Itinerary
The main island of Singapore is shaped like a flattened diamond, 42 km (26 miles) east to west and 23 km (14 miles) north to south. Near the northern peak is the causeway leading to West Malaysia—Kuala Lumpur is less than four hours away by car. It is at the southern foot where you will find most of the city-state’s action, with its gleaming office towers, working docks, and futuristic “supertrees,” which are solar-powered and serve as vertical gardens. Offshore are Sentosa and over 60 smaller islands, most uninhabited, that serve as bases for oil refining or as playgrounds and beach escapes from the city. To the east is Changi International Airport, connected to the city by metro, bus, and a tree-lined parkway. Of the island’s total land area, more than half is built up, with the balance made up of parkland, farmland, plantations, swamp areas, and rain forest. Well-paved roads connect all parts of the island, and Singapore city has an excellent, and constantly expanding, public transportation system. The heart of Singapore’s history and its modern wealth are in and around the Central Business District. The area includes the skyscrapers in the Central Business District, the 19th-century Raffles Hotel, the convention centers of Marina Square, on up to the top of Ft. Canning. Although most of old Singapore has been knocked down to make way for the modern city, most colonial landmarks have been preserved in the CBD, including early-19th-century buildings designed by the Irish architect George Coleman.
Day itinerary:
Advanced, airy and elevated, Singapore is a spectacular, futuristic vision of utopian city life. A healthy population of almost six million call it home, but this is a city designed with space to breathe, and gorgeous outdoor parks, massive indoor greenhouses and beautiful recreational spaces spread between the City of Gardens’ skyscrapers and soaring structures. Once a quiet fishing village, now a glistening island city-state and an international beacon of science, education and technology. Singapore is almost intimidatingly clean – and the hyper-efficient public transport system whips residents and visitors across the city’s neighbourhoods in a heartbeat. Glorious fountains and audacious skyscrapers loom up – nodding to traditional feng shui beliefs – and putting on dazzling illuminated displays after dark. The lush green botanical gardens are a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, covering 52 hectares and decorated with impressive colourful orchids. Or breathe in more of the freshest air by heading up to wander the canopy strung bridges of MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Head for the iconic Marina Bay – a landmark of the city crowned by three interconnected towers, which watch out over island sprinkled waters. Jaunt between Little India and the atmospheric Chinatown in minutes, where beautiful temples – like the Chinese Thian Hock Keng Temple and Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple add rich cultural intrigue. Singapore’s cuisine is a mouthwatering fusion of its Indian, Chinese, Indonesian, and Malay influences, taking and enhancing the best of each. Enjoy dishes in towering restaurants, or toast the glowing skyline with the city’s eponymous gin-soaked cocktail – a Singapore Sling.
Koh Samui is the most popular tourist destination on the Western Gulf coast, which isn’t surprising, considering the island’s gorgeous beaches, perfect weather, and sparkling blue, almost turquoise, water. Koh Samui has seen rapid development since the 1990s, and you’ll encounter hotels in all price ranges.Koh Samui is half the size of Phuket, so you could easily drive around it in a day. But Koh Samui is best appreciated by those who take a slower, more casual approach. Most people come for the sun and sea, so they head straight to their hotel and rarely venture beyond its beach. But it’s worth exploring beyond your lodging. Every beach has its own character, and you might find the perfect one for you. One beach many visitors find to their liking is Chawaeng. On Koh Samui’s east coast, this stretch of glistening white sand is divided into two main sections—Chawaeng Yai (yai means “big”) and Chawaeng Noi (noi means “little”). You’ll find the greatest variety of hotels, restaurants, and bars here. Despite the crowds, Chawaeng is no Pattaya or Patong—the mood is very laid-back. A rocky headland separates Chawaeng Lamai Beach, whose clear water and long stretch of sand were the first place on the island to attract developers. More budget accommodations are available here than in Chawaeng, and there are some happening nightclubs.On the west coast of Koh Samui, Na Thon is the island’s primary port and the spot where ferries arrive from the mainland. It’s home to the island’s governmental offices, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and there are banks, foreign-exchange booths, travel agents, shops, restaurants, and cafés by the ferry pier. A few places rent rooms, but there’s really no reason to stay here—nicer accommodations can be found a short songthaew ride away.To the north and east of Na Thon lie a few beaches worthy of exploration. Laem Yai, 5 km (3 miles) north, has great seafood. East of here, a small headland separates two low-key communities on the northern shore, Mae Nam and Bophut Beach. Mae Nam is also the departure point for boats bound for Koh Phangan and Koh Tao . Just south of the Samui’s northeastern tip you’ll find sandy Choengmon Beach, a good area for swimming that’s not overdeveloped.
