A Grand Passage Through Southeast Asia’s Islands and Cultures

Commonly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam is the country’s largest city and the financial and economical capital. This is a city full of surprises. Chaotic traffic blends with peaceful pagodas, parks, multi-style coffee shops and whole neighborhoods hidden down tiny alleyways. Icons of the past endure in the middle of the city’s vast urbanization. The ornate Saigon opera house, Hôtel de Ville - former French city hall, broad boulevards leading to the Saigon River and the gracious stucco villas are reminders of French-colonial times. In addition, the Chinese influence is also evident particularly in Cholon district (the city's Chinatown), while modern skyscrapers and international hotel chains that dot the skyline symbolize Vietnam's fixation on the future.

Da Nang is the commercial and educational center of central Vietnam and the largest city in the region. It is also the tourism hub on the west coast blessed with beautiful sunsets against a backdrop of lush mountains. This port city on the South China Sea has large areas of soft, ivory-white sand and clear blue waters making it an ideal place for a beach vacation and outdoor activities such as surfing, snorkeling, kayaking and jet-skiing. Da Nang is in easy reach of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Hoi An ancient town, Hue and the My Son Sanctuary.

One of the oldest cities in Asia, Hoi An town is in central Vietnam and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 thanks to its 800 historic buildings. Today, its iconic yellow ochre facades, a quaint riverfront promenade, pedestrian-friendly streets, and hundreds of colorful lanterns that light up the town every evening are a magnet for local and international visitors. Due to extremely well-preserved heritage architecture, Hoi An has an irresistible charm. The Japanese merchant houses, congregation halls of the former Chinese communities and even the warehouses hold the memory of where and when traders from various communities across Asia gathered. Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most favorite destinations with something for every one. A quaint town perfect for strolling, shopping, and dining; awesome beaches and a perfect mix of countryside and villages which can be explored by bicycle or motorbike.

Perched on the banks of the Red River, Hanoi is Vietnam's capital and one of the world's most ancient cities. Its beauty lies in its liveliness of bustling streets where workshops and cafes spill out onto the streets and roadsides. As the intersection point where east meets west, Hanoi is a fascinating mix of old and new, Asian and European. With Chinese and French influences, an ancient culture, colonial architecture, broad tree-lined boulevards and beautiful lakes, the iconic architectural appearance of the Old Quarter and the elegance of the French Quarter, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature, etc... gives Vietnam’s capital city a unique charm of the ancient and modern. Hanoi is also home to one of Asia’s strong indigenous culinary traditions, with bustling wet markets and a rowdy street-food culture, as well as some five star international dining options. It is also very affordable by urban Asian standards, with the majority of hotels and restaurants offering plenty of value.

Ninh Binh is a wonderful region in northern Vietnam in the Red River Delta. Breathtaking scenery, vivid green fields, flowing rivers beneath limestone mountains and caves, and a laid back atmosphere that contrasts with the bustle of Hanoi. Approximately 1.5 hours to 2 hours from Hanoi by road, Ninh Binh was once the ancient capital in the 10th to 11th centuries, and now a heaven for nature lovers. Spend time exploring the paddy fields, age old temples and pagodas on foot, cycling or taking a gentle boat ride through a network of waterways opening out on to lakes with limestone mountains towering above. While a day trip to Ninh Binh from Hanoi is easy, staying a few days means you will get more out of exploring this intriguing and charming area.

Halong Bay, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, is located 170km east of Hanoi. It is made up of three neighboring bays: Halong, Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long bays, although Halong Bay is undeniably the most famous and most well-known of the three. Widely considered a natural wonder of the world, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is breathtaking with thousands of majestic limestone, peaks and islets rising dramatically out of the sparkling emerald waters of the bay. The most common way to explore is by taking an overnight night cruise or day-trip which cruises among the limestone pillars and islets. Many also include an island drop off and cave explorations. Visiting floating villages in the area gives a chance to interact with the local community whose livelihoods depend on the waters. Another way to immerse oneself close up in the bay is by kayaking near and around the limestone pillars and some of the caves that are possible to enter by kayak.

