NEXT LEVEL TRAVEL
Next Level Travel: Slow Journeys Through Southeast Asia
by Karen Tee
28 Apr 2025
28 Apr 2025
Rediscover the art of unhurried travel with the latest train and cruise experiences in the region.
From indulgent rail journeys winding through lush tropical landscapes to elegant ships exploring hidden coastal gems, there is no better way to be immersed in Asia’s picturesque landscapes at a leisurely pace. These new slow-travel itineraries promise unforgettable moments – sipping bubbly while gliding past emerald rice paddy fields, savouring gourmet meals against tranquil seascapes, and letting time stretch luxuriously between each destination.
- EDITOR’S PICKS AT SEA
- MEKONG RIVER TALES
- LAOTIAN SOJOURN
- INTO THE WILD
- SOPHISTICATED TRACKS
- A MOVEABLE FEAST
Oceania Cruises’ Extravagant Far East itinerary on the Regatta is a dream for discerning travelers seeking cultural depth and luxury in Asia’s most fascinating destinations. This 20-day journey stops at lesser-known gems like Vietnam’s former imperial capital Hue, temple-studded Sihanoukville in Cambodia, and Semarang, Indonesia, gateway to Borobudur.
An intimate, elegantly appointed vessel designed in fine teak, custom stone and tile work, the Regatta’s suites and staterooms feature refined neo-classical furnishings. With a selection of dining options including fine-dining Italian restaurant Toscana and classic New York-style steakhouse Polo Grill, as well as casual options like all-day coffee bar Baristas, this is cruising at its most refined.
Part of the Curated by Conde Nast Traveler collection, this itinerary features editors’ insider tips on what to see, eat, and experience in their favourite ports. Jason Worth, vice president of international sales at Oceania Cruises says, “Whether you have eight or 48 hours in port, these exclusive editor’s insights will help you make the most of every minute.”
For instance, there are tips on where to go to uncover hidden Hindu temples in Bali for a traditional melukat purification ceremony, as well as fine dining highlights in Singapore.
Best of all, this voyage includes overnight stays in cultural powerhouses including Hanoi, Bangkok, Singapore, and Bali, to allow travellers the luxury of time to explore these dynamic cities at leisure.
- EDITOR’S PICKS AT SEA
- MEKONG RIVER TALES
- LAOTIAN SOJOURN
- INTO THE WILD
- SOPHISTICATED TRACKS
- A MOVEABLE FEAST
Mekong River Tales
Drifting along the Mekong River – the lifegiving waterway to millions in Southeast Asia – is an incredibly atmospheric way to traverse the local villages, temples and markets that have existed here for centuries.
Uniworld’s Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong on board the Mekong Jewel offers an immersive 15-day journey through these two countries, unveiling the rich cultures, poignant histories, and deep-rooted traditions of the land.
Said to be Uniworld’s most luxurious ship, the all-suite vessel, which is constructed with sustainable, eco-friendly materials, features two dining vessels and a plethora of facilities including a swimming pool, spa, sauna, gym, hair salon, and even a library.
The trip includes land stays in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Siem Reap, as well as a seven-night cruise along the river, with many opportunities to experience life on the Mekong with sampan rides, excursions to farms and artisan workshops and visits to the homes of local families for an authentic look into life on the delta.
(Related: Set sail in style)
- EDITOR’S PICKS AT SEA
- MEKONG RIVER TALES
- LAOTIAN SOJOURN
- INTO THE WILD
- SOPHISTICATED TRACKS
- A MOVEABLE FEAST
Laotian Sojourn
The Mekong River winds through Laos, but its shallower stretches mean riverboats here navigate only a portion of the waterway, between the Unesco-listed town of Luang Prabang and the capital, Vientiane – especially during the dry season. This makes for an unhurried journey, where days drift by in languid comfort as glimpses of daily life unfold along the riverbanks, punctuated by leisurely excursions that offer a taste of local culture.
