Seabourn Encore - January 6, 2024

One of Asia's great success stories, this island republic has merged diverse cultures into a dynamic and thriving nation. Clean, modern and full of green gardens, its neighborhoods reflect the Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arab and European backgrounds of its past. After sampling the legendary shopping, retire to Raffles Hotel's famous bar and toast Maugham, Kipling and Noel Coward with a Singapore Sling.

Laem Chabang is a modern harbor complex that serves Bangdok, Thailand's capital. The gentle Thai people have raised folk dance to high art, created a unique cuisine and built a capital city of fluted spires and golden domes. High on the list of "must see" sights are the Floating Market, Royal Palace, Reclining Buddha, Golden Buddha, and Temple of the Dawn.

Nestled on the coast between Vietnam and Cambodia, Sihanoukville combines nature's luxury with sheer pleasure. Stretch out for undisturbed sunbathing on the pristine municipal beach. Visit the magnificent coral islands, or taste a variety of native dishes at Sam's Beach Restaurant. If adventurous recreation is what you're looking for, try the popular go-cart track at Obye Karting.

Ho Chi Minh City is the economic center of Vietnam. Until the reunification of North and South Vietnam in April 1975 the city's name was Saigon. The Communist government of Hanoi renamed it in honour of Ho Chi Minh, the leader of the Communist forces during the Vietnam War. But the inhabitants of the city have never quite gotten accustomed to the new name and thus still prefer the old name,Saigon.

Ho Chi Minh City is the economic center of Vietnam. Until the reunification of North and South Vietnam in April 1975 the city's name was Saigon. The Communist government of Hanoi renamed it in honour of Ho Chi Minh, the leader of the Communist forces during the Vietnam War. But the inhabitants of the city have never quite gotten accustomed to the new name and thus still prefer the old name,Saigon.

Vietnam's third-largest city, Da Nang serves as a main port for neighboring Laos, once the capital of the kingdom of Champa. Near Da Nang are the Marble Mountains, the five peaks of which are named after the elements: water, earth, metal, fire, and wood. The mountains are complete with caves and secret passages containing Buddha images and shrines.

One of Vietnam's favorite travel destinations, Halong Bay is famous for it's amazing limestone cliffs, numerous caves, and unbelievable scenic beauty. The vast majority of travelers going to Halong Bay arrive to either of Vietnam's two largest cities first- Hanoi, or Saigon, and then make arrangements from there. Hanoi is the closer of the cities to the destination of Halong.

One of the most popular destinations in Asia, Hong Kong offers a plethora of options: some of the world's best cuisine, first-class entertainment, and of course, shopping! For a more relaxing afternoon, watch the sun set over Victoria Harbour or take a stroll downthe beach, alongside the green mountains and the South China Sea.