Top Cruising Routes in Asia

Photo courtesy: Ponant Cruises

Asia is indeed a harmony of countless rich cultures and is home to some of the oldest civilizations in the world. Cruising Asia means enjoying an unforgettable experience as you explore the exotic landscape and unravel the colonial history. Cruise passengers heading East are sure on a wonderful experience as they come across sea cruise destinations such as Cambodia, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Burma, China, Taiwan, and more. What makes Asian cruising a much more attractive option is that you can cover several countries in one go!

A Ponant cruise to Asia is a lot more than just taking a journey from one exotic port to another. You are on an unforgettable vacation of tranquil landscapes and most intriguing destinations. Ponant luxury vessels and boats add to the appeal of the captivating ancient continent with diverse cultures. Learn more about the exceptional Ponant itineraries on this website and get ready to discover some of the most enchanting and dynastic cities of Asia.

Here are some of the top cruises in Asia.

Japan Cruise


Photo courtesy: StudioPonant Margot Sib

Enjoy the best of Japan on an exceptional itinerary designed by Ponant that will take you straight to the heart of Japan. Explore the Land of the Rising Sun and its enhancing cities like Osaka, Tamano, Miyajima, Busan, and more. Learn about the history of the samurai and geishas on the Japanese cruise and admire the country’s landscaped gardens as well as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is your chance to discover medieval and ancient Japan.

The Seychelles Cruise



Photo courtesy: StudioPonant Morgane Monneret

For cruising Seychelles, you arrive and depart from Victoria Port, and the new and exciting itinerary invites you to discover the paradise of archipelago’s Inner Islands. Some of the essential stops include Sainte Anne Marine National Park, Curieuse Island, Praslin, and more. Enjoy unforgettable snorkelling as you get to see coral reefs with stunning species or look at the Aldabra giant tortoises within the mangrove. Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, with its gigantic endemic fruits, should not be missed. Enjoy some moments of relaxation on the stunning islands with fantastic beaches.

Hong Kong to Japan Cruise

What could be better than cruising from Hong Kong and spend some days in Taiwan and Shanghai before heading for the Japanese city of Yokohama. This is your opportunity to get a taste of vast and varied cultures of the Asian region. You will come across countries and cites that are radically different but deeply honour their past. It is indeed a unique experience to see the quiet serenity of ancient times existing side by side with hyper-modernity. Throughout the trip, you can observe the modernist impulse in the traditional aesthetics and architecture of the cities and its food and culture.

Aldabra Atoll Cruise

Aldabra Atoll and its Secret Islands are very popular among the Asian cruisers. The expedition cruise invites you on an unforgettable trip aboard one of the luxury PONANT vessels and leads you to the most beautiful islands with idyllic landscapes that boast of exceptional flora and fauna. During the cruise, there would be endless opportunities to swim, dive, and snorkel, especially when you are in the Alphonse lagoon. Aldabra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the largest population of land turtles and numerous colonies of birds.

Vietnam to Singapore Cruise




Photo courtesy: Ponant Cruises Ship

Another of the popular Asian cruise covers Vietnam and then Hong Kong to Singapore. The cruise offers you a glimpse into the Asian lifestyle and culture. Those families living in floating fish farms in Vietnam and alter halts in Hong Kong and Singapore are sure to amaze you. The cruise covers visits to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Mekong Delta.

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7 Must Have Experiences in Vietnam

A must sought after destination in South East Asia, Vietnam is that perfect combination of stunning nature, great history and affordability. Be it cultural sites, beaches, islands, river delta, bustling cities, mind blowing limestone karsts, waterfalls, forests or sand dunes, Vietnam offers all this and much more. If you are planning a trip to this amazing country, here are 7 experiences that must find a place in your Vietnam holiday itinerary.

1) Float down the magical Tam Coc River



One of Vietnam’s surreal natural wonders, a ride on the Tam Coc river takes you through lush paddy fields, a flooded cave karst system, a series of mountain pagodas and misty limestone karst mountains. This magical river ride that is part of the UNESCO heritage Trang An scenic landscape is what I fondly refer to as Halong bay on land. The Vietnam countryside, the laidback lifestyle and the totally spectacular landscape give it that special charm. Throw in a few pandas and you will feel like you are inside the Kung Fu Panda movie. That is how interesting this place is!

