Singapore to Singapore

Singapore blends the contemporary splendor of a sparkling modern city with influences from throughout the Orient. Its history is one of riches and romance, spice trading and piracy, colonialism and growth. This island state has grown from a small fishing village to one of Asia’s greatest success stories. Temples, mosques and churches stand as serene reminders of the varied collection of migrations that have graced its history. Discover the mansions and polo greens of colonial Singapore, the mystique of Chinatown and the heady aroma of spices and curry along Arab Street. You will quickly come to understand why Singapore is acclaimed as the “Crossroads of the East.”

This emerald isle off Thailand’s southeast coast, ringed by lovely beaches and gorgeous bays, enjoys both the fun-loving nature of the Thai people, and the peaceful serenity of Buddhism. Visit the beautiful waterfalls at Hin Lut and Na Muang, marvel at the enormous Buddha statue on Fan Isle, or just listen to the breeze whisper in the leaves of a coconut plantation.

Afascinating city devoted to tradition and driven toward modernity, Bangkok has long been a traveler’s paradise with its heavenly weather, welcoming hospitality and mouth-watering cuisine – the vibrant city is world-renowned for its street food and impressive roster of Michelin-starred restaurants. Home to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the ornate Grand Palace and the soaring Wat Arun temple, it’s also an hour away from Ayutthaya, the 14th-century ruins of the Kingdom of Siam.

Afascinating city devoted to tradition and driven toward modernity, Bangkok has long been a traveler’s paradise with its heavenly weather, welcoming hospitality and mouth-watering cuisine – the vibrant city is world-renowned for its street food and impressive roster of Michelin-starred restaurants. Home to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the ornate Grand Palace and the soaring Wat Arun temple, it’s also an hour away from Ayutthaya, the 14th-century ruins of the Kingdom of Siam.

Tropical breezes, beautiful beaches and nearby islands feature fantastic diving, snorkeling and game fishing along the shores of Sihanoukville. And inland stands the wonder of 800-year-old Angkor Wat, offering an intriguing glimpse into the spectacular achievements of Southeast Asia’s greatest civilization, a major influence on Cambodia’s modern culture.

Ho Chi Minh City, known universally and affectionately by residents as Saigon, offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s eventful past and its hopeful future. The city has a prosperous air of thriving activity, as rice boats float down the waterways and streets bustle with flavorful markets. Explore the sacred temples, French colonial buildings and vestiges of pivotal events.

Ho Chi Minh City, known universally and affectionately by residents as Saigon, offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s eventful past and its hopeful future. The city has a prosperous air of thriving activity, as rice boats float down the waterways and streets bustle with flavorful markets. Explore the sacred temples, French colonial buildings and vestiges of pivotal events.

With this maiden call for Crystal Cruises, you will dock closer to Hue, allowing you to see this important imperial city at a more relaxed pace. Indeed, Hue (pronounced “hway”) merits a full-day excursion. Having served as the Vietnamese capital from 1802 to 1945, the city was home to thirteen emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. Its three walled enclosures, built concentrically around one another, are collectively called the Citadel-an appropriate name, given that the emperor and his family lived within the Forbidden Purple City, located at the Citadel’s center. The term “Forbidden” is appropriate too, as the Royal Palace resembles Beijing’s Forbidden City. Fascinating as it is, Hue is not the only sight to be explored during your call in Chan May. You will also have a chance to visit the historic commercial seaport of Hoi An, see the city of Da Nang, or head to China Beach, the stretch of sand that offered some R & R to U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War.

“In Singapore, at Saigon, one exists; at Hanoi, one lives.”-Joleaud-Barral, French geographer. One of the great natural wonders of Asia, the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay, or the “Bay of the Descending Dragon,” is outstanding. Speckled with over 3,000 karst mountains bursting from the calm water, is Ha Long Bay. Local myths hold that when the forefathers of the land were fighting foreign invaders from the north, the gods from heaven sent a family of dragons to help defend their land. The dragons descended upon what is now Ha Long Bay and began spitting out jewels and jade, which turned into islands and islets upon hitting the sea. The islands functioned as natural barriers against the invaders and the local people survived and vowed eternal honor to the dragon’s mercy. Not only is Ha Long Bay’s landscape spectacular, but Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi, is easily within reach. Hanoi lies in sometimes stark contrast with its southern sister city. While in Saigon, one sees Vietnam’s future; in Hanoi, one sees its past. In a city with a population of 2.6 million people and approximately 2 million motorbikes, the downtown intersections represent a free-for-all between pedestrians and cyclists. Surprisingly, Hanoians aren’t rushed and scrambling as are the Saigonese. Instead, they stroll and linger, converse and reflect. Old-fashioned in style, Hanoi is a city of lakes and parks, tree-lined, bicycle-filled boulevards, elegant colonial mansions and villas, all of which testify of its French legacy. Venturing into the city is a must and will provide you with a microcosm of Vietnamese culture and a truly memorable experience.

