Bangkok, Thailand - Far East Cruises

During the drive from Laem Chabang, you will pass by tapioca plantations and local villages. Spend time exploring The Sanctuary of Truth, situated just outside the town of Pattaya. This gigantic wooden construction is approximately 344 feet high, and covers an area of more than 21,520 square feet.

The building was constructed according to ancient Thai ingenuity and every square inch is covered with wooden carvings. The purpose of these decorations is to use art and culture as the reflection of the Ancient Vision of Earth, Ancient Knowledge and Eastern Philosophy. Within the complex, you will begin to understand ancient life, human responsibility, basic thought, cycle of living, life relationship with the universe and the common goal of life toward Utopia.

From the sanctuary, you will travel by coach to the main modern shopping area of Pattaya, for some time at leisure and shopping before your return journey.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately one hour of walking over rough ground at the Sanctuary of Truth. Comfortable, non-slip walking shoes are recommended. Due to their 'never-ending' building philosophy, a hard hat must be worn when visiting the sanctuary.

Be dazzled by the immense size of the 5½ ton, solid-gold Golden Buddha image, housed in the Wat Trimitr. Drive through the bustle of Chinatown and a colourful local flower market, before the Emerald Buddha Temple comes into view. Housed in the Wat Pra Keo, this is one of Buddhism's most magnificent monasteries.

Explore the grounds of the Grand Palace and experience the grandeur of an ancient Siamese court where kings and queens resided hundreds of years ago. Beautifully situated, the Palace grounds encompass several major buildings, all topped by glittering spires and soaring finials.

An international and Thai buffet luncheon will be served at a leading hotel. Last, but not least, enjoy a chance to shop for those all-important souvenirs, before returning to Laem Chabang.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately two hours of walking during this tour, including many steps at the temples. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended. Photography is permitted within the Palace grounds, but not in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Shoulders, knees and ankles must be covered. Women are not permitted to wear trousers or shorts, but should wear a full length skirt or sarong. Men must wear full length trousers and tops with sleeves must be worn by all. Open-toed or open-heeled shoes are not permitted. You will be refused entry if you are not appropriately dressed. The Palace grounds may be closed at short notice. Journey time to Bangkok is approximately 2½ hours. Thai Baht is recommended as it is not always possible to pay with US$.

The Thai Royal Navy has played an important role in the protection of sea turtles since 1950 in their avoidance of training in certain areas during the sea turtle nesting season. As a result, they have helped a great deal with the conservation of the hatchery areas and the creation of the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre in Sattahip in 1992. Located on the beachside inside the Thai Royal Navy and under the responsibility of the Air & Coastal Defence Command (ACDC) Unit, this area has become popular among the locals and visitors alike.

The Centre’s programme includes hatching turtles’ eggs and nurturing them in a protected area before returning them to the sea. Inside the Centre, there is also an information area explaining their conservation programme and the protection of the marine turtle species as well as an aquarium showing various types of sea animals. The centre has been able to nurture and release more than 20,000 turtles every year.

A stop will be made for a light snack and refreshments at a local hotel during the tour and you’ll have an opportunity to do some shopping for souvenirs at a local reputable store in Pattaya City.

This excursion will operate by minibus and on foot. Early booking is recommended as places require to be reserved in advance due to Thai Naval protocol. A donation to the Centre is included in the price of the tour.

Journey to Pattaya and the prestigious Siam Bayshore Hotel; the perfect location for a day of relaxation.

Soak up the sun whilst relaxing by the pool or enjoy the hotel’s facilities. A delicious luncheon, consisting of Thai and international dishes can be enjoyed at any time between 11am and 2pm, with the restaurant located a short walk from the swimming pool. A bottle of water will also be served by the poolside.

You may also choose to indulge in a massage treatment at the hotel spa. (Additional charges apply).

There are local stalls and shops selling souvenirs and handicrafts in the nearby streets of Pattaya for those who wish to indulge in a spot of shopping.


BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, guests are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Children are not permitted on this tour. The journey from the ship to the Siam Bayshore Hotel is approximately one hour each way. Luncheon will be either a set menu or buffet style, depending on the final number of guests on the tour. The availability of beach chairs and umbrellas cannot be guaranteed for every guest but every effort will be made to accommodate all. Guests are advised to leave valuables on the ship, as lockers are not available. Changing facilities are by the poolside. Guests are reminded to wear swimwear, take a towel and sunscreen. Massage treatments are available and payable direct to the hotel. There may be independent suppliers on the small beach that offer water sports. These are provided by parties unconnected to Cunard.

The largest local produce market in Chonburi is the Nong Mon Market. Stroll along the road, lined with more than a 100 stalls selling dried seafood, desserts, fruits and preserved food. Famous products of the area are desserts including Khao Larm (sweet sticky rice in bamboo), Khanom Chak (sweet coconut wrapped in palm leaf), and Khanom Mo Kaeng (Thai egg custard).

