destination
asia
Gulf of Siam Explorer
trip specifics
price
2012
|
Ctgy |
Type |
Price ($US) |
|
B | Ocean Suite |
$5,135 |
|
A |
Ocean Suite |
$5,985 |
|
AA |
Ocean Suite |
$6,550 |
|
JS |
Junior Suite |
$7,120 |
|
DS |
Deluxe Suite |
$8,190 |
|
BS |
Balcony Suite | $9,260 |
|
PHS |
Penthouse Suite |
$10,330 |
duration
8 daystrip dates
Feb 27 - Mar 05, 2012trip level
view explanation
highlights
SingaporeTioman Island (Malaysia)
Kuala Terengganu (Malaysia)
So Samui (Thailand
Ang Thong Marine Park
Ko Kut
Bangkok
accomm types
Small Ship
Day 1 - Singapore
The British East India Company established a strategic trading post on the island of Singapore in 1819, which was to become an important post along the Spice Route. Although a thriving and modern metropolis, remnants of these early colonial days can be enjoyed in many traditional pursuits such as a rickshaw ride and Singapore Sling at the famous Raffles Hotel. A compact and efficient city, Singapore offers easy access from most international airports.
Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: dinner
Day 2 - Tioman Island, Malaysia
Lying only 30 odd nautical miles off Malaysia's east coast, Tioman Island (or Pulau Tioman) has everything one would expect from a tropical island paradise; mile after mile of coconut palm lined white sand beaches, crystal clear water teeming with marine life, friendly villages and smiling people. In local folklore Tioman is said to be the resting place of a dragon princess. Whilst flying from China to Singapore the dragon princess was lured by the charms of the crystal clear water of the South China Sea, upon entering the water she decided it was so good she would discontinue her journey and stay in the sea. Taking the form of an island she promised to offer shelter and comfort to passing travelers for eternity. The interior is not without its own natural splendor either. Part of the island is covered in thick forest and is home to much wildlife. There are several protected species of mammal on the island, including the Binturong, Long-Tailed Macaque, Slow Loris, Black Giant Squirrel, Red Giant Flying Squirrel, Mouse Deer, Brush Tailed Porcupine and the Common Palm Civet, from a total of 45 species of mammals and 138 species of birds. Moreover, Tioman has species that are endemic to its shores, such as the soft-shelled turtle and the Tioman walking catfish.
It should be noted the Tioman was the setting for the filming of Bali Hai in 1958 and as early as the 1970's TIME magazine selected Tioman as one of the worlds most beautiful islands.
Explore the island of Tioman with your expedition team. Several walks are available into the interior of the island, or simply sit back and enjoy the beautiful beach. The expedition team will run snorkel tours and our sea kayak fleet will be available (weather/conditions permitting). Depending on conditions we have several landing sites to choose from today.
Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 3 - Kuala Terrangganu, Malaysia
At the mouth of the Terengganu River, this city of 350,000, is surrounded by the the South China Sea on three sides. Despite it's size, the pace of life here seems unhurried. the Waterfront of Kuala Terengganu is a must sea and you will be in awe of and fascinated by the hustle and bustle of activities taking place there. Stroll down the waterfront and watch fishmongers haggling for the price of fish and other seafood. The local market is another must see, locally known as Pasar Payang and located by the Terengganu River, it is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kuala Terengganu. Housed in a modern building complete with a shopping arcade, it offers visitors a variety of traditional handicrafts such as batik, silk, songket, brocade and brassware, along with other fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables and 'Keropok Lekor', which is a special local delicacy made from a mixture of fish and sago. Visitors to this market will have a delightful experience shopping in local fares at reasonable prices.
Our planned landing site is right in the middle of the city, beside the famous market and a short walk from the historic buildings of China Town. You will easily be able to access this hustling market city throughout the day.
Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 4 - At Sea
Relax and enjoy the luxuries of the Orion II, while the crew treats you to their spectacular service.
Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 5 - Ko Samui, Thailand
Surrounded by sixty other islands in the Gulf of Thailand, Ko Samui is Thailand's third largest island. Appearing on maps since the time of the Ming Dynasty the island was probably first settled by Malay fisherman and people from Southern China. Historically Ko Samui and its people survived in a subsistence style but that has steadily changed since the 1980's as tourism took over as the predominate industry on the island. Despite the dominance of tourism Ko Samui has not lost its charm, there are still undeveloped quiet beaches (as well as the more well known busier ones) the people are friendly and the villages welcoming.
