Grand AsiaJourney from Kobe to Hanoi on this 19-day voyage through Japan, Korea, China and Vietnam with a single home base: the Spirit of Oceanus. Sail a rugged shoreline along verdant mountains and pristine beaches, exploring temples, palaces, port cities and castle towns, meeting local artisans and visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way. Complete your visit with land tours of Kyoto / Nara and Angkor Wat / Cambodia.
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- Cruise Only
18 nights / 19 days - Kyoto & Nara + Cruise
21 nights / 22 days - Cruise + Angkor Wat
24 nights / 25 days - Kyoto & Nara + Cruise + Angkor Wat
27 nights / 28 days
Directions: Kobe to Hanoi
| Osaka / Kobe Transfer from Osaka’s Kansai Airport to Kobe where you’ll spend the night at your deluxe hotel. | |
| Kobe Enjoy the morning at leisure to explore historic attractions of this port city, one of the first to begin accepting foreign traders following Japan’s 2-1/2 centuries of isolation. Visit Himeji (White Egret) Castle, Japan’s most beautiful stronghold. Board the Spirit of Oceanus and set sail in the early evening. BD | |
| Miyajima / Hiroshima Bright red torii (gates) and tame deer welcome you to Miyajima as you approach the mountainous “island of the shrines,” once regarded as so sacred a place that people were forbidden to till the soil, give birth, pass away or be buried on the land. Here we will meet a Shinto priest and enjoy a performance and personal tour of the famous Itsukushima Shinto shrine. Hiroshima, a city once battered, is now thriving and devoted to peace. In memory of the 1945 atomic bomb explosion, a Peace Flame, never to be extinguished until all nuclear weapons are abolished, burns in front of the Memorial Cenotaph. Tour the Peace Park, Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum. BLD | |
| Nagasaki Once Japan’s “Gateway to the West,” Nagasaki was one of the few ports open to foreign traders during Japan’s 250-year period of isolation. It was also the second city to be destroyed by an atomic bomb in World War II. Peace Memorial Park offers spectacular views, a reminder of the war’s devastation and a message of hope and rebirth. Tour the Atomic Bomb Museum and Glover Garden, an open-air museum exhibiting 19th-century Victorian mansions and gardens built by an enterprising Scotsman who helped to overthrow the shogunate. BLD | |
| At Sea Relax aboard the gracious Spirit of Oceanus as you cruise towards China. BLD | |
| Shanghai, China Originally a sleepy fishing town, Shanghai is now China’s premier cultural, commercial and financial center and the largest city in the country. Strategically located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, it’s one of the world’s busiest ports. The new, architecturally adventurous Shanghai Museum exhibits an extraordinary collection of Chinese art through the ages, while the beautiful pavilions, corridors, streams and courtyards of the Yuyuan Garden offer timeless tranquility. Other not-to-be-missed Shanghai experiences include the French Concession District and Nan Shi, the ancient quarter. BLD | |
| Shanghai / Suzhou Delve deeper into Shanghai, exploring the city on your own, or meander the classical gardens of Suzhou on an optional excursion. BLD | |
| At Sea Bask in the amenities of the Spirit of Oceanus and prepare for the delights ahead as we sail south along China’s eastern coast. BLD | |
| At Sea Exploration Leaders brief you on upcoming ports and places;as we continue to sail south along China’s eastern coast. BLD | |
| Xiamen A fusion of natural splendor and man-made wonders, Xiamen (meaning “gate of China”) has been one of China’s major seaports since ancient times. Explore the extraordinary Buddhist Nanputao Temple nestled at the foot of the massive Wulaofeng (Mountain of Five Old Men) overlooking the sea. Return the smile of a Laughing Buddha at the Heavenly Kings Hall and visit Gulangyu Island, home to 20,000 residents, renowned for its delicate natural beauty, ancient relics and colonial architecture. BLD | |
| Hong Kong Ride to the top of Victoria Peak for a stunning panoramic view of the city. Browse the open-air Stanley Market for everything from silk garments to arts and crafts to costume jewelry. Visit the Man Mo Temple (built to honor the god of literature and the god of war) alongside students praying for good results on their exams. BLD | |
| At Sea Skip the roadways and make your way to Vietnam in the lap of luxury — relaxing aboard the Spirit of Oceanus as you sail the South China Sea. BLD | |
