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| The Far East | DESTINATION REPORT |
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The contrasting cultures of the
Phuket– this popular beach
resort is known for its beautiful
Far East lend themselves to the
coastline and more laidback
ambience than the frenetic pace
of Bangkok.
cruise market as travellers can
Excursions:beach stops, temple
tours and elephant rides. Other
options include an island safari, a
combine the different flavours of
boat trip in Phang-Nga Bay to see
the dramatic scenery of James
Bond Island or a visit to the Khao
each destination and build an
Phra Taew National Park, site of
Phuket’s last remaining virgin
rain forest.
unforgettable experience
Koh Samui– the third largest in
Thailand has been transformed
from a former backpacker haunt
into a fully-fledged tourist
paradise with beautiful beaches
Report by Sara Macefield and plush hotels.
Excursions:Elephant rides,
temple trips, beach outings and
N
ot only can Oceania which can dock in the even the chance to join a
cruises be heart of the city at Klong Toey traditional Thai cooking class.
packaged with Port, while larger vessels from There’s the Angthong National
land-stays as lines such as Holland America Marine Park which is full of
part of a longer Line, Princess Cruises and Costa limestone islands and is perfect
holiday, but a two-week Cruises dock at Laem Chabang for snorkelling.
sailing gives passengers the Port, which is approximately a
chance to visit many popular two-hour drive away. Getting There
Far Eastern destinations in Excursions:From Klong Toey From the UK:Bangkok is one of
one hit. Here’s an idea Port, the attractions of Bangkok the main hubs of the Far East with
of what’s in store for cruise are on the doorstep. Choose from numerous daily flights from
customers wanting to trips to the Grand Palace, floating Europe.
go east: markets, temples and the canals, From the UK direct services are
otherwise known as “klongs”. offered by British Airways,
Thailand
Trips further afield go to Qantas, Thai Airways, and Eva Air.
Kanchanaburi where travellers can Indirect flights are offered by
visit the floating market, the several airlines including:
famous Bridge over the River Kwai Emirates (via Dubai); Jet Airways
This country needs little and the Death Railway and a (via Mumbai); Qatar Airways (via
introduction to UK wildlife sanctuary. There’s also Doha); Etihad (via Abu Dhabi); Gulf
travellers who flock here in the chance to breakfast with Air (via Bahrain); Oman Air (via
droves, attracted by the Buddhist monks, hitch a ride on an Muscat); Singapore Airlines (via
shopping and temples of elephant or visit the tigers in Singapore), Malaysia Airlines (via
Bangkok; the jungle Tiger Canyon. Kuala Lumpur), KLM (via
experiences of the north From Laem Chabang Port, Amsterdam); Cathay Pacific (via
around Chiang Mai and these options are available along Hong Kong) and Finnair (via
Mae Hong Song; the with tours of the province of Helsinki).
beautiful beaches of Phuket Chonburi, where the port is Flight time is approximately 12
and Pattaya; and stunning situated. It boasts its own floating hours for direct flights.
islands such as Ko Samui. market, the Nong Nooch tropical From the US: Direct services are
gardens, the Sanctuary of offered by Thai Airways. They take
Ports of Call Truth and the White Tigers around 17 hours.
Bangkok– the smaller the ship, at Khao Keow. Indirect flights are offered by
the further up the Chao Phraya Longer trips take in Northwest Airlines, United
river it will get and thus closer to destinations further afield such as Airlines, and Delta.
the centre of this bustling city. The Angkor Wat, which is offered by They are also offered by British
smallest vessels include those of some lines as an overland trip Airways, Qantas and Eva Air
Yachts of Seabourn, Azamara and involving a one-night stay. via Heathrow
| ITINERARY PLANNING | SHORE PROGRAMMES | PASSENGER HANDLING | SUMMER 2009 |
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