Sailing cruise in Thailand: Feb 23 - March 10, 2010
Tango in Bangkok and tropical islands…

Culture and relaxation as you have never before experienced: welcome to exotic Thailand!
Welcome to Bangkok; one of the most cosmopolitan, diverse and above all, compelling of Asian cities. Intensive at first, but also as addictive as Tango. So, how about Tango in Bangkok and on our sailing cruise?
We will discover Bangkok during our pre-package offer which includes various sightseeing tours in that vibrating city. We will then fly to Phuket and our sailing cruise commences: this will be the start of our journey to the ends of the earth in Thailand´s Andaman Sea. Embark on a voyage into the mysteries and marvels of far-eastern land "little known" to the western world. We will sail to a hidden corner of the orient with unspoiled beaches and a dream-like natural beauty. The little ports and scores of islands dotting the Andaman Sea along the west coast of Thailand and Malaysia have long been stopping places from traders of the Far East and these ports are now idyllic and exotic little harbours. The people are friendly and their smiles are genuine. The clarity of water and the variety of coral and marine life are astounding. Many of these beautiful islands and their surrounding waters are designated national parks, preserved forever to explore and enjoy. This truly is a paradise for diving and snorkeling or just curling your toes in the warm sand. We will most probably find “our beach” to dance Tango in that exotic paradise!
Our ship, the STAR CLIPPER, is an authentic sailing ship for an unforgettable vacation. It is a modern cruise ship in every way, created for luxury-loving passengers who also love the traditions and romance of the legendary sailing ships. The Star Clipper is 115 meters long and carries just 170 guests in pampered comfort. Life aboard is delightfully relaxing, like travelling on your own private yacht. It offers spacious accommodations with expansive teak decks, ample space and two swimming pools. The décor is reminiscent of the grand age of sail. Clearly, this is not a typical cruise, but a sailing experience. Open seating dining, the cozy piano bar, the outside tropical bar (think Milonga under the stars…) and its hospitable officers and crew will enrich that unforgettable cruise.
We will definitely take advantage of this unique opportunity to dance Tango, whether it is along shores of a white sandy beach, under the shade of palm trees, or starlit skies and even on deck of our sailing ship, the Star Clipper. The Teakwood dance floor in the “Tropical Bar” is a luring invitation for all of our Tango Dancers to enjoy.
After the cruise, we will spend five days in a beautiful hotel in Phuket. It overlooks the bay and a tropical beach: a real paradise away from Phuket town. Quietly situated, we can relax and enjoy romantic Milongas with a fantastic view.
An exotic and romantic holiday, combined with Argentine Tango will undoubtedly  be one of your most cherished memories!

Itinerary:

(*The shipping company reserves the right to change the itinerary).

Price per person in EURO €:
inside stateroom from:          3050,-€, depending on Deck, category 5
outside stateroom from:        3390,-€, depending on Deck, category 4
outside stateroom from:        3460,-€, depending on Deck, category 3
outside stateroom from:        3590,-€, depending on Deck, category 2
outside stateroom from:        3890,-€, depending on Deck, category 1

Single cabins and accommodations for children are available upon request.
Booking after October 17, 2009, will result in 300,- € increase per person.

Price includes:

• 7 nights in your reserved stateroom onboard Star Clippers

• Full board (breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner)

• Harbor Tax & Fees

• Tango*: Milongas onboard and in Phuket

• Four nights in Bangkok: Millennium Hilton Hotel, Deluxe room/breakfast

• Sightseeing package in Bangkok*

• Necessary transfers in Phuket

• Four nights in Phuket, The Chedi Hotel, Hillside cottage/breakfast

• Travel guide Anette Spiegel

Not included in the cruise price: beverages, purchases on board, gratuities, shore excursions, travel to/from Bangkok.

