Silversea CruisesSingapore to Hong Kong - South China Sea DiscoveryItineraryThursday - Singapore Concealed behind high-tech industries and high-rise buildings lives a society with an ingrained sense of conservative Confucian values. Beneath a slick veneer of westernized modernity beats a totally Asian heart. Strong beliefs center on extended families, filial piety, discipline, respect and Asian work ethics. Singapore's name, meaning "Lion City," can be traced to the 13th century when, according to legend, the ruler of Palembang sought shelter on the island during a storm and thought he saw a lion. Today, the mythical Merlion, half-lion, half-fish, serves as the well-known emblem of the city. Modern Singapore primarily owes its existence and prosperity to two men, both of them forceful characters and visionaries: Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles and Lee Kuan Yew. Upon Raffles' arrival in 1819, he found a population of about 150, mostly pirates and fishermen, and a land blanketed in dense jungle. Within four years of its founding, Singapore grew into an international trading port. Raffles' influence in determining the direction of what is today one of the world's busiest port cities was invaluable, while Lee Kuan Yew is without doubt the “Father” of modern Singapore. This thriving metropolis of three million people is one of the most densely populated places in the world. In addition to being an enormous retail outlet, Singapore is also the trade, transport, business and financial hub of the region. The reputation the city has for law and order is well deserved. A recent advertising campaign billed Singapore as "A Fine City." The double meaning may well reflect the fact that Singapore imposes harsh punishment on locals and visitors alike for violations of the law. Singapore is a melting pot of nationalities; the majority of the population is of Chinese extraction, followed by Malay, Indian and a small Eurasian population. Officially, Malay is the national language, but English is the language of administration and commerce.
Friday - Day At Sea
Saturday - Ko Samui, Thailand Most of Ko Samui’s population lives in the port town of Nathorn. Located on the western side of the island, it is also the oldest town. While originally all travel was by boat or foot, a main road started in the late 1960s encircles now the island, with several offshoots into the interior. Building the road was first by manual labor since no heavy equipment existed on the island. In 1973, the road was finally finished with the use of dynamite to lower the mountain passes and building machinery brought in along with cement. Beaches and temples scattered around the island are the main attractions. Na Thon is now a busy tourist town with hotels, seafood restaurants and a number of shops. With the opening of the airport in the late 1980s, tourism on Ko Samui has grown considerably. Yet, the island has retained a casual, do-as-you-please atmosphere, and it is the simplicity which many visitors find so attractive.
Sunday - Day At Sea
Monday - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City, the “Pearl of Vietnam” was formerly known as Saigon, a name that is still applied to the city center. The official name change took place in 1976, following the reunification of the country. Located in the south of Vietnam on a giant bend in the Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City is the country's largest city, with a population of nearly seven million people and over one million motorbikes. While Hanoi is the center of government, Ho Chi Minh City is the nation’s economic heart and most exciting city. Long before traffic choked the city center, Saigon had already been christened the “Paris of Asia” for its wide boulevards lined with stately trees and magnificent French villas. For a moment one may feel transported back to the French era by the smells of coffee and baking bread, and by old Renaults sounding their horns in the bustling streets. The city is divided into two major sections: the municipal district of Saigon and Cholon (China Town), where the entrepreneurial talent and private funds are concentrated. Cholon appears to be the most populated and, in general, the most vigorous part of Ho Chi Minh City. Visitors are fascinated by its bustle of activity and its numerous pagodas, reputed to be the finest in the city. Tuesday - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Wednesday - Nha Trang, Vietnam The port was established in 1924 and became a popular recreational spot for American sailors during the Vietnam War. Nha Trang’s earlier existence, however, goes back to the Cham Kingdom, a civilization that originated with the migration of Malay-Polynesians. The Cham people are one of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities with their own language. In their unique culture, the women select their husbands and give their property to their daughters. Over the years, the Cham have acclimated to the ways of the Vietnamese, while at the same time retaining many of their ancient customs. The two-tiered city of Nha Trang offers both a sleepy seaside community and a bustling city center with buildings dating from the French colonial time to post-1975 Vietnam. The palm-lined seafront is dotted with cafés and food stalls and a scenic landscape is dotted with the characteristic Cham Towers. Nha Trang and its beaches have every potential of one day being developed into a major seaside tourist destination, but for now you can still enjoy a relaxed resort town with a lively market, wide streets and uncrowded beaches.
Thursday - Da Nang, Vietnam It was on Da Nang’s coast where the first U.S. troops landed on March 8, 1965. As the war progressed, the airport’s runway was extended to become the longest in all of Southeast Asia. Da Nang fell to the Viet Cong in March 1975; this signified South Vietnam's defeat in the war. Despite of its war-torn history, Da Nang is one of the most progressive cities in Vietnam, taking advantage of the new free-market principle. The town also has become one of the country’s leaders in economic reform. Tourism and foreign investments have done much to boost the local economy. Among the city's highlights is the renowned Cham Museum, housing close to 300 Cham sculptures. Here history lovers get a glimpse into a very powerful era of Vietnam's past. Da Nang, however, may be most familiar to Americans who watched the movie Good Morning Vietnam and the popular television series China Beach. The latter immortalized a popular R&R G.I. resort of the Vietnam War.
Friday - Day At Sea
Saturday - Ha Long Bay (Hanoi), Vietnam
Sunday - Day At Sea
Monday - Hong Kong, China As Asia’s financial capital and the premier gateway to China and Southeast Asia, Hong Kong offers one of the world’s truly great travel experiences. Within the little more than 400 square miles of Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories, visitors will find everything from hiking, horse racing and sailing to internationally renowned art galleries. Some of the best hotels, dining and shopping in the world are found in this dazzling metropolis. Situated at the tip of China, Hong Kong is one of the world’s truly great cities. At the same time, it offers a delightful realm of natural wonders and serene rural villages. With its cosmopolitan population and wealth of cultural attractions, electrifying Hong Kong invites exploration and inspires interest to even the most jaded world traveler. Your visit here will be a memorable adventure of indulgence and enrichment of every kind.
Tuesday - Hong Kong, China Cost of This Itinerary12 Night Trip:The least expensive cabin costs: The most expensive stateroom costs: |