For a river cruise in refined style, consider Mekong Kingdoms’ newest addition, the Boheme – an intimate vessel with just 13 suites and a dedicated crew of 20, including two onboard spa therapists, ensuring a truly pampering experience. The Royal Suite is exceptional, with a spacious balcony and the only stateroom with generously sized bathtub, making it well worth the splurge.
Excursions range from crafting traditional saa paper from mulberry bark and fresh flowers to dining beside Luang Prabang’s ethereal waterfall pools. At an elephant sanctuary, biologists and veterinarians offer insights into their vital work caring for rescued pachyderms, making for an experience as meaningful as it is memorable.
- EDITOR’S PICKS AT SEA
- MEKONG RIVER TALES
- LAOTIAN SOJOURN
- INTO THE WILD
- SOPHISTICATED TRACKS
- A MOVEABLE FEAST
Into the Wild
With newly launched direct Jetstar flights between Singapore and Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo National Park, traveling to this bucket list Unesco World Heritage site where nature reigns has become more accessible.
And there is no better way to explore the national park and the surrounding islands than by sea. Consider a chartered cruise onboard the Mutiara Laut, a 46-metre two-mast schooner built for wanderers that exudes old-world charm and modern luxury. Fresh from a 2024 refit, the vessel offers seven beautifully appointed teakwood cabins, an onboard chef, and five-star amenities designed for indulgence amid untamed beauty.
Guests can dive into world-class snorkelling and scuba sites in the Flores Sea, hike rugged trails for panoramic views of Komodo’s dramatic landscapes, and walk among the world’s last living dragons. By sunset, the vessel becomes a floating sanctuary – cocktail in hand, it is time to unwind on deck as the sky ignites in hues of gold and crimson.
- EDITOR’S PICKS AT SEA
- MEKONG RIVER TALES
- LAOTIAN SOJOURN
- INTO THE WILD
- SOPHISTICATED TRACKS
- A MOVEABLE FEAST
Sophisticated Tracks
Step aboard The Vietage by Anantara, an upscale train carriage by the luxury hotel brand, where the golden age of train travel is reimagined with contemporary elegance. Following the success of its Danang to Quy Nhon train journey in central Vietnam, the route now continues to the coastal town of Nha Trang.
With only 12 reservation-only seats in six private booth configurations, passengers are assured of an exceptional experience. Expansive “picture windows” frame ever-changing scenes of Vietnam’s countryside.
Onboard, a stylish bar is the perfect perch to sip rail-inspired cocktails. For those seeking deeper relaxation, a dedicated spa area offers soothing head and shoulder massages during the five-hour journey.
Afternoon tea is a highlight, featuring poached Bai Dai lobster, Da Lat caviar, and a tiered selection of finger sandwiches, pastries, and classic scones, as well as premium wines and champagnes.
- EDITOR’S PICKS AT SEA
- MEKONG RIVER TALES
- LAOTIAN SOJOURN
- INTO THE WILD
- SOPHISTICATED TRACKS
- A MOVEABLE FEAST
A Moveable Feast
Arguably the most atmospheric train ride in the region, with a route that spans Singapore and Malaysia, The Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, further elevates luxury rail travel with a blockbuster culinary lineup this year.
Its Tastes of Tomorrow journeys will feature three of Asia’s most lauded chefs – Vicky Cheng of restaurant Wing and VEA in Hong Kong (28 April); Jason Liu of restaurant Ling Long in Beijing and Shanghai (28 July); and Jungsik Yim of restaurant Jungsik in Seoul and New York (8 September) teaming up with culinary curator Andre Chiang in exclusive one-night-only four-hands dinners.
Passengers will indulge in menus crafted with rare regional ingredients through the three-night itinerary between Singapore to Penang’s Butterworth station and back, culminating in the collaboration dinner on the final night. Served in the train’s opulent dining carriages, the multi-course feasts promise to reimagine Malaysian flavours with contemporary finesse while showcasing the chefs’ culinary philosophies.
The chefs will also participate in intimate dialogue sessions about their creative process with guests and join offboard curated excursions, like a guided tour of Taman Negara National Park.
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