16 DAYS AND 13 NIGHTS FROM LOS ANGELES -- Seoul (3N) Hong Kong (3N) Bangkok (3N) Singapore (4N)
Evening departure on widebody jet for Seoul, crossing en route the International Date Line.
Early morning arrival in Seoul, capital and main commercial, industrial and cultural center of the Republic of Korea (South Korea), a staunch American ally in the Pacific, one of Asia's fast-growing ecenomic "tigers" and a country of great natural and cultural beauties embodying the heritage of Chosun, the "Land of the Morning Calm." Some of this heritage you will visit in today's city tour include the royal palace of Kyongbokkung with its impressive 70,000 piece National Museum and graceful Kyonghoeru pavilion; the Folklore Museum, Chogyesa temple of Chogyejong sect of Korean Buddhism, followed by a drive along Bukak skyway, famous for its splendid views over the city.
Days free to roam such shopping venues as the Myongdong, It'aewon and Insadong districts for silk and brocades, antiques, custom-made suits and dresses, traditional brassware, amethyst and smoky topaz, inlaid lacquerware and, not least, the prized Korean Ginseng root, the "elixir of life." Optional tours: the Ch'angdokkung Palace and its Secret Gardens, Korean Folk Village at Young-in, Panmunjom where the 1953 Armistice was signed or a day trip to the "Museum Without Walls" of Kyongju (and idyllic Bomun Lake Resort), capital of the great Silla Kingdom, first unifier of the country 1300 years ago
Fly this morning to one of the world's great marketplaces concentrated on some of the world's most densely populated and intensely built up real estate: fabulous Hong Kong. After a tram ride up Victoria Peak for an overview of this legendary skyline, explore Hong Kong island in all its variety and vitality. Afternoon visit to the beautiful beaches of Repulse Bay, the myriad bargain stalls of Stanley Market and the flotilla of junks and sampans of Aberdeen's "floating village" where you may later enjoy a mouthwatering banquet on a palatial floating restaurant.
Excitement is always but a few steps away in Hong Kong's whirl of sightseeing, shopping, dining and entertainment. Savvy shoppers know that besides highquality watches, cameras and electronic goods, Hong Kong offers extensive variety of silk, jewelry, jade, porcelain, furniture, rattanware and much else. Visit attractions like the Sung Dynasty village, Ocean Park, Happy Valley racetrack or the extensive programs of the Arts Center in Wanchai; farther afield, you may take'The Land Between' tour of the New Territories, visit some of Hong Kong's 235 other green, scenic islands such as Lantau, Cheung Chau and Lamma or spend a day in Macao
DAY 9 BANGKOK
Fly this morning to Bangkok, Thailand's canal-laced capital since 1782, a city of golden temples, royal palaces (the monarchy is alive and well in this part of Asia), traffic congestion, a famous or infamous nightlife, the unique sport of kickboxing -- and perhaps best of all for the dedicated shopper, a flourishing market of high quality traditional village handicrafts, particularly in silk, wood and bronze. Today's city tour features the sumptuous Royal Grand Palace, the magnificence of which was only suggested by the sets of the movie-musical "The King and I." Then explore dazzling Wat Phra Kaew complex with its splendid Emerald Buddha, Golden Chedi, Pantheon of Kings and Towers of 9 Planets. Rest of day at leisure.
Free days for further sightseeing and shopping for local wares, from teak desks to ruby rings to hand-turned pottery. Other best buys in Bangkok include Thai silks and less expensive cottons, nielloware, silverware, bronzeware, pottery and celadon, a gray-green porcelain, pewter, gems and jewelry, folk handicrafts -- those from the northern region of Chiang Mai are highly prized -- and custom-tailored clothing which can rival the products of Savile Row at much less cost. Those interested in the fascinating history, production and folklore of Thai silk should not miss a tour of the legendary "Silk King" Jim Thompson's Thai House with its magnificent art collection and adjacent weavers' village.
Morning flight to Singapore (from Singapura or "Lion City" as a Palembang prince dubbed it according to legend) and today often called "Instant Asia" for its fascinating mix -- though the Chinese are in the considerable majority -- of ethnic groups, languages, religions, cuisines and festivals. Your half-day city tour features the city harbor and its famous Merlion statue, the colonial style government buildings, Empress Place (the city's finest neoclassical structure) and its statue of Sir Stamford Raffles, the visionary British founder of the settlement as a British East India Company trading post in 1819, the market area and colorful Sri Mariamman temple. Also visit the Instant Asia Cultural Show, a dance festival and memorable embodiment of ethnic pride and civic harmony.
Days free for sightseeing and shopping in this Asian crossroads where a major pastime is browsing, bargaining and buying in and around the extensive, dazzling, multi-level malls, sleekly designed plazas and bustling arcades along Orchard Road and Tanglin Road. Equally attractive are local outlets in Arab Street, Chinatown, Geylang Serai, and Little India; a pan-Asian selection of handicrafts is available also at the Singapore Handicrafts Centre. This variety of venues offers a wonderful opportunity for comparison shopping for Kelantan (northeast Malaysian) silk and delicate silver filigree work, Selangor pewter, the rich hues of Javanese and Malaysian batiks, Bali woodcarvings, Persian, Afghan and Chinese (Tientsin) carpets, bright Indian sarees and gold, silver, ivory, pearl, jade and other precious stones.
Return flight to Los Angeles, arriving on the same day due to re-crossing the International Date Line.
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