| Danang / Hoi An Strategically located in Vietnam’s center, Danang played an important role in the wars of the 20th century. Nearby Hoi An, a small town nestled on the banks of the Thu Bon River, was a vital seaport in the Champa Kingdom. Harboring a wealth of temples, pagodas and shrines, Hoi An has been classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site. BLD | |
| Danang / Hue Hue, the Imperial City, once capital of the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945) located on the banks of the Huong or “Perfume” River — surrounded by rice fields, is an important trade center. Legacies of both the ancient Champa Kingdom and years of colonial rule are alive in the city’s art and architecture, including the Forbidden Purple City and the moated Imperial Citadel. BLD | |
| At Sea Take advantage of the expertise of our Exploration Leaders and learn about the cultures you’ve experienced and are about to encounter as we cruise north towards Haiphong. BLD | |
| Ha Long Bay, Vietnam Take in a seascape of thousands of limestone mountains dotting calm waters as you approach Ha Long Bay. Known as the “Bay of the Descending Dragon,” this UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Gulf of Tonkin includes some 1,600 mostly uninhabited islands and islets. Legend has it that Ha Long Bay was carved into the seabed by the tail of a dragon as it plunged to earth. BLD | |
| Haiphong / Hanoi After disembarking in Haiphong, explore Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital. A fascinating blend of East and West, Hanoi’s architecture is a fusion of Chinese influence from centuries of dominance, and French design from its colonial past. Spend the night at your deluxe hotel. BL | |
| Hanoi Explore Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. In the evening, toast your journey with a special farewell dinner at the imposing Co Loa Citadel, an architectural wonder and Vietnam’s first capital. BD | |
| Hanoi / Home Following breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the Hanoi Airport for your flight home. B |
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Directions: Kyoto to Hanoi
| Osaka / Kyoto From Osaka airport transfer to Kyoto, and check into your deluxe hotel. | |
| Kyoto Explore the city known as Nihon no Furasato (The Heart of Japan). Kyoto, a living museum of the country’s artistic and cultural heritage, had been Japan’s capital for more than 11 centuries. Visit Kiyomizu Temple, dedicated to the 11-faced Buddhist deity, Kannon. Built on stilts, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers outstanding views of the city and access to the Otowa no taki (Sound of Feathers) waterfall. BLD | |
| Kyoto Delight in transcendent temples and pavilions, including the Ryoanji (Peaceful Dragon) Temple, which is renowned for its Zen garden. Named for the gold leaf on lacquer that covers its floors, the Kinkakuji (Golden) Pavilion houses sacred relics of Buddha. The shogun’s samurai could secretly observe visitors from hidden rooms in Nijo Castle, with its thick outer walls, moat, and corridors constructed with “nightingale floors” that squeak to warn of anyone approaching. BL | |
| Kyoto / Nara / Kobe Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nara is home to the enormous bronze Buddha, the Daibutsu, at Todaiji Temple. The seated giant weighs 550 tons and incorporates 290 pounds of gold. Horyuji Temple, founded in 607, is the oldest intact temple complex in Japan, and houses the world’s oldest wooden buildings, as well as a vast collection of Buddhist art. Continue to Kobe and check in to your deluxe hotel. BL | |
| Kobe Enjoy the morning at leisure to explore historic attractions of this port city, one of the first to begin accepting foreign traders following Japan’s two and a half centuries of isolation. Visit Himeji (White Egret) Castle, Japan’s most beautiful stronghold. Board the Spirit of Oceanus and set sail in the early evening. BD | |
| Miyajima / Hiroshima Bright red floating torii (gates) and tame deer welcome you to Miyajima as you approach the mountainous “island of the shrines,” once regarded as so sacred a place that people were forbidden to till the soil, give birth, pass away or be buried on the land. Here we will meet a Shinto priest and enjoy a performance and personal tour of the famous Itsukushima Shinto shrine. Hiroshima, a city once battered, is now thriving and devoted to peace. In memory of the 1945 atomic bomb explosion, a Peace Flame, never to be extinguished until all nuclear weapons are abolished, burns in front of the Memorial Cenotaph. Tour the Peace Park, Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum. BLD | |
