Asia Cruise: Yokohama (Tokyo) To Singapore

Fishing, golf and, of course, elephant kraals.

Established in 1767 as the capital of Thailand the city maintains a timeless charm. An extensive system of canals has earned it the nickname “Venice of the Far East,” and visitors should make a point of experiencing its floating marketplace. Bangkok is of course also world-renowned for its wealth of ancient temples and beautiful gardens–and did we mention, shopper’s paradise. An hour from Laem Chabang is Pattaya, Thailand’s most popular vacation spot. That’s where the elephant kraals come in.

Hiroshima, (hîr´e-shê´me) city (1990 pop. 1,085,677), capital of Hiroshima prefecture, SW Honshu, Japan. Founded c.1594, the city is divided by the Ota R. into six islands. A commercial and industrial center, it manufactures ships, motor vehicles, steel, rubber, and furniture. Hiroshima was the target (Aug. 6, 1945) of the first atomic bomb ever dropped on a city: casualties numbered nearly 130,000 and 90% of the city was leveled. Most of Hiroshima has been rebuilt, but a
gutted area, the “Peace City,” has been set aside as a memorial.

As they say on TV, we’re back! Two decades after the last Americans left what was then South Vietnam, the country is luring back Americans as well as many other nationalities with its colorful, diverse blend of Vietnamese, French and American cultures. Divided into 18 districts, this dynamic city has experienced a dramatic reawakening after so many
years of isolation.

Your ship will dock in the well known resort area of Vung Tau. To reach Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), the capital, requires a day long shore excursion. For those with an appreciation of foreign culture as well as American history, it is highly recommended.

No wonder they built a city here! The harbor. The cliffs. The duty-free shops (well, those came later). Referred to as the beautiful city in the World by many, Hong Kong has a lure all its own. Once you visit, you will want to return.

There is nothing like Hong Kong and the bustle of commerce, of enterprise, of fortunes being made. And there’s nothing like her duty-free shops and colorful markets to explore both on land and afloat in Victoria Harbour.

An intriguing blend of old China and the modern world, this venerable British Crown colony reverted to Chinese sovereignty on June 30, 1997. Lying at the southern area of Mainland China and the China Sea, it serves as a major sea port and access point to southern China. It is has ferry and plane service to Maccau and the many outlying islands,
many that offer excellent vacation opportunities.

The city of Osaka lies in the delta of the Yodo River, which branches out into a network of waterways and canals spanned by more than a thousand bridges, earning Osaka the nickname, “Venice of the East.”

Osaka’s origins date back to the mythological early days of the Japanese empire. Following his legendary odyssey through the inland sea, Emperor Jimmu is said to have landed at the mouth of the Yodo, naming this area Naniwa, which means “rapid waves.”

Osaka is the gateway to all day tours to the cities of Kyoto and Nara.

Shanghai is China’s most cosmopolitan city (this due to the influence of the port, which brings a steady stream of international visitors). Many of the buildings are European in design, as is the layout of the wide boulevard known as the Bund. In the mornings, you will see the locals performing their tai-chi movements here. Be sure also to visit the Number One Department Store, your best bet for bargains in this region.

Behind the Bund you will find another Shanghai, this one filled with low houses, winding alleys and mysterious looking courtyards. It’s worth exploring if you have the time.