11-day Southeast Asian Cruise
This 11-day cruise from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok was an unforgettable journey through the heart of Southeast Asia. Sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line in December 2023, we explored a vibrant mix of cultures, cuisines, and coastlines across Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. From the bustling streets of George Town and the lush landscapes of Langkawi, to the serene beaches of Ko Samui and the historic charm of Ho Chi Minh City, each stop offered something unique. Days at sea provided time to relax and recharge, while the final stop in Bangkok wrapped up the trip with an energetic blend of tradition and modernity. Although we missed Cambodia due to weather, the experience was still rich with memorable moments and incredible sights.
Day 1: Embarkation from Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia
The adventure began with a bus ride from the airport to Port Klang, where we boarded the ship. After check-in, we explored the ship and watched the sunset from the deck as we departed Malaysia’s capital region. Excitement filled the air as we set sail for Southeast Asia.
Day 2: Langkawi, Malaysia
The island of Langkawi welcomed us with its pristine beaches and lush rainforests. We took a thrilling ride on the Langkawi SkyCab, a steep and scenic cable car journey that carried us high above the jungle canopy and cascading waterfalls. As we ascended, the dense green landscape stretched out below us, and at the top, we were met with panoramic views of the Andaman Sea, surrounding islands, and rugged mountain peaks—a view so expansive and surreal it felt like standing at the edge of the world.
To make things even better, Haley was able to stop into a local store and get some clothes for the trip. While it is unfortunate about the airline losing her luggage, she was able to bring home some fun souvenirs and a now funny story.
Day 3: Phuket
We docked early in Phuket and spent the day soaking in the island’s natural beauty from the water. We boarded a speedboat for a cruise through Phang Nga Bay, a stunning seascape of emerald waters and dramatic limestone karsts. The highlight was James Bond Island, made famous by The Man with the Golden Gun, where we walked along the beach and marveled at the iconic vertical rock formation jutting out of the sea. Along the way, we stopped at hidden lagoons and small islands, including a floating Muslim fishing village where we had lunch. Kayaking through sea caves and narrow passageways carved into the cliffs was surreal—quiet, otherworldly, and absolutely unforgettable. It was one of those rare days that felt like a dream.
Day 4: Phuket
Our day in Phuket felt like two totally different adventures packed into one. We started off at a stunning Buddhist temple—bright gold, vibrant red, and incredibly peaceful. The intricate carvings and towering statues made it worth taking our time to explore. While we were there, we took part in a local tradition I hadn’t tried before: shaking a container of numbered sticks until one falls out, then using the number to find your fortune. Mine told me to stay calm and avoid big decisions… which honestly felt pretty on-brand for vacation mode.
Next up: elephants. We spent time at a sanctuary where we got to learn about the animals, help feed them, and even carry buckets of water for their baths. Being that close to an elephant—really looking into its eyes—was more emotional than I expected. These animals are enormous, quiet, and somehow deeply calming.
Day 5: Penang, Malaysia
While in Penang, we visited Kek Lok Si Temple—one of the largest and most striking Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the city, the temple complex is a colorful maze of pagodas, shrines, gardens, and ornate rooftops stretching out in every direction. The scale of it was overwhelming in the best way. Each level brought new views, more intricate architecture, and quieter corners tucked into the hillside. One moment we were climbing past towering statues, and the next we were looking out over Penang’s skyline framed by misty mountains. It was peaceful, beautiful, and incredibly well preserved—a perfect blend of spiritual atmosphere and architectural wonder.
Day 6: Singapore
We docked in Singapore in the evening and while I stayed on the boat, Lauren took the kids out on the town. They navigated through the subway in Singapore, which was surprisingly easy, and went to a night market for dinner. The city felt alive even after dark—glowing skyscrapers above and the buzz of food stalls below. They wandered through the heart of the financial district until they landed at Lau Pa Sat, a historic hawker center nestled between the modern towers. Surrounded by locals on their dinner break and tourists on food missions, they sampled satay, noodles, and skewers fresh off the grill.
One thing that stood out in Singapore was how seriously people take the rules. While trying to exit the subway, the kids decided to jaywalk since there wasn’t a crosswalk in sight—they hadn’t realized you were supposed to use the underground crossing. Within seconds, a local shouted at them, making it very clear that what they were doing was illegal. It was a quick lesson: in Singapore, the rules aren’t just suggestions—they’re the law, and everyone’s expected to follow them.
Day 7: Singapore
Singapore is often described as futuristic, but what surprised me most was how deeply spiritual and reflective some parts of the city felt. We visited the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, where the massive golden Buddha sat beneath a soaring dome, radiating calm and stillness in a space that felt removed from the buzz of the city outside. From there, we wandered through the temple where the complex with beautifully detailed rooftops and traditional architecture that stood in sharp contrast to the high-rises just beyond it.
Later in the day, we visited the Kranji War Memorial—a peaceful, solemn place that honors the lives lost during World War II. The rows of white headstones, perfectly lined on the hill under a moody sky.
Day 8: At Sea
After so many active days, a sea day was a welcome break. We relaxed by the pool, caught a show in the theater, and enjoyed a long lunch with ocean views. It was a perfect day to recharge.
Day 9: Accidental Day At Sea
We were supposed to dock in Nha Trang, Vietnam, but the weather had other plans. Instead of exploring the coastline, we ended up with an unexpected sea day. It wasn’t what we had planned, but there’s something kind of nice about slowing down—reading, napping, and watching the waves roll by with nowhere to be.
Day 10: Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam
We traveled into Ho Chi Minh City and explored key historical sites—the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and Ben Thanh Market. The city’s energy, scooters, and food scene were a thrilling contrast to the beach towns earlier in the trip.
The kids are definitely more adventurous than I am when it comes to food. While I played it safe with a stop at the local McDonald’s (sometimes you just need the comfort of fries you recognize), they headed straight for a highly recommended local spot. They were on a mission to try authentic pho—something they said you absolutely had to do in Vietnam. The place was bustling, the broth was rich and fragrant, and they loved every second of it. From what they told me, the flavor was completely different from the pho you find at home—deeper, fresher, and somehow both simple and complex at the same time.
Day 11: Day At Sea
Our final full day at sea was spent reflecting on the trip. We joined a cooking class, played trivia, and packed slowly while soaking up the last ocean views. That evening’s dinner felt like a celebration of everything we had experienced.
Day 12: Disembarkation in Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand
We arrived early in Laem Chabang and disembarked with our luggage and a head full of memories. A bus took us to the airport, but we made a quick detour into Bangkok to visit the Wat Kalayanamit, home to one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the city. The Buddha surrounded by intricate murals that stretched from floor to ceiling and chandeliers that added a soft glow to the already radiant space, the whole room felt sacred and still.
Locals quietly lit incense and knelt in prayer, and even among tourists, there was a shared sense of reverence. It was a beautiful reminder of how deeply woven spirituality is into daily life here—and how stunningly it’s expressed through art and architecture.
