Grand Tour Of Asia
This ‘grand tour’ is an ideal introduction to Asia. You’ll travel to four powerhouse cities - Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bangkok - each with a profound British influence in their history and character. It’s not all about sightseeing, shopping and skyscrapers, though. You’ll also slow the pace down as you explore historic Malacca and spend a couple of nights enjoying Thai cuisine and strolls through botanical gardens at the eco-friendly Sampran Riverside Resort.
Tour Duration 16 days
Tour Highlights
- City tours of Hong Kong; Kuala Lumpur; and Singapore
- Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck
- Harbour cruise to witness the ‘Symphony of Lights’
- Malay cultural show
- Malacca river cruise
- Visits to the Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple; Kranji War Memorial; and the Grand Palace
- Guided walk at the Sampran Riverside
- Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, War Cemetery and Death Railway train journey
Selected Meals Included
Trip Type: Escourted Tour
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Day 1 UK - In flight
VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your overnight flight to Hong Kong.
Day 2 Hong Kong
On our arrival in Hong Kong, the gateway to the Far East, we transfer to the Royal Pacific Hotel (4T). The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 3 Hong Kong
A fusion of western and eastern life fuels Hong Kong, where legendary attractions beckon; ascend Victoria Peak for breathtaking views of the glittering city skyline and Victoria Harbour, visit the Aberdeen floating fishing village, admire the fine white sands of Repulse Bay and shop to your heart’s delight at Stanley Market.
After an afternoon of relaxation, we include a delicious dinner followed by a cruise on the harbour and an unforgettable night-time spectacle - the ‘Symphony of Lights’, illuminates Hong Kong’s world-famous skyline.
Day 4 Hong Kong
A day at leisure, presenting the chance to make your own explorations.
Day 5 Hong Kong - Kuala Lumpur
Following a free morning we take a flight to Kuala Lumpur (known simply as KL), Malaysia’s dazzling capital city. Here we will be staying for two nights at the Renaissance Hotel (4T).
Day 6 Kuala Lumpur
Today we drive through the Lake Gardens, stop at the National Mosque and Independence Square, the Masjid Jamek, Central Market, and the 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers, the instantly recognisable symbol of the city. A traditional Malay dinner and cultural show completes a truly memorable day.
Day 7 Kuala Lumpur - Malacca
Our tour continues to Malacca, the historic town whose centre showcases a medley of Portuguese, Dutch, Islamic and Chinese architecture, including the ruins of the A’Famosa fortress, built by the Portuguese and later taken by the Dutch. Enjoy a cruise along Malacca River and visit a Typical Peranakan house, before stopping for an included lunch. We then spend a cultural afternoon at the Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese temple, the oldest in Malaysia, the Kampung Kling Mosque, and Bukit Cina, where over 12,000 Chinese graves are located, some dating back to the Ming dynasty.
Tonight’s accommodation is at the Equatorial Hotel (4T) or Ramada Plaza Melaka (4T).
Day 8 Malacca - Singapore
Beyond vast fields of oil palm is the border with Singapore. On crossing into this sensational city-state, we proceed to the Concorde Hotel (4T), superbly situated on Orchard Road, renowned for its shopping.
Day 9 Singapore
The National Orchid Garden, set within the beautiful Botanic Gardens (recently given UNESCO World Heritage status), makes for a tranquil start to our exploration of Singapore. Our morning tour also includes a stop at the Merlion statue, an iconic Singaporean landmark, and Chinatown.
We also include Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck, offering breathtaking views of Singapore.
Day 10 Singapore
A day at leisure follows to unwind or hunt for bargains amongst Singapore’s thousands of superb shops.
Day 11 Singapore - Sampran Riverside
The Kranji War Memorial is a hillside cemetery that honours the men and women of the Commonwealth, who died in the line of duty during World War II. After a morning visit, we head to the airport for our flight to Bangkok and onward transfer to the family-run, eco-cultural Sampran Riverside Resort (4T) for an enchanting two-night stay.
Day 12 Sampran Riverside
Located 32km from Bangkok, the stunning resort is set in 70 acres on the banks of the Ta Chine River. Family owned and run for over 40 years, and employing over 60 full time gardeners, this peaceful haven is the perfect place to learn about Thai culture. We take a guided walk of the botanical gardens, enjoy an included lunch, and also visit the Organic Farm.
Relax amongst manicured gardens or beside the pool, or participate in optional experiences including a Thai cookery class using ingredients grown organically at the resort.
Day 13 Sampran Riverside - River Kwai - Bangkok
Our journey continues to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, a museum dedicated to the history of the Thai-Burma "Death Railway", and onto the War Cemetery, the final resting place for over 6,000 allied prisoners of war.
We then take a train ride on the notorious Bridge over the River Kwai, built to accommodate the so-called ‘death railway’ and immortalised in the classic David Lean film of 1957. The original wooden version of the bridge was bombed several times and no longer exists, but the adjacent steel bridge, also the subject of numerous raids, was rebuilt after the war.
Our coach takes us to Kasem Lake for lunch on a raft, before taking us to Bangkok, where we stay for two nights at the Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside (4T).
Day 14 Bangkok
No visit to Bangkok would be complete without a visit to the fabulous Grand Palace complex and the sacred Temple of the Emerald Buddha, housing a fabulous Buddha image carved from a single piece of jade. We return to our hotel for a relaxing afternoon, before a memorable dinner cruise on Bangkok’s ‘River of Kings’.
Day 15 Bangkok - In flight
We transfer to the airport for our overnight flight back to the UK.
Day 16 UK
Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.
Tour dates: Various travel dates for this Tour are available contact us on 01422 847 847 or through our Holiday Request Form for more details.