| Nagasaki Once Japan’s “Gateway to the West,” Nagasaki was one of the few ports open to foreign traders during Japan’s 250-year period of isolation. It was also the second city to be destroyed by an atomic bomb in World War II. Peace Memorial Park offers spectacular views, a reminder of the war’s devastation and a message of hope and rebirth. Tour the Atomic Bomb Museum and Glover Garden, an open-air museum exhibiting 19th-century Victorian mansions and gardens built by an enterprising Scotsman who helped to overthrow the shogunate. BLD | |
| At Sea Relax aboard the gracious Spirit of Oceanus as you cruise towards China. BLD | |
| Shanghai, China Originally a sleepy fishing town, Shanghai is now China’s premier cultural, commercial and financial center and the largest city in the country. Strategically located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, it’s one of the world’s busiest ports. The new, architecturally adventurous Shanghai Museum exhibits an extraordinary collection of Chinese art through the ages, while the beautiful pavilions, corridors, streams and courtyards of the Yuyuan Garden offer timeless tranquility. Other not-to-be-missed Shanghai experiences include the French Concession District and Nan Shi, the ancient quarter. BLD | |
| Shanghai / Suzhou Delve deeper into Shanghai, exploring the city on your own, or meander the classical gardens of Suzhou on an optional excursion. BLD | |
| At Sea Bask in the amenities of the Spirit of Oceanus and prepare for the delights ahead as we sail south along China’s eastern coast. BLD | |
| At Sea Another day to rest and relax and learn about the upcoming ports and places from our Exploration Leaders. BLD | |
| Xiamen A fusion of natural splendor and man-made wonders, Xiamen (meaning “gate of China”) has been one of China’s major seaports since ancient times. Explore the extraordinary Buddhist Nanputao Temple nestled at the foot of the massive Wulaofeng (Mountain of Five Old Men) overlooking the sea. Return the smile of a Laughing Buddha at the Heavenly Kings Hall and visit Gulangyu Island, home to 20,000 residents, renowned for its delicate natural beauty, ancient relics and colonial architecture. BLD | |
| Hong Kong Ride to the top of Victoria Peak for a stunning panoramic view of the city. Browse the open-air Stanley Market for everything from silk garments to arts and crafts to costume jewelry. Visit the Man Mo Temple (built to honor the god of literature and the god of war) alongside students praying for good results on their exams. BLD | |
| At Sea Skip the roadways and make your way to Vietnam in the lap of luxury — relaxing aboard the Spirit of Oceanus as you sail the South China Sea. BLD | |
| Danang / Hoi An Strategically located in Vietnam’s center, Danang played an important role in the wars of the 20th century. Nearby Hoi An, a small town nestled on the banks of the Thu Bon River, was a vital seaport in the Champa Kingdom. Harboring a wealth of temples, pagodas and shrines, Hoi An has been classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site. BLD | |
| Danang / Hue Hue, the Imperial City, once capital of the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945), located on the banks of the Huong or “Perfume” River — surrounded by rice fields, is an important trade center. Legacies of both the ancient Champa Kingdom and years of colonial rule are alive in the city’s art and architecture, including the Forbidden Purple City and the moated Imperial Citadel. BLD | |
| At Sea Soak up the expertise of our Exploration Leaders and learn about the cultures you’ve experienced and are about to encounter as we cruise north towards Haiphong. BLD | |
| Ha Long Bay, Vietnam Take in a seascape of thousands of limestone mountains dotting calm waters as you approach Ha Long Bay. Known as the “Bay of the Descending Dragon,” this UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Gulf of Tonkin includes some 1,600 mostly uninhabited islands and islets. Legend has it that Ha Long Bay was carved into the seabed by the tail of a dragon as it plunged to earth. BLD | |
| Haiphong / Hanoi After disembarking in Haiphong, explore Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital. A fascinating blend of East and West, Hanoi’s architecture is a fusion of Chinese influence from centuries of dominance, and French design from its colonial past. Spend the night at your deluxe hotel. BL | |
| Hanoi Explore Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. In the evening, toast your journey with a special farewell dinner at the imposing Co Loa Citadel, an architectural wonder and Vietnam’s first capital. BD | |
| Hanoi / Home Following breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the Hanoi Airport for your flight home. B |