Day itinerary:
Thailand’s second-largest island invites you to sink into indulgent wellness spas and lounge on pristine beaches Or head out on enriching explorations among golden pagodas elephant sanctuaries and rushing waterfalls. With its silky-smooth sands and irresistible sapphire-coloured seas Chaweng Beach is one of the island’s most popular offering shallow turquoise water perfect for swimming. Head to an opulent resort to soak up this dream setting in style. Lamai is another white sand option where you can lie back and listen to the sounds of the waves gently folding onto the shore. Or indulge in a Thai massage before settling into waterfront bars and restaurants. Reefs nearby offer exciting snorkelling adventures spotting colourful fish life swirling below the waves. A ramp of 73 steps leads up to The Big Buddha statue sitting in a contemplative peaceful pose. Buddhist worshipers come here to give their offerings of fruit and flowers. Familiarise yourself with the locals’ religion and customs before catching the dazzling pinks and fuchsias colours of sunset – watching on as the last of the sun’s rays fall over the beautiful sea and beaches. With its many palm trees rustling in the gentle breeze it’s no surprise that Koh Samui is said to have the best coconuts in Thailand – so this is a perfect place to try the exotic refreshment of sweet coconut water or a cocktail. Seafood is also particularly revered here try tom yum a spicy soup of shrimps lemongrass and a hearty squeeze of lime juice.
Romantically referred to by the French as the Pearl of the Orient, Ho Chi Minh City today is a super-charged city of sensory overload. Motorbikes zoom day and night along the wide boulevards, through the narrow back alleys and past vendors pushing handcarts hawking goods of all descriptions. Still called Saigon by most residents, this is Vietnam’s largest city and the engine driving the country’s current economic resurgence, but despite its frenetic pace, it’s a friendlier place than Hanoi and locals will tell you the food—simple, tasty, and incorporating many fresh herbs—is infinitely better than in the capital.This is a city full of surprises. The madness of the city’s traffic—witness the oddball things that are transported on the back of motorcycles—is countered by tranquil pagodas, peaceful parks, quirky coffee shops, and whole neighborhoods hidden down tiny alleyways, although some of these quiet spots can be difficult to track down. Life in Ho Chi Minh City is lived in public: on the back of motorcycles, on the sidewalks, and in the parks. Even when its residents are at home, they’re still on display. With many living rooms opening onto the street, grandmothers napping, babies being rocked, and food being prepared, are all in full view of passersby.Icons of the past endure in the midst of the city’s headlong rush into capitalism. The Hotel Continental, immortalized in Graham Greene’s The Quiet American, continues to stand on the corner of old Indochina’s most famous thoroughfare, the rue Catinat, known to American G.I.s during the Vietnam War as Tu Do (Freedom) Street and renamed Dong Khoi (Uprising) Street by the Communists. The city still has its ornate opera house and its old French city hall, the Hôtel de Ville. The broad colonial boulevards leading to the Saigon River and the gracious stucco villas are other remnants of the French colonial presence. Grisly reminders of the more recent past can be seen at the city’s war-related museums. Residents, however, prefer to look forward rather than back and are often perplexed by tourists’ fascination with a war that ended 40 years ago.The Chinese influence on the country is still very much in evidence in the Cholon district, the city’s Chinatown, but the modern office towers and international hotels that mark the skyline symbolize Vietnam’s fixation on the future.
Day itinerary:
A chaotic enchanting swirl of sensory stimulation – Ho Chi Minh City is a place of incense-infused temples colonial architecture warm people and delicious street food. Formerly known as Saigon the city was affectionately-labelled the Pearl of the Orient by the French. Afternoons here drift by lazily on the gentle chaos of the River Saigon as taxi boats and motor canoes flit up and down and parks fill out with locals playing jianzi kicking shuttlecocks back and forth. Just across the road you’ll also find the celebrated Ho Chi Minh Post office which was erroneously credited as a Gustav Eifel creation. In reality the architect was another Frenchman Alfred Foulhoux. Taste the street food to get under Ho Chi Minh City’s skin with humble restaurants serving up rich flavours – from the Vietnamese take on the baguette a banh mi sandwich – to the local staple of pho a delicious noodle soup. The Tortoise pagoda is a tranquil escape and a serene place of worship for Vietnamese who practice Buddhism and Taoism while the Vietnamese medical museum has a fascinating collection of remedies and potions – some dating back to Stone Age. Journey out to learn more of the Vietnam War at the Remnants Museum and Cu Chi tunnels. Offering a vivid glimpse of conditions and the ingenuity and resilience of the soldiers you’ll learn of the guerrilla war campaign raged from within this claustrophobic 70-mile network of war tunnels.
