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Bangkok –The Oriental (2 nights),
Condé Nast Traveler Gold List ’06
Renowned for its unique ambience of
timeless colonial-style elegance in
an exotic Eastern setting in the center of Bangkok,
on the bank of Chao Phya
("River of Kings"), this is one of the world’s truly
great hotels.
Yangon – Strand Hotel (2)
Built at the turn of the century, overlooking the Yangon River, The
Strand is a national landmark. Recently renovated to its former glory, the
hotel recalls the colonial era of the 1920s and ’30s.
Ayeyarwady Cruise –" Road to Mandalay"
(3), Orient-Express Ship
Road To Mandalay is a deluxe river cruiser in Myanmar (Burma), a land
of unspoiled beauty. With the style and comfort for which the
Orient-Express is famous, this journey is the perfect way to explore the
fascinating Ayeyarwady river between Mandalay and Bagan.
Bangkok – Sukhothai Hotel (2),
Leading Hotels of the World ’06
The Sukhothai is unusual for many reasons but mainly for its location:
in the middle of a six-acre estate of scenic gardens in the diplomatic and
business heart of Bangkok. The hospitality, service and comfort are
steeped in graceful tradition.
Bangkok to Singapore –
Eastern & Oriental Express train (2)
The Eastern & Oriental Express is the ultimate highlight of a visit
to the Far East. The style and splendour of the E&O, with its elegant
compartments, delicious cuisine and superb service, combined with the
adventure of a journey through the heart of Asia, provide a unique travel
experience.
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Day
1 (Friday) USA – Bangkok
Depart the States on your flight to
Thailand. Situated in the central part of the Indochina peninsula (almost
equidistant between China and India), historically it has been a
migratory, cultural, and religious crossroads.
Day 2 (Saturday) Bangkok
 Upon your arrival in Bangkok in the
evening, you are escorted to your five-star hotel – The Oriental,
on the banks of the Chao Phya River. The marble-clad lobby, lush with wood
and leather appointments, provides access to the gardens, pools, river
view terrace, and shopping area. Teak chandeliers reminiscent of Thai
bells hang overhead. The private accommodations are plush with silks and
polished teak accents; service here is peerless and can even astonish.
Once you have settled in, join your travel
companions and tour manager for refreshments.
Day 3 (Sunday) Bangkok
After breakfast this morning, you board a
motor launch to cruise on the Chao Phya River – one of the focal points
of Bangkok. You pass a succession of major landmarks, such as Buddhist
temples, foreign embassies, churches, residential palaces, and floating
markets. You visit the Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun), one of
the river’s major landmarks; and see the Royal Barges (51 in all),
splendidly carved boats used during the rare Royal Barge Procession, when
the King of Thailand takes gifts to the monks of Wat Arun. And you tour
the floating market, the Grand Palace, and the Emerald Buddha Temple by
boat.
On your tour of the Jim Thompson Thai House
Museum, you hear about the American architect who came to Thailand after
World War II. Highly gifted as a designer and textile colorist, he
contributed substantially to the growth and worldwide recognition of the
Thai silk industry.
His canal-side house represents the best of
traditional Thai architecture; it is actually a combination of six teak
structures (some are at least two centuries old) which were dismantled and
transported from other sites. In his quest for authenticity, Thompson
adhered to the customs of early builders and employed carpenters skilled
in traditional methods to rebuild at the present location. Thompson filled
the home with his impressive collection of paintings, porcelain, statuary,
and antique furniture.
This evening, you sip cocktails aboard a
luxuriously renovated river barge; and later, your Thai dinner is served
at the beautiful temple-styled Sala Rim Naam
restaurant, overlooking the river. Your superb meal is accompanied by
classical Thai dancing. (B,L,D)
Day 4 (Monday) Bangkok
– Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)
This morning you fly northwest to Myanmar
and the city of Yangon (formerly Rangoon). It lies in the fertile delta
country of southern Myanmar on the wide Yangon River about 20 miles from
the sea. The city is so full of trees and shade that some districts seem
to be in a forest, making it very different from other Asian cities. You
visit the Schwedagon Pagoda – the holiest of Buddhist sites in Myanmar;
its golden stupa dominates the city from its hilltop site. The pagoda
dates back about 2,500 years, and legend says it was built to house eight
sacred hairs of Buddha.
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