THE ENCHANTING EAST
Explore the entrancing continent of Asia, from China, Malaysia and Thailand to India, Cambodia and Japan, and discover the ancient rituals and modern ways of life that make it such a thrilling destination for Western visitors
THE Far East has often been the domain of intrepid travellers, independent of mind and means, keen to explore uncharted territories away from the traditional tourist trails. From carefree backpackers to ambitious adventurers, Asia has traditionally been for the bold and curious. However, a growing number of carefully curated cruise itineraries are making it a more accessible region for those keen to discover the magic of the East in reassuring comfort, style and with excursions led by expert, English-speaking guides.
In 2016, the number of cruise liners visiting Chinese ports rose by 58 per cent from the previous year’s figures, reflecting increased demand from visitors keen to see the country on a seafaring holiday. And that is reflected across Asia, from Japan to Hong Kong, India to Indonesia, Malaysia to the Middle East and beyond.
It is of course, a continent more diverse than any other, offering a proliferation of ancient sights, beguiling cultures, cosmopolitan cities, dramatic landscapes and incredible experiences to suit all interests.
In China, travel back in time and immerse yourself in the fascinating Forbidden City, see the magnificent Great Wall and the spectacle of the Terracotta Army – thousands of figures dating back to the third century and made to be buried with the nation’s first emperor. VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY ASPIRING David Attenboroughs will relish the opportunity to get close to Komodo dragons in Indonesia, giant pandas in China, orang-utans in Borneo and elephants in India. Trek through rainforests, take in Japan’s famous cherry-blossom season and the Boiling Hell hot springs, snorkel in Malaysian Borneo’s Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and hike up Mount Kinabalu. Head to the serene waters of Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, where a handful of families still make their living from the traditional floating fish farms.
Take in the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and the breathtaking sight of the temples on Burma’s Bagan Plain. In Bangkok, Wat Phra Kaew (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha) makes for a fascinating visit, with the much-photographed golden Phra Sri Rattana being a must-see.
Kyoto’s manicured gardens, ancient temples and palaces are in stark contrast to the high-octane metropolitan streets of Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai, where shopping and people watching are an exciting education.
Embark on an epicurean adventure, and discover the culinary heritage of Vietnam, take a cooking class in Bangkok and sample sushi, sashimi and
sake in Japan. Visit the Chinese city of Chengdu, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, to enjoy some classic Sichuan dishes. Enjoy humble street food and world-class cuisine, tempting your taste buds across the region, as you taste traditional dishes and discover how Asian-fusion fare has combined flavours and cooking styles to create new culinary experiences. Indeed, many cruise lines also offer on-board cookery classes and demonstrations, themed cruises, guest chefs and wine experts and dining inspired by the ports of call on your itinerary.
There is no doubt that travelling in Asia is one of life’s enriching experiences, one which is only enhanced by the ease of making the journey on a cruise, being transported from one destination to the next in seamless style.