Experience a sensory feast in the Far East

From the sweet scent of incense drifting out from the temples to the taste of exquisitely spiced curries served on banana leaf plates; from the haunting cry of the Iman calling the faithful to prayer to the sight of pedal-powered rickshaws parked alongside gleaming Rolls Royce cars… Far East cruises explode onto the senses.

Take in the view from the world’s second tallest building - Taiwan’s Taipei 101 - or haggle for stunning silk shirts in Singapore’s colourful street markets. Zip through Bangkok’s bustling streets in the infamous tuk tuks or board a floating restaurant in Hong Kong and dine on delicious Dim Sum. Discover ancient temples deep in the Cambodian jungle or snorkel in the crystal clear waters of Vietnam’s idyllic Nha Trang Bay.

Read about some of the highlights on an Asia cruise…

China

China’s sights are as rich as they are varied. Pass paddy fields with water buffalo and see indigenous people perform the original bamboo dance. Hit speeds of up to 200mph on the Maglev train. Visit cultural attractions such as the Great Wall of China, Shanghai’s Jade Buddha Temple, the Chi Lin Nunnery on Kowloon and Macau’s Baroque churches. Explore China’s cosmopolitan cities of Shanghai and Hong Kong where architectural attractions include glistening glass high-rises (with features such as central cut-outs) that share the locality with ancient temples and ramshackle homes. And sample some of the best Chinese cuisine in the world during your Far East cruise.

India

Explore the colonial grandeur and bustling atmosphere of India’s capital, Delhi, before heading to Agra to visit the magic of India’s most famous monument, the majestic Taj Mahal. In Mumbai (Bombay) see the Victoria and Albert Museum - the oldest museum in Mumbai and Victoria Station whose elegant architecture was modelled on that of London’s St Pancras. Visit Mani Bhavan, Mahatma Gandhi's Bombay base between 1917 and 1934 and now a museum and memorial. Relax on the paradise beaches of Goa and visit the traditional fishing communities of Kerala. And for a true taste of India, savour a local coconut curry in the shade of a Mangalore palm tree.

Cochin - Take a boat and glide along the canals of the city for great waterside views of fine colonial houses and the ancient Fort Cochin. See, too, the picturesque Chinese fishing nets that grace the shores of Kerala.
Goa (Mormugao) - Wander the ochre-walled streets of Old Goa to see the Basilica of Born Jesus and the baroque Church of St Cajetan. Head out of town to the lush area of Ponda to find hidden Hindu temples and visit a spice plantation.

Japan

See the multicoloured hot mineral pools at the Boiling Hells of Jigoku and the Kamikaze Museum, which includes photographs and some of the final letters of the young Kamikaze pilots. Tour three World Heritage Site-designated temples in Nara; the Todaiji Temple, Horyuji Temple and the Kasuga Shrine. Reflect on the meaning of peace at the Nagasaki Peace Park. Visit Kyoto, one of Japan’s most historically significant cities. Travel in the world’s fastest elevator to the observatory deck of Japan’s tallest tower, the 296m high, fully earthquake-proofed, Yokohama Landmark Tower, from where you can enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji, the Tanzawa Mountains, the Boso Peninsula and Tokyo

Tokyo (Yokohama) - Just south of Tokyo, Yokohama is one of Japan’s premier ports. The best place to see the city and surrounding area, including Mount Fuji, is from the 69th floor observatory of Japan’s tallest tower, the Yokohama Landmark Tower.

Malaysia

Malaysia has a lot to offer. Mysterious caves, mist-shrouded mountains, tropical rainforests and a city, Kuala Lumpur, that lives up to its reputation as a global must-see destination. In Kuala Lumpur, check out the Petronas Twin Towers, with a height of over 450 metres, was until 2003, the world’s tallest building. Go island hopping on some of the 99 islands that surround Langkawi, visit a bat cave and a Mangrove Forest. Spend a day at the Mid Valley Megamall, Asia’s largest retail, food and entertainment centre and sample the delights of Penang cuisine on Gurney Drive, a popular seafront promenade on the island’s capital Georgetown.

Malacca - Malacca’s (Melaka) history from Dutch Square to Christ Church, Queen Victoria Fountain, Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower and the Portuguese colonial fortress, Porta de Santiago.
Penang - Visit the Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas and the stunning Khoo Kongsi, arguably most beautiful Chinese Clan House to be built outside China.

Singapore

This stunning city state is home to cultural and colonial icons that will transport you back in time, yet Singapore boasts glittering sky scrapers, extreme cleanliness and safety for visitors. Singapore is a leading example that people from all walks of life both East and West can live and work harmoniously together, with a delightful infusion of Chinese, Malay, Indian and European influences. Singapore remains South East Asia's leading economy for business, finance, technology and stability since independence from both the British empire and Malaya in 1965.

Vietnam

Go snorkelling or diving in the clear turquoise waters off the pristine beaches of Nha Trang. See Ho Chi Minh’s massive mausoleum in elegant Hanoi and explore the rural areas of the Red River Delta.

South Korea

A visit to Gyeongju is a must during your Far East cruise. Often referred to as a museum without walls, it was the capital of the Silla Dynasty and is home to several beautiful historic sites including the Bulguksa Temple.

Hong Kong

Catch a tram to Victoria Peak for a stunning 360 degree view or visit the Bamboo Forest Monastery and see one of the largest statues of Buddha in Hong Kong.

Thailand

Explore Bangkok, the City of Angels, with its imposing 36m Loha Prasat and the Reclining Buddha of Wat Po. The Temple of Dawn is a must see – its spire is often regarded as a symbol of Thailand.

Asia Cruise Highlights