Southeast Asia by train & luxury Seabourn cruise

For your first full day in Hong Kong, enjoy a tour of the city with a private guide. You’ll begin with a ride on the Star Ferry as you cross Victoria Harbour to Hong Kong Island. Here you'll board one of the world's steepest funicular railways, the Peak Tram. The tram climbs 373 m (about 1,200 ft), and the track is so sheer that the buildings you pass by appear to be leaning. Once you reach the top, you can take in panoramic views of the city skyline. You'll then spend the remainder of your tour exploring Stanley, a popular market town on Hong Kong Island’s south side.

You’ll have the morning free to visit anywhere else you want to go in Hong Kong. In the afternoon, your private driver will take you to the port to board your ship, Seabourn Encore. You’ll be able to settle into your suite, ready for an early evening departure, and watch the skyscrapers of Hong Kong disappear as you head out to sea.

On your first sea day, ease into life on board and explore all your ship has to offer. You can have a drink from the Patio Bar as you lounge by the pool. Then, in the evening, sip a cocktail while enjoying a post-dinner show.

This morning, your ship will be docked just off the coast of Vietnam among the limestone karst formations of Halong Bay. You have the chance to explore the area by junk (a traditional wooden boat). Enjoy the scenery as you gently cruise through emerald waters to Thien Canh Son Cave. Here you’ll have time to explore the underground cavern, viewing the stalagmite and stalactite formations, before a guided kayaking tour of the Luon Cave area. Finally, you’ll have lunch back on the junk and visit the floating village of Vung Vieng, on your way back to Seabourn Encore.

As your ship makes its way down Vietnam's coast, you have a day at sea to spend as you wish. You could attend one of the expert-led lectures or cooking demonstrations held in the Grand Salon. Or simply enjoy the weather and catch up on some reading on the sun terrace.

Today you’ll arrive in Da Nang. From here, you’re uniquely positioned to visit either Hue or Hoi An. As the former capital of Vietnam, Hue is home to the Imperial City. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the citadel with a local guide and learn about the history and culture of the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled from Hue until 1945. Or you might prefer to visit Hoi An, known for its well-preserved ancient town and canal-side shops. You have the option to explore independently, join a bike tour, or learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes in a two-hour cooking class.

Today, you might like to relax in the Observation Bar, where you can listen to live music, test your knowledge of trivia, or simply enjoy afternoon tea with views across the sea.

For the next two days, your ship will be docked in Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh City. On your first day, you can join a city tour. You’ll visit historical landmarks, such as Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, built during the French occupation of the city, and Independence Palace, where a North Vietnamese tank crashed through the front gates, signalling the end of the Vietnam War.

Today, head out of the city to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network that was once the infamous hideout of the Viet Cong. In the morning, you’ll travel through the countryside and stop at a local village to observe the process of rice paper making, before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant on the Saigon River. On your arrival at Cu Chi, you'll hear local perspectives on the war during a walk around the underground complex and have the chance to see what life was like for the soldiers.

After a few busy days at port, you can use your day at sea to unwind before the next chapter of your trip begins. Enjoy treatments at the spa, like a restorative salt stone massage, or take part in a meditation class in the Motion Studio.

Today’s port of call is Sihanoukville, the jumping-off point for many of Cambodia’s best white-sand beaches, but there’s a lot more to explore nearby. You could visit Ream National Park for a cruise through the mangrove forest, looking out for monkeys, dolphins, and storks with your guide. Or you might like to take the two and a half hour scenic drive to Cambodia’s capital city, Phnom Penh, to see the sights.

Koh Kood’s sandy beaches make the island an ideal location for Seabourn’s distinctive dining experience. Wade into the crystal clear waters for iced Champagne and caviar served at a surfboard bar before enjoying a barbecue lunch back on the sand. You can also try water sports or simply relax and soak up the sun.

One of the final stops on your cruise is Thailand’s vibrant capital, Bangkok. The city blends modern architecture with traditional markets and historic temples. You can work your way through the city’s main sites independently or join a guided tour to visit the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, which is home to a huge reclining Buddha. After the tour, you’ll enjoy a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River, passing temples and glimpsing local life along the canals.

The next two days provide another opportunity to relax on board as your ship makes its way across the Gulf of Thailand to Singapore. In the evening, you could try one of Seabourn Encore’s speciality restaurants, whether you’d like an authentic sushi experience or Mediterranean cuisine with a twist.

Make the most of your final sea day by joining a yoga class, working out with an ocean view in the gym, or taking a dip in the pool.

Your ship arrives in Singapore early this morning, marking the end of your cruise. You’ll disembark and be met by your driver, who will take you to your hotel. After some time to settle in, you have the day to explore the city at your own pace. We suggest a visit to the Gardens by the Bay. Escape Singapore's heat in the Cloud Forest, a cooled conservatory with one of the world's largest indoor waterfalls, or enjoy perpetual spring in the Flower Dome. Finish your visit with the Skyway, an aerial walkway suspended between Singapore's futuristic Supertrees.

This morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to Woodlands Station to board the Eastern & Oriental Express. Settle into your cabin before enjoying afternoon tea in one of the train’s two dining cars. Head to the observation car at the rear of the train to watch the ever-changing scenery as you travel through the Malaysian countryside.

Enjoy breakfast in your cabin as your train makes its way up western Malaysia. You’ll pass scenes of rice paddies and rural villages until you reach Perlis. Here you can choose your preferred experience to have off the train. You might like to relax on the beach in Langkawi, where you’ll have time to swim, try a selection of wellness activities, and explore the mangrove forests of Kilim Geoforest Park by boat. Or, for those looking for something more adventurous, join a bike ride through Perlis Geopark. The park is home to various species of monkey and bird, as well as a former tin mine with a fascinating history. At the end of the day, you’ll reboard the train and proceed to Butterworth.

Today you’ll leave your train at Butterworth to visit Penang Island. You can explore George Town independently or take part in a cultural experience, like a cooking lesson or an art tour by Vespa. You’ll rejoin the train at Butterworth for lunch on board and travel on to Ipoh, known as the gateway to the Cameron Highlands. The city is a mix of historic buildings and temples with contemporary street art and bustling backstreets. You’ll have time to enjoy Ipoh at your own pace before returning to the train for dinner and the last leg of your journey.

This morning, you’ll have your final breakfast in the dining car with your fellow passengers as you travel through Johor back into Singapore. You’ll disembark and be picked up by your private driver, who will take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to decide. You might like to head to Orchard Road for some last-minute shopping or walk through Chinatown and Little India to explore the markets and temples. These areas are great places to experience Singapore’s multicultural cuisine.

On-board your international return flight home.

Arrive home today to complete your journey.