VIETNAM, CAMBODIA & THAILAND

Welcome to Hong Kong. You have 1 night to explore the city

Hong Kong is divided into four sections: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and the numerous outlying islands. One hundred sixty-four square miles of dense real estate dominate Hong Kong Island, including enormous skyscrapers with futuristic architecture, opulent hotels, residential compounds on Victoria Peak, and some of the oldest Chinese communities in the region. All these elements create one of the most exotic and exciting ports of call in the world; one that is universally loved by tourists and its own enterprising citizens.

Just off the coast of Vietnam, a myriad of karstic islands are clustered in this picturesque setting. Looming out of the sea, undercut by erosions into fantastic shapes, they reminded the Vietnamese of the looping back of a swimming dragon. Scattered among them, whole communities of fishing families live most of their lives on sampans, trading among themselves and periodically going into nearby towns such as Haiphong to sell their catch and buy supplies.

Da Nang, known as Tourane by the French, succeeded Hoi An as the most important port in central Vietnam during the 19th century. Today, Da Nang’s distance from other power centers, its natural endowments, (the port and proximity to Laos and Thailand), and its high degree of provincial autonomy allows for considerable local initiative. Among the Da Nang area sites of interest to visitors are the Marble Mountains, China Beach, the ancient port town of Hoi An and the imperial city of Hue.

Ho Chi Minh City covers more than 800 square miles, stretching from the South China Sea to the Cambodian border, though downtown is still known by its old name, Saigon. Settle in this evening among the energy of a city that shows no sign of standing still, with rooftop bars and street food stalls lighting up as the sun goes down.

Spend your second day exploring further. Ben Thanh Market is the place for local crafts and street food, while the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace offer a deeper look at the city’s history. For something further afield, the Cu Chi Tunnels make for a striking half-day excursion into Vietnam’s wartime past.

Sihanoukville, also known as Kampong Som, is located in southern Cambodia on the Gulf of Thailand, and is Cambodia’s only international marine port. Its beaches are the most prominent natural feature of the city, spanning most of the surrounding coastline. Sihanoukville has several cultural sites, including Victory Monument built to symbolize friendship with Vietnam, and Independence Square, constructed in honor of independence and the Cambodians that lost their lives defending their country.

Koh Kood, also known as Ko Kut, is an island in the Gulf of Thailand. The island is administrated as part of the Ko Kut District in Thailand’s Trat Province.

Bangkok is a city of endless fascination. Spiked with countless high-rise buildings of concrete and glass, Bangkok is an exhilarating mix of chaos and refinement, of frenetic markets and hushed golden temples, early-morning alms-giving rituals and ultra hip designer boutiques. In the heart of the city is the Chao Phraya River, its vast network of canals (klongs) as important to local transportation as the intricate road system. There is a wealth of history and culture to be discovered here: palaces, temples, markets, and exquisite classical Thai dance performances.

Founded as a British trading colony in 1819, Singapore joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963. Two years later, it became an independent island-state, developing into one of the world’s most prosperous countries. With ultra-modern skyscrapers combined with a medley of Chinese, Indian and Malay influences, Singapore is a dynamic city rich in contrast and color, exhibiting a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture.

Your holiday comes to an end today. Interested in extending you stay? Ask us about our amazing range of packages available or speak with a Cruise Travel Advisor who will be able to customise your holiday with you.