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Days 1-2
UK - Bangkok (Thailand)
Fly from the UK and embark Viking Orion in Bangkok.
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Day 3
Sihanoukville (Cambodia)
Sihanoukville is perched on the end of a scenic elevated peninsula. Its almost uninterrupted stretch of sandy shores and turquoise waters lend it one of the nation’s most picturesque settings. This sleepy city was developed after the French departed, so its streets are lined with less fanciful examples of New Khmer architecture and travelled by modern-day tuk-tuks, carriages pulled by motorcycle. The city’s many beaches and offshore islands draw locals and visitors alike, making this one of Cambodia’s prime seaside resorts.
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Day 4
Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville has an abundance of beautiful beaches and a lively culture along its shores, drawing backpackers, young adventurers and other beach lovers to its long stretches of sand. One of its most famous beaches, the tree-shaded Independence Beach, was visited by Jacqueline Kennedy in 1967 during her tour of Cambodia. The clean, white sands of Otres Beach, lined with casuarina trees and coconut palms, are also a firm favourite. At Serendipity Beach, locals and visitors take in the seaside vistas from one of the many beachside outdoor cafés.
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Day 5
At Sea
The Gulf of Thailand, the massive sea basin bordered by Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia, is still known as the Gulf of Siam to the Malay and Khmer people. Long stretches of sandy beach, low-lying emerald hills and soaring mountains surround this oval-shaped gulf. The lush hills of Botum Sakor National Park unfold north of Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Along Thailand’s shores, several beach-ringed islands point the way to Laem Chabang port.
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Day 6
Ho Chi Minh City
Founded as a small fishing village, Ho Chi Minh City is now Vietnam’s largest city. Though it is still commonly called Saigon, locals are as likely to simplify the name of their hometown to HCMC. No matter what you call it, it is a seamless blend of history and modern youthful energy, where pagodas and French colonial grandeur mingle with bustling old-world marketplaces and modern skyscrapers, all against a constant buzz of motor scooters and trill of bicycle bells. From enduring, narrow alleyways to wide, Parisian-style boulevards, Ho Chi Minh City has an identity all its own.
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Day 7
Ho Chi Minh City
Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a heady mix of French and Vietnamese cultures, where baguettes and croissants are sold alongside pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) and motor scooters buzz past colonial-era architecture. The city’s wide boulevards are reminiscent of Paris, lined with jewels such as the Opera House, fashioned after the Petit Palais, and the grand Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel. Aromatic food stalls and colourful shops purvey local specialties and all manner of Vietnamese wares, from conical hats to ao dai, the traditional silk tunic worn by women.
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Day 8
Ho Chi Minh City
Despite Ho Chi Minh City’s densely packed urban districts, there are several green spaces that can be enjoyed. In Tao Dan Park, locals can be spotted engaging in their daily morning exercise with a round of badminton, tai chi or the outdoor gym equipment. Afternoons welcome a number of classes, from aerobics to dance, attracting good-sized crowds. In addition to the wide open spaces, there are a variety of walking trails shaded by towering trees as well as water features and ponds to be admired.
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Day 9
At Sea
Sail one of the world's most important waterways; one third of all commercial shipping passes through these waters. As you sail today, savour a range of international cuisine on board. Choose from a variety of international flavours at the World Café, enjoy al fresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace, or regional specialties in The Restaurant.
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Day 10
Hue
Chan May serves as a gateway to the fascinating and historic city of Hue, scenically set along the Perfume River. From 1802 to 1945, this was the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors. Numerous historic monuments from that period remain, including the massive walled Imperial City, built in the 19th century, that once housed the country’s most extravagant temples and royal residences and was hailed as the centre of politics, religion and culture. Among the Imperial City’s treasures are palaces, shrines and the Forbidden Purple City.
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Day 11
Ha Long Bay
More than 1,600 islands of towering limestone dot the seascape of Ha Long Bay. Among them, Vietnam emerges at its most authentic. Fishermen cast their nets into the bay, villages hug the shores and children play in the waters as traditional junks drift by. As local lore has it, dragons created this magnificent place when the gods sent them to the coast to protect locals from marauders. The protective beasts breathed countless jewels into the bay, sinking the approaching ships—and creating a spellbinding canvas of mystical-looking monoliths.
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Day 12
Ha Long Bay
Evidence of a human presence in Ha Long Bay dates back to prehistoric times, with the discovery of stone tools attributed to the Hoabinhian culture that flourished in the region 10,000 years ago. As late as the 19th century, the bay was used as a base by Chinese and Vietnamese pirates. During the 20th century, the bay remained sparsely populated; today, a community of approximately 1,600 people live on Hạ Long Bay spread across four fishing villages, living in distinctive floating houses with fishing and marine aquaculture being the primary occupations.
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Day 13
At Sea
Sail the South China Sea; after the five oceans of the world, it is the world’s largest body of water covering more than one million square miles. Renew your body, mind and spirit in our Scandinavian-inspired spa, a Nordic sanctuary of holistic wellness, today while at sea. Whether you unwind in the Sauna, refresh in the Snow Grotto or take a dip in the Thermal Pool, you will feel recharged and revitalized.
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Day 14
Hong Kong
A British Overseas Territory until 1997, Hong Kong is home to long-cherished Eastern traditions amid modern Western sensibilities. This forest of glittering skyscrapers stands between soaring mountains and bustling Victoria Harbour. The entire sweeping vista is best taken in from atop Victoria Peak, lush with landscaped gardens and footpaths. Back down at sea level, Aberdeen provides a fascinating glimpse of China old and new as a skyward-reaching cluster of residential towers watches over a bustling bay where floating villages bob in the waters beside stylish pleasure boats.
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Day 15
Hong Kong - UK
Victoria Harbour keeps the heart of Hong Kong beating and it does so with grace and beauty. The natural harbour divides Hong Kong Island from Kowloon. Today, much of the harbour's beauty lies in its location amid a dense urban area. Junks, tugs, sampans, yachts and the distinctive Star Ferry commuter boats share these teeming waters surrounded by a stunning setting. The city is famed for its nightly light show that plays off the skyline, providing an impressive view of Hong Kong’s forest of skyscrapers and Victoria Peak. After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home.
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Day 16
UK
Arrive UK.
