Bangkok to Kuta: Summits & Sunsets

Visit the King’s official residence (made up of many buildings, halls, lawns, gardens, and courtyards) on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and see the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Please note the cost of this optional activity does not include the entrance fee.

Travel by longtail boat on the busy Chao Phraya River and through the small canals of western Bangkok's Thonburi district. Observe colourful scenes of everyday life along the river banks.

This temple is known for its reclining Buddha, its feet covered with mother-of-pearl engravings of Buddhist symbols. Explore the large grounds and other compounds to see other Buddha figures, murals and the chedis that contain the ashes of Buddha. This is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.

Located along the Chao Phraya River, the museum is home to many ceremonial barges. The barges are only used for special occasions so this is a chance to catch a rare glimpse of their ornate decorations and symbolic features.

Lie back and soothe aching muscles with a wonderful Thai massage. Affordable and amazing—don't miss out!

Grab a tube and enjoy how the locals like to beat the heat - by floating down the river!

Learn about local ingredients and then use them to make some healthy traditional Thai dishes.

Get into a kayak and paddle away for a new perspective on this area.

Take in the beauty of the island from the water, passing the magnificent Big Buddha Temple among other many other sights. Visit Swallows Nest Island and Green Peace island, where you can opt to snorkel or relax on the shore.

Visit the iconic sites of the Big Buddha Temple and the intricately designed Chinese temple. Then take a trip to the south coast of the island to see the unusual and amusing Grandmother and Grandfather rock before taking in the more scenic views from the island view point, visiting majestic waterfalls along the way.

Experience the thrill of water skiing and glide on water as you are pulled along by a motorboat.

Glide your way along Ko Samui's coastline on a stand-up paddleboard. The water in this area is generally calm and always warm, you'll be tempted to jump off for a swim.

Enjoy a visit to charming Little India, which consists of three streets: Lebuh Chulia, Lebuh Queen, and Jalan Pasar. Purchase colourful Indian fashion, eat spicy food, and listen to beautiful Indian melodies for a taste of India in Malaysia.

Visit this colonial hill station for a great escape from the city’s heat and beautiful views of Georgetown from one of its seven hills. The highest is Western Hill, which stands at 833m (2,723ft) above sea level. Discover tropical plants, like the carnivorous pitcher plant, and catch a glimpse of the dusky leaf monkeys or the greater racket-tailed drongo, which is a local bird.

Experience real-life history visiting the clan jetties. More than 100 years ago, the Chinese community started building stilt houses along the waterfront, clustered into clan villages that still exist today. Most of these houses are in the Chew Jetty area.

This three-tiered hilltop Buddhist temple, the country’s largest, is affectionately known as the Temple of Supreme Bliss. Its main attraction is the Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda, and the pavilion of the Four Heavenly Kings – each said to control a compass point. An enormous statue of the Goddess of Mercy is found on the hilltop as well as more gardens and temples.

Visit one of the grandest clan houses in Malaysia, built by the Chinese Khoo Kongsi clan more than 100 years ago it operated much like a self-governing village. As a sign of wealth, the house was built in an ornate fashion with elaborate Chinese architecture.

Learn about the Peranakans (also known as the Babas and Nyonyas), the Chinese community that made their home in the Straits Settlements and developed unique customs that incorporated Malay and British influences in their cuisine and language. Tour the museum, a recreated home of a rich Baba, to see displays of more than 1,000 antique pieces and architectural design – of special note is the staircase, dining room, and parlour.

Enjoy exotic flora and fauna during the Rainforest Expedition, which includes seeing the Rafflesia, the world's largest flower (depending on season). Also, visit an aboriginal village and see a blow pipe hunting demonstration. Go on a 1-2 hr jungle trek. Enjoy a waterfall swim and visits to a tea plantation and a reptile farm.

Tour this museum to see thousands of artifacts and art objects ranging from jewellery and armour to ceramics and ancient Islamic glassware. The museum is home to a number of galleries: Quran and Manuscripts Gallery, Islamic Architecture Gallery, India Gallery, Chinese Gallery, Ancient Malay World Gallery as well as the Ottoman Syrian Room.

The museum houses the Quran and Manuscripts Gallery, Islamic Architecture Gallery, India Gallery, Chinese Gallery, Ancient Malay World Gallery, as well as Ottoman Syrian Room. Jewellery, textile, arms and armour, ceramics, and ancient Islamic glassware are also on display.

Take in breathtaking views of Kuala Lumpur on this visit to the Petronas Towers. Called Malaysia’s jewel, the 88-storey twin structure has the world’s highest two-storey bridge offering a stunning view of the city from 170m (558ft) high.

Called Malaysia’s jewel, the 88-storey twin structure has the world’s highest two-storey bridge offering a stunning view of the city from 170m (558ft) high.

