Sailing to the ends of the Earth: Far East Cruises
Sailing to the ends of the Earth: Far East Cruises
While the Caribbean and Mediterranean remain popular as cruising destinations, Far East cruises have gained a lot of interest in recent years, as the diverse locations take you from the heights of Hong Kong to the vibrant jungles of Indonesia.
If you’re new to the idea of cruising through the Asian lands, here are some essential ports of call to consider…
Hong Kong
Despite the towering skyscrapers and crowds of people in this modern metropolis, Hong Kong still has an authentic and traditional charm that continues to attract swarms of holidaymakers.
As the duty-free capital of the world, there are great opportunities to shop for the latest consumer electronics, a tailor-made suit or some ancient porcelain ornaments, whatever your budget. Don’t miss the views as the tram zooms you to the top of the Victoria district.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Although Ho Chi Minh City is yet another bustling urban area, evidence of Vietnam’s beautiful and remarkable past are never far away. Formerly known as Saigon, the largest city in Vietnam was named after the country’s inspirational former leader in 1975.
If the never-ending stream of bicycles and street hawkers get too much on your days on-shore, a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground caverns where the Viet Cong lived during the Vietnam War, is highly recommended.
Bali, Indonesia
Regarded by many as the ultimate paradise island, the exotic location of Bali is perfect for holidaymakers looking for rest and relaxation, and Padang Bay is situated right by the cruise port. However, any adventurous traveller will be pleased to hear there are still plenty of attractions and activities available.
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is perfect if you’re on a family venture, and features scores of long-tailed Balinese macaques, while if you add on a few days exploration, the north coast of the island has everything from snorkelling to hiking amidst beautiful natural landscapes.
Osaka, Japan
Although Osaka is sometimes overshadowed by capital Tokyo, Japan’s second largest city boasts some marvellous historical delights, against a contrasting backdrop of ancient Buddhist architecture and sleek modern apartments.
After visiting highlights such as Toyotomi’s castle and the Sumiyoshi shrine, there is also the possibility of day excursions to Kyoto, Japan’s ancient imperial capital.
There’s a whole spectrum of alternative Asian ports you could also swing by, depending on where you disembark from. Pick up street food in Bangkok, tour Taipei in Taiwan or stop off at glittering ultra-modern Singapore on your way to Sydney or even the South Pacific Isles. Far Eastern cruising opens up a whole new corner of the world for those willing to venture a little further.
Image by Roger Wollstadt, used under Creative Comms license
