Day 1 – Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Often referred to as the “City of Angels,” Bangkok is Thailand’s bustling capital and largest city. A vibrant blend of sleek skyscrapers, traditional floating markets and longtail boats gliding along the Chao Phraya River, the city stimulates every sense. Amid the urban energy, the spiritual calm of gilded wats (temples) brings a sense of balance. Among them, the striking Wat Arun, or “Temple of Dawn,” stands proudly on the riverbank, catching the first light of day and casting a pearlescent glow across the city.
Day 2 – Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand
Bangkok’s rich cultural tapestry is rooted in its ancient origins and riverside location. Thai traditions are reflected in the city’s ornate temples, such as the riverside Wat Arun, dedicated to the god of dawn. The Grand Palace, built in the late 18th century, is a resplendent complex of golden spires, shrines and pagodas, and has served as the residence of the Thai royal family for over 150 years.
Day 3 – Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Sitting at the tip of a scenic peninsula, Sihanoukville offers one of Cambodia’s most beautiful coastal settings. With its long stretches of sandy beach and clear turquoise waters, the city is a relaxed beachside retreat. Built after the departure of the French, its architecture is a simple, modern take on Khmer style. Tuk-tuks zip along the streets, and the surrounding offshore islands and beach resorts continue to attract travellers and locals alike.
Day 4 – Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Sihanoukville’s beaches are among the best in the country, with a lively atmosphere that appeals to sunseekers and adventurers. Independence Beach, once visited by Jacqueline Kennedy, offers a tranquil, shaded setting, while Otres Beach charms with its white sands and palm-lined shore. Serendipity Beach is a favourite for its vibrant waterfront cafés and panoramic views over the sea.
Day 5 – Scenic Sailing: Gulf of Thailand
Sail through the Gulf of Thailand, a vast sea bordered by Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia. Known to some locals as the Gulf of Siam, the region is framed by soft sandy shores, gently rolling hills and dramatic mountains. Off Cambodia’s coast lies the lush Botum Sakor National Park, while islands dotting Thailand’s coast mark the approach to Laem Chabang.
Day 6 – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Once a small fishing village, Ho Chi Minh City—still affectionately known as Saigon—is now Vietnam’s largest metropolis. It’s a captivating mix of old and new, where French colonial buildings, Buddhist pagodas and lively markets exist alongside gleaming skyscrapers. The hum of motorbikes and the charm of narrow alleyways complement grand boulevards in a city that wears its unique identity with pride.
Day 7 – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
A fusion of French elegance and Vietnamese tradition, Ho Chi Minh City delights with its broad tree-lined boulevards and fine colonial architecture. The Opera House and Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel, echo the city’s European influence. Meanwhile, street vendors serve pho and bánh mì in bustling markets, and shops brim with traditional Vietnamese clothing and crafts.
Day 8 – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Despite its busy streets, the city has pockets of calm in its many green spaces. Tao Dan Park is a popular gathering place where locals enjoy morning tai chi, badminton or outdoor gym workouts. The park’s shaded paths, peaceful ponds and vibrant flora make it an inviting retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Day 9 – Sailing the South China Sea
Spend the day at sea sailing the South China Sea, a vital waterway through which a third of global maritime trade flows. Enjoy the amenities on board your ship, from international dining options at the World Café to open-air meals on the Aquavit Terrace or regional cuisine in The Restaurant.
Day 10 – Hue (Chan May), Vietnam
The port of Chan May provides access to the historic city of Hue, set along the Perfume River. Once the seat of Vietnam’s Nguyen emperors, Hue remains steeped in imperial grandeur. The 19th-century Imperial City is its crown jewel, a vast citadel filled with palaces, temples and the Forbidden Purple City, once reserved for the emperor and his court.
Day 11 – Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Ha Long Bay’s mystical beauty is defined by more than 1,600 limestone islands and islets rising dramatically from the emerald waters. Fishermen go about their daily routines while traditional junks drift through the bay. According to legend, dragons once protected these shores, breathing jewels into the sea to form these towering monoliths—a tale that adds magic to this already breathtaking seascape.
Day 12 – Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay’s rich biodiversity includes over 1,000 species of fish and 163 types of coral. The rainforest-covered islands support rare wildlife, from monkeys and squirrels to exotic birds. Beneath the surface, vibrant marine life thrives, offering a glimpse into the bay’s ecological richness.
Day 13 – Sailing the South China Sea
Cruise through the South China Sea, one of the largest bodies of water on the planet. Take time to unwind in the ship’s Nordic-inspired Spa—soothe your muscles in the sauna, cool off in the Snow Grotto or relax in the Thermal Pool. It’s the perfect way to recharge ahead of your final destination.
Day 14 – Hong Kong, China
A vibrant metropolis where East meets West, Hong Kong combines traditional Chinese culture with modern city life. Soaring skyscrapers overlook Victoria Harbour, while Victoria Peak provides a lush viewpoint for panoramic vistas. At water level, the contrast continues—fishing boats bob beside sleek yachts, and modern towers rise behind floating villages in Aberdeen.
Day 15 – Hong Kong, China
Disembark your ship and begin your journey home, or choose to extend your stay to explore more of Hong Kong’s captivating culture and cosmopolitan charm.