2) Take a Cruise in Halong Bay



A Halong Bay Cruise is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Vietnam. Taking a boat cruise through the mist covered limestone karst landscape is definitely one to experience in one’s lifetime. If you like a bit of adventure, then you can throw rock climbing, cliff jumping and kayaking into the mix to make for an adrenaline packed holiday. Even if you aren’t into cliff jumping, which is definitely a lot of fun, I would certainly recommend climbing to the top of one of the accessible limestone karsts to get a surreal view of the entire Halong bay landscape.

3) Roam the Heritage Streets of Hoi An



A UNESCO World heritage site, Hoi An is that perfect destination for the culture lover. Heritage homes, Japanese bridges, hospitable people, a gorgeous riverside, many avenues for rich shopping and an aura of well preserved culture, that is how I would describe this dreamy town. Be it day or night, the Hoi An riverside is a treat to the senses with its color and action. A little away from Hoi An, you come to close quarters with the paddy fields and the rural life of Vietnam. And then for adventure lovers, there is the opportunity to go scuba diving amidst the white corals of the UNESCO Biosphere Cham Islands that is located right off the Hoi An coastline.

4) Indulge in some Dune Surfing at Mui Ne



It is hard to imagine gorgeous red sand dunes in Vietnam and when it overlooks the South China Sea, the view becomes heavenly. South Vietnam’s Mui Ne is one such magical destination. This beach destination not only allows you the chance to enjoy the coastline, the beach and the water, but it also allows you to indulge in some dune surfing at its many sand dunes. Some of them are so huge that they tower over the city and provide a majestic view of the coastline. The sand dunes are mostly white in color, but there are a few that are red and when you stand on them, you feel like you have standing on Mars.

5) Trek amidst the terraced rice fields of SaPa



Rich tribal cultures, rolling mountains, fast mountain streams, lush green landscape and terraced rice gardens is how I would describe Sapa in North Western Vietnam. This place is perfect for those trekking holidays where you stay with the locals in their villages, eat fresh local produce and breathe in the pure mountain air while you climb up and down its narrow mountain trails. This is also a great place to shop for tribal arts and handicrafts.

6) Explore the Hindu Trails of the Champa Kingdom at My Son



In its hey days, Hinduism used to exist as far as Vietnam as the Chola kings of South India spread their presence in many South East Asian countries. One such Hindu kingdom can be seen at My Son. Located an hour away from the cultural capital of Hoi An, this Champa kingdom is in ruins and like most of Ta Prohm in Cambodia, trees and their roots have taken over these ancient buildings. Lovers of Hinduism, ancient cultures and ruins will find this place mesmerizing. The rich Vietnam countryside and the traditional dance performances are an added bonus.

7) Indulge in some Bargain Shopping at Ho Chi Minh City



Sports apparel, shoes, bags and many other products are manufactured in Vietnam. Products of popular brands like Nike, Adidas and Puma are available at a steal. Such bargain shopping is the norm in Ho Chi Minh City, especially in its marets locate din and around District 1. The Ben Thanh market, An Dong market, Bin Tay market and Saigon square are some of the popular locations for bargain shopping. Ho Chi Minh City is also a great place to get yourself a tailored suit for a fraction of the cost. And when you are done with the shopping, watch a water puppet show at the Golden Dragon Theater, one of Vietnam’s top heritage performances that you should not miss.

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Which is the city with the highest number of two wheelers?

Do you know which city in the world has the highest number of two wheelers? Is it in India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico, Turkey, Egypt, Philippines or Vietnam? Well, to be honest with you, a lot of cities can lay stake to this title. For starters, the city that I live in, Bangalore, can lay claim to it. So can Pune in Central India. But, there are other cities that have an obscene number of two wheelers. There is Dhaka in Bangladesh, Jakarta in Indonesia, Bangkok in Thailand, Manila in Philippines and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.



Most of these South and South East Asian capital cities are bustling metropolis with chaotic traffic, which according to me is the perfect recipe for owning and driving two wheelers. As someone who has ridden a two wheeler in all these cities across India, Bangladesh and South East Asia, I have to say that Vietnam’s capital, Ho Chi Minh city is possibly the city with the highest number of two wheelers in the world. Riding a 2 wheeler on its roads is akin to being a bee in a fully functional bee hive. There is strength of numbers and everything moves in waves, but the nice thing is that there is orderliness even in such chaotic numbers. Have you experienced this 2 wheeler madness in Ho Chi Minh City? Or would you like to share your experience from a trip to a different city in the world that could potentially lay a claim to this title?

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Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay: Magic on Earth

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also often listed as one of the top natural wonders of the world. I simply call it ‘magic on earth’! This magic is formed by the blue waters of the bay coupled with the densely forested limestone islands that rise mysteriously out of the ocean floor at about 1,600 places.