Manila is the Philippines' bustling capital city located on the island of Luzon. It is the starting point for all visitors before jumping off to other areas of the country by air or by boat. As a melting pot of cultures with multiple Spanish and Chinese influences, Manila is full of things to see and do, making it a lively destination to explore. Take a step back into the rich history of the Philippines with a walking tour of Intramuros, the walled city of Manila, including visits to Fort Santiago, a citadel used as a defensive fortress built by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi, and the Baroque-style San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the country. Stop by Rizal Park, one of the most significant landmarks in the Philippines. The park is named after Dr. Jose Rizal, the country's national hero who was executed in the park grounds, resulting in the flames of the 1896 Philippine Revolution against the Spanish Empire. Home to the oldest Chinatown in the world, it is well worth spending a day immersing yourself in the Chinese culture and history of the Binondo District. This is a hub for authentic Chinese restaurants, trinkets, and the ultimate place to shop for bargains. Reowning a big contemporary art, there are many galleries, art spaces, design shops, and museums throughout Manila. Graffiti and murals can be seen almost everywhere you look, from building facades to walkways, underpasses, demolished walls, and pavements... This is the way people showcase their perspectives about the country’s culture, history, and even political issues.

El Nido covers an area of about 400 sq km at the northern tip of Palawan Island, featuring striking limestone cliffs, mesmerizing lagoons, and endless beaches in between azure waters. It is the launch pad for the daytime excursions to the surrounding limestone islands of the stunning Bacuit Bay archipelago, such as Simizu, Cadlao, Dilumacad, and Matinloc... Sea kayaking is an eco-friendly way of exploring each island. Snorkeling and scuba diving are the top activities on the bucket list of many travelers, thanks to the abundant marine life and coral reefs around most of the islands. On land, exploring the rainforest in search of waterfalls and exotic flora and fauna species will be rewarding travel experiences. Despite its remote location, El Nido hosts a decent choice of pleasant night spots for you to party or relax in after dark. Whether you spend the night in town or at one of the beaches nearby, you will always find a suitable spot to have a drink and socialize at night. Consider Pukka Bar in town or Republica Sunset Bar on Corong Corong Beach for your chilling time there.

Cebu is a tropical urban center located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, which offers a blend of natural beauty, historical richness, and vibrant urban life. As the oldest city in the country, it boasts a rich history dating back to the Spanish colonial period, evident in landmarks such as the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, the oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines, and the Fort San Pedro, a historic fortification offering a glimpse into Cebu's colonial past. The city is a gateway to more than 150 islands, including the famous Mactan Island known for its pristine beaches and world-class diving locations; the unspoiled Camotes Islands where you can visit caves, beaches, and natural pools; the Nalusuan Island, a marine sanctuary ideal for snorkeling; the Malapascua Island with its thresher shark sightings; and the Oslob village in the south that offers the unique experience of swimming with whale sharks. Designated as a Creative City by UNESCO in 2019, Cebu is also well known as a hub for craftsmanship, creativity, and gastronomy. The city is a host of a variety of colorful and lively festivals throughout the year; nevertheless, nothing beats the beauty and bustling crowd of the Sinulog Festival featuring colorful parades and traditional dance rituals. Considered as an attractive destination for both leisure and business travelers, Cebu offers a perfect balance of urban comforts and natural attractions, from bustling markets and shopping malls to nearby waterfalls and mountains. The local cuisine, highlighted by the Cebuano lechon (roasted pig), is a must-try.

Bohol, the roughly circular and mid-sized island in the Central Philippines, is a destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty, rich history, and captivating culture. It is home to one of the country's most iconic landmarks: the Chocolate Hills. This geological site is composed of more than a thousand perfectly cone-shaped hills that turn brown during the dry season, resembling a giant box of chocolates. Climb up to the viewing platform for panoramic views that will leave you in awe. The best vantage points are at the Chocolate Hills Complex or Sagbayan Peak, where you can truly appreciate the vastness of the unique landscape. Close to the hills, catch a glimpse of one of nature’s most adorable creatures, the tiny Philippine tarsier. Weighing only up to five ounces, tarsiers are nocturnal primates with huge eyes and a shy demeanor. Rarely seen in the wild, these smallest and cutest creatures can be spotted up close at the Tarsier Conservation Area. Lush greenery and serene waters await you in the Loboc River. Cruise along the calm and meandering river to experience Bohol’s natural beauty. Some cruises even offer cultural performances, giving you a glimpse into the island’s rich traditions. For underwater enthusiasts, Bohol offers incredible marine life with white-sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs beckoning on Panglao Island. This island is also the departure point for water adventures like dolphin and whale-watching tours and dive trips in Balicasag Island Marine Sanctuary. Go into the deep to swim among the sanctuary’s sea turtles, explore colorful coral gardens, and steep submarine cliffs.