Romantically referred to by the French as the Pearl of the Orient, Ho Chi Minh City today is a super-charged city of sensory overload. Motorbikes zoom day and night along the wide boulevards, through the narrow back alleys and past vendors pushing handcarts hawking goods of all descriptions. Still called Saigon by most residents, this is Vietnam’s largest city and the engine driving the country’s current economic resurgence, but despite its frenetic pace, it’s a friendlier place than Hanoi and locals will tell you the food—simple, tasty, and incorporating many fresh herbs—is infinitely better than in the capital.This is a city full of surprises. The madness of the city’s traffic—witness the oddball things that are transported on the back of motorcycles—is countered by tranquil pagodas, peaceful parks, quirky coffee shops, and whole neighborhoods hidden down tiny alleyways, although some of these quiet spots can be difficult to track down. Life in Ho Chi Minh City is lived in public: on the back of motorcycles, on the sidewalks, and in the parks. Even when its residents are at home, they’re still on display. With many living rooms opening onto the street, grandmothers napping, babies being rocked, and food being prepared, are all in full view of passersby.Icons of the past endure in the midst of the city’s headlong rush into capitalism. The Hotel Continental, immortalized in Graham Greene’s The Quiet American, continues to stand on the corner of old Indochina’s most famous thoroughfare, the rue Catinat, known to American G.I.s during the Vietnam War as Tu Do (Freedom) Street and renamed Dong Khoi (Uprising) Street by the Communists. The city still has its ornate opera house and its old French city hall, the Hôtel de Ville. The broad colonial boulevards leading to the Saigon River and the gracious stucco villas are other remnants of the French colonial presence. Grisly reminders of the more recent past can be seen at the city’s war-related museums. Residents, however, prefer to look forward rather than back and are often perplexed by tourists’ fascination with a war that ended 40 years ago.The Chinese influence on the country is still very much in evidence in the Cholon district, the city’s Chinatown, but the modern office towers and international hotels that mark the skyline symbolize Vietnam’s fixation on the future.
Day itinerary:
A chaotic enchanting swirl of sensory stimulation – Ho Chi Minh City is a place of incense-infused temples colonial architecture warm people and delicious street food. Formerly known as Saigon the city was affectionately-labelled the Pearl of the Orient by the French. Afternoons here drift by lazily on the gentle chaos of the River Saigon as taxi boats and motor canoes flit up and down and parks fill out with locals playing jianzi kicking shuttlecocks back and forth. Just across the road you’ll also find the celebrated Ho Chi Minh Post office which was erroneously credited as a Gustav Eifel creation. In reality the architect was another Frenchman Alfred Foulhoux. Taste the street food to get under Ho Chi Minh City’s skin with humble restaurants serving up rich flavours – from the Vietnamese take on the baguette a banh mi sandwich – to the local staple of pho a delicious noodle soup. The Tortoise pagoda is a tranquil escape and a serene place of worship for Vietnamese who practice Buddhism and Taoism while the Vietnamese medical museum has a fascinating collection of remedies and potions – some dating back to Stone Age. Journey out to learn more of the Vietnam War at the Remnants Museum and Cu Chi tunnels. Offering a vivid glimpse of conditions and the ingenuity and resilience of the soldiers you’ll learn of the guerrilla war campaign raged from within this claustrophobic 70-mile network of war tunnels.