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Directions: Kobe to Phnom Penh
| Osaka / Kobe Transfer from Osaka’s Kansai Airport to Kobe where you’ll spend the night at your deluxe hotel. | |
| Kobe Enjoy the morning at leisure to explore historic attractions of this port city, one of the first to begin accepting foreign traders following Japan’s 2-1/2 centuries of isolation. Visit Himeji (White Egret) Castle, Japan’s most beautiful stronghold. Board the Spirit of Oceanus and set sail in the early evening. BD | |
| Miyajima / Hiroshima Bright red floating torii (gates) and tame deer welcome you to Miyajima as you approach the mountainous “island of the shrines,” once regarded as so sacred a place that people were forbidden to till the soil, give birth, pass away or be buried on the land. Here we will meet a Shinto priest and enjoy a performance and personal tour of the famous Itsukushima Shinto shrine. Hiroshima, a city once battered, is now thriving and devoted to peace. In memory of the 1945 atomic bomb explosion, a Peace Flame, never to be extinguished until all nuclear weapons are abolished, burns in front of the Memorial Cenotaph. Tour the Peace Park, Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum. BLD | |
| Nagasaki Once Japan’s “Gateway to the West,” Nagasaki was one of the few ports open to foreign traders during Japan’s 250-year period of isolation. It was also the second city to be destroyed by an atomic bomb in World War II. Peace Memorial Park offers spectacular views, a reminder of the war’s devastation and a message of hope and rebirth. Tour the Atomic Bomb Museum and Glover Garden, an open-air museum exhibiting 19th-century Victorian mansions and gardens built by an enterprising Scotsman who helped to overthrow the shogunate. BLD | |
| At Sea Relax aboard the gracious Spirit of Oceanus as you cruise towards China. BLD | |
| Shanghai, China Originally a sleepy fishing town, Shanghai is now China’s premier cultural, commercial and financial center and the largest city in the country. Strategically located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, it’s one of the world’s busiest ports. The new, architecturally adventurous Shanghai Museum exhibits an extraordinary collection of Chinese art through the ages, while the beautiful pavilions, corridors, streams and courtyards of the Yuyuan Garden offer timeless tranquility. Other not-to-be-missed Shanghai experiences include the French Concession District and Nan Shi, the ancient quarter. BLD | |
| Shanghai / Suzhou Delve deeper into Shanghai, exploring the city on your own, or meander the classical gardens of Suzhou on an optional excursion. BLD | |
| At Sea Bask in the amenities of the Spirit of Oceanus and prepare for the delights ahead as we sail south along China’s eastern coast. BLD | |
| At Sea Relax and enjoy the leisurely life aboard the Spirit of Oceanus. BLD | |
| Xiamen A fusion of natural splendor and man-made wonders, Xiamen (meaning “gate of China”) has been one of China’s major seaports since ancient times. Explore the extraordinary Buddhist Nanputao Temple nestled at the foot of the massive Wulaofeng (Mountain of Five Old Men) overlooking the sea. Return the smile of a Laughing Buddha at the Heavenly Kings Hall and visit Gulangyu Island, home to 20,000 residents, renowned for its delicate natural beauty, ancient relics and colonial architecture. BLD | |
| Hong Kong Ride to the top of Victoria Peak for a stunning panoramic view of the city. Browse the open-air Stanley Market for everything from silk garments to arts and crafts to costume jewelry. Visit the Man Mo Temple (built to honor the god of literature and the god of war) alongside students praying for good results on their exams. BLD | |
| At Sea Skip the roadways and make your way to Vietnam in the lap of luxury — relaxing aboard the Spirit of Oceanus as you sail the South China Sea. BLD | |
| Danang / Hoi An Strategically located in Vietnam’s center, Danang played an important role in the wars of the 20th century. Nearby Hoi An, a small town nestled on the banks of the Thu Bon River, was a vital seaport in the Champa Kingdom. Harboring a wealth of temples, pagodas and shrines, Hoi An has been classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site. BLD | |
| Danang / Hue Hue, the Imperial City, once capital of the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945) located on the banks of the Huong or “Perfume” River — surrounded by rice fields - is an important trade center. Legacies of both the ancient Champa Kingdom and years of colonial rule are alive in the city’s art and architecture, including the Forbidden Purple City and the moated Imperial Citadel. BLD | |
