12-Nights Thailand and Malaysia Explorer

Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands is a group of elevated rolling hills located in Pahang, West Malaysia and can match the size of Singapore. The area was named after its British expedition leader William Cameron in 1885. He discovered that the Highlands had a suitable climate to cultivate tea. This news traveled throughout Britain and soon after, English colonists settled at the Cameron Highlands. By 1930, the Cameron Highlands became the center of tea production and the biggest in Malaysia.

Visitors today can stay at what was once English Colonial houses preserved and modified into hotels and guesthouses, tour the Sungai Palas BOH Tea Estate, hike the scenic tea plantations down to Tanah Rata village, swim beneath Robinson Waterfall and visit the night market.

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.

Penang

Penang, or more properly Pulau Pinang, is the northern gateway to Malaysia and also the country’s oldest British settlement. To the tourist industry, Penang has been marketed for a long time as the Pearl of the Orient. Although Penang is best known for its beaches, there is much more here than just sand and sea. The island is considered a cultural and architectural gem with Chinese, Malay and Indian influences. Other sights include St. George’s Church - built in 1818 of classic Georgian architecture; Penang Hill - a 2,500-foot hill with a splendid view over Georgetown; Botanical Gardens - the 74-acre landscaped gardens featuring many indigenous and exotic plant species, a waterfall, jungle-clad hills and two species of monkeys, the macaque and dusky leaf monkeys; Golf Courses - The Bukit Jambul Golf & Country Club is located on Penang Island, and other golf courses in Province Wellesley on the mainland are the Penang Golf Resort and Bukit Jawi Golf Resort.

Hua Hin

Hua Hin is a famous beach resort town north of Bangkok, Thailand. The King of Thailand even has a summer palace in the area. The beaches here are dotted with palm trees and the water is clear enough for snorkeling. Outdoor activities to enjoy along the coast include watersports, elephant rides, all terrain vehicle rides, fishing, and boat trips.  Hua Hin has a variety of night markets, stylish shops and boutiques. There are many old style art shops close to the fishing piers, and hand made craft shops, as well. The resort area has good shopping, multi-national restaurants, and some of the best Thai seafood in the county.  

Bangkok

Bangkok is chief port capital of Thailand and one of the most important cities in Southeast Asia. It is the epitome of the country's kaleidoscopic blend of old and new. It is an expression of Thai respect for tradition coupled with their vibrant involvement with modern progress. Rama I built the walled Grand Palace, which contains Temple of the Emerald Buddha. During the 19th century, Bangkok was known as the Venice of the East because of its many canals, which served as streets and commercial thoroughfares. Houses perched along the banks of the remaining canals are still common sight. Some of Bangkok’s most distinctive features are the approximately 400 Buddhist temples, known as wats. Bangkok is Thailand's economic center. Other sights to see include Temples, monuments, museums, Vimarnmekh Mansion, and Jim Thompson’s House.