Eastern Exotic

In Bangkok, the old meets the new: Skyscrapers contrast ornate Thai temples, high-end cocktail bars lie around the corner from bustling stalls of street-food vendors, and tuk tuk rickshaws pedal beside cars on the busy streets. Ships will dock in Laem Chabang about a 2 hour drive from Bangkok.

Top Things to Do in Bangkok:

• tour the Grand Palace
• shop at a floating market
• admire the Buddha at Wat Pho
• enjoy street food on Khao San Road
• view the city from Golden Mountain Temple

Laem Chabang is the main port for cruises to Bangkok, situated about 120 kilometers (75 miles) southeast of the city, typically a 1.5 to 2-hour drive depending on traffic. For those looking to explore nearby attractions, Pattaya is only 30 kilometers (18 miles) away, a quick 30-40 minute drive. Pattaya offers beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and cultural sites like the Sanctuary of Truth.

In Bangkok, the old meets the new: Skyscrapers contrast ornate Thai temples, high-end cocktail bars lie around the corner from bustling stalls of street-food vendors, and tuk tuk rickshaws pedal beside cars on the busy streets. Ships will dock in Laem Chabang about a 2 hour drive from Bangkok.

Top Things to Do in Bangkok:

• tour the Grand Palace
• shop at a floating market
• admire the Buddha at Wat Pho
• enjoy street food on Khao San Road
• view the city from Golden Mountain Temple

Laem Chabang is the main port for cruises to Bangkok, situated about 120 kilometers (75 miles) southeast of the city, typically a 1.5 to 2-hour drive depending on traffic. For those looking to explore nearby attractions, Pattaya is only 30 kilometers (18 miles) away, a quick 30-40 minute drive. Pattaya offers beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and cultural sites like the Sanctuary of Truth.

Ko Samui is an idyllic, forested island with pristine beaches, but venture inland and see majestic cascading waterfalls or a plantation where monkeys harvest coconuts. Aside from its blissful beaches and lush interior, you'll also discover charming fishing villages and impressive golden Buddhist temples. Ships will anchor off Nathon and tenders guests ashore.

Top Things to Do in Ko Samui:

• visit the big Buddha known as Wat Phra Yai
• explore Angthong National Marine Park
• cool off at Nu Muang Waterfalls
• relax on Chaweng Beach

Sihanoukville, perched on the southern coast of Cambodia, is a gateway to the country's most idyllic islands and beaches. The city itself boasts a lively atmosphere with a blend of local culture and tourist-centric amenities. Here, markets brim with crafts and cuisine, offering a taste of the local lifestyle alongside the sandy stretches of Ochheuteal and Otres Beaches.

Beyond the hustle and bustle, the serene islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem are just a short boat ride away. These islands provide stunning snorkeling and diving opportunities in crystal-clear waters, surrounded by lush jungle and soft, white sand beaches, making them perfect for a day trip away from the mainland.

Over three decades have passed since the Vietnam War ended with the fall of Saigon. Today, the name of this bustling metropolis on the Mekong River is Ho Chi Minh City. Yet, the essence of the city, remains unchanged.

The air is filled with the cries of street hawkers and honking horns. Bicycles, motorbikes and cars fly down the boulevards at dizzying speeds. And everywhere, friendly faces and warm greetings meet you. Some popular activities while in port include riding a local pedicab through the bustling streets; visiting the vibrant markets, Chinatown and the fascinating Cu Chi tunnels.

Phu My serves as the starting point for excursions to Ho Chi Minh City, where you can explore vibrant markets, colonial architecture, and sites significant to Vietnam’s modern history, such as the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels. Alternatively, the nearby Ba Ria offers a more subdued experience with traditional Vietnamese life, scenic countryside, and local markets, presenting a contrast to the urban intensity just a short drive away.

Coron is a stunning destination known for its world-class diving spots and breathtaking natural beauty. The area is celebrated for its clear, emerald waters and majestic limestone cliffs, which provide a dramatic backdrop to the idyllic scenery.

Coron is part of the larger Calamian Islands, offering pristine white sand beaches and rich marine biodiversity, making it a haven for snorkellers and divers alike.

Key attractions include the famous Kayangan Lake, known for its crystal-clear waters, and several Japanese shipwrecks submerged during World War II, which have created an underwater wonderland.

The town itself is quaint and charming, with a laid-back atmosphere.

Known as the Pearl of the Orient, Manila is the Philippine's sprawling capital city and a bustling hub of diverse cultures and heritage. Manila’s heady assortment of historical influences combine to give the city its unique identity. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Manila:

• visit Fort Santiago
• admire Filipino art at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila
• take a scenic drive to Tagaytay
• take the ferry to Corregidor Island to see sites that played pivotal roles in WWII

Hong Kong’s Ocean Terminal port has become a tourist hotspot featuring world-class hotels, restaurants and shopping, and the Kik Tak Cruise Terminal is a newer port located in Victoria Harbor. When it’s time to sightsee, both ports have nearby train transportation and plenty of taxis available.

Head to the top of the Peak Tower for a panoramic view of all of Hong Kong, then shop the Temple Street Night Market. Take a day trip to Macau or for travelers who have been to Hong Kong previously might want to take a tour to Lantau Island to visit to the Po Lin Monastery to see the huge Tian Tan Buddha.