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Immensely popular with backpackers around the world, Ha Long (descending dragon) bay in Northern Vietnam’s Quang Ninh province is seriously special as it provides you with the experience of some of the most scenic ocean karst topography in the world. Most visitors soak in these lovely views while living in a local cruise ship on the Halong bay waters for a few days to a few weeks.



They fish, they swim, they relax on its pristine beaches and they make merry. They climb to panoramic viewpoints, they watch different flora and fauna, they go on cave adventures, explore hidden lakes, experience floating villages and a lot of partying during the night.



The adventure enthusiasts have a much different kind of fun. From rock climbing to cliff jumping and from kayaking to caving, Halong bay spoils the ocean adventurer. The many different crags on these limestone mountains excite the rock climbers, who sweat it out while climbing these steep rocks and then finally cool it off by diving into the ocean waters for a relaxing dip. As most of the limestone karsts are closely packed together with shallow waters between them, the cruise ships cannot come close to them. Rather, it is the kayakers who can explore its many hollow caves, shallow waters and the many desolate, white sandy beaches that are teeming with hermit crabs and other exotic marine species.



The land adventure lovers are not to be left far behind as there are the many rich and biodiverse islets that are home to many endemic floral and faunal species that have made this place their home amongst the tropical evergreen oceanic environment. You can simply climb up the small ones for deeper exploration and panoramic views or trek through the dense foliage of the much larger ones to be simply amazed at the variety that this place has to offer. And sometimes you can climb into the hollow confines of some of these islands that are home to enormous cave systems and gape at the wonders of the numerous stalactites and stalagmites.



Whatever be your thrill, this natural wonder called Halong Bay is bound to delight you with its magical elements. I am pretty sure that most of you will have it right up there in your Vietnam travel bucket list, but even so, do ensure that you keep some time at hand to experience the magic of Halong bay!

Best Season to Visit



The summer months are usually the best time of the year to explore Halong Bay as that is the time when the days are bright and sunny and the views are clear. Usually winters are wet, cloudy and gloomy with poor visibility. But, having said that, ocean weather is unpredictable and can change any time. Halong bay is open all year around except for when there are heavy rains and/or storms.

How to get there



The nearest airport is Hanoi and it is the nearest large city for all emergency and luxury hotel needs. The nearest road access is Halong city. Usually, visitors opt for tours from Hanoi, but I would also recommend staying at Cat Ba Island and exploring Halong Bay from there, either as day trips or on cruise ships.

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People of Vietnam: A Photo Series

The thin long South East Asian nation of Vietnam is not only known for its astonishing landscapes, cheap beer, delicious food, extremely cheap shopping avenues, but also for its gorgeous people, who I feel are very photogenic. Right from the tropical Mekong river delta to the cooler climes of the North, these beautiful people are fantastic subjects for people, street and travel photography. Their conical hats, their tribal cultures and their day-to-day lifestyle all make for stunning frames. Here are some photographs from my collection on the ‘People of Vietnam’. I hope you enjoy seeing them as much as I enjoyed interacting with them in person and actually clicking the pictures.

Above Photo: Hoi An river side is an action packed street with many colorful shops. This is one such shop at Hoi An’s old quarter.



Like most of South East Asia, Vietnam too grows a lot of rice. And these paddy fields can be seen all around the countryside especially if you are exploring the country on a bicycle or a motorcycle. I clicked this picture somewhere near My Son.



Selling fruits and vegetables, this Vietnamese lady was all smiles when I asked her if I could take her photo. The location is Hoin An riverside.



Vietnam is a country where the women work all kinds of jobs. In fact, when you explore the country as a tourist you will come across a lot of working women especially at restaurants, shops, mobile street shops and at many other places.



A local Vietnamese lady is seen cycling the streets of Hoi An in Central Vietnam. She is wearing the iconic Vietnamese hat to beat the tropical heat.



Blessed with umpteen rivers, Vietnam enjoys a strong river based economy. Fishing and boating go hand in hand.



Did you know that Hinduism spread its wings to as far away as Central Vietnam. This is a Vietnamese version of the apsara dance. I clicked this photo at My Son, the ruins of the Hindu kingdom.



Gorgeous landscapes and lush green paddy fields make for great photographs. This lady on the boat is all ready with her camera to help the tourists capture their best moment of their holiday.



One of the few male rowers at Tam Coc village, the getaway to the amazing cave systems, limestone karsts and stunning natural beauty.