A heritage museum showing the history and customs of the country’s indigenous peoples, the Orang Asli, through photo displays, maps, clothing, hunting tools, musical instruments and story telling.

This series of 400-million year old limestone caves and cave temples are the most popular Hindu shrines outside India and the focal point of the Thaipusam festival in Malaysia.

Tour this museum to see thousands of artifacts and art objects ranging from jewellery and armour to ceramics and ancient Islamic glassware. The museum is home to a number of galleries: Quran and Manuscripts Gallery, Islamic Architecture Gallery, India Gallery, Chinese Gallery, Ancient Malay World Gallery as well as the Ottoman Syrian Room.

The museum houses the Quran and Manuscripts Gallery, Islamic Architecture Gallery, India Gallery, Chinese Gallery, Ancient Malay World Gallery, as well as Ottoman Syrian Room. Jewellery, textile, arms and armour, ceramics, and ancient Islamic glassware are also on display.

Take in breathtaking views of Kuala Lumpur on this visit to the Petronas Towers. Called Malaysia’s jewel, the 88-storey twin structure has the world’s highest two-storey bridge offering a stunning view of the city from 170m (558ft) high.

Called Malaysia’s jewel, the 88-storey twin structure has the world’s highest two-storey bridge offering a stunning view of the city from 170m (558ft) high.

A heritage museum showing the history and customs of the country’s indigenous peoples, the Orang Asli, through photo displays, maps, clothing, hunting tools, musical instruments and story telling.

Standing at 421 metres high, the Menara Tower is a prominent structure in Kuala Lumpur's skyline and the Islamic heritage of the city is reflected in it's architecture. Visit this iconic Malaysian landmark for panoramic views of the city.

This series of 400-million year old limestone caves and cave temples are the most popular Hindu shrines outside India and the focal point of the Thaipusam festival in Malaysia.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the rejuvenated riverfront with new muralled buildings and significant historical landmarks and bridges. Float by a traditional Malay village, the Ghost Bridge of Melaka, Kampung Jawa, and the Clock Tower.

Tour Quay Harbour, once a busy trade port, many of the historic two and three-storey shops and godowns along the riverbank were restored in the 1990s and transformed into bars, retail stores and restaurants.

Take in the stunning artistic and architectural marvel that is the Buddhist Temple complex of Borobudur, a not-to-be-missed World Heritage Site. Learn about its interesting history and restoration; the site lay undiscovered under layers of volcanic ash until 1815, when Sir Stamford Raffles, then Governor of Java, ordered the area to be cleared.

Enjoy a visit to this castle built in the 18th century as a pleasure park for the Sultan. Check out the intricately carved gates and the bathing complex and tower, from where the Sultan would watch his concubines frolicking in the water.

Get a taste of Indonesian theatre with a twist and enjoy a traditional shadow puppet show. These puppets are made with leather and chiselled with precision.

Shop (or window shop) for a stunning hand-beaten bowl. If silver is more your thing, you can find fine silver filigree within this historical district known for its impressive silver work.

Take in the royal splendour of this impressive 18th century palace, built by the Sultans of Yogya. Kraton is one of the finest examples of Javanese palace architecture and is essentially a walled city -- it has its own market, schools, and even mosques.

Tour Prambanan, the largest Hindu temple complex in Java, and learn about the history of the temples. Built between the eighth and tenth centuries, these temples now stand as one of the most outstanding works of Hindu art. View their intricate design, particularly on the Shiva temple.

Take in the stunning artistic and architectural marvel that is the Buddhist Temple complex of Borobudur, a not-to-be-missed World Heritage Site. Learn about its interesting history and restoration; the site lay undiscovered under layers of volcanic ash until 1815, when Sir Stamford Raffles, then Governor of Java, ordered the area to be cleared.

Enjoy a visit to this castle built in the 18th century as a pleasure park for the Sultan. Check out the intricately carved gates and the bathing complex and tower, from where the Sultan would watch his concubines frolicking in the water.

Get a taste of Indonesian theatre with a twist and enjoy a traditional shadow puppet show. These puppets are made with leather and chiselled with precision.

Shop (or window shop) for a stunning hand-beaten bowl. If silver is more your thing, you can find fine silver filigree within this historical district known for its impressive silver work.

Take in the royal splendour of this impressive 18th century palace, built by the Sultans of Yogya. Kraton is one of the finest examples of Javanese palace architecture and is essentially a walled city -- it has its own market, schools, and even mosques.

Tour Prambanan, the largest Hindu temple complex in Java, and learn about the history of the temples. Built between the eighth and tenth centuries, these temples now stand as one of the most outstanding works of Hindu art. View their intricate design, particularly on the Shiva temple.

Grab a snorkel and dive into the water. The waters are calm, visibility is clear, and the sea life and coral are colourful and aplenty.

Grab a snorkel and dive into the water. The waters are calm, visibility is clear, and the sea life and coral are colourful and aplenty.