> > by Ben and Joanna Hall
To cruise South East Asia is to follow in the wake of ancient maritime traders and explorers. This is where it’s possible to sail into the shopping mecca of Singapore, observe the centuries-old Saigon River life, experience the ethereal beauty of Halong Bay, explore the steamy craziness of Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, and be overwhelmed by the rich history of a fascinating and vibrant region.
Few places on earth offer such a diversity of sensory experiences. It’s a blend of exotic cultures, imposing cityscapes, ancient temples and pagodas and bustling markets, all somehow fused together to form a complex and fascinating canvas. Cruising South East Asia reveals the diversity of life and landscapes in a part of the world where one day you can be looking for bargains in the modern metropolis of Singapore, the next wandering the ancient Vietnamese city of Hue with its impressive monuments, spotting orangutans in the jungles of Borneo and be whizzed around the streets of Penang in a traditional rickshaw. Exploring the cuisine of south east Asia is every bit as fascinating as checking out the sights, and this is where you find out just how important the ritual of preparing and eating meals is to the local people, even though cooking styles and produce differs in each sub-region. At times it can be a little overwhelming which is why it’s important to have a retreat in the form of a cruise ship, where you can sit on deck with cocktail in hand and finish the day with one of the fiery sunsets that are a trademark of this region. Most romantic South East Asia cruise:
Seabourn Pride’s 12-day Vietnam and Thailand cruise sails between Bangkok and Hong Kong. Prices start from US$6,160 (gratuities included) and there are multiple departures between January and April 2011. Seabourn’s luxury fleet offers all-suite accommodations, an open-bar policy serving premium wine, Champagne and spirits.
For more info, visit www.seabourn.com or call 13 24 02.