Tam Coc and Ninh Binh region is famous for people who row their boats with their feet. Rowing with your hands is already quite a difficult task. Rowing with one’s feet is in a different league altogether.



The mountainous region of Sa Pa in north western Vietnam is known for its different tribal cultures. In this photo, you can see 2 such tribal women dressed in traditional attire and carrying a woven basket like a backpack (this is something pretty common in the mountains here).



This final picture is of a group of elderly Vietnamese gentleman who are sitting under the shade of a tree in Old Hanoi and are playing a game of chinese checkers while a local cop intently watches them play. This picture kind of depicts the laidback lifestyle of the people of Vietnam, especially the men.

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Surreal Tam Coc: Vietnam’s Gorgeous Natural Wonder

Do you remember the scenes of lush green paddy fields, a calm river and mighty limestone karsts from the Kung Fu panda movie? Well, wouldn’t it be awesome to actually experience it in real? The location pictured in the movie is in China, but its southern neighbour Vietnam, also has similar mind blowing landscapes. Such is its aura that it is lovingly referred to as ‘Halong Bay on Land’, in reference to Vietnam’s number 1 tourist attraction.



I am referring to Ninh Binh’s Ngo Dong river that calmly meanders through Tam Coc (three natural caves – Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba) and misty limestone karsts that seem to prop up out of nowhere, a river that snakes its way through underground caves and from deep bowels of mother earth, a river on whose banks floating paddy fields exist and it is on which locals row with their feet.



Tam Coc, which is part of the Trang An scenic landscape complex UNESCO World Heritage Site, is made up of flooded cave karst system and a series of mountain pagodas. But, the thing that makes this place special is the fact that the limestone karsts seem to rise out of nowhere. There are two special ways to experience this astonishing landscape.



Option 1 is to take a boat from Tam Coc village and float through underground cave systems, rice fields and black limestone karst mountains while admiring the skills of the boatman who row with their feet. Be prepared to crouch in your boat and tackle darkness as you enter the three underground cave systems, which are an absolute highlight of the Tam Coc boating experience. At other times, be amazed at the gorgeous natural wonder that you are surrounded by and may be celebrate all of this with a mug of local Vietnamese brew.



Option 2 is to plan a short, yet steep hike to Hang Mua peak that offers a 360 degree view of the boats floating on the Ngo Dong river, the entire ecosystem of limestone karsts, the paddy fields that seem to shine in the sun, the Red river Delta on the East and mountains on all sides. The best way to reach here is by bike or motorcycle that you can rent from your hotel or homestay. Shoes will come in handy as you will be required to climb over sharp rocky terrain.



In addition to this Tam Coc river and Ngo Dong river experience, you can also add the Trang An Grottoes and the Bich Dong Pagoda to your itinerary. While the Trang An Grottoes are similar to the Tam Coc experience, they consist of many more caves and are more popular with locals. But, if you were to ask me, I would choose Tam Coc to Trang An due to the sheer natural environment of the former. Bich Dong Pagoda is an interesting 15th century pagoda that is built across three levels on a steep mountain. Do remember to climb to the top to experience some spectacular views of the entire karst ecosystem.



Whatever your holiday itinerary in Vietnam may be, do not miss out on surreal Tam Coc, VIetnam’s gorgeous natural wonder!

How to get here?



Ninh Binh will be your nearest city and it is well connected by both rail and road from both the Southern and the Northern regions of the country. Hanoi would be the closest domestic and international airport.

Where to stay?



The best way to experience this natural wonder is by staying at one of the homestays in and around the Tam Coc village. This will allow you to soak in the natural beauty at all times while getting to experience the local way of life. For creature comforts, opt for the hotels at Ninh Binh. For international quality hotels, head to Hanoi in the north.

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Temple-Hopping in Southeast Asia

The wealth of beautiful sights and fascinating histories supplied by the temples of Southeast Asia will be enough to dazzle even the most seasoned traveler. No expense or time was spared in creating these monuments to spiritual belief, and their tremendous variety means there’s always something new to discover. 

Traveling in Southeast Asia
     

Most Southeast Asian countries are very welcoming to Western visitors and, because prices are low, they are a popular choice with backpackers. Many people choose to start in Pattaya, Thailand, where there are plenty of low-cost places to stay, and where the friendly locals guarantee a warm welcome. Once the journey starts in earnest, long-distance buses make it easy to travel between tourist sights, though some people prefer to hitch and get to know the locals, while others opt to cycle or ride motor scooters. While this article looks at some of the most spectacular places to visit, there are many smaller ones, including local village shrines dating back millennia.

