US-based Ritz tours adding stops to Exotic Asia tours
California-based Ritz Tours revamped its 16-day Exotic Asia tour in 2008 by adding the beach town of Phuket and the historic River Kwai to the itinerary.
The tour kicks off with several days in Bangkok, the “City of Angels,” where travelers will be introduced to various aspects of Thai culture and Buddhism, known as a corner “stone of the everyday life of Thai people.”
Sightseeing includes visits to the luxurious Grand Palace and Coronation Hall, the spiritual Emerald Buddha Temple, and the world-famous Damnern Saduak Floating Market, Thailand’s largest and most photographed floating market on Bangkok’s canals.
After Bangkok, the group will travel by motor coach to Kanchanburi and the River Kwai, made famous by the 1957 movie “Bridge on the River Kwai.” Tour participants can visit the historic bridge and War Museum housing many relics from Word War II such as weapons, army uniforms and photography.
A short train ride from Kanchanburi brings travelers to Krasae Cave, home to sacred Buddha images and a statue of Lord Buddha. In the evening, travelers are treated to a bamboo rafting ride along the River Kwai.
Next on the itinerary is Phuket, an island in the Andamam Sea. It’s known for excellent snorkeling conditions and scuba diving.
Following Phuket, travelers head to Singapore, in the heart of Southeast Asia, known for its old world-charm and new-world appeal. The distinctly Asian destination boasts the flavor of Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures.
The tour concludes in the “Jewel of the Orient” – Hong Kong.
Priced from $2,748 plus taxes per person, based on double occupancy, the Exotic Asia program features roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco (starting at $2,848 plus taxes per person, double, from JFK in New York); intra-Asia transportation; hotel accommodations (Millennium Hilton in Bangkok, The Felix in River Kwai, Hilton Acadia in Phuket, The Oriental in Singapore and Harbour Plaza Metro in Hong Kong); sightseeing in air-conditioned motor coaches; meals and entertainment per the itinerary; and the services of knowledgeable tour guides.
Departure dates are available now through mid-December 2008. Single supplements cost an additional $1,000 – $2,000 per person, which vary based on departure date.
Add-on airfares are available for departures from various cities in the US and Canada (including, but not limited to, Boston, Miami, Philadelphia, Dallas, Chicago and Toronto). Add-on prices start at $150 per person depending on gateway.
by: David Wilkening
David
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