| At Sea Take advantage of the expertise of our Exploration Leaders and learn about the cultures you’ve experienced and are about to encounter as we cruise north towards Haiphong. BLD | |
| Ha Long Bay, Vietnam Take in a seascape of thousands of limestone mountains dotting calm waters as you approach Ha Long Bay. Known as the “Bay of the Descending Dragon,” this UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Gulf of Tonkin includes some 1,600 mostly uninhabited islands and islets. Legend has it that Ha Long Bay was carved into the seabed by the tail of a dragon as it plunged to earth. BLD | |
| Haiphong / Hanoi After disembarking in Haiphong, explore Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital. A fascinating blend of East and West, Hanoi’s architecture is a fusion of Chinese influence from centuries of dominance, and French design from its colonial past. Spend the night at your deluxe hotel. BL | |
| Hanoi Explore Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. In the evening, toast your journey with a special farewell dinner at the imposing Co Loa Citadel, an architectural wonder and Vietnam’s first capital. BD | |
| Hanoi / Ho Chi Minh City This morning you’ll fly to Ho Chi Minh City (flight included), and transfer to the classic Caravelle Hotel, our base for exploring the bustling cosmopolitan city of Ho Chi Minh. Visit the History Museum and the former President’s Palace. Stroll Central Saigon (still the official name for the city center) taking in the boulevards, sidewalk cafés and elegant French architecture of Ho Chi Minh’s colonial days. BL | |
| Mekong Delta / Ho Chi Minh City Travel deep into the marshlands and forests of the Mekong Delta, driving through small villages and lush countryside for a taste of the area’s unique culture. Alternatively, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a 75-mile-long underground maze — one of the most famous battlegrounds of the Vietnam War and once home to 10,000+ Vietcong troops. BL | |
| Ho Chi Minh City / Siem Reap Fly to Siem Reap (flight included), your base for exploring Angkor, home to some of the world’s most magnificent architectural masterpieces. Explore the royal walled city of Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer empire. At its heart is the Bayon, a temple with giant smiling faces carved into its stone towers. Spend the night at your deluxe hotel. BLD | |
| Temples At Angkor Angkor Wat’s soaring towers, elaborately carved murals, colonnades and courtyards are an awe-inspiring combination of imagination and engineering. Visit the spiritual center of Ta Prohm — built in the late 12th/early 13th centuries as a Buddhist monastery and university, it blends seamlessly into the surrounding jungle. Explore the wonderfully tranquil temples of Prah Khan, built on a steep hilltop affording dramatic vistas of the lush green surroundings. BLD | |
| Tonle Sap Lake Board traditional covered boats at Tonle Sap, a floating fishing village of homes, shops and deepwater rice paddies. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the lake/river system floods once a year when the Mekong River swells with monsoon rains. Later in the day, check out the sculptures and textiles at Artisans D’Angkor, where Cambodian children are trained in traditional Cambodian arts such as silk weaving, stone carving and gilding. BLD | |
| Siem Reap / Phnom Penh In the morning, explore Banteay Srei, often referred to as the “jewel of Khmer art.” Built largely of red sandstone, the temple is decorated with deep, elaborate carvings. Next, fly to Phnom Penh (flight included), Cambodia’s capital. Visit the National Museum, home to the world’s finest collection of Khmer art and artifacts. Soak up the city’s Buddhist and French colonial charm as you peruse its wide boulevards and beautiful temples and pagodas. BL | |
| Phnom Penh / Home After breakfast you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home. B |
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Directions: Kyoto to Phnom Penh
| Osaka / Kyoto From Osaka airport transfer to Kyoto, and check into your deluxe hotel. | |
| Kyoto Explore the city known as Nihon no Furasato (The Heart of Japan). Kyoto, a living museum of the country’s artistic and cultural heritage, had been Japan’s capital for more than 11 centuries. Visit Kiyomizu Temple, dedicated to the 11-faced Buddhist deity, Kannon. Built on stilts, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers outstanding views of the city and access to the Otowa no taki (Sound of Feathers) waterfall. BLD | |
