South East Asia Cruise - from Tokyo - 106397

Tokyo, the capital of Japan with a population of almost 8 million, combines tradition with progress. Buddhist temples stand side by side with Shinto cultural institutes and sky-scrapers. In the tiny streets you can find Kimonos, fans and miniature carvings, just a few streets away from the modern banking district and the grand architectural masterpieces. Visitors can relax in the Koraku Garden which has replicas of various features of the Japanese landscape. If it's a thrill you're after, a visit to the fish market is just the thing - and you could even bid on some fish!. More than 90,000 works of art are on display in the largest museum in Japan, the National Museum. In 1958 the Japanese built a replica of the Eiffel tower; At 333m high, 'Tokyo tower' would dwarf the original. Other sights include: the Meji shrine, the emperor's garden and palace, the town hall, the 'Capsule Hotel' where guests are accommodated in "drawers", Asakusa Kannon temple and the temple gardens in Kamakura.

Nagoya is the fourth-largest city in Japan and the capital of Aichi. The city is an important centre of industry with a developed chemicals industry, car manufacturing and shipbuilding industries. The castle of Tokugawa leyasu, built in 1612, is a must see. It was destroyed during heavy bombing in 1945 and rebuilt in 1959. Not far from Nagoya, in Inazawa, is Kiyosu-jo castle, built in 1405. The red bridge Ootebashi over the Gojougawa river is also lovely. A large number of museums, such as the Maritime Museum or theTOYOTA Museum are worth a visit, as are the city gardens and the Nagoya No theatre.

Osaka is the port town on the island of Honshu, the capital of the prefecture and the third-largest city in Japan. With a population of 2.5 million, the city, which is surrounded by satellite towns, lies at the estuary of various rivers in Osaka By. In early history Osaka was the seat of the Japanese emperor several times. The city is seen as a centre of industry, trade, culture and research (5 universities, various research institutions). The Daimyo castle dating from the 16th century, the many temples and gardens are all worth a visit. The most important sectors of the economy here are textiles, iron and steel, machine manufacturing, the chemicals industry and the oil refineries. Many prospering companies have their headquarters in the city, laying the foundations for a modern infrastructure and cultural tradition. In 1970 Osaka hosted the World's Fair. The city is currently experiencing somewhat of an architectural renaissance, with the objective of making it a focus for people, goods and information from all over the world.

Osaka is the port town on the island of Honshu, the capital of the prefecture and the third-largest city in Japan. With a population of 2.5 million, the city, which is surrounded by satellite towns, lies at the estuary of various rivers in Osaka By. In early history Osaka was the seat of the Japanese emperor several times. The city is seen as a centre of industry, trade, culture and research (5 universities, various research institutions). The Daimyo castle dating from the 16th century, the many temples and gardens are all worth a visit. The most important sectors of the economy here are textiles, iron and steel, machine manufacturing, the chemicals industry and the oil refineries. Many prospering companies have their headquarters in the city, laying the foundations for a modern infrastructure and cultural tradition. In 1970 Osaka hosted the World's Fair. The city is currently experiencing somewhat of an architectural renaissance, with the objective of making it a focus for people, goods and information from all over the world.

Naha is a vibrant city with a proud history. Even between the department stores and boutiques of Kokusai-dori ("international street") all kinds of Okinawan specialities are sold, such as lacquerware, textiles, glassware and local Tsuboya pottery. All this and more can be found in the many shops of Heiwa-dori, where goods are stacked high to the ceiling. The nearby public market is an excellent place to get an idea (and a taste!) of Okinawan cuisine. Naha, with a population of 300,000 is the capital of Okinawa. From Naha it is worthwhile doing some exploring in the surrounding area. One of the most famous attractions is Gyokusendo, a 5 kilometre long cave - the largest in the Orient - with a roof crowded with thousands of stalactites formed around 3 million years ago from coral. This region is also where you will find Gyokusendo Kingdom Village, a Ryukyu culture theme park, showing local handicrafts such as glass-blowing, pottery and Awamori brewing, as well as traditional local dances.

Keelung is a port town in the North of Taiwan. One of the attractions there is the statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, which sits atop the mountain summit. The north-eastern coast road leads through the foothills of the central mountain range, providing a breathtaking view of the East China Sea and the Pacific. Fascinating treasures in the National Palace Museum and the impressive memorial to Tschiang Kai-schek are also well worth a look.

Kaohsiung is the second-largest city in Taiwan and an important centre of industry. Visitors should be sure to visit the Museum of Fine Arts and the Mountain Art Museum. Longhu Pagoda, the memorial hall and the harbour are also must-sees.

