Singapore to Bangkok

Advanced, airy and elevated, Singapore is a spectacular, futuristic vision of utopian city life. A healthy population of almost six million call it home, but this is a city designed with space to breathe, and gorgeous outdoor parks, massive indoor greenhouses and beautiful recreational spaces spread between the City of Gardens' skyscrapers and soaring structures. Once a quiet fishing village, now a glistening island city-state and an international beacon of science, education and technology. Singapore is almost intimidatingly clean - and the hyper-efficient public transport system whips residents and visitors across the city's neighbourhoods in a heartbeat. Glorious fountains and audacious skyscrapers loom up - nodding to traditional feng shui beliefs - and putting on dazzling illuminated displays after dark. The lush green botanical gardens are a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, covering 52 hectares and decorated with impressive colourful orchids. Or breathe in more of the freshest air by heading up to wander the canopy strung bridges of MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Head for the iconic Marina Bay - a landmark of the city crowned by three interconnected towers, which watch out over island sprinkled waters. Jaunt between Little India and the atmospheric Chinatown in minutes, where beautiful temples - like the Chinese Thian Hock Keng Temple and Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple add rich cultural intrigue. Singapore's cuisine is a mouthwatering fusion of its Indian, Chinese, Indonesian, and Malay influences, taking and enhancing the best of each. Enjoy dishes in towering restaurants, or toast the glowing skyline with the city's eponymous gin-soaked cocktail - a Singapore Sling.

Thailand’s largest island promises ocean bliss and wide beaches of indulgent opulence with some of the country’s most attractive and dreamily dramatic scenery. Head for sumptuous spas and perfect beaches or explore the streets of busy Phuket Town which hum with markets lively celebrations and an endless chorus of whirring scooters. Phang Nga Bay National Park is a nearby treasure - a remarkable landscape of towering limestone karst. The iconic rock formations are breathlessly beautiful encased by theatrical inlets and incredible greenery-clad rock formations. Heavenly beaches - where the sun dips to paint vibrant pink and red streaks across the skies - offer intense relaxation and you can indulge in rejuvenating treatments or take it slow to enjoy cocktails and glorious sea views while swinging in a hammock. Watersport lovers can rip across the waves or glide through the air while taking part in the various adrenaline-pumping activities on offer. Speedboat tours give you the chance to feel the salty whip of the air in your hair as you whizz between secluded islands and visit authentic stilted villages teetering out over the beautiful waters. Tuck into a delicious fusion of Thai food - think crab curry and tom yum goong’s sweet and sour prawns – to ensure this sensory journey delights your taste buds too. Lavish temples Chinese shrines and giant Buddha statues add another layer of cultural depth.

Thailand’s largest island promises ocean bliss and wide beaches of indulgent opulence with some of the country’s most attractive and dreamily dramatic scenery. Head for sumptuous spas and perfect beaches or explore the streets of busy Phuket Town which hum with markets lively celebrations and an endless chorus of whirring scooters. Phang Nga Bay National Park is a nearby treasure - a remarkable landscape of towering limestone karst. The iconic rock formations are breathlessly beautiful encased by theatrical inlets and incredible greenery-clad rock formations. Heavenly beaches - where the sun dips to paint vibrant pink and red streaks across the skies - offer intense relaxation and you can indulge in rejuvenating treatments or take it slow to enjoy cocktails and glorious sea views while swinging in a hammock. Watersport lovers can rip across the waves or glide through the air while taking part in the various adrenaline-pumping activities on offer. Speedboat tours give you the chance to feel the salty whip of the air in your hair as you whizz between secluded islands and visit authentic stilted villages teetering out over the beautiful waters. Tuck into a delicious fusion of Thai food - think crab curry and tom yum goong’s sweet and sour prawns – to ensure this sensory journey delights your taste buds too. Lavish temples Chinese shrines and giant Buddha statues add another layer of cultural depth.

Jakarta is big. And we mean huge. A sprawling metropolis of over 10 million people, it’s the second most populous city in the world. It even goes by the name of the “Big Durian” – Indonesia’s answer to the Big Apple. And yet, amid all the skyscrapers, you will still find fruit sellers that have held the same spot for generations, temples that have stood for centuries and an old town that is full of the spirit of the past. Yes, Jakarta is a juxtaposition: a city that is a global business heavyweight, rife with modernity but also a city that is a melting pot of village identity and heritage that dates back to 400 BC.Located on the northwest tip of Java, the city’s placement made it one of the most important trading centres for the Sunda kingdom. Once part of the part of the 4th-century Sundanese kingdom of Tarumanagara, the initial port was built by the Portuguese in 1513, who saw Jakarta’s position as a haven on the spice routes. Dutch colonisation followed in the 17th century, who named the city Batavia – a name by which the city would be known until independence in 1949. Under Dutch reign, the city prospered; population swelled and (mainly textile) commercial opportunities abounded.Today Jakarta is a forward thinking city that has not forgotten its past, if you know where to look. Make a beeline for the Kali Besar bridge – a living reminder of the colonial era. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah represents a wonderful way to experience the magnificent archipelago of Indonesia in a single day.

An island off the northwest coast of peninsular Malaysia, Penang is blessed with a multicultural history that's led to a fascinating fusion of East and West. Claimed by the British East India Company in 1786, the island's city center of Georgetown—listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is filled with colonial architecture, temples, and museums. The island has also attracted many Chinese immigrants, who now make up the majority of the population. On Penang you'll find an exciting mix of jungle, coast, farmland, and fishing villages, along with the country's largest Buddhist temple.