“In Singapore, at Saigon, one exists; at Hanoi, one lives.”-Joleaud-Barral, French geographer. One of the great natural wonders of Asia, the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay, or the “Bay of the Descending Dragon,” is outstanding. Speckled with over 3,000 karst mountains bursting from the calm water, is Ha Long Bay. Local myths hold that when the forefathers of the land were fighting foreign invaders from the north, the gods from heaven sent a family of dragons to help defend their land. The dragons descended upon what is now Ha Long Bay and began spitting out jewels and jade, which turned into islands and islets upon hitting the sea. The islands functioned as natural barriers against the invaders and the local people survived and vowed eternal honor to the dragon’s mercy. Not only is Ha Long Bay’s landscape spectacular, but Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi, is easily within reach. Hanoi lies in sometimes stark contrast with its southern sister city. While in Saigon, one sees Vietnam’s future; in Hanoi, one sees its past. In a city with a population of 2.6 million people and approximately 2 million motorbikes, the downtown intersections represent a free-for-all between pedestrians and cyclists. Surprisingly, Hanoians aren’t rushed and scrambling as are the Saigonese. Instead, they stroll and linger, converse and reflect. Old-fashioned in style, Hanoi is a city of lakes and parks, tree-lined, bicycle-filled boulevards, elegant colonial mansions and villas, all of which testify of its French legacy. Venturing into the city is a must and will provide you with a microcosm of Vietnamese culture and a truly memorable experience.

Although Hong Kong has returned to its original Chinese roots, it still remains a cosmopolitan city with influences, languages and accents from around the world. Here East meets West and the result is electric. Soaring skyscrapers rise from the hills and harbor, blending geography and nature with commercial concrete, steel and pulsating neon in a way that brings traditional Chinese culture and Western-style commerce into perfect harmony.

Although Hong Kong has returned to its original Chinese roots, it still remains a cosmopolitan city with influences, languages and accents from around the world. Here East meets West and the result is electric. Soaring skyscrapers rise from the hills and harbor, blending geography and nature with commercial concrete, steel and pulsating neon in a way that brings traditional Chinese culture and Western-style commerce into perfect harmony.

Part of the Okinawa (or “Churashima” meaning beatuiful islands) prefecture, this tropical haven is home to some of Japan’s most breathtaking beaches, ideal starting points for snorkeling along the coral reefs. And while aquatic adventures of most any kind are a centerpiece of Miyako-jima’s charm, exploration along the cape, into the wetlands and botanical gardens, and to the vast sugarcane fields is also an enlightening experience.

The seas surrounding these islands, located about 20 miles from Okinawa, are a window to the wonders below, astoundingly transparent and reflecting nearly neon hues in the sunlight. Beneath these waters is a snorkeler’s playground, with sea turtles swimming along the coral reefs among the hundreds of endemic species here. Watch for migrating humpback whales who also favor the warm waters among the islands for their annual breeding grounds.

Mount Sakurajima casts an imposing image on arrival to Kagoshima, but don’t be deterred by the active volcano across the bay. Kagoshima has been voted Japan’s friendliest city, with a climate to match the warmth of its residents – and the heat of Mount Sakurajima. This tropical environment fosters a rich agriculture and aquaculture that produces distinct cuisine and famously high-quality ingredients. The nearby Chiran Samurai Residences and Gardens offer a glimpse into the legendary warriors of 250 years ago.

Views of the sea, high-rises, parks and temples…. Kochi has it all, along with its own famous dish, katsuo tataki, a culinary delight of flavorfully seasoned, seared tuna. Meander through the Makino Botanical Garden, explore the Museum of Art, stroll along the beach, barter at the Obiyamachi shopping arcade, visit the aquarium, or simply gaze at the city’s most celebrated sight, Kochi Castle, which remains largely intact atop Otakasaka Hill, and at the top of most travelers’ must-see lists.

This cosmopolitan gem boasts a proud maritime history and is a gateway to some of Japan’s other legendary locales. Venture to the spiritual heart of Kyoto, home to the famed Golden Pavilion and many cultural intricacies, from the secret lives of the geisha to today’s innovative cuisine. Explore Nara’s Daibutsu (Great Buddha) and wander a park of temples on this journey through Japan’s sacred past and chic present.

Arrive into the heart of Japan, Tokyo, by way of Yokohama. From the timeless beauty of the Meiji Shrine to the glittering Ginza District and impressive Tokyo Tower, Tokyo is a complex blend of East and West where houses of wood and paper stand beside soaring steel skyscrapers while kimono-clad women stroll along trendy teenagers. Here in this city of more than 11 million people, the timeless Imperial Palace bears testament to Japan’s enduring traditions, existing in a verdant parkland of isolation.