Romantically referred to by the French as the Pearl of the Orient, Ho Chi Minh City today is a super-charged city of sensory overload. Motorbikes zoom day and night along the wide boulevards, through the narrow back alleys and past vendors pushing handcarts hawking goods of all descriptions. Still called Saigon by most residents, this is Vietnam’s largest city and the engine driving the country’s current economic resurgence, but despite its frenetic pace, it’s a friendlier place than Hanoi and locals will tell you the food—simple, tasty, and incorporating many fresh herbs—is infinitely better than in the capital.This is a city full of surprises. The madness of the city’s traffic—witness the oddball things that are transported on the back of motorcycles—is countered by tranquil pagodas, peaceful parks, quirky coffee shops, and whole neighborhoods hidden down tiny alleyways, although some of these quiet spots can be difficult to track down. Life in Ho Chi Minh City is lived in public: on the back of motorcycles, on the sidewalks, and in the parks. Even when its residents are at home, they’re still on display. With many living rooms opening onto the street, grandmothers napping, babies being rocked, and food being prepared, are all in full view of passersby.Icons of the past endure in the midst of the city’s headlong rush into capitalism. The Hotel Continental, immortalized in Graham Greene’s The Quiet American, continues to stand on the corner of old Indochina’s most famous thoroughfare, the rue Catinat, known to American G.I.s during the Vietnam War as Tu Do (Freedom) Street and renamed Dong Khoi (Uprising) Street by the Communists. The city still has its ornate opera house and its old French city hall, the Hôtel de Ville. The broad colonial boulevards leading to the Saigon River and the gracious stucco villas are other remnants of the French colonial presence. Grisly reminders of the more recent past can be seen at the city’s war-related museums. Residents, however, prefer to look forward rather than back and are often perplexed by tourists’ fascination with a war that ended 40 years ago.The Chinese influence on the country is still very much in evidence in the Cholon district, the city’s Chinatown, but the modern office towers and international hotels that mark the skyline symbolize Vietnam’s fixation on the future.
Day itinerary:
A chaotic enchanting swirl of sensory stimulation – Ho Chi Minh City is a place of incense-infused temples colonial architecture warm people and delicious street food. Formerly known as Saigon the city was affectionately-labelled the Pearl of the Orient by the French. Afternoons here drift by lazily on the gentle chaos of the River Saigon as taxi boats and motor canoes flit up and down and parks fill out with locals playing jianzi kicking shuttlecocks back and forth. Just across the road you’ll also find the celebrated Ho Chi Minh Post office which was erroneously credited as a Gustav Eifel creation. In reality the architect was another Frenchman Alfred Foulhoux. Taste the street food to get under Ho Chi Minh City’s skin with humble restaurants serving up rich flavours – from the Vietnamese take on the baguette a banh mi sandwich – to the local staple of pho a delicious noodle soup. The Tortoise pagoda is a tranquil escape and a serene place of worship for Vietnamese who practice Buddhism and Taoism while the Vietnamese medical museum has a fascinating collection of remedies and potions – some dating back to Stone Age. Journey out to learn more of the Vietnam War at the Remnants Museum and Cu Chi tunnels. Offering a vivid glimpse of conditions and the ingenuity and resilience of the soldiers you’ll learn of the guerrilla war campaign raged from within this claustrophobic 70-mile network of war tunnels.
Hue (pronounced hway), bisected by the Perfume River and 13 km (8 mi) inland from the South China Sea, in the foothills of the Annamite Mountains (Truong Son Mountains), stands as a reminder of Vietnam’s imperial past. The seat of 13 Nguyen-dynasty emperors between 1802 and 1945, Hue was once Vietnam’s splendid Imperial City. Although it was devastated by the French in the 19th century and again by fighting between the Vietnamese Communists and the Americans in the 20th, the monument-speckled former capital has a war-ravaged beauty. One can still imagine its former splendor, despite gaping holes in its silhouette. Hue is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city’s gems are slowly being restored.
Day itinerary:
Experience the rich imperial past, stoic resilience, and blissful beaches of central Vietnam, as you delve deep into this fascinating country’s past and present. The sheer beauty and vitality of the scenery will amaze you, as you explore the stories this now tranquil land has to tell – all the while surrounded by rolling rice paddies, freely grazing water buffalo and soaring limestone scenery. Cut in half by the evocatively named Perfume River, and home to a spectacular sprawling citadel, Hue is a true experience for the senses. Vietnam’s timeless beauty outshines the shadows of its past, but Hue still bears the heavy scars of war – whether it’s from American bombs, or harrowing events like those of Hue Jungle Crevice – where the Viet Cong pushed 3,000 civilians to their deaths. Hue’s Old City was once the jewel of Vietnam, standing proudly as its Imperial Capital. Lotus flowers now twirl peacefully in the grand moat around its mighty walls, which encase a spectacular array of charred palaces, temples and regal residences. Danang’s Marble Mountains rise dramatically close by, and they are scattered with Buddhist shrines and plunging caves. While there is an endless treasure trove of rich cultural experiences waiting here, it’s hard to resist the call of Danang’s idyllic beaches, where white sand gives way to a fringe of palm trees. The undulating humps of the city’s Dragon Bridge soar across the wide River Han, and this ambitious structure comes alive at night, when strobing light shows illuminate its flowing form, and the bridge’s dragon head rasps fire into the dusk.