More information:
Tango onboard: we can dance Tango onboard Star Clipper, wherever space and possibilities allow. However, there is limited dance space due to the size of the cruise ship. Milongas will be outside.
Travel to and from Bangkok is not included.
For those who will be traveling to and from Europe a possibility to travel as a group from Munich with THAI AIRWAYS can be offered: February 22, 2010 – March 11, 2010.
Arrival in Bangkok will be February 23 in the afternoon. Please send an email and we will check the availability and price.
Millennium Hilton Hotel, Bangkok:
Towering majestically above Chao Phraya River, the Millennium Hilton Bangkok hotel boasts sweeping city views. More information see:
click here
The Chedi, Phuket:
Surrounded by azure waters of the Andaman Sea and the tranquil coast of Pansea Beach, The Chedi Phuket is the gateway to a tropical island paradise. 108 thatched cottages, cozily under a canopy of coconut groves, where landscaped slopes gently descend to meet a private stretch of sandy shore. The appeal of the spacious 89 one-bedroom and 19 two-bedroom cottages is further enhanced with private verandahs, secluded sun decks, and handcrafted teak floors.
A diverse retreat is expected with relaxing spa services, delightful dining venues, practical meeting facilities and exciting recreation. The Chedi complements the rustic serenity of Phuket with its warm spirit of true island hospitality.

Sightseeing package in Bangkok:*
February, 23:
After arrival at the international airport transfer to the Millennium Hilton Hotel. In the evening, meeting with the group.
February, 24:
After breakfast we board a local long-tail boat for a cruise up-river to visit the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) located on the West bank of Chao Phraya River. After the tour of Wat Arun, you re-embark onto your boat and continue into the Klongs (canals) of Thonburi. These ancient waterways once were Bangkok’s main arteries, giving the city the name of “Venice of the East”. Seemingly, time has stood still in this part of town where people travel to and from their homes by boat and where we can still see fruit orchards and houses on stilts. As you emerge from the Thonburi Klongs, you once again cross the river to arrive at another public pier near the Royal Grand Palace. A short walk of 5–10 minutes leads to the main entrance of the Royal Grand Palace. The palace, begun in 1782, consists of several buildings with highly decorated architectural details. The Royal Chapel, Wat Phra Kaeo, located in the same compound houses the Emerald Buddha, the most sacred Buddha image in Thailand. Photography inside the building housing the Emerald Buddha is forbidden.
Dress code: Visitors must wear proper attire (no-bare shoulders, knee or strapless-heel shoes)
After visit of The Royal Grand Palace, we transfer back to hotel by private longtail boat, disembark at hotel pier, check in, rest of afternoon at leisure
February, 25:
After breakfast pick up from hotel and transfer from hotel to visit flower & fruit market at Pak Kong Talad, then transfer to Yaowarat, Walk through Bangkok’s Chinatown, the city’s most vibrant and colourful community, bustling with commercial activity and countless market stalls to catch a glimpse of its way of life and to experience the Chinese heritage. The distinct culture of Chinatown manifests itself in the form of tall, narrow shop-houses, which serve as both business and living quarters. Here you can find everything from drugstores selling herb medicines to jewelry shops with armed guards standing by.  Bangkok’s Chinatown is also often called Yaowarat. Also take a Tuk Tuk ride to visit Wat Saket also known as Temple of the Golden Mount. The artificial hill that serves as base of the structure was created when a large Chedi under construction by King Rama III collapsed because of soft soil beneath would not support it. The small hill of mud and brick was left to sprout weeds until King Rama IV built a small Chedi on its crest. The concrete walls were added during World War II to prevent the hill from eroding. The steep climb up is worth the spectacular view over Rattanakosin Island Bangkok. After visit of Wat Saket, we transfer to local nice restaurant for lunch, after lunch transfer to visit Wat Po – with its colossal gold-leaf covered Reclining Buddha and the Chedis of the Kings; Wat Benchamaborpitr – The Marble Temple, a fine example of Thai architecture with western influence built mostly from gray Carrara Marble. Late afternoon drop off in our hotel, rest of day at leisure. In the evening, possibility to go to a Milonga all together.
February, 26:
All day at leisure. Explore the city on your own or relax. The Milonga is waiting for us in the evening!
February, 27:
Transfer all together from Hotel to the airport and flight to Phuket. Check-in and our cruise commences.


As with all registrations, contractual agreements will be in place and will adhere to the Star Clipper`s conditions.


If you have any questions, send email to:
info@tango-cruise.com

pictures: Star Clippers Kreuzfahrten

© 2005 Bailando Reisen, Anette Spiegel

view from Millennium Hotel Bangkok


view from the Hotel The Chedi