12 Night Cruise sailing from Bangkok to Bali aboard Viking Orion.

Capitals of Asian art and culture

Witness the fascinating juxtapositions of Southeast Asia, where long-held traditions infuse bustling capitals. See the floating markets of Bangkok with a Thai guide. Marvel at Kuala Lumpur’s soaring Petronas Towers through a local’s eyes. Absorb the vast cultural diversity of Singapore with a resident by your side. And gain unmatched insight into the spiritual and arts culture of Java, from the enormous temple of Borobudur to the historic riches of Jakarta and Surabaya.

Day 1 Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand
Arrive in Bangkok today, beautifully set on the Chao Phraya River. Settle into your stateroom, and take in the sights and sounds of one of Southeast Asia’s most colorful and cosmopolitan cities, including its many canals plied by traditional longboats and other small vessels.

Day 2 Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand
Experience another day amid the splendor of Bangkok and explore more of this magnificent capital on your own. Perhaps head out to marvel at the temples and elegant buildings of the renowned Grand Palace, or take a ride in a tuk-tuk to view the city’s main sights. Your ship remains docked overnight.

Day 3 Cruise the Gulf of Thailand
Cruise through the Gulf of Thailand today. As you do so, perhaps soothe your body with a hot sauna and a few minutes amid the fluffy snow of the Snow Grotto. This evening, enjoy cocktails in the Explorers’ Lounge and a dinner of authentic Thai dishes in The Restaurant.

Day 4 Cruise the Strait of Malacca
Cruise through the Strait of Malacca today. This narrow passage between Malaysia and Indonesia was long a major trade route for the earliest traders shipping glassware, precious stones, camphor, ivory and sandalwood. As you cross its historic waters, you might attend a lecture to learn about your upcoming ports. This evening, sample some regional cuisine at the World Café or at The Restaurant.

Day 5 Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia
Take in the beautiful cityscapes of Kuala Lumpur, the lively capital of Malaysia. From your berth in Port Klang, you will journey to the city for a panoramic tour with many photo opportunities. Pass the National Museum, the huge bronze National Monument and the National Mosque of Malaysia. Stop in scenic Merdeka Square (Independence Square), the most photographed spot in the city, and view the impressive Petronas Towers, the world’s tallest building from 1998 until 2004.

Day 6 Singapore, Singapore
Arrive in Singapore today. This diverse city is a melting pot of varied influences, as you will see during visits to the Colonial District, Little India, Arab Street and Chinatown on an included tour. If you like, join an optional excursion to visit Gardens by the Bay, with its futuristic Supertree Grove, and take in sweeping views of the city from atop the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark.

Day 7 Cruise the Java Sea
Sail the Java Sea today in waters that were traversed by merchant ships from the Dutch East India Company throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. As you cruise, you will have a chance to sample some cuisine of the islands such as rijsttafel, a rice dish adopted by the Dutch and still enjoyed throughout The Netherlands.

Day 8 Jakarta, Java, Indonesia
Arrive in Jakarta, Indonesia’s bustling and colorful capital, for an overnight stay. Discover its treasures during a city tour that takes you to the National Monument, enormous Fatahillah Square and the Wayang Museum (dedicated to Javanese puppetry). Alternately, embark on an optional tour of the city’s fascinating Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park to see exhibits on traditional Indonesian arts, architecture and culture.

Day 9 Jakarta, Java, Indonesia
Enjoy another day in Jakarta. Uncover more of its cultural landmarks on your own, perhaps pausing for a lunch of Betawi cuisine, rich in the food traditions of nearby nations. Or head up 1,000 feet to the town of Bogor to see its tea plantations and farms and explore its lush botanical gardens and safari park.

Day 10 Semarang, Java, Indonesia
Call in Semarang today on the island of Java. Stop for photos of the oldest church in Central Java, visit a historic Chinese Muslim temple and walk through the stunning Rainbow Village on an included tour. Alternately, you may choose to board a vintage railcar for a ride through the Javanese countryside before visiting a coffee plantation.

Day 11 Surabaya, Java, Indonesia
Explore Surabaya, the capital of East Java. View the Heroes Monument, then enjoy a panoramic tour that reflects the city’s diversity, from its mosques and churches to its Arab and European districts. If you prefer, you can immerse yourself in the city’s colonial past and vibrant present on a tour of some its main sights and take in a traditional Balinese performance.

Day 12 Cruise the Bali Sea
As you cruise the waters of the Bali Sea, enjoy the amenities of your ship. You might visit The Spa for a relaxing treatment or enjoy a simple soak in the Thermal Pool. Visit Mamsen’s gourmet deli for an authentic Norwegian snack and settle in a comfortable chair in the Explorers’ Lounge to watch the seascape unfold. Or attend a colorful Destination Performance of Balinese music.

Day 13 Bali (Benoa), Indonesia
Disembark in Bali today, Indonesia’s deeply spiritual island.