A visit to the north is not complete without a trip to Halong Bay, where placid waters give way to more than 3,000 limestone karsts and wind-sculpted limestone formations that jut from foggy lagoons. Dotting the bay are tiny islands bordered by white sandy coves and hidden caves, adding to the majestic landscape of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Adding to this naturalist’s dream is the biodiversity of islets, grottos, and Cat Ba Island National Park. The bay, however, shows tourism’s impact: the clearing of mangrove forests to make way for jetties and piers, marine life threatened by game fishing, and garbage from passenger boats and fishing villages washed up on the shores.Beyond its geological uniqueness are activities like hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, or exploring one of the many floating villages where fishermen bring in their daily catch. The downside to all this allure is the large number of unlicensed boats it draws to the bay each day.Boat trips out onto the bay are the main tourism stock in trade farther north, but a more multifaceted side of the area can be experienced at Cat Ba Island. The largest island in Halong Bay, Cat Ba is very much its own entity. Its national park offers incredible biodiversity, with more than a thousand species of plants having been recorded here. Animal life is slightly thinner on the ground, but alert visitors may spy inhabitants such as the endangered golden-headed langur, wild boar, deer, civets, and several species of squirrel. Trekking through the wilderness is a highlight with a number of fascinating trails to follow.Cat Ba Island has also become a firm favorite with the adventure sports set. Indeed, along with Railay Beach in Thailand, it is recognized as one of the top spots in the region for rock climbing. Other outdoor pursuits include sailing and kayaking around the karsts. Although Halong Bay has arguably been tainted by over-exposure, Bai Tu Long Bay farther east toward China, retains all the majesty of Vietnam’s premier bucket-list natural attraction but sees a fraction of the traffic of its immediate neighbor to the west. Here, visitors will find islands of substantial size with deserted beaches and untamed jungle. Halong Bay’s 3,000 islands of dolomite and limestone cover a 1,500-square-km (580-square-mile) area, extending across the Gulf of Tonkin nearly to the Chinese border. According to legend, this breathtaking land- and seascape was formed by a giant dragon that came barreling out of the mountains toward the ocean—hence the name (Halong translates into “descent of the dragon”). Geologists are more likely to attribute the formations to sedimentary limestone that formed here between 300 and 500 million years ago, in the Paleozoic Era. Over millions of years water receded and exposed the limestone to wind, rain, and tidal erosion.Today the limestone formations are exposed to hordes of tourists—but don’t let that discourage you. Hundreds of fishing trawlers and tour boats share space on these crystal waters, yet there seems to be room for everyone. Most people use the main population center, Halong City, as a base from which to venture into the bay. Although it’s now officially one municipality, Halong City was, until 1996, two separate towns: Bai Chay is now Halong City West, where Halong Road winds its way around the coast and past the lifeless central beach; Hon Gai is the grimier Halong City East, where a coal transportation depot dominates the center of town and covers nearby roads and buildings with a sooty film. Locals still refer to the towns by their old names, but they are now inexorably lassoed together by a bridge. Boat trips through Halong Bay are the main attraction. Little of the majesty of this region can be found in the city, so head out onto the water and start exploring. Countless 10- and 30-foot fishing boats have been converted into Halong Bay’s formidable tourist-boat fleet. Hotels or travel agencies in Halong City or Hanoi can arrange boat trips for you (often they are part of organized tours from Hanoi). It is still possible to go down to the wharf and bargain yourself onto a boat for the day, but you are likely to be charged (sometimes significantly) more than you would pay for a prebooked tour, so this is not advised. Self-sufficient travelers have fallen victim to the old bait-and-switch: they’ve arranged a next-day boat tour with local fishermen, only to be told in no uncertain terms the following morning that they could not board their chosen boat, but they could take a different one for quite a bit more money. You may have no choice in the end. Usually travel agencies, however, have their tried-and-true favorites.
