Spice Routes

In Bangkok, the old meets the new: Skyscrapers contrast ornate Thai temples, high-end cocktail bars lie around the corner from bustling stalls of street-food vendors, and tuk tuk rickshaws pedal beside cars on the busy streets. Ships will dock in Laem Chabang about a 2 hour drive from Bangkok.

Top Things to Do in Bangkok:

• tour the Grand Palace
• shop at a floating market
• admire the Buddha at Wat Pho
• enjoy street food on Khao San Road
• view the city from Golden Mountain Temple

Laem Chabang is the main port for cruises to Bangkok, situated about 120 kilometers (75 miles) southeast of the city, typically a 1.5 to 2-hour drive depending on traffic. For those looking to explore nearby attractions, Pattaya is only 30 kilometers (18 miles) away, a quick 30-40 minute drive. Pattaya offers beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and cultural sites like the Sanctuary of Truth.

Ko Samui is an idyllic, forested island with pristine beaches, but venture inland and see majestic cascading waterfalls or a plantation where monkeys harvest coconuts. Aside from its blissful beaches and lush interior, you'll also discover charming fishing villages and impressive golden Buddhist temples. Ships will anchor off Nathon and tenders guests ashore.

Top Things to Do in Ko Samui:

• visit the big Buddha known as Wat Phra Yai
• explore Angthong National Marine Park
• cool off at Nu Muang Waterfalls
• relax on Chaweng Beach

Singapore has two main cruise terminals. Small and medium cruise ships generally dock at the Harbourfront Center on the western end of the city across from Sentosa Island. This terminal is in one big mall, and sits beside an even bigger mall, Vivocity. There is a MRT stop conveniently located here.

A new cruise terminal, Marina Bay Cruise Centre opened May 2012 accommodating bigger cruise ships. Marina South Pier MRT station provides convenient access to the city. The station is 600m away from the cruise terminal along a sheltered walkway.

Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. The island's west coast is lined with a series of beaches each offering unique experiences, from the bustling Patong Beach known for its lively bars and nightclubs to the more serene Kata and Karon Beaches. Old Phuket Town, with its colorful Sino-Portuguese buildings, offers a glimpse into the island's history, providing a stark contrast to the modern tourist spots.

For those seeking a cultural experience, the Wat Chalong temple and the Big Buddha—a massive white marble statue—are essential visits, offering spiritual insights as well as panoramic views of the island. Phuket’s natural landscapes also include lush rainforests and world-class diving sites.

Hambantota, located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, has rapidly transformed into a significant urban and maritime hub, with a deep-water port and thriving International Airport. Hambantota also offers visitors a range of wildlife and natural attractions, with the nearby Yala National Park being one of the best places in Asia to see a broad array of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and numerous bird species. The Bundala National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is also ideal for bird watching, with hundreds of species making it their home.

Additionally, the Hambantota salt pans and hot springs offer unique local experiences. These attractions, combined with the welcoming nature of its people, make Hambantota a compelling port of call in Sri Lankan.

Malé, the capital of the Maldives, is a densely populated island city known for its vibrant mosques and colorful buildings. Key attractions include the Islamic Centre, with its striking golden dome and the nearby Maldives National Museum, housed in a former sultan's palace and showcasing regional artifacts.

For those stepping off a cruise in the late morning, a walk around this compact city reveals local life and architectural gems within a short span. The bustling local fish market offers a unique slice of Maldivian culture, where the day’s fresh catch is an everyday spectacle. Nearby, the artificial beach provides a tranquil spot to relax and enjoy the ocean view.

Mumbai, the vibrant heart of India, offers an exhilarating blend of culture, history, and modernity. A stroll along Marine Drive presents a scenic view of the Arabian Sea, perfect for a leisurely morning. The iconic Gateway of India, a majestic archway built during the British Raj, is a must-visit for its architectural grandeur and historical significance.

For a taste of Mumbai's rich history and diverse culture, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum, showcases exquisite art and antiquities from India. The bustling Crawford Market, filled with local spices, fresh produce, and unique souvenirs, offers a glimpse into the daily life of Mumbaikars. This bustling city promises a memorable experience with its unique blend of sights, sounds, and flavours.

The lure of Dubai is irresistible, from its glittering mega-skyscrapers to its traditional Islamic roots. Dubai’s most iconic sights include the 160-story Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper, and the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, a luxury resort which happens to be shaped like a boat’s sail.

Dubai is all about luxe shopping, high-end boutiques, unique souqs (markets) and cultural institutions like the Dubai Museum. While you’re stopped on a Dubai cruise, you’re meant to live it up on unforgettable excursions like a helicopter tour of the city or a camel ride at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

Known as the shining jewel of Qatar, Doha sits on the east coast lapped by the warm waters of the Persian Gulf. It is an ancient city in the midst of a modern renaissance as evidenced by stunning new buildings, resorts, shopping malls, and sporting venues emerging from the desert landscape like a futuristic oasis. Ships will dock at Doha Port.

Top Things to Do in Doha:

• sail Doha Bay in a traditional dhow
• shop at the Souq Waqif market
• visit the Museum of Islamic Arts
• venture to Khor Al Adaid, the inland sea