, where there’s ample time for some last minute shopping before a cruise and farewell dinner on the mighty Chao Phraya River.