Day itinerary:
A visit to the north is not complete without a trip to Halong Bay, where placid waters give way to more than 3,000 limestone karsts and wind-sculpted limestone formations that jut from foggy lagoons. Dotting the bay are tiny islands bordered by white sandy coves and hidden caves, adding to the majestic landscape of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Adding to this naturalist’s dream is the biodiversity of islets, grottos, and Cat Ba Island National Park. The bay, however, shows tourism’s impact: the clearing of mangrove forests to make way for jetties and piers, marine life threatened by game fishing, and garbage from passenger boats and fishing villages washed up on the shores.Beyond its geological uniqueness are activities like hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, or exploring one of the many floating villages where fishermen bring in their daily catch. The downside to all this allure is the large number of unlicensed boats it draws to the bay each day.Boat trips out onto the bay are the main tourism stock in trade farther north, but a more multifaceted side of the area can be experienced at Cat Ba Island. The largest island in Halong Bay, Cat Ba is very much its own entity. Its national park offers incredible biodiversity, with more than a thousand species of plants having been recorded here. Animal life is slightly thinner on the ground, but alert visitors may spy inhabitants such as the endangered golden-headed langur, wild boar, deer, civets, and several species of squirrel. Trekking through the wilderness is a highlight with a number of fascinating trails to follow.Cat Ba Island has also become a firm favorite with the adventure sports set. Indeed, along with Railay Beach in Thailand, it is recognized as one of the top spots in the region for rock climbing. Other outdoor pursuits include sailing and kayaking around the karsts. Although Halong Bay has arguably been tainted by over-exposure, Bai Tu Long Bay farther east toward China, retains all the majesty of Vietnam’s premier bucket-list natural attraction but sees a fraction of the traffic of its immediate neighbor to the west. Here, visitors will find islands of substantial size with deserted beaches and untamed jungle. Halong Bay’s 3,000 islands of dolomite and limestone cover a 1,500-square-km (580-square-mile) area, extending across the Gulf of Tonkin nearly to the Chinese border. According to legend, this breathtaking land- and seascape was formed by a giant dragon that came barreling out of the mountains toward the ocean—hence the name (Halong translates into “descent of the dragon”). Geologists are more likely to attribute the formations to sedimentary limestone that formed here between 300 and 500 million years ago, in the Paleozoic Era. Over millions of years water receded and exposed the limestone to wind, rain, and tidal erosion.Today the limestone formations are exposed to hordes of tourists—but don’t let that discourage you. Hundreds of fishing trawlers and tour boats share space on these crystal waters, yet there seems to be room for everyone. Most people use the main population center, Halong City, as a base from which to venture into the bay. Although it’s now officially one municipality, Halong City was, until 1996, two separate towns: Bai Chay is now Halong City West, where Halong Road winds its way around the coast and past the lifeless central beach; Hon Gai is the grimier Halong City East, where a coal transportation depot dominates the center of town and covers nearby roads and buildings with a sooty film. Locals still refer to the towns by their old names, but they are now inexorably lassoed together by a bridge. Boat trips through Halong Bay are the main attraction. Little of the majesty of this region can be found in the city, so head out onto the water and start exploring. Countless 10- and 30-foot fishing boats have been converted into Halong Bay’s formidable tourist-boat fleet. Hotels or travel agencies in Halong City or Hanoi can arrange boat trips for you (often they are part of organized tours from Hanoi). It is still possible to go down to the wharf and bargain yourself onto a boat for the day, but you are likely to be charged (sometimes significantly) more than you would pay for a prebooked tour, so this is not advised. Self-sufficient travelers have fallen victim to the old bait-and-switch: they’ve arranged a next-day boat tour with local fishermen, only to be told in no uncertain terms the following morning that they could not board their chosen boat, but they could take a different one for quite a bit more money. You may have no choice in the end. Usually travel agencies, however, have their tried-and-true favorites.