We will Zodiac ashore and land on the less populated side of Ko Samui. From here you can explore the beaches, take a swim, snorkel or wander through the beach side village with its small restaurants and cafes. Take the inclusive shuttle to Chaweng Beach the main tourist strip on the other side of the island for shopping if that takes your fancy.
Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 6 - Ang Thong Marine Park, Thailand
Ang Thong National Marine Park is made up of 42 islands featuring lime stone massifs, tropical rainforests and deserted beaches. This fascinating group of islands, within sight of Ko Samui to the north and west, is geographically different from the other islands in the region. The Ang Thong islands rise from the sea as dramatic walls of rock soaring hundreds of meters high. Besides the many small coves and beautiful beaches, erosion has shaped some interesting formations.
Orion will anchor just outside the Marine Park and our Zodiac fleet will allow us to explore the reefs and islands for the day. There are walks to be had in the Marine Park and ample opportunities for snorkeling.
Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 7 - Ko Kut, Thailand
Ko Kut, whilst officially part of Thailand, sits right on the maritime border with Cambodia. What draws visitors and many locals to come to this island is its completely pristine nature, both inland and underwater. The rugged hills inland are home to several waterfalls and fast flowing streams whilst the coast has the white sand beaches and surrounding reef life one would expect of such a pristine island. The original inhabitants were Thais and Cambodians who fled to the Thai territory when the French took over the city of Padjantakiri in 1904. Many of the local residents still make a living out of planting rubber trees, coconut trees and from basic fisheries, just as they always have. The island is a well known shelter for fisherman from all around the region.
Our Zodiacs will take you an exploration into the interior of Ko Kut following a meandering mangrove river all the way to a small waterfall. Some walking is required to get to the base of the falls over potentially slippery ground. After returning from the falls the ship will relocate to a small offshore coral island, just of the coast of Ko Kut, where a beach BBQ is planned. Snorkeling and swimming over the fringing reef is possible here. Our expedition team will conduct snorkeling tours here this afternoon (weather/conditions permitting).
Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 8 - Bangkok
Bangkok boasts some of the country's most visited historical venues such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun. Orion II will be berthed in the city center for disembarkation.
Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast
Deposit and Final Payment: To secure your reservation a deposit of 25% of the fare is required. The deposit must be accompanied by a completed and signed Guest Booking Form and is due within 7 days of booking. Final payment must be received no later than 90 days before sailing. Separate conditions apply to the Cancellation Protection Plan.
Cancellation Policy: The following cancellation fees will apply to all reservations. The day on which written notice is received will determine the applicable penalties.
Day on Which Notice is received Penalty
121 days and over - 50% of deposit
120 - 91 days prior 100% of deposit
90 days or less 100% of fare
No show - no written notice 100% of fare
Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.
Shoreside Expeditions: We include a number of complimentary shore experiences utilizing our Zodiacs. In addition we offer an exciting and diverse selection of optional shore experiences which can be either booked for in advance or reserved on board and charged to your on board account. Due to limited numbers on some experiences we recommend you pre-register to avoid disappointment. Details will be provided with your ticket.
Arrival/Departure Information: The Gulf of Siam Explorer cruise begins in Singapore and ends in Bangkok. Embarkation time is between 3:00 – 4:00pm on day of departure. Disembarkation is after breakfast on final day between 9:00 – 10:30am. Please schedule flights based on these time frames.
Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Any medical condition, advanced pregnancy or disability must be advised to AdventureSmith Explorations when a request for accommodation is made. On every Orion voyage extensive use of the ship’s Zodiacs will be made transporting guests between ship and shore. It is anticipated this travel may be physically demanding from time to time. In order for the crew to determine if safe passage can be offered, guests may be asked to provide additional information, such as a medical assessment of their fitness for expeditionary travel. All guests must sign a disclaimer on board to participate in offship activities. Guests should be sure to bring on board sufficient supplies of any prescription medication they may require.
General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms & Conditions:. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.
return to top of page