When visiting temples, it’s important to note that many remain active places of worship, of deep importance to local people. One should normally remove one’s shoes before entering and make sure upper arms are covered, and women should be careful not to make physical contact with monks, even brushing past them, as this can be seen to compromise the monks’ religious purity.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia
     
 

Probably the most famous temple complex in the region, Angkor Wat is built on ruins thought by some to be as much as 13,000 years old, one of the oldest manmade structures in the world. It was significantly extended in the 12^th century on the orders of King Suryavarman II and is the largest religious monument anywhere in the world, so it can take days to explore it all. Although it may not feature the gold or bright colors of other temples in the region, its distinctive Khmer architecture has majesty of its own, looking particularly impressive at dawn and dusk.

Batu Caves, Malaysia
Hewn out of a limestone hill just north of Kuala Lumpur, these remarkable cave temples are really something different. They’re presided over by a towering golden statue of the war god Murugan (an avatar of Kartikeya) and entered via an equally towering set of steps. Inside, the immense caverns house a temple devoted to the monkey god Hanuman, and the Ramayana Cave has murals depicting the story of Rama. The best time to visit is during the festival of Thaipusam in late January or early February (heralded by the full moon), when local Tamils celebrate Murugan’s vanquishing of the demon Soorapadman.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Bali


Perched on a precipice above the breaking surf, Pura Luhur Uluwatu is visible for miles around. It was built in the 11^th century, along with eight other temples, to protect Bali from evil spirits. The coral walls of its interior are covered in animal carvings (with both real and mythical beasts), and the Hindu people who worship there show respect for the local wild animals by bringing them food. Visitors are often invited to feed the monkeys. At sunset, people gather to watch the traditional Kecak dance in the temple grounds.

Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar
     
 

Dominating Yangon, the golden stupa of Shwedagon Pagoda, set atop Singuttara Hill, is an awesome sight and is surrounded by porticos of gold and white, each with its own elegant spire. It incorporates 90 tons of gold in all, plus a spectacular diamond. Inside, it’s just as magnificent, with many small but elaborate shrines and smiling Buddha statues, and it houses sacred relics of the Buddhas. At 2,600 years old, it is thought to be the oldest surviving pagoda in the world.

Wat Arun, Thailand


The magnificent stepped pyramid of Wat Arun (also known as the Temple of Dawn) is covered in intricate carvings and surrounded by several galleries from which one can look down to the Chao Phraya river below. Brightly-colored porcelain tiles line its many roofs and prang (spires) and look dazzling in the sunlight. Its central Buddha, in the ordination hall, was created by King Rama II and guards his ashes. Below, six Chinese-style green granite pavilions welcome visitors who have crossed the water while, above, the seven-pronged Trident of Shiva pierces the sky.

Văn Miếu, Vietnam
     
 

Also known as the Temple of Literature, this Confucian shrine remains an island of peace in modern Hanoi, its five courtyards are the perfect place to rest or simply to gaze in wonder. Less elaborate than the other temples listed here, it is no less impressive thanks to its elegant design, with red brick roofs curving like wings and long, low walls perfectly complemented by the surrounding foliage. It was built in 1070 to replicate the birthplace of Confucius, the Qufu temple in Shandong, China, and over the centuries it has served as a university for the religious and social elite. The best time to visit is at Tết, Vietnamese New Year (in late January or early February), when it fills up with calligraphers writing wishes as beautiful works of art.

Miagao Church, Philippines



This elaborate Baroque church, now listed as a World Heritage Site, represents the collision of Christian architecture in one of its most dramatic forms with the very different but equally magnificent traditions of Filipino art. Also known as Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church and as the Fortress Church (since it was used to defend the town against Muslim raids), it was built in 1787 and has since survived full scale war, earthquakes and a massive fire. Inside is a gold-plated sanctuary that recalls the Buddhist and Hindu temples of the region.

Wat Rong Khun, Thailand


Looking like an elaborate snowflake, Wat Rong Khun is a modern structure very much in keeping with the spectacular tradition of temples in the region. It is almost entirely built of mirror glass and it sparkles a dazzling white, topped with intricate structures that give it an ethereal quality. It is entered via a bridge over a gleaming lake. Designed by the esteemed painter Chalermchai Kositpipat in 1997, it is dedicated to the Buddha but draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, with interior murals depicting Batman, Superman and scenes from the Predator movies.

Wherever you choose to go, there is no shortage of beautiful temples to discover in Southeast Asia, and visiting them will give you fresh insight into the dynasties and empires that have shaped this remarkable part of the world.

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