Arrive into the heart of Japan, Tokyo, by way of Yokohama. From the timeless beauty of the Meiji Shrine to the glittering Ginza District and impressive Tokyo Tower, Tokyo is a complex blend of East and West where houses of wood and paper stand beside soaring steel skyscrapers while kimono-clad women stroll along trendy teenagers. Here in this city of more than 11 million people, the timeless Imperial Palace bears testament to Japan’s enduring traditions, existing in a verdant parkland of isolation.

As Japan’s only access to the West, Nagasaki flourished during a period of national isolation in the 16th century and continues to be influenced by the ideas and technology of other cultures. Must-see attractions include Japan’s oldest gothic-style wooden church, the inspirational Peace Park, and the stately Glover Mansion, an impressive hideaway which was the legendary setting of Puccini’s opera, Madame Butterfly.

Jeju province encompasses the South Korean island of Jeju in the Korea Strait. It’s known for its beach resorts and volcanic landscape of craters and cavelike lava tubes. Hallasan Mountain, a dormant volcano, features hiking trails, a crater lake at the 1,950m summit and nearby Gwaneumsa Temple. The Geomunoreum Lava Tube System includes 7km-long Manjanggul Cave, created centuries ago when Hallasan was still active

Located where the Yangtze River meets the Pacific, Shanghai’s enviable position is the source of its existence, shaping it into what it is today – a modern metropolis of dizzying scale and ancient influence. Once a tiny fishing village, Shanghai is now the center of China’s economic resurgence with a spacious waterfront promenade and flotilla of sampans edging the Huangpu River.

Located where the Yangtze River meets the Pacific, Shanghai’s enviable position is the source of its existence, shaping it into what it is today – a modern metropolis of dizzying scale and ancient influence. Once a tiny fishing village, Shanghai is now the center of China’s economic resurgence with a spacious waterfront promenade and flotilla of sampans edging the Huangpu River.

Ishigaki is a city on Japan’s Ishigaki Island and a jumping-off point for beaches and coral reefs. Near the port, the Misakichō district is home to the covered Euglena Mall. The Yaeyama Museum chronicles the history of Ishigaki and the other Yaeyama Islands. Connecting to a small island park, the Southern Gate Bridge offers views over the coastline. East of the city is Maezato Beach, a popular water sports hub.

Set amid the forest-green splendor of Luzon Island is bustling Manila, the second largest city in Southeast Asia, with its towering skyscrapers and remarkable joie de vivre. Yet amid the big-city excitement are oases of calm: lush tropical parks, magnificent cathedrals and dramatic Spanish forts. North of the city, mountains beckon with their spectacular rice terraces, while across Manila Bay stands Mount Mariveles, a dormant volcano studded with scenic hiking trails.

Lush and green, surrounded by impossibly blue waters ranging from turquoise to a deep azure, this tiny island is big on water play. From moment to moment, Boracay gives you an array of options: swim in the coral protected lagoon, try windsurfing or kiteboarding, snorkel the quiet cove of Baling Hai Beach or go shopping the bustling White Beach.

Enter the subterranean world of Puerto Princesa’s Underground River – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders located in the Philippines – surrounded by ethereal rock formations and lush forest where monkeys and monitors casually greet guests. The Palawan capital is also a bustling gateway to El Nido and the breathtaking Bacuit Archipelago, surrounded by limestone cliffs and soaked in sunshine.

Kota Kinabalu is a sprawling and busy city situated between the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and Mount Kinabalu, an ideal place for snorkeling, hiking and simply watching the ebb and flow of nature. For people watching, there is the waterfront, where a variety of restaurants, pubs and cafes vie for the traveler’s time and interest. The Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market, formerly known as the Filipino Market, and Gaya Street Market hawk everything from ethnic souvenirs to traditional foods.

Singapore blends the contemporary splendor of a sparkling modern city with influences from throughout the Orient. Its history is one of riches and romance, spice trading and piracy, colonialism and growth. This island state has grown from a small fishing village to one of Asia’s greatest success stories. Temples, mosques and churches stand as serene reminders of the varied collection of migrations that have graced its history. Discover the mansions and polo greens of colonial Singapore, the mystique of Chinatown and the heady aroma of spices and curry along Arab Street. You will quickly come to understand why Singapore is acclaimed as the “Crossroads of the East.”

Singapore blends the contemporary splendor of a sparkling modern city with influences from throughout the Orient. Its history is one of riches and romance, spice trading and piracy, colonialism and growth. This island state has grown from a small fishing village to one of Asia’s greatest success stories. Temples, mosques and churches stand as serene reminders of the varied collection of migrations that have graced its history. Discover the mansions and polo greens of colonial Singapore, the mystique of Chinatown and the heady aroma of spices and curry along Arab Street. You will quickly come to understand why Singapore is acclaimed as the “Crossroads of the East.”