The Chinese island of Hong Kong ("Xiang Gang" in Chinese) has, together with the island of Lantao and the Kowloon peninsula, has belonged to the Chinese special administrative region since July 1st 1997. "Hong Kong in the narrow sense" forms the core settlement of the group of islands with a population of more than 4 million. The city is one of the largest financial centres in the world and represents a major junction for sea transport in the region. Sights include: floating restaurants at the harbour, Tai Po racecourse, the beaches at Castle Peak, Man Mo Temple; the bell tower at the tip of the Kowloon peninsula serves as an excellent viewing platform of the city skyline; the 800 m long escalator on Hongkong Island (the longest in the world), "Tiger Balm Garden" with its small caves and statues from Chinese mythology, Victoria Peak with views of the port and the city. There is also a huge number of restaurants and shops.

The Chinese island of Hong Kong ("Xiang Gang" in Chinese) has, together with the island of Lantao and the Kowloon peninsula, has belonged to the Chinese special administrative region since July 1st 1997. "Hong Kong in the narrow sense" forms the core settlement of the group of islands with a population of more than 4 million. The city is one of the largest financial centres in the world and represents a major junction for sea transport in the region. Sights include: floating restaurants at the harbour, Tai Po racecourse, the beaches at Castle Peak, Man Mo Temple; the bell tower at the tip of the Kowloon peninsula serves as an excellent viewing platform of the city skyline; the 800 m long escalator on Hongkong Island (the longest in the world), "Tiger Balm Garden" with its small caves and statues from Chinese mythology, Victoria Peak with views of the port and the city. There is also a huge number of restaurants and shops.

Halong bay boasts some of Vietnam's most beautiful countryside. It is made up of more than 3,000 little islands of Karst rocks, some of which cover an area of 2,000 km². The rock formations are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The port town of Halong City consists of the two areas "Bai Chai" and "Hon Gai". Legend has it that Halong Bay was created by a "dragon coming down to land" ("Ha Long"). Science has, however, proven that the island landscape was formed during the last Ice Age through the sinking of the South-West Chinese limestone plateau.

Ho Chi Minh City is the former capital of South Vietnam. It was renamed in honour of the revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh and represents the economic centre of Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh is divided into 17 urban and 5 rural districts. A large number of cafés, markets and shops dominate the varied cityscape. Sights include: the Dragon House, the Giac-Lam Pagoda, the Historical Museum, the zoo, the Botanic Gardens, the Cathedral "Notre Dame" (1877-1883), the central post office, the town hall (1908), the water puppet shows and Nghia An Hoi Pagoda.

Ho Chi Minh City is the former capital of South Vietnam. It was renamed in honour of the revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh and represents the economic centre of Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh is divided into 17 urban and 5 rural districts. A large number of cafés, markets and shops dominate the varied cityscape. Sights include: the Dragon House, the Giac-Lam Pagoda, the Historical Museum, the zoo, the Botanic Gardens, the Cathedral "Notre Dame" (1877-1883), the central post office, the town hall (1908), the water puppet shows and Nghia An Hoi Pagoda.

Singapore is a city state at the lower end of the Malay Peninsula, only around 100 km North of the equator. Today the city is one of the most important ports and trading centres in South East Asia. Singapore has a population of over 3 million, including first and foremost Chinese, Malaysians and Indians. Europeans and other ethnic groups round off the city of many nationalities and four official languages. Visitors will notice the spotlessly clean and well-kept roads and squares; Singapore is also one of the safest cities in the world. Some interesting buildings dating from the colonial era have been placed under preservation order, including several former British administrative buildings and Raffles Hotel, whose guests included many authors. From the southern shore of the Singapore River visitors can take a boat trip around the river and Marina Bay. Sights include: the shopping street Orchard Road, Chinatown, Little India, Singapore River, the Botanic Gardens, the zoo and Fort Canning.

Singapore is a city state at the lower end of the Malay Peninsula, only around 100 km North of the equator. Today the city is one of the most important ports and trading centres in South East Asia. Singapore has a population of over 3 million, including first and foremost Chinese, Malaysians and Indians. Europeans and other ethnic groups round off the city of many nationalities and four official languages. Visitors will notice the spotlessly clean and well-kept roads and squares; Singapore is also one of the safest cities in the world. Some interesting buildings dating from the colonial era have been placed under preservation order, including several former British administrative buildings and Raffles Hotel, whose guests included many authors. From the southern shore of the Singapore River visitors can take a boat trip around the river and Marina Bay. Sights include: the shopping street Orchard Road, Chinatown, Little India, Singapore River, the Botanic Gardens, the zoo and Fort Canning.

Laem Chabang is the port of the Thai capital of Bangkok. The deep-sea port is around a half-hour car journey from Pattaya and in the space of just a few years has established itself on the list of the most important ports in the world. Today, Leam Chabang is one of the 20 largest container ports in the world. Plattaya's famous resorts are perfect for swimming and relaxing.

Laem Chabang is the port of the Thai capital of Bangkok. The deep-sea port is around a half-hour car journey from Pattaya and in the space of just a few years has established itself on the list of the most important ports in the world. Today, Leam Chabang is one of the 20 largest container ports in the world. Plattaya's famous resorts are perfect for swimming and relaxing.