Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the morning at leisure. After lunch embark on an introductory tour of this bustling metropolis. Return to the hotel for a welcome dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Chennai / Embark Odyssey
Chennai is historically ancient and boasts a rich cultural heritage. Today continue your explorations with a tour that incorporates both colonial history and the dynamic energy of modern life. Visit the National Art Gallery and Museum, San Thome Cathedral, the South Indian Temple, and Fort St. George Museum. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at a local restaurant before a scenic drive along Marina Beach. This evening embark the Odyssey and begin your voyage through the Bay of Bengal.
Day 3-4: At Sea
Sail eastward today as your lecturers enlighten you on India’s Andaman Islands and lend insight into this fascinating corner of the world.
Day 5-6: Andaman Islands
Flung across a velvet blue-green sea, the 572 Andaman- and Nicobar-Island Archipelago is a mountainous wonderland of dense forest and exotic flora, wrapped in ribbons of white sand. During your two days here have the opportunity to truly savor the landscape, the marine environment, and the historical perspective. In Port Blair visit the Anthropological Museum, where exhibits spotlight local history and archaeology. The Cellular Jail, its 698 jail cells built by the British in the early 1900s, is a reminder of the dark days of forced labor endured by India’s freedom fighters against colonial rule. And the Aberdeen Bazaar gives you a glimpse into daily island life. Beach walkers enjoy the unspoiled beaches, while snorkelers investigate the surrounding waters and coral reefs that are home to a variety of tropical fish. Birders watch for several endemic species, including the Andaman woodpecker and Andaman serpent eagle.
Day 7: Cruising the Andaman Sea
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as your lecture series continues.
Day 8: Yangon, Myanmar
This morning arrive at Myanmar’s capital city, Yangon. Here visit the 2,000-year-old Sule Pagoda whose gold dome houses a single hair of Buddha; the impressive Chauk Htat Gyi, a colossal reclining Buddha; and wander through the amazing Bogyoke Aung San Market with its vast selection of local crafts. At one of Yangon’s monasteries participate in a Food Donation Ceremony; Buddhist monks eat twice daily and rely solely on the generosity of the community. A tour of the monastery gives you the chance to witness the rituals of the monks’ daily lives. As twilight softly descends upon the city explore the magical, massive Shwedagon Pagoda — the region’s most sacred Buddhist pagoda — whose glittering stupa soars above the city. This evening attend a special performance and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Return to the ship for overnight alongside.
Day 9: Bagan
After an early breakfast fly to the ancient capital of Bagan, its 2,000 pagodas, temples, and monasteries make this one of the world’s most enchanting places. Begin your exploration with a stunning view over the city from one of the temples, then visit the lively Nyaung Oo daily produce market. The Shwezigon Pagoda, Bagan’s largest and most venerated reliquary shrine, is distinguished by its huge, gold bell-shaped stupa.
After lunch visit a workshop for a lacquer ware demonstration. Your temple exploration continues at the Ananda Temple, a whitewashed masterpiece of Mon architecture. Visit Gubyaukgyi, a cave temple covered with superb frescoes, before flying back to Yangon to reboard your ship.
Day 10: Yangon / At Sea
Time and tides permitting, continue your exploration of Yangon this morning before setting sail for the remote Mergui Archipelago.
Day 11: At Sea
Lecturers recap your experiences in Myanmar and prepare you for the natural wonders ahead.
Day 12-13: Mergui Archipelago
The Mergui Archipelago is comprised of over 800 emerald islands bathed by the sparkling waters of the Andaman Sea. In the company of your naturalists, explore lush islands draped with tropical foliage and seek out exotic flora and fauna. Snorkel or dive in the warm, inviting waters and step ashore on isolated shores where you will beachcomb along pristine white-sand beaches.
Day 14: Koh Rawi, Thailand
Endowed with legendary scenic beauty, your time in Thailand is spent exploring the rich marine ecosystems surrounding idyllic Koh Rawi.
Day 15: Langkawi, Malaysia
The large mountainous island of Langkawi, (also the name of the archipelago) is a wildlife sanctuary teeming with indigenous bird species. In 2007, UNESCO declared the island a Geopark. Explore the network of mangroves and walk through lush forest to dazzling waterfalls. Birders seek Oriental pied hornbills, black drongos, and Asian fairy bluebirds. This afternoon explore the watery passageways and some of the islands that make up the Langkawi archipelago.
Day 16: Pulau Penang
This morning arrive at Pulau Penang, the site of the East India Trading Company and the first British trading post in the Far East. Choose one of three half-day tours. Enjoy an in-depth exploration of Georgetown, also a World Heritage Site. A tour along “the road of harmony” highlights many houses of worship. Visit the indigo-blue Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion Hotel — its impeccable restoration made it a winner of UNESCO’s Asia Pacific Heritage Award; tour the majestic Khoo Clan Ancestral House, featuring ornate wood and granite carvings; and the brightly-painted Wat Chayamangkalaram to marvel at the 108-foot long Buddha, reputed to be the fourth largest in the world. Or, immerse yourself in a tropical spice garden to learn about various spices and their functional and medicinal uses. Here, attend a cooking demonstration to learn traditional techniques for grinding dried spices and secrets on how to draw out the flavor and aroma. Sample piping hot dishes straight from the pan. A third tour option visits a lovely 120-year-old botanical garden set amidst the foothills and showcasing a wide variety of tropical trees and plants.
Day 17: Malacca
Go ashore at Malacca, a World Heritage Site, for a full-day exploration of this 14th-century port city ruled by Malaysian princes, the Portuguese, Dutch, British, and Japanese — a tumultuous history brilliantly illustrated at the Ethnographic Museum. Visit the former official residence of the Dutch Governor, the impressive Christ Church, and the Portuguese fortress, known as A’Famosa, built in the 16th century. The Baba Nyonya Museum showcases the traditions and lifestyle of the Chinese social elite, who once entertained the colonial leaders.
Day 18: Singapore / Disembark
Arrive in Singapore and transfer to the airport for your independent flight homeward.
Dates & Prices
Per person starting at
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 30% cruise cost, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.