Classic Malaysia & Thailand

All content by Intrepid

17 days (ex Kuala Lumpur)

Destinations visited: Thailand, Bangkok, Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$3,160

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Description

Sample the delights of South-East Asia as we bring you the best of Thailand, and Malaysia. Our journey through Thailand and the Malay Peninsula covers all the must-sees including glittering temples, palace ruins, tribal performances, traditional food, colonial cities, pristine beaches and a large dose of culture. Visit Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Bangkok and Chiang Mai as you sit back and enjoy the ride in comfort!

Highlights

Update your wardrobe in the ultra-chic shops of Orchard Road.
Follow in the footsteps of old-world traders in historic Melaka.
Soak up the beauty of Kuala Lumpur's modern skyline.
Relish the serenity of Pulau Langkawi.
Peer into the past in old Penang.
Visit Bangkok's temples and palaces.
Join a cooking school in Chiang Mai.
Wander around Thailand's ancient ruins.
Discover Thailand's golden age in sensational Sukhothai.
Meet baby elephants in Chiang Mai.
Experience Thailand's H'mong hilltribe culture.
See the infamous yet beautiful River Kwai.
Enjoy a cruise on the Chao Phraya River.

Itinerary

Day 1 Kuala Lumpur

The cosmopolitan capital of Malaysia is the first stop, with its mix of Chinese, Indian and Malay cultures. Perhaps soak up the view from atop the Menara Kuala Lumpur before being treated to a cultural performance and buffet dinner. Be entertained with traditional dances from around the Malaysian Peninsular and Borneo.

Day 2 Cameron Highlands

Leave urban life behind and travel into the lush and dramatic Cameron Highlands. This area, a former getaway of the colonial British, is a place of tranquillity and a welcomed escape from the humidity of the jungles. Indulge in a steamboat lunch before heading out to tour the verdant tea plantations. Be sure to sample a few cups of steaming local brew.

Days 3-4 Melaka

Travel to Melaka, a former colonial outpost, which retains a distinctive old-world air. Absorb its character on a trishaw ride through its winding streets and sample flavours of the exciting fusion of Chinese and Malay cuisine in a nonya cooking class.

Days 5-6 Pulau Langkawi

With miles of white, sandy beaches, lush tropical rainforest and plenty of sleepy traditional Malay villages, Pulau Langkawi is the perfect place to get away from it all. Swim with shoals of colourful fish in the Pulau Payar Marine Park, indulge in a barbecue seafood dinner and take a cable car ride to enjoy spectacular views over this tropical haven. Be sure to spend some time channelling holiday vibes while kicking back on a soft, sandy beach.

Day 7 Penang

From its elaborate Indian temples to its Chinese shop houses and statuesque Islamic mosques, Penang is packed with cross-cultural historic attractions. Take time to tour the magnificent Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, poke around the antique shops of Chulia Street or enjoy a final group dinner to celebrate the end of this Malaysian odyssey.

Days 8-9 Bangkok

Travel to Thailand and arrive in Bangkok. Bursting with life and colour, Bangkok is a modern city with an ancient heart. Visit the Emerald Buddha, housed beneath the gleaming spires of the Grand Palace. Take a boat trip through the khlongs to witness the remarkable contrast between city and canal-side life.

Days 10-11 Chiang Mai

Travel in Thailand's lush north to Chiang Mai and learn to whip up local delicacies at a Thai cooking class. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride to the ruined city of Wiang Kum Kam to explore its well-preserved ruins. Chat with friendly monks at the Wat Chedi Luang temple complex and a visit the local market. In the evening, climb up to Doi Suthep, a sacred mountain famous for its wonderful copper-plated chedi and its sweeping views out over Thailand's countryside.

Day 12 H'mong Lodge

Travel to Thailand's countryside, where the rice fields meet the forest and get acquainted with Thailand's second-largest hilltribe group - the H'mong. Admire the embroidered aprons, colourful sashes and silver jewellery worn by many H'mong females and gain a fascinating insight into local customs during a display of Thailand's traditional song and dance.

Day 13 Sukhothai

Nicknamed the Dawn of Happiness, Sukhothai still recalls Siam's golden age with its superb statues, marvellous monuments and lotus flowers in full bloom. Be bowled over by cute baby elephants at the Elephant Conservation Centre and maybe even take a ride on an adult.

Days 14-15 Kanchanaburi/River Kwai

Make a sobering visit to Thailand's Hellfire Pass Memorial. Board a train at Nam Tok station - the main terminal of the Death Railway - and take a ride along the historic tracks, passing over the original wooden viaduct, the Bridge on the River Kwai. Afterwards, stop in to see the Jeath War Museum and the Allied War Cemetery.

Days 16-17 Bangkok

Returning to Bangkok, there is ample time for some last-minute shopping before a cruise and farewell dinner on the mighty Chao Phraya River.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (14 nts), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt), Lodge (1 nt)

Transport

Taxi, Van, Trishaw, Plane, Boat, Longtail boat, Private minibus, Overnight sleeper train, Train, Sammlaw (cycle rickshaw)

Budget

Allow USD $350 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$3,160

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