Southeast Asia Tradewinds - Bali to Singapore

Experience this exquisite island and its gentle people as you explore the lush countryside of terraced rice fields and mountains dotted with temples. Visit a royal palace, watch an entrancing dance performance, or see carvers at work. Enjoy villages filled with beautiful arts and crafts and the daily festivals with villagers parading in their finery to local temples.

Explore the hidden wonders of northern Bali from this busy port, where modern seagoing vessels mingle with traditional Bugis schooners, high-prowed wooden ships that have plied these waters for centuries. More eclectic charms await in Balis former capital of Singaraja, whose colonial Dutch influence contrasts with the islands age-old stone temples. Immerse yourself in the untamed wilderness of Bali Barat National Park, perhaps snorkeling among the luminous coral reefs surrounding Menjangan Island or sighting the graceful Bali starling in a lush monsoon forest. Stroll exotic botanical gardens in the lakeside village of Bedugul and browse a colorful farmers market for an authentic glimpse of Balis timeless allure.

Showcasing a dizzying array of cultural influences, this second-largest city in Indonesia was once the most important port of the Dutch East Indies. A prime example is the stately 19th-century House of Sampoerna, a colonial-style cigarette factory that houses a fascinating museum. Discover a vast selection of wares at Pasar Pabean, a lively market that links Chinatown and the Arab Quarter. At the Grand Mosque of Surabaya, one of Indonesias largest, climb the soaring minaret for better views of the gleaming blue and green tiles adorning the sanctuarys domes. As a tranquil respite, settle in for high tea at the elegant Majapahit Hotel, a highlight of Surabayas complex and absorbing historical legacy.

Journey to the magnificently restored temple of Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the world's largest Buddhist temple, built around 800 A.D. and forgotten for centuries under the teeming Javanese jungle. Circumnavigate the tiers until you reach the top. Survey the surrounding countryside and be sure to reach out and touch the foot of a Buddha for luck. Or venture further to the Dieng Plateau with its stunning scenery, volcanic vents and 8th century Hindu temples.

Discover the rich heritage of Saigon and the rural Mekong Delta. See the city's lovely pagodas, colonial architecture and broad boulevards. Ride a local pedicab through the bustling streets; visit the vibrant markets, Chinatown and the fascinating Cu Chi tunnels. Explore the lush countryside of farms, rice paddies and villages with a cruise on the Mekong.

Discover the rich heritage of Saigon and the rural Mekong Delta. See the city's lovely pagodas, colonial architecture and broad boulevards. Ride a local pedicab through the bustling streets; visit the vibrant markets, Chinatown and the fascinating Cu Chi tunnels. Explore the lush countryside of farms, rice paddies and villages with a cruise on the Mekong.

Quieter and more off the beaten path than its neighbor of Nha Trang, the hidden gem of Cam Ranh features a landscape of white sands, turquoise waters and lush forests. Relax on pristine Bai Dai Beach and then extend the serenity at Tu Van Pagoda, a unique temple built from seashells and coral. For lunch, check out the local fish market where eateries prepare banh mi and other dishes with the fresh catch of the day. Just north of Cam Ranh stands Nha Trang, one of Vietnams most popular seaside resorts boasting hot springs, mud baths and palm-fringed beaches as well as the striking temples of Po Nagar Cham Towers and the enormous white Buddha of Long Son Pagoda.

Think beaches and snorkeling, as Sihanoukville sits on the beautiful island-studded Bay of Thailand. Wats, or Buddhist temples, are abundant and often modest architecturally, as seen at Wat Otres behind Otres Beach. There are even two wats in Ream National Park, a birdwatcher's paradise.

Awaken your senses as you tour the citys fabulous golden temples and palaces, the royal barges and the Emerald Buddha. Explore the hidden city of teak mansions and lovely gardens or learn about Thai culture. The Royal Palace, familiar to many as the scene of the true story of Anna and the King of Siam, is a massive complex of carved and gilded buildings still used by the Thai royal family. Visit the home of Jim Thompson, former spy and promoter of the local silk industry who disappeared mysteriously.

Awaken your senses as you tour the citys fabulous golden temples and palaces, the royal barges and the Emerald Buddha. Explore the hidden city of teak mansions and lovely gardens or learn about Thai culture. The Royal Palace, familiar to many as the scene of the true story of Anna and the King of Siam, is a massive complex of carved and gilded buildings still used by the Thai royal family. Visit the home of Jim Thompson, former spy and promoter of the local silk industry who disappeared mysteriously.

Explore this idyllic, forested island and its pristine beaches. Visit the giant Buddha at Wat Phra Yai, the elephant camp where these intelligent animals display their work skills and a plantation where monkeys harvest coconuts. Head to the interior and see majestic cascading waterfalls and how rubber trees are tapped. Enjoy the gorgeous beaches.