SINGAPORE
A fascinating tour of the city will give you a flavour of both modern and the historical Singapore. Singapore could be said to be the city that Sir Stamford Raffles built. It was his vision that identified Singapore as the perfect port for British trade and in 1819 he persuaded Sultan Hussein to cede it to the British. Singapore’s fortunes flourished until it fell to the Japanese in World War II but, after post-war independence, the energy and dynamism of Singapore’s people created one of the great modern cities of Asia.

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN BRUNEI, BORNEO
Not only is the Sultanate of Brunei a state of great wealth due to its deposits of oil and gas but it is also a country of beautiful scenery with dense forests and steamy mangrove swamps. Brunei was a British protectorate from 1888 to 1984 and it is now an independent monarchy ruled by His Majesty Sultan Sir Hassanal Bolkiah. The large port of Bandar Seri Begawan is the nation’s capital and here you will vast the Royal Regalia Museum with its remarkable collection of royal jewels, see the Sultan’s vast residence and explore the local waterways. There is also the opportunity to travel inland to the tropical rainforests of the Temburong National Park.

KOTA KINABALU BORNEO, MALAYSIA
Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Malaysia’s Sabah State. Dominated by the great 13,000-foot-high Kinabalu Mountain, Kota Kinabalu is one of the fastest growing cities in Asia, as you will discover as you visit the city’s fine museum, spice market and beautiful temples. Chance also to look into Sabah’s unique rainforest interior with its stunning scenery and experience the culture of the indigenous Mari Mari people.

NHA TRANG, VIETNAM
With its beautiful beaches, stunning setting with a backdrop of towering mountains and monuments from the 7th to 12th-century Cham dynasty, Nha Trang is a great introduction to Vietnam. As well as visiting the spectacular 8th-century Ponagar Temples and a typical Vietnamese pagoda, you will also have the opportunity to bargain in Nha Trang’s bustling market.

HO CHI MINH CITY (SAIGON)
A spectacular arrival in one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting cities as Aegean Odyssey cruises up the Saigon River to berth in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City. Your central location is perfect for not only exploring Saigon but also gives you the chance to sample one of the world’s great cuisines (no visit to Vietnam is complete without trying a bowl of the local noodle soup, pho). You will visit the city’s main attractions including the extraordinary market in Chinatown, the great monument to the French colonial era Notre Dame Cathedral and the moving War Remnants Museum. You can also venture outside the city to experience the Cu Chi Tunnels, an amazing complex of underground tunnels built by the Viet Minh and Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

SIHANOUKVILLE AND PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA
From the Cambodian port of Sihanoukville, you will travel to the country’s exotic capital Phnom Penh. With its fragrant markets, Royal Palace, bustling riverfront and monks in traditional saffron robes, this is a place redolent of an older Asia. After Angkor was abandoned in the 15th century, Phnom Penh on the banks of the Mekong River became the country’s new capital. The city flourished during French colonial rule and much of its current layout dates from this time. Despite horrific suffering during the time of the Khmer Rouge, the Cambodians are a resilient people and Phnom Penh is once again a thriving and charming place. Your visit will include the National Museum with its extensive collection of Khmer art and sculpture, and the Royal Palace with its beautiful gardens.

BANGKOK, THAILAND
Once again you will benefit from the advantage of small-ship cruising as Aegean Odyssey sails up the Chao Phraya River to the heart of Bangkok. From here you will disembark for a four-night hotel stay including an unforgettable overnight trip by air to the temples of Angkor. Founded in 1782, Bangkok is a relatively young city but it has made up for lost time. Your day in what is perhaps Asia’s most vibrant city will include visits to Wat Po with its colossal reclining Buddha, the lavishly decorated Grand Palace and Wat Traimit which is home to the Golden Buddha, a statue made from 5½ tons of solid gold. You will also have the option of experiencing Buddhist meditation techniques at a local temple and trying your hand at mastering one of Asia’s most famous cuisines at a cooking school.