Experience Singapore with your English Speaking guide, before your board on this expedition ship. On this voyage through the islands of Malaysia and Thailand, you will explore the modern and traditional sides of Asia. From Singapore and Bangkok with some of the region’s best restaurants, hottest bargain shopping and major tourist attractions, to a quieter more traditional Asia. This rich experience will take you far away from the crush of everyday tourist crowds. Enjoy relaxation on some of the finest beaches in South-East Asia with plenty of sun, swimming and snorkelling. At the end of your tour spend some days in Bangkok before you return home. Available Cruise Departure Dates: Feb 27, 2012 (Singapore>Bangkok)

Singapore is the East's great melting pot, a cultural potpourri that leaves the unsuspecting visitor dazzled. Sir Stamford Raffles, a British civil servant, brought the ‘Lion City’ to world prominence after searching for a trading station to counter the Dutch influence in the Straits of Malacca, and trade has remained the island’s mainstay. The best way to experience the remarkable diversity of the city is on foot: the traditional architecture, customs and cuisine of the various ethnic areas are in fascinating contrast to the lavish luxury shopping arcades of Orchard Road and Raffles City. Buddhist and Hindu temples, mosques and Anglican and Catholic cathedrals are all likely to be encountered during a comparatively brief walk around some of the central areas of Singapore. St Andrew’s Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, the Al-Abrar Mosque, the vast and florid Kong Meng Sang Phor Kark See Temple Complex, the Chettiar Hindu Temple and the Sri Mariamman Temple are only a few of these.

A private vehicle with driver will pick you up and provide a transfer between the hotel and Airport.

Transformed into a 400-room luxury hotel, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore (5*) is a masterpiece of understated elegance and comfort. Successfully blending rich heritage with contemporary style, this award-winning Singapore five-star hotel provides an exceptional setting for business and leisure travelers. Travel the city with the unique Rolls Royce limousine service. Delight in the state-of-the-art fitness center – open 24-hours for your convenience. Lounge by the chic outdoor infinite-edge pool. Enjoy the close proximity to the city’s main shopping belt. Take pleasure in the exclusive amenities and features of this captivating Singapore luxury hotel – embodying a strategic location in the heart of the financial and arts districts.

Overnight at Fullerton Hotel (5*).

Your tour will begin with a leisurely bumboat ride along the Singapore River.  The Singapore River is a small river with great historical importance. It is the place where Raffles made as the 1st trading port in Singapore.  The ride will end at Merlion Park at Esplanade Bridge. At the Merlion Park, come face to face with Singapore’s very own tourism mascot, the Merlion, standing in the foreground, whilst the the structural masterpiece of visionary architect Moshe Safdie, the Marina Bay Sands.  The tour continues with a drive around the Civic District past the Padang, Cricket Club, Parliament House, Supreme Court and City Hall.  Next stop will be one of the oldest and most important Hokkien temple in Singapore, Thian Hock Keng Temple. The temple was built in traditional southern Chinese architectural masterpiece of stone, tiles and dragons and phoenixes, amazing cravings, intricate sculptures and imposing columns.  Next and final stop is the National Orchid Garden, within the Singapore Botanic Gardens, which boasts a colorful display of 60,000 orchid plants, with 400 species and more than 2,000 hybrids represented.

Overnight at Fullerton Hotel (5*).

The Gulf of Thailand, also known as the Gulf of Siam, is a shallow arm of the South China Sea. Bordered by Thailand, Cambodia, and the southwestern edge of Vietnam, the gulf harbours many coral reefs, and thus several diving resorts. Due to the tropical warmth of the water, it is popular with tourists. Some of the most important tourist destinations in the Gulf of Thailand are the islands of Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan in Surat Thani province, Pattaya in Chonburi province, Cha-am, Hua Hin, Ko Samet and Ko Chang.

You will be picked up from your Singapore hotel by private car and English speaking Driver. Set in 20 hectares of lush greenery, Jurong Bird Park has over 8,000 exotic birds of more than 600 species. Even as you enter, the talkative and brilliantly coloured macaws are constantly chattering and fussing. Take a ride on the Panorail for a panoramic view of the park and into a tropical world of jungle mists at the Waterfall Aviary. More than 1,500 birds from over 60 species fly freely around you in a tropical rainforest environment. Enjoy the spectacular Penguin Exhibit and also the widest variety of performing birds in the Bird Buddies Show. Rates include admissions as per itinerary.

A private vehicle with driver will pick you up and provide a transfer between the hotel and Cruise Centre.

Welcome aboard your cruise vessel!
Meet your fellow passengers, and get settled in.

Orion II is a private yacht-like expedition cruise ship built by Cantieri Navale Ferrari of Italy. After a number of years as a private yacht, Orion II was relaunched in 2009 following an extensive technical refit. Little expense was spared with this stylish, Italian built, all-suite Mega Yacht. Orion II now offers the finest standards in small-ship cruise travel. She also has an ice-strengthened hull for voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic and is fitted with stabilisers. The expedition equipment includes Zodiacs and fast tender to deliver the Orion expedition experience. Combining luxury and service will require staffing by 68 offices and crew to serve Orion II’s capacity of 100 guests. Excellence of design, craftsmanship and quality materials combined with Orion II’s spaciousness and intimate ambience make her ideal for distinctive cultural and expedition voyages.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (7N).

Explore the island of Tioman with your expedition team. Several walks are available into the interior of the island, or simply sit back and enjoy the beautiful beach. The expedition team will run snorkel tours and our sea kayak fleet will be available (weather/conditions permitting). Depending on conditions we have several landing sites to choose from today.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (7N).