Towered over by the world's most famous architectural siblings - the Petronas Twin Towers - Kuala Lumpur is a staggering melting pot of influences. These twin towers stand 451 metres over the city and bathe in bright lights as night's cloak descends. The glittering skyline mingles with colonial architecture and ornate temples, which decorate lush hillsides around the city. Haggle your way through humming markets, visit cultural treasures and historic sites, and dive headfirst into this city, where tradition collides head-on with modernity.The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, is a multicultural metropolis of lively markets and tongue-tantalising street food. Globe-trot between different streets and influences in minutes, as you discover diverse architectural treasures all over the city. Evenings are spent shopping in air-conditioned malls and bustling streets filled with sprawling outdoor markets. Fill up on fragrant coconut rice of nasi lemak and sink ice-cold beers to soak up the lively atmosphere.Malaysia achieved independence in Merdeka Square in 1957, when the Union Jack was lowered, and Malaysia’s flag was hoisted high into the sky. One of Malaysia’s most visited attractions is Batu Caves, an awe-inspiring, colourful journey into a sacred void in these immense limestone cliffs. Huge statues tower over the brightly-hued steps, as you climb to the unique cave temple, in this most dramatic of locations. The golden onion dome of the National Palace, Istana Negara, is a spectacular sight, where horses clop and white-robed soldiers wait patiently. Look for the Malaysian flag fluttering before it – if it’s present, the King and Queen of Malaysia are in residence.

With a fascinating multicultural history, Malacca is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site with much to explore. It was a trading center with China, India, and Indonesia, and was at one time occupied by Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch, and British, resulting in an abundance of historical sites and an interesting local cuisine.

Thailand’s second-largest island invites you to sink into indulgent wellness spas and lounge on pristine beaches Or head out on enriching explorations among golden pagodas elephant sanctuaries and rushing waterfalls. With its silky-smooth sands and irresistible sapphire-coloured seas Chaweng Beach is one of the island’s most popular offering shallow turquoise water perfect for swimming. Head to an opulent resort to soak up this dream setting in style. Lamai is another white sand option where you can lie back and listen to the sounds of the waves gently folding onto the shore. Or indulge in a Thai massage before settling into waterfront bars and restaurants. Reefs nearby offer exciting snorkelling adventures spotting colourful fish life swirling below the waves. A ramp of 73 steps leads up to The Big Buddha statue sitting in a contemplative peaceful pose. Buddhist worshipers come here to give their offerings of fruit and flowers. Familiarise yourself with the locals’ religion and customs before catching the dazzling pinks and fuchsias colours of sunset - watching on as the last of the sun’s rays fall over the beautiful sea and beaches. With its many palm trees rustling in the gentle breeze it’s no surprise that Koh Samui is said to have the best coconuts in Thailand - so this is a perfect place to try the exotic refreshment of sweet coconut water or a cocktail. Seafood is also particularly revered here try tom yum a spicy soup of shrimps lemongrass and a hearty squeeze of lime juice.

A voyage of flavour and an all-out sensory assault Bangkok is one of the world's most fascinating cities and a place to plunge right in at the deep end. Immense tradition and relentless modernity combines and it's these contrasts and collisions that make Bangkok the remarkable all-encompassing experience it is. Ornate towers and places of worship blend in alongside cathedral-like shopping malls and skyscrapers while the streets hum with bartering from the markets that spill out wherever you walk. Part of Bangkok's allure is that Iife is well and truly played out on its streets. Stalls of flowers spices and silk fabrics fill bustling alleyways with colour and exotic fragrances. You can find fine dining hidden away here - including Michellin-starred restaurants - but the real Bangkok is the feast of flavours on street level - where authentic Pad Thai is cooked up alongside spicy papaya salad. To truly know Bangkok you must sail the waters of the Chao Phraya river which provides a cooling thoroughfare through the city. You'll sail through Bangkok's soul with glorious temples leaning up against the river's banks filled with intricately decorated Buddha statues. One of the country's most sacred sites - the Temple of the Emerald Buddha - rises in a river bend while the beautiful Grand Palace and the skyscraper-like tower of the colourful Wat Arun temple also watch out over the water.

A voyage of flavour and an all-out sensory assault Bangkok is one of the world's most fascinating cities and a place to plunge right in at the deep end. Immense tradition and relentless modernity combines and it's these contrasts and collisions that make Bangkok the remarkable all-encompassing experience it is. Ornate towers and places of worship blend in alongside cathedral-like shopping malls and skyscrapers while the streets hum with bartering from the markets that spill out wherever you walk. Part of Bangkok's allure is that Iife is well and truly played out on its streets. Stalls of flowers spices and silk fabrics fill bustling alleyways with colour and exotic fragrances. You can find fine dining hidden away here - including Michellin-starred restaurants - but the real Bangkok is the feast of flavours on street level - where authentic Pad Thai is cooked up alongside spicy papaya salad. To truly know Bangkok you must sail the waters of the Chao Phraya river which provides a cooling thoroughfare through the city. You'll sail through Bangkok's soul with glorious temples leaning up against the river's banks filled with intricately decorated Buddha statues. One of the country's most sacred sites - the Temple of the Emerald Buddha - rises in a river bend while the beautiful Grand Palace and the skyscraper-like tower of the colourful Wat Arun temple also watch out over the water.