Treasures & Temples of Singapore and Bangkok

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Singapore.

Welcome to Singapore! Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a representative of Mayflower Cruises and Tours and transferred to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure until the welcome dinner this evening. Meal: D & ;

Delve into the culture and history of this amazing city, where tradition meets modern. In the heart of Chinatown, see rows of streets where traditional shophouses have been restored into teahouses, eateries and shops selling everything from Oriental arts and crafts to Chinese medicinal herbs. Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, constructed in the Tang-Dynasty architectural style, housing what is believed to be the canine tooth of Buddha. The stunning Sri Mariamman Temple is the oldest and most active Hindu temple in the city. Drive through the Civic District then take a Bumboat ride along the Singapore River. In contrast to the historic temples, this showcases the natural beauty of the river, its grand bridges, and the ‘modern’ Singapore. Pass picturesque shops, see elegant architecture, snap a photo of the Lion Monument and Marina Bay Sands, both symbols of the city. End the tour with a stroll through the alleyways of Kampong Glam, whose restaurants and shops are a melting pot of various cultures. The Sultan Mosque with its golden dome is a landmark of the area. Return to the hotel with the remainder of the day left free of planned activities. Meal: B

Today’s exploration begins with the ‘modern’ architecture of the city. Visit Gardens by the Bay to see beautiful displays and learn how the architecture supports the environment. Visit the flower domes, climate-controlled indoor glass houses, to discover how they replicate the climates needed for the variety of flowers and plants thriving within. While strolling the grounds, learn about the ‘Supertrees’ (vertical gardens up to 164’ tall) that collect rainwater and generate solar power. At the nearby Marina Bay Sands, another unique architectural marvel, amazing panoramic views of the skyline await from the 56th-floor observation deck of the Sky Park. Back on the ground, the rest of the day is about tradition. Head over to Lau Pa Sat, the iconic Hawker Center and national monument, for lunch on your own. As the city’s oldest market structure, it has over eighty hawker stalls and is an integral part of Singapore’s social landscape for locals and visitors. Continue to the Joo Chiat area highlighting colorful two-storey pre-war terrace houses with ornate façades, intricate motifs and ceramic tiles reflecting Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures. Stop into Kim Choo’s Kitchen for a sampling of local favorites and a demonstration of wrapping Nyonya Rice Dumplings. Return to the hotel for an evening at leisure. Meal: B & ;  

The final day in Singapore begins with a ride on the Mount Faber cable car where spectacular views of the bustling harbor and surrounding islands are in store. During the visit to Little India, a cultural kaleidoscope unfolds as you witness the lively streets filled with fragrant aromatic spices, colorful flower garlands, and bustling food vendors, reflecting the heritage of Singapore’s Indian community. Continue to Tekka Center where diverse ethnic communities come together to create a dynamic multicultural experience. See the market selling fresh fish and vegetables, the hawker center with local food for any taste, and the shopkeepers selling everything from local clothing to religious and handicraft items in their market stalls. Return to the hotel prior to enjoying dinner at a local restaurant. Meals: B, D

After breakfast, depart the hotel by coach for the transfer to the airport and the flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to the hotel. This evening, enjoy a dinner cruise on the River of Kings aboard a restored antique rice barge. Experience a blend of old-world charm, modern comfort, and top-notch hospitality as you sail past the capital’s iconic sights of the Temple of Dawn, Wat Pho, and the Grand Palace, while indulging in a multi-course meal. Meals: B, D

Continue exploring local culture with a visit to the vibrant flower market where colorful blooms and fragrant scents fill the air. See the local artists at work creating a variety of floral arrangements. On your next adventure, board a long-tail boat for a cruise along the Chao Phraya River, through the canals of Thonburi. The network of canals (Klongs) has earned Bangkok the nickname of “Venice of the East”. See the more traditional way of life, outside the modern metropolis of Bangkok, as you cruise past old wooden homes on stilts, Buddhist temples and shrines along the riverbanks and small family businesses. After the relaxing cruise, return to the hotel to rest prior to this evening’s tuk tuk food tour. One of the best ways to experience life like a local is to ride in a tuk tuk, off the beaten path and being immersed into the heart of Thai culture and cuisine! Meals: B, D

Immersion into this ancient culture continues with a tour visiting three of the most unusual Buddhist temples. Wat Trimitr houses the 700-year-old Golden Buddha and Wat Pho is home to the colossal Reclining Buddha. On the grounds of the Grand Palace, former residence of the Kings, visit Wat Phra Kaew, the most sacred Buddhist temple in the country. Here resides the most revered object in Thailand, the Emerald Buddha, carved from a single piece of jade. Having explored this landmark of the Thai Kingdom, return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure. This evening is a cultural treat as you dine on artfully crafted Thai cuisine while enjoying a cultural show and dance performance. Meals: B, D

It’s time to say goodbye to Asia and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Memories of the treasures and temples you experienced are sure to last a lifetime! Meal: B

Start the day with a unique attraction as you witness a train run through the heart of the Railway Market. Watch the vendors clear their goods from the track as the train approaches and passes through with inches to spare! Visit a local coconut farm to learn about the various products they produce utilizing the entire coconut. Sample freshly cooked coconut palm sugar and talk with the farmers. Continue to the Ratchaburi province and embark on another long-tail boat ride to experience life along the river in this area. Conclude with a visit to the floating market, a true Thai phenomenon. Colorfully clad merchants paddle sturdy canoes, filled with fresh fruit, vegetables, local food, and souvenir items to sell to shoppers along the banks of the narrow canals. Try your hand at bargaining for local souvenirs! Lunch is included at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel for the evening at leisure. Meals: B, L