| Kyoto Delight in transcendent temples and pavilions, including the Ryoanji (Peaceful Dragon) Temple, which is renowned for its Zen garden. Named for the gold leaf on lacquer that covers its floors, the Kinkakuji (Golden) Pavilion houses sacred relics of Buddha. The shogun’s samurai could secretly observe visitors from hidden rooms in Nijo Castle, with its thick outer walls, moat, and corridors constructed with “nightingale floors” that squeak to warn of anyone approaching. BL | |
| Kyoto / Nara / Kobe Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nara is home to the enormous bronze Buddha, the Daibutsu, at Todaiji Temple. The seated giant weighs 550 tons and incorporates 290 pounds of gold. Horyuji Temple, founded in 607, is the oldest intact temple complex in Japan, and houses the world’s oldest wooden buildings, as well as a vast collection of Buddhist art. Continue to Kobe and check in to your deluxe hotel. BL | |
| Kobe Enjoy the morning at leisure to explore historic attractions of this port city, one of the first to begin accepting foreign traders following Japan’s 2-1/2 centuries of isolation. Visit Himeji (White Egret) Castle, Japan’s most beautiful stronghold. Board the Spirit of Oceanus and set sail in the early evening. BD | |
| Miyajima / Hiroshima Bright red floating torii (gates) and tame deer welcome you to Miyajima as you approach the mountainous “island of the shrines,” once regarded as so sacred a place that people were forbidden to till the soil, give birth, pass away or be buried on the land. Here we will meet a Shinto priest and enjoy a performance and personal tour of the famous Itsukushima Shinto shrine. Hiroshima, a city once battered, is now thriving and devoted to peace. In memory of the 1945 atomic bomb explosion, a Peace Flame, never to be extinguished until all nuclear weapons are abolished, burns in front of the Memorial Cenotaph. Tour the Peace Park, Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum. BLD | |
| Nagasaki Once Japan’s “Gateway to the West,” Nagasaki was one of the few ports open to foreign traders during Japan’s 250-year period of isolation. It was also the second city to be destroyed by an atomic bomb in World War II. Peace Memorial Park offers spectacular views, a reminder of the war’s devastation and a message of hope and rebirth. Tour the Atomic Bomb Museum and Glover Garden, an open-air museum exhibiting 19th-century Victorian mansions and gardens built by an enterprising Scotsman who helped to overthrow the shogunate. BLD | |
| At Sea Relax aboard the gracious Spirit of Oceanus as you cruise towards China. BLD | |
| Shanghai, China Originally a sleepy fishing town, Shanghai is now China’s premier cultural, commercial and financial center and the largest city in the country. Strategically located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, it’s one of the world’s busiest ports. The new, architecturally adventurous Shanghai Museum exhibits an extraordinary collection of Chinese art through the ages, while the beautiful pavilions, corridors, streams and courtyards of the Yuyuan Garden offer timeless tranquility. Other not-to-be-missed Shanghai experiences include the French Concession District and Nan Shi, the ancient quarter. BLD | |
| Shanghai / Suzhou Delve deeper into Shanghai, exploring the city on your own, or meander the classical gardens of Suzhou on an optional excursion. BLD | |
| At Sea Bask in the amenities of the Spirit of Oceanus and prepare for the delights ahead as we sail south along China’s eastern coast. BLD | |
| At Sea Rest and relax aboard the Spirit of Oceanus. BLD | |
| Xiamen A fusion of natural splendor and man-made wonders, Xiamen (meaning “gate of China”) has been one of China’s major seaports since ancient times. Explore the extraordinary Buddhist Nanputao Temple nestled at the foot of the massive Wulaofeng (Mountain of Five Old Men) overlooking the sea. Return the smile of a Laughing Buddha at the Heavenly Kings Hall and visit Gulangyu Island, home to 20,000 residents, renowned for its delicate natural beauty, ancient relics and colonial architecture. BLD | |
| Hong Kong Ride to the top of Victoria Peak for a stunning panoramic view of the city. Browse the open-air Stanley Market for everything from silk garments to arts and crafts to costume jewelry. Visit the Man Mo Temple (built to honor the god of literature and the god of war) alongside students praying for good results on their exams. BLD | |
| At Sea Skip the roadways and make your way to Vietnam in the lap of luxury — relaxing aboard the Spirit of Oceanus as you sail the South China Sea. BLD | |
