From Singapore to Hong Kong featuring overnight stays in Bangkok; Ho Chi Minh City; Da Nang, Vietnam; Halong Bay/hong Gai, Vietnam and Hong Kong calling on Ko Samui, Thailand and Huang Pu (canton), China with 4 days at sea from $21,099

NOTE: You may choose this exclusive shore event, credit toward a customized Virtuoso on-shore event, credit toward a Virtuoso Discovery pre/post hotel stay or shipboard credit. Ask us for complete option details.

Exclusive Shore Event: Bangkok | Grand Palace, Klongs and the Oriental Hotel

In Thailand, all roads lead to Bangkok. It is the spiritual, commercial, intellectual, artistic and historical center of the country.  The modern faade of the city is imposing but its dynamic past holds its own among the skyscrapers that line the river, reaching further and further toward the heavens.  A city electric with excitement, Bangkok is always in motion, inviting you to take it all in.

Our day begins with a visit to the spectacular Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.  This complex is an eccentric blend of English Victorian, French, colonial and traditional Thai architecture.  Commissioned by King Chulalongkorn, the first Thai monarch to visit Europe, the palace was designed by a British architect as a purely Victorian edifice, but when the king's counselors strenuously objected to its Western faade, a Thai roof was added. Also, within this complex we will see the magnificent royal chapel, Wat Pra Keo, where the most sacred Buddha image in Thailand, the Emerald Buddha, is enshrined. It is a marvel carved entirely from a single piece of jade.

After our visit, we will board a large local long tailed private boat and begin our scenic cruise up a series of "klongs" or canals, which provides a glimpse of the still active waterborne life of the "Venice of the East" and pass by the Temple of Dawn. Of Khmer design and ornately carved out of sandstone, its rich pantheon of demons, monkeys and guardians cast an eerie image across the surrounding city setting.  We'll then stop to see the Royal Barge Museum, a water front facility housing the ceremonial barges used by the royal family for festivals and important rites of passage such as a royal funeral, coronation or marriage. After our visit, we'll cruise down the river to our wonderful luncheon destination.

A delicious feast of traditional Thai specialties complimented by wine awaits us at the legendary Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Hotel. The 130-year old hotel has been renowned for its service and atmosphere since it first opened its doors as a seaman's lodge along the fabled Chao Phya River.  After lunch, we will return to the pier by 5:00pm, depending on traffic conditions.

Approximate Length: Eight hours.

Suggested Attire: Casual, light clothing and comfortable walking shoes recommended.  No shorts, short skirts, sleeveless attire or flip flops can be worn to visit the Grand Palace. Moderate walking required over some stairs, inclines or distances.