A visit to the north is not complete without a trip to Halong Bay, where placid waters give way to more than 3,000 limestone karsts and wind-sculpted limestone formations that jut from foggy lagoons. Dotting the bay are tiny islands bordered by white sandy coves and hidden caves, adding to the majestic landscape of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Adding to this naturalist’s dream is the biodiversity of islets, grottos, and Cat Ba Island National Park. The bay, however, shows tourism’s impact: the clearing of mangrove forests to make way for jetties and piers, marine life threatened by game fishing, and garbage from passenger boats and fishing villages washed up on the shores.Beyond its geological uniqueness are activities like hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, or exploring one of the many floating villages where fishermen bring in their daily catch. The downside to all this allure is the large number of unlicensed boats it draws to the bay each day.Boat trips out onto the bay are the main tourism stock in trade farther north, but a more multifaceted side of the area can be experienced at Cat Ba Island. The largest island in Halong Bay, Cat Ba is very much its own entity. Its national park offers incredible biodiversity, with more than a thousand species of plants having been recorded here. Animal life is slightly thinner on the ground, but alert visitors may spy inhabitants such as the endangered golden-headed langur, wild boar, deer, civets, and several species of squirrel. Trekking through the wilderness is a highlight with a number of fascinating trails to follow.Cat Ba Island has also become a firm favorite with the adventure sports set. Indeed, along with Railay Beach in Thailand, it is recognized as one of the top spots in the region for rock climbing. Other outdoor pursuits include sailing and kayaking around the karsts. Although Halong Bay has arguably been tainted by over-exposure, Bai Tu Long Bay farther east toward China, retains all the majesty of Vietnam’s premier bucket-list natural attraction but sees a fraction of the traffic of its immediate neighbor to the west. Here, visitors will find islands of substantial size with deserted beaches and untamed jungle. Halong Bay’s 3,000 islands of dolomite and limestone cover a 1,500-square-km (580-square-mile) area, extending across the Gulf of Tonkin nearly to the Chinese border. According to legend, this breathtaking land- and seascape was formed by a giant dragon that came barreling out of the mountains toward the ocean—hence the name (Halong translates into “descent of the dragon”). Geologists are more likely to attribute the formations to sedimentary limestone that formed here between 300 and 500 million years ago, in the Paleozoic Era. Over millions of years water receded and exposed the limestone to wind, rain, and tidal erosion.Today the limestone formations are exposed to hordes of tourists—but don’t let that discourage you. Hundreds of fishing trawlers and tour boats share space on these crystal waters, yet there seems to be room for everyone. Most people use the main population center, Halong City, as a base from which to venture into the bay. Although it’s now officially one municipality, Halong City was, until 1996, two separate towns: Bai Chay is now Halong City West, where Halong Road winds its way around the coast and past the lifeless central beach; Hon Gai is the grimier Halong City East, where a coal transportation depot dominates the center of town and covers nearby roads and buildings with a sooty film. Locals still refer to the towns by their old names, but they are now inexorably lassoed together by a bridge. Boat trips through Halong Bay are the main attraction. Little of the majesty of this region can be found in the city, so head out onto the water and start exploring. Countless 10- and 30-foot fishing boats have been converted into Halong Bay’s formidable tourist-boat fleet. Hotels or travel agencies in Halong City or Hanoi can arrange boat trips for you (often they are part of organized tours from Hanoi). It is still possible to go down to the wharf and bargain yourself onto a boat for the day, but you are likely to be charged (sometimes significantly) more than you would pay for a prebooked tour, so this is not advised. Self-sufficient travelers have fallen victim to the old bait-and-switch: they’ve arranged a next-day boat tour with local fishermen, only to be told in no uncertain terms the following morning that they could not board their chosen boat, but they could take a different one for quite a bit more money. You may have no choice in the end. Usually travel agencies, however, have their tried-and-true favorites.