The planned landing site today is right in the middle of the city of Kuala Terengganu, beside the famous market and a short walk from the historic buildings of China Town. You will easily be able to access this hustling market city throughout the day.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (7N).

Days at sea aboard Orion are less structured than a typical cruise ship. Rise at your leisure and select from a variety of breakfast options. Late morning consider joining a presentation in the Lecture Theatre by one of the Expedition Staff or a Guest Speaker. Luncheon is served both indoors and out and the timeless tradition of afternoon tea is observed at 4:00pm.

Begin your evening by joining your fellow travellers in the Leda Lounge for a pre-dinner drink and a briefing on tomorrow’s destination and Shoreside Expedition options by one of the Expedition Team.

The Restaurant opens at 7:00pm, though there is no rush, allowing you to dine when and with whom you choose. In warmer climes it is possible to reserve a table for dinner under the stars with full table service, be it a romantic table for 2 or a celebration for 20. After dinner you will find a duo in the Leda Lounge playing a selection of music ideally suited to conversation over a cognac, or dancing should the mood take you.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (7N).

Today you'll Zodiac ashore and land on the less populated side of Koh Samui. From here you can explore the beaches, take a swim, snorkel or wander through the beach side village with its small restaurants and cafes. Take the inclusive shuttle to Chaweng Beach the main tourist strip on the other side of the island for shopping if that takes your fancy.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (7N).

Anchor just outside the Ang Thong Marine Park and the Zodiac fleet will allow you to explore the reefs and islands for the day. There are walks to be had in the Marine Park and ample opportunities for snorkeling.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (7N).

The Zodiacs will take you on an exploration into the interior of Ko Kut following a meandering mangrove river all the way to a small waterfall. Some walking is required to get to the base of the falls over potentially slippery ground. After returning from the falls the ship will relocate to a small offshore coral island, just off the coast of Ko Kut, where a beach BBQ is planned. Snorkelling and swimming over the fringing reef is possible here. The expedition team will conduct snorkelling tours here this afternoon (weather/conditions permitting).

Overnight at M/V Orion II (7N).

Today you'll arrive at the port in Bangkok, where you will disembark from your ship, and say farewell to your fellow cruisemates.

Transfer between the Bangkok Railway Station or the Boat Pier and your Bangkok hotel with a private vehicle and English speaking guide.

This tour embodies a combination of 2 very popular tours inside bustling Bangkok. A visit to the Royal Grand Palace, the nation’s landmark and most praised royal monument in Thailand is a must. The former royal residence of the Chakri Kings, the palace is the perfect example of an ancient Siamese court. Built in 1782 by King Rama I, it was the centre of power for more than 150 years.  Today, the palace is Bangkok's major landmark and most popular tourist attraction.  Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is located right next to the Grand Palace together form perhaps the greatest spectacle for the visitor to Bangkok. Despite the fact that the whole compound is so full of tourists you spend half the time trying to avoid getting in people’s photos, it’s still pretty amazing place to visit. It consists of over 100 brightly coloured building, golden spires and glittering mosaics, and dates back to 1782, when Bangkok was founded. When you enter the compound, you first of all see Wat Phra Kaew and the nearby attractions, and then move on to the Grand Palace afterwards.  Photography is permitted in the Royal Palace Grounds and in the compounds of the Emerald Buddha Temple, but not inside the buildings.  It features the “Wat Traimit” with its 5, 5-ton heavy Golden Buddha Image, and then pass through Bangkok’s China Town with its typical red-painted gold shops.  OR .. Feature the “Wat Po” with its Reclining Buddha image. Wat Pho is also regarded as the first centre of public education and is sometimes called ‘Thailand’s first university’. Mural paintings, inscriptions, and statues found in the temple-educated people on varied subjects such as literature, warfare, archaeology, astronomy, geology, meditation and to be considered, home of the Thai traditional massage. 

Dress Code: Participants on this tour should note that the chapel is a national shrine and you will be required to wear proper attire (no bare shoulders, knees or strapless-heel shoes). Shoes must be removed before entering the temple buildings as a matter of respect.  The Palace may be closed without prior notice during Royal ceremonies and officials/head of state visits.  The inner courts of Grand Palace are frequently closed on Sundays; we recommend not to book this excursion on Sundays to avoid dissapointment.

The Mandarin Oriental was founded in 1876 on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The hotel is regarded as one of the world’s most luxurious hotels and has accommodated royalty, dignitaries and distinguished travelers for more than a century. The Mandarin offers lavish rooms and suites, exquisite restaurants and bars, and one of the most beautiful spas in the world. It is rich in history and is filled with the stories of celebrated guests who have made this hotel an essential stop on their world travels. Enjoy genuine teak and traditional Thai silks in the elegant rooms with clear views of the River and take advantage of a personal butler that is available at all times to cater to your every need.

Overnight at Mandarin Oriental (5*).

On the opposite bank of the Chao Phraya River from The Mandarin Oriental Hotel, a richly decorated traditional Thai pavilion sets the stage for an appreciation of two of the Kingdom's most rewarding cultural experiences, Thai cuisine and classical Thai dance. Lavish Thai set-dinner feasts are served daily. In this tour, we offer in one of Bangkok’s landmarks – The Mandarin Oriental Hotel - a sumptuous Thai set dinner, daily served between 19:00 hrs – 22:00 hrs while classical Thai dance performances are staged nightly at 20:30 hrs. A smart casual dress code is requested.

Overnight at Mandarin Oriental (5*).

A private vehicle with English speaking guide & driver will transfer you between the airport and your hotel.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).