CroisiEurope, Europe's largest river cruise company, presents a spectacular maritime itinerary aboard its new five-anchor ship, the Belle des Oceans. This voyage invites you to immerse yourself in a continent steeped in history, where ancient traditions blend with breathtaking landscapes and pristine sandy beaches.
This impressive 9-day itinerary includes visits to three exotic countries: the Republic of Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, on two cruises with reverse itineraries departing from Singapore to Phuket or from Phuket to Singapore, visiting unusual destinations such as:
- Phuket, Thailand's largest island, boasts a multitude of landscapes straight out of tourist guides or documentaries, with its spectacular white sand beaches and a historic center where a visit to the colonial quarter is a must, featuring colorful houses in the Sino-Portuguese style from the last century, old shops, well-stocked markets, and its statue of the golden dragon, protector of the city.
- Phang Nga Bay, a small wonder of nature and national park since 1981, is also the "twin sister" of Along Bay in Vietnam; 400 km² that feature a hundred karst peaks, some over 100 meters high.
- Koh Lanta, an archipelago located in southern Thailand and made up of islands and islets such as Koh Lanta Yai and Koh Lanta Noi, with spectacular seabeds and emerald water beaches where you can enjoy the friendliness of the local people who, despite the years, still maintain a calm pace of life without the stress of other large tourist islands.
- Ko Muk, a small, calm and peaceful island, far from tourist routes and populated by sea nomads who became sedentary, is also surrounded by wonderful white sand beaches and crystal clear waters where discovering the seabed by snorkeling is a real experience.
- Langkawi, the largest island in an archipelago of 99 islands (104 at low tide) off the north coast of Malaysia, bears the same name. It's a tourist destination for all tastes, with beaches offering a wide variety of water sports, jungle treks for the more adventurous, and a cable car ride for a bird's-eye view of the island. It's also known as Malaysia's duty-free island, with products like alcohol, tobacco, and chocolate available tax-free.
- Penang, a former British trading post, is located on the Strait of Malacca. George Town, the capital, known as the "Pearl of the Orient," captivates visitors with all it has to offer. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, it is a veritable historical and cultural kaleidoscope of the 19th and 20th centuries.
- Port Klang, the gateway to Malaysia's dazzling capital, was once just a village in a vast swamp in the 19th century, but is now a constantly changing city that thrives and expands in plain sight.
- Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia and a modern city of skyscrapers and green spaces where a great mix of cultures, mainly Malay, Chinese and Indian, coexist perfectly; with emblematic places such as the royal palace, Independence Square, the lake gardens and its national monument that commemorates the country's struggle for its freedom, in addition to the world-famous Petronas Towers, the tallest in the world, at 452 meters high and the panoramic viewpoint of the "skybridge" at 170 meters high, as well as the national museum, which covers the prosperous history of the country, or the lively Chinatown district.
- Malacca, situated on the maritime route between the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, has been colonized by many countries, hence the richness of its cultural and architectural heritage. Distinguished by its Portuguese and Dutch influences, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing its history through its monuments, such as the traditional Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, considered one of the oldest in Malaysia, the elegant Kampong Kling Mosque resembling a Chinese pagoda, and the Sir Vinayagar Temple.
- Singapore, the "Asian New York," is known for its multiculturalism and openness to all religions. In addition to its strategic location on the border of the South China Sea and the Andaman Sea, it offers visitors a dazzling and unique city to explore. Its historic district includes the Parliament and City Hall, while the futuristic district boasts futuristic architecture. Little India is vibrant with its Hindu temples, and Little Chinatown features a Buddha temple. The Malaysian district of Kampong Glam and countless lush green parks further enhance the experience.
CroisiEurope's Belle du Oceans will sail this itinerary during October, November, and December 2019, on a cruise with full board that includes fine dining, drinks, a gala dinner, and onboard entertainment. Port taxes are included, and airport-dock-airport transfers can be arranged. CroisiEurope also offers a wide variety of excursions to explore these exotic destinations in depth.
