31-Day Southeast Asia, India & Arabia

Fishing, golf and, of course, elephant kraals.

Established in 1767 as the capital of Thailand the city maintains a timeless charm. An extensive system of canals has earned it the nickname “Venice of the Far East,” and visitors should make a point of experiencing its floating marketplace. Bangkok is of course also world-renowned for its wealth of ancient temples and beautiful gardens–and did we mention, shopper’s paradise. An hour from Laem Chabang is Pattaya, Thailand’s most popular vacation spot. That’s where the elephant kraals come in.

Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka means “Resplendent Land,” an apt description for this beautiful island. Its capital, Colombo, has been a major trading port for centuries, and the island itself was colonized first by the Portuguese, then the Dutch and finally the British. Yet despite splendid examples of colonial architecture, Sri Lanka has always remained Oriental in spirit, with colorful bazaars, dancing elephants, graceful women in saris, and many Buddhist shrines and temples. Sri Lanka is located 31 miles off the southern tip of India, with Colombo located on the western coast.

The way to Hué. Such is Da Nang’s current lot: gateway to the historic city of Hué. Da Nang, founded in the 2nd century, was visited by Marco Polo (1285) and by Napoleon II (1856).

Hué served as Vietnam’s capital from 1802 to 1945 under 13 different emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, whose splendid tombs are one of the city’s major attractions.

Da Nang is mostly a historical community, setting of much of the Viet Nam War, and lies on the mid-western coast of Viet Nam. It has a tropical climate, and the terrain has a low, flat delta.

Thanks to its central location between them, the working port of Chan May is the gateway to both these historic cities.

Dubai is the Arabian Peninsula’s most cosmopolitan city-and the second largest of the seven United Arab Emirates. Unlike other Gulf statess, Dubai’s thriving economy is fueled not by oil, but by trade, which may explain its laissez-faire attitude. And if you like to shop this is THE PLACE, especially if you’re in search of electronics, gold, antiques and carpets. The souks in Dubai and nearby Sharjah vary from tiny stalls to covered malls. Don’t forget to haggle-it’s expected. More pastimes in Dubai are a dhow excursion on the tidal creek which winds through the city, a game of golf on the only real grass links in the Emirates, a tour of Sharjah, an evening safari inot the desert for a barbeque and traditional dancing and a thrilling demonstration of theancient Arabic art of falconing.

As they say on TV, we’re back! Two decades after the last Americans left what was then South Vietnam, the country is luring back Americans as well as many other nationalities with its colorful, diverse blend of Vietnamese, French and American cultures. Divided into 18 districts, this dynamic city has experienced a dramatic reawakening after so many
years of isolation.

Your ship will dock in the well known resort area of Vung Tau. To reach Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), the capital, requires a day long shore excursion. For those with an appreciation of foreign culture as well as American history, it is highly recommended.

No wonder they built a city here! The harbor. The cliffs. The duty-free shops (well, those came later). Referred to as the beautiful city in the World by many, Hong Kong has a lure all its own. Once you visit, you will want to return.

There is nothing like Hong Kong and the bustle of commerce, of enterprise, of fortunes being made. And there’s nothing like her duty-free shops and colorful markets to explore both on land and afloat in Victoria Harbour.

An intriguing blend of old China and the modern world, this venerable British Crown colony reverted to Chinese sovereignty on June 30, 1997. Lying at the southern area of Mainland China and the China Sea, it serves as a major sea port and access point to southern China. It is has ferry and plane service to Maccau and the many outlying islands,
many that offer excellent vacation opportunities.

Wacky architecture, cultural contrast, call it what you will: In “KL,” as this town is widely known, it is not unusual to, say, see a modern skyscraper situated next door to a centuries-old shophouse. It’s one of the things that make Kuala Lumpur unique.

Superficially, KL may appear to be a modern Asian city of gleaming skyscrapers, but it retains much of the character and local colour which has been so effectively wiped out in cities such as Singapore. It has plenty of colonial buildings in its centre, a vibrant Chinatown with street vendors and night markets, and a bustling Little India.

The real heart of KL is Merdeka Square, the site of the city’s parades and celebrations and home to a 95m (312ft) high flagpole. In colonial days, Malaysia’s administrators used the square for cricket matches, but it was also here that Malaysia’s independence was declared in 1957. On the eastern side of the square is the moorish Sultan Abdul Samed
Building, topped by a 43m (141ft) high clocktower. KL’s magnificent railway station is built in a similar moorish style, with its full quota of minarets, cupolas, towers and arches, and may be construed as a delightful example of British colonial humour. The Petronas Towers building is less decorative but impossible to miss. It’s almost half a km (1640ft) high and is one of the tallest structures in the world.

The picturesque, striped onion-domed Masjid Jame (Friday mosque) is set in a grove of palm trees overlooking Merdeka Square and is neatly reflected in the new mirror-glass office building nearby. Just south of Jami Masjid are the teeming streets of KL’s Chinatown – a crowded, colourful area with the usual melange of signs, shops activity and noise. At night the central section is closed to traffic and becomes a brightly lit, frantic night market.

Budget hotels and hostels can be found in Chinatown and Jalan Pudu Lama. Mid-range hotels are concentrated in Chinatown and on Jalan Bukit Bintang. The night market in Chinatown is the most interesting place to eat in the evening.

In classic rags-to-riches fashion, Bombay grew from mud flats and marshland to the richest industral center in the country. Ten million people bustle through her streets daily. A study in contrasts, Bombay embraces Western-style skyscrapers at Nariman Point, historic building from the last century’s “Golden Period” around Bombay Fort, the festival atmosphere of contortionists and vendors at Chowpatty Beach and the reverence of numerous cultures and creeds. Bombay is India’s Hollywood–don’t miss a tour of the movie studios.

Muscat (mùs´kàt´) or Maskat, city (1993 pop. 329,842), capital of Oman, SE Arabia, on the Gulf of Oman. It has a fine harbor, dominated by two 15th-16th-centtury Portuguese forts, and exports dates, fish, and mother-of-pearl. Portugal held it from 1508 to 1648, and Persian princes until 1741, when it became Oman’s capital.

Vying with Ho Chi Minh City for the title of “Pearl of the Orient,” Penang is renowned for its natural beauty, charm, and graceful colonial architecture.

It was established in 1786 by the British as the first trading post east of India. Today, Penang’s historic Georgetown is filled with many fine examples of British architecture.

And if architecture doesn’t do it for you, Penang is also home to the best beaches in Malaysia. Finally, visitors can have a good time just pronouncing the Chayamangkalaram Temple. Whether a first time visitor or frequent traveller to Penang, this exceptional island will captivate you the minute you set foot on its soil. Apart from enjoying beautiful beaches, culture and sights, nothing is far more breathtaking than looking at the sunrise as a new day in Penang dawns.

Penang is food paradise to anyone who has experienced a taste of Penang’s simple yet sumptous galore. This amazing island has always been associated with a rich culture and a place where food is much appreciated by locals and foreigners. From exquisitely prepared sea food to mouth-watering hawkers’ fare, it’s a must to relish every bit of everything, when in Penang.

Everything for the perfect vacation–Thailand’s largest island has it all. Magnificent palm-fringed beaches and bays. Island dotted waters. And some of the best seafood in the kingdom. There’s also exciting nightlife, and activities including visiting pearl farms, seeing the exotic aquarium denizens, and taking a trip to the outlying islands of Phang Nga Bay.