| Danang / Hoi An, Vietnam Strategically located in Vietnam’s center, Danang played an important role in the wars of the 20th century. Nearby Hoi An, a small town nestled on the banks of the Thu Bon River, was a vital seaport in the Champa Kingdom. Harboring a wealth of temples, pagodas and shrines, Hoi An has been classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site. BLD | |
| Danang / Hue Hue, the Imperial City, once capital of the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945) located on the banks of the Huong or “Perfume” River — surrounded by rice fields - is an important trade center. Legacies of both the ancient Champa Kingdom and years of colonial rule are alive in the city’s art and architecture, including the Forbidden Purple City and the moated Imperial Citadel. BLD | |
| At Sea Take advantage of the expertise of our Exploration Leaders and learn about the cultures you’ve experienced and are about to encounter as we cruise north towards Haiphong. BLD | |
| Ha Long Bay, Vietnam Take in a seascape of thousands of limestone mountains dotting calm waters as you approach Ha Long Bay. Known as the “Bay of the Descending Dragon,” this UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Gulf of Tonkin includes some 1,600 mostly uninhabited islands and islets. Legend has it that Ha Long Bay was carved into the seabed by the tail of a dragon as it plunged to earth. BLD | |
| Haiphong / Hanoi After disembarking in Haiphong, explore Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital. A fascinating blend of East and West, Hanoi’s architecture is a fusion of Chinese influence from centuries of dominance, and French design from its colonial past. Spend the night at your deluxe hotel. BL | |
| Hanoi Explore Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. In the evening, toast your journey with a special farewell dinner at the imposing Co Loa Citadel, an architectural wonder and Vietnam’s first capital. BD | |
| Hanoi / Ho Chi Minh City This morning you’ll fly to Ho Chi Minh City (flight included), and transfer to the classic Caravelle Hotel, our base for exploring the bustling cosmopolitan city of Ho Chi Minh. Visit the History Museum and the former President’s Palace. Stroll Central Saigon (still the official name for the city center) taking in the boulevards, sidewalk cafés and elegant French architecture of Ho Chi Minh’s colonial days. BL | |
| Mekong Delta / Ho Chi Minh City Travel deep into the marshlands and forests of the Mekong Delta, driving through small villages and lush countryside for a taste of the area’s unique culture. Alternatively, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a 75-mile-long underground maze — one of the most famous battlegrounds of the Vietnam War and once home to 10,000+ Vietcong troops. BL | |
| Ho Chi Minh City / Siem Reap Fly to Siem Reap (flight included), your base for exploring Angkor, home to some of the world’s most magnificent architectural masterpieces. Explore the royal walled city of Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer empire. At its heart is the Bayon, a temple with giant smiling faces carved into its stone towers. Spend the night at your deluxe hotel. BLD | |
| Temples At Angkor Angkor Wat’s soaring towers, elaborately carved murals, colonnades and courtyards are an awe-inspiring combination of imagination and engineering. Visit the spiritual center of Ta Prohm — built in the late 12th/early 13th centuries as a Buddhist monastery and university, it blends seamlessly into the surrounding jungle. Explore the wonderfully tranquil temples of Prah Khan, built on a steep hilltop affording dramatic vistas of the lush green surroundings. BLD | |
| Tonle Sap Lake Board traditional covered boats at Tonle Sap, a floating fishing village of homes, shops and deepwater rice paddies. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the lake/river system floods once a year when the Mekong River swells with monsoon rains. Later in the day, check out the sculptures and textiles at Artisans D’Angkor, where Cambodian children are trained in traditional Cambodian arts such as silk weaving, stone carving and gilding. BLD | |
| Siem Reap / Phnom Penh In the morning, explore Banteay Srei, often referred to as the “jewel of Khmer art.” Built largely of red sandstone, the temple is decorated with deep, elaborate carvings. Next, fly to Phnom Penh (flight included), Cambodia’s capital. Visit the National Museum, home to the world’s finest collection of Khmer art and artifacts. Soak up the city’s Buddhist and French colonial charm as you peruse its wide boulevards and beautiful temples and pagodas. BL | |
| Phnom Penh / Home After breakfast you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight home. B |
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
