Crystal Serenity - March 25, 2023

One of Asia's great success stories, this island republic has merged diverse cultures into a dynamic and thriving nation. Clean, modern and full of green gardens, its neighborhoods reflect the Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arab and European backgrounds of its past. After sampling the legendary shopping, retire to Raffles Hotel's famous bar and toast Maugham, Kipling and Noel Coward with a Singapore Sling.

Port Kelang (Klang) serves as a port for Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia's capital rises like a vision from the deep jungles. Its fascinating array of architectural styles includes Malay stilt villages, Islamic minarets, Hindu temples, Chinese shop houses and the indescribable opulence of the Royal Palace. In the background rise the world's tallest buildings, the Petronas Twin Towers completed in 1996.

The West Malaysian island of Langkawi is a popular site for climbers wishing to tackle its steep limestone hills and the impressive Raya Mountain. Go fishing, search for coconuts on one of the island's beaches, or go swimming in the many waterfalls and hot springs. Amateur spelunkers can explore the many caves.

Set like a jewel in the Andaman Sea, Thailand's largest island has great expanses of sandy beaches that lure sun-seekers to their shores, and a unique culture combining influences from China and Portugal. Visit the fabled monastery of Wat Chalong, the Orchard Garden and the Thai Village, where examples of the country's culture are presented in a tranquil lakeside setting.

Yangon, dubbed Rangoon by the British, is the capital of Myanmar. This is a lush, green, tropical city with countless gardens, parks, and lakes. The most famous landmark is the Shwe Dagon Pagoda. Towering over 300 feet and built on a hilltop, this fabulous cone-shaped structure is covered in gold. A truly cosmopolitan city, Yangon offers many fine restaurants and plenty of shopping.

Yangon, dubbed Rangoon by the British, is the capital of Myanmar. This is a lush, green, tropical city with countless gardens, parks, and lakes. The most famous landmark is the Shwe Dagon Pagoda. Towering over 300 feet and built on a hilltop, this fabulous cone-shaped structure is covered in gold. A truly cosmopolitan city, Yangon offers many fine restaurants and plenty of shopping.

Yangon, dubbed Rangoon by the British, is the capital of Myanmar. This is a lush, green, tropical city with countless gardens, parks, and lakes. The most famous landmark is the Shwe Dagon Pagoda. Towering over 300 feet and built on a hilltop, this fabulous cone-shaped structure is covered in gold. A truly cosmopolitan city, Yangon offers many fine restaurants and plenty of shopping.

Port Blair is the main port of the southern portion of the Andaman Islands. The 300 tropical Andaman and Nicobar Islands are territories of India located in the Bay of Bengal. The Andaman islands are inhabited primarily by aboriginal tribes, who have no contact with visitors to the island.

This famous arm of the Indian Ocean borders the coasts of East India and West Myanmar. The Bay of Bengal boasts a number of scenic ports, including Calcutta, Madras, and Chittagong. Visitors can enjoy the area's radiant sunshine and invigorating tropical climate. Surfing, snorkeling, and hiking are available nearby on the Bay's Andaman and Nicobar islands.

Also known as Chennai, Madras is the largest city in South India. Perched on a breathtaking corner of the Bay of Bengal, Madras offers visitors a broad cultural experience. Feast on mouth-watering native cuisine at the famous Beach Castle. Tour the exquisite 16th-century San Thome Basilica. Meet nature head-on at Anna Zoological Park. Madras also offers extensive sightseeing tours around the city.

Also known as Chennai, Madras is the largest city in South India. Perched on a breathtaking corner of the Bay of Bengal, Madras offers visitors a broad cultural experience. Feast on mouth-watering native cuisine at the famous Beach Castle. Tour the exquisite 16th-century San Thome Basilica. Meet nature head-on at Anna Zoological Park. Madras also offers extensive sightseeing tours around the city.

Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka means "Resplendent Land," an apt description for this beautiful island. Sri Lanka lies fifty-five miles north of the equator, just off the southern tip of India. With its unique beauty, warm climate and near-perfect beaches, Sri Lanka is one of Asia's most adored destinations. Since the sixteenth century, the Portuguese, Dutch and British have all left their architectural and cultural marks in Sri Lanka's capital of Colombo. Yet despite its colonial architecture, Sri Lanka has always remained Oriental in spirit, with colorful bazaars, dancing elephants, graceful women in saris, and many Buddhist shrines and temples.