After a short drive, you’ll arrive at Ang Sila, a seaside-fishing town, known for its granite products. Locals are proficient in making implements from granite, and have passed on their craftsmanship from generation to generation, here the marble carvers showcase their most renowned products, pestles and mortar. Continue the tour for a stop for photographs at the very beautiful Chinese Shrine or Nacha Sa Thai Chue Shrine.

Finally, journey to Pattaya where you’ll have the chance to shop for souvenirs at the modern mall of Pattaya after a brief sightseeing driving tour of the area.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves approximately one hour of walking on mainly flat, even ground. The ground at the fishing village may be uneven. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended. Local currency may be required to make purchases in the markets.

The Elephant Village was opened in 1974 as a sanctuary for former working elephants. Through reasons of injury or ill health, the elephants can no longer be used as a part of the backbone of heavy work in the jungles of Thailand and, because of their diminishing habitat, it is no longer possible to return them to the wild. The sanctuary provides them with a safe haven, enabling them to enjoy their retirement.

As well as meeting the animals, you will be shown demonstrations of elephant training techniques, bathing and round-up methods. You will also see a traditional Glong Sabad Chai ceremony which dates back to when elephants were employed in the battlefields of Thailand, India and other South East Asian countries.

Your visit will provide you with an insight into the traditional lifestyle and working practices of elephants in rural Thailand.

After your elephant experience, there will be an opportunity for some shopping at a reputable local store in Pattaya.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 45 minutes total walking during this tour. Walking at the Elephant Village is mainly over rough ground. Comfortable, non-slip walking shoes are recommended.

Situated in parkland featuring a tranquil lake, Nong Nuch is a retreat from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. The privately-owned Nong Nuch Village and Gardens occupies some 600 acres of landscaped park. The gardens are renowned for traditional Thai performances and folkloric shows as well as a wide-range of orchid species, palm, cycad, cacti and bonsai. Take a look at the countless flowers and plants from all corners of the world, (the number of orchids on display is dependent on the season).

At the village theatre, you will be entertained by a Thai show, featuring folk dances from various regions of Thailand, Thai boxing or sword fighting. There is also an elephant show for you to enjoy.

Relax in this charming setting and take in the entertaining displays of local Thai traditions and culture at beautiful Nong Nuch, before an opportunity to do some shopping at a reputable store.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. You will be guided for part of the tour and given some free time to wander the gardens. To enjoy this tour to the full there is walking involved, including steps. Animals are usually housed in residences to roam freely, however please be aware that when tourists arrive, for safety reasons, they are chained. The Village has been established for 20 years and works with the Thai Government and WWF. They recently won a gold medal from their display at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Please note the village is a popular attraction and can get very busy.

Upon arrival in Bangkok, one of the first incredible sights on your tour will be the wonderful Emerald Buddha Temple. Housed inside the Wat Pra Keo, it is one of Buddhism’s most magnificent monasteries and probably the most famous place in Thailand.

You will have time to explore the Grand Palace and experience the grandeur of an ancient Siamese court. Beautifully situated, the Palace grounds encompass several major buildings, all topped by glittering spires and soaring finials.

Afterwards, enjoy free time exploring the ‘City of Angels’ on your own. You will be dropped off at the MBK Shopping Arcade that offers local brand apparel, electronics, music, and a food court. The main attractions are various large modern shopping centres and the ‘skytrain’ network, which can take you to almost all the important spots within the city.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour includes entrance fees to the Temple and Palace but is exclusive of luncheon and any other entrance fees. Photography is permitted within the Palace grounds, but not in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Please wear tops with sleeves and full-length trousers or skirts. Shoulders, knees and ankles must be covered. Open-toed or open-heeled shoes are not permitted. The Palace grounds may be closed at short notice. Journey time to Bangkok is approximately 2½ hours. Thai Baht is recommended as it is not always possible to pay with US$.

Enjoy a panoramic city sightseeing drive of Bangkok, including the Jessadabordin Ground, where you will see a beautiful, Thai styled, open pavilion. You will also be able to view the Golden Stupa Mountain Temple, the Radchanadda Temple, the Old Fort and City Wall.

Enjoy a drive past the Monument of Democracy, Sunday Ground, the Grand Palace, the City Pillar, Ministry of Defence and the Reclining Buddha Temple, before visiting the Suthat Temple.

The Suthat Temple is noted for its impressive murals, intricately designed doors and a 26 foot tall Buddha image. View the Giant Red Swing, some 49 foot high, which men used to catch bags of gold with their teeth during a Hindu ceremony.

Stop for photographs at the beautiful Marble Temple, drive by the Chitlada Palace, home to the much-loved King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit, and enjoy some shopping at a local store.

An international and Thai style buffet luncheon will be served at a leading hotel.


This excursion will operate by coach and is mainly panoramic driving with visits to Suthat and Marble Temples only. There will be walking at both Temples and some steps. Photograph stops will be made where possible. The journey time to Bangkok is approximately two and a half hours. Shoulders, knees and ankles must be covered. Women are not permitted to wear trousers or shorts, but should wear a full length skirt or sarong. Men must wear full length trousers and tops with sleeves must be worn by all. Open-toed or open-heeled shoes are not permitted. You will be refused entry if you are not appropriately dressed.