In January 2021, get ready to experience an intoxicating melting pot of history and culture with ecruising’s 27-night CRUISETOUR: Golden Pagodas to the Streets of Bangkokjourney – a unique itinerary which explores some of Asia’s most exotic destinations including Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore.
Departing on 10 January 2021, the cruise travel specialist’s oriental odyssey takes in a 10-night tour of Myanmar – Asia’s fabled Golden Land, followed by a 15-night voyage onboard Oceania Cruises’ stunning Sirena sailing the tranquil waters of the Andaman and South China Seas from Yangon to Bangkok, and finishing up with 2 nights at the über luxurious COMO Metropolitan Bangkok.
Your adventure begins in the beautiful and peaceful country of Myanmar, with its ancient monuments and friendly people, offering an intimate glimpse into a culture little changed for hundreds of years. Visit Mandalay, home to some of the country’s most iconic cultural sites including the breath-taking Mahamuni Paya temple, Kuthodaw Pagoda with its stunning views over the city, the Shwenandaw and Shwekyin Kyaung Monasteries, and learn about centuries-old religious crafts like gold leaf making.
In Bagan, experience the bustling vibe of the local markets, the glittering Shwezigon Pagoda and Ananda Temple’s golden Buddha statues, while an early morning balloon ride reveals the nighty Ayeyarwady River and surrounding tapestry of temples and pagodas in all their splendour. Away from the cities, explore the Pindaya Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha statues, and the picturesque Inle Lake, fringed by marshes and floating gardens, where stilt-house villages and Buddhist temples rise above the water and Intha fisher folk propel their boats along via their unique technique of leg-rowing. Sailing to the Lake’s farthest shores, discover the ancient Shan Prince village of Sagar, Loikaw and the nearby local hill tribe markets, including time out for your own romantic private island dinner. Your tour concludes in Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, with a visit to the exquisite 2,500 year-old Shedagon Pagoda, covered with hundreds of gold plates and encrusted with 4,531 diamonds, before embarking on the next phase of your journey – a 15-night cruise to Bangkok onboard Oceania Cruises’ Sirena.
Currently undergoing a complete rejuvenation, the ship’s multi-million dollar evolution will feature all-new lofty and luxurious suites and staterooms, and refreshed public spaces that encompass the inimitable style and comfort for which the luxury cruise company is renowned. Add in the gracious Grand Dining Room with its bejewelled new chandeliers, a myriad of dining and bar options, plus plenty of onboard entertainment, a dedicated Pool and Sports Deck and the sublime Canyon Ranch Spa, and Sirena and it all equates to an exceptional cruise experience.
Begin your cruise with 2 nights in Myanmar where you can explore more of the city’s exotic mix of colonial architecture and ancient temples and pagodas at your leisure, drink in the intoxicating sights and smells of the colourful Bogyoke Aung San Market, or take a boat to the nearby island of Kyauktan Ye Le Paya, home to one of the oldest pagodas in the region. Next up is a spot of idyllic island-hopping including Phuket – Thailand’s biggest island, where guests can revel in a lively shopping escapade in the town’s famous store-lined streets; the charming colonial town of Sabang on the Indonesian island of Pulau Weh; Malaysia’s island state of Penang, otherwise known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ – the perfect place to sample some of South East Asia’s most delicious cuisines; and the stunning natural beauty and unique wildlife of Langkawi.
Other highlights include stopovers at the cosmopolitan Malaysian city of Kuala Lumpur with its bustling markets, colonial heritage and soaring Petronas Towers; Singapore, one of Asia’s most ethnically diverse lively cities, home to sensational shopping and gastronomic hubs dotted throughout; Saigon in Vietnam, gateway to the rich Mekong Delta where a cruise along the mighty Mekong takes you past a lush countryside of farms, rice paddies and villages; and Bangkok, Thailand’s exotic capital where you can immerse yourself in the city’s fabulous golden temples and cultural sites including the massive Royal Palace complex of carved and gilded buildings still used by the Thai royal family.
Disembarking in Bangkok on 4 February, spend your final 2 nights in the sublime comfort of COMO Metropolitan Bangkok, a stunning contemporary urban escape, home to award-winning Thai restaurant, nahm, located right in heart of the city, and explore the Thai capital’s sensational shopping and buzzing nightlife scene at your leisure, before flying home on 6 February 2021.
Priced from $12,189* per person twin share for a limited time, ecruising’s 27-night CRUISETOUR: Golden Pagodas to the Streets of Bangkok journey includes return economy flights from Australia, all accommodation, complimentary dining at all specialty restaurants onboard Sirena, and all guided tours and transfers as per the itinerary.
Even better, for a limited time take advantage of Oceania Cruises’ OLife Choice*, which allows you the flexibility to personalise your holiday experience even further with access to complimentary WIFI plus one of the following generous amenities of your choice absolutely free: FREE – 8 Shore Excursions, FREE Beverage package or FREE US$800 shipboard credit.
*Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.