Day itinerary:
A visit to the north is not complete without a trip to Halong Bay, where placid waters give way to more than 3,000 limestone karsts and wind-sculpted limestone formations that jut from foggy lagoons. Dotting the bay are tiny islands bordered by white sandy coves and hidden caves, adding to the majestic landscape of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Adding to this naturalist’s dream is the biodiversity of islets, grottos, and Cat Ba Island National Park. The bay, however, shows tourism’s impact: the clearing of mangrove forests to make way for jetties and piers, marine life threatened by game fishing, and garbage from passenger boats and fishing villages washed up on the shores.Beyond its geological uniqueness are activities like hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, or exploring one of the many floating villages where fishermen bring in their daily catch. The downside to all this allure is the large number of unlicensed boats it draws to the bay each day.Boat trips out onto the bay are the main tourism stock in trade farther north, but a more multifaceted side of the area can be experienced at Cat Ba Island. The largest island in Halong Bay, Cat Ba is very much its own entity. Its national park offers incredible biodiversity, with more than a thousand species of plants having been recorded here. Animal life is slightly thinner on the ground, but alert visitors may spy inhabitants such as the endangered golden-headed langur, wild boar, deer, civets, and several species of squirrel. Trekking through the wilderness is a highlight with a number of fascinating trails to follow.Cat Ba Island has also become a firm favorite with the adventure sports set. Indeed, along with Railay Beach in Thailand, it is recognized as one of the top spots in the region for rock climbing. Other outdoor pursuits include sailing and kayaking around the karsts. Although Halong Bay has arguably been tainted by over-exposure, Bai Tu Long Bay farther east toward China, retains all the majesty of Vietnam’s premier bucket-list natural attraction but sees a fraction of the traffic of its immediate neighbor to the west. Here, visitors will find islands of substantial size with deserted beaches and untamed jungle. Halong Bay’s 3,000 islands of dolomite and limestone cover a 1,500-square-km (580-square-mile) area, extending across the Gulf of Tonkin nearly to the Chinese border. According to legend, this breathtaking land- and seascape was formed by a giant dragon that came barreling out of the mountains toward the ocean—hence the name (Halong translates into “descent of the dragon”). Geologists are more likely to attribute the formations to sedimentary limestone that formed here between 300 and 500 million years ago, in the Paleozoic Era. Over millions of years water receded and exposed the limestone to wind, rain, and tidal erosion.Today the limestone formations are exposed to hordes of tourists—but don’t let that discourage you. Hundreds of fishing trawlers and tour boats share space on these crystal waters, yet there seems to be room for everyone. Most people use the main population center, Halong City, as a base from which to venture into the bay. Although it’s now officially one municipality, Halong City was, until 1996, two separate towns: Bai Chay is now Halong City West, where Halong Road winds its way around the coast and past the lifeless central beach; Hon Gai is the grimier Halong City East, where a coal transportation depot dominates the center of town and covers nearby roads and buildings with a sooty film. Locals still refer to the towns by their old names, but they are now inexorably lassoed together by a bridge. Boat trips through Halong Bay are the main attraction. Little of the majesty of this region can be found in the city, so head out onto the water and start exploring. Countless 10- and 30-foot fishing boats have been converted into Halong Bay’s formidable tourist-boat fleet. Hotels or travel agencies in Halong City or Hanoi can arrange boat trips for you (often they are part of organized tours from Hanoi). It is still possible to go down to the wharf and bargain yourself onto a boat for the day, but you are likely to be charged (sometimes significantly) more than you would pay for a prebooked tour, so this is not advised. Self-sufficient travelers have fallen victim to the old bait-and-switch: they’ve arranged a next-day boat tour with local fishermen, only to be told in no uncertain terms the following morning that they could not board their chosen boat, but they could take a different one for quite a bit more money. You may have no choice in the end. Usually travel agencies, however, have their tried-and-true favorites.
The Hong Kong Island skyline, with its ever-growing number of skyscrapers, speaks to ambition and money. Paris, London, even New York were centuries in the making, while Hong Kong’s towers, bright lights, and glitzy shopping emporia weren’t yet part of the urban scene when many of the young investment bankers who fuel one of the world’s leading financial centers were born. Commerce is concentrated in the glittering high-rises of Central, tucked between Victoria Harbor and forested peaks on Hong Kong Island’s north shore. While it’s easy to think all the bright lights are the sum of today’s Hong Kong, you need only walk or board a tram for the short jaunt west into Western to discover a side of Hong Kong that is more traditionally Chinese but no less high-energy. You’ll discover the real Hong Kong to the east of Central, too, in Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and beyond. Amid the residential towers are restaurants, shopping malls, bars, convention centers, a nice smattering of museums, and—depending on fate and the horse you wager on—one of Hong Kong’s luckiest or unluckiest spots, the Happy Valley Racecourse. Kowloon sprawls across a generous swath of the Chinese mainland across Victoria Harbour from Central. Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of Kowloon peninsula, is packed with glitzy shops, first-rate museums, and eye-popping views of the skyline across the water. Just to the north are the teeming market streets of Mong Kok and in the dense residential neighborhoods beyond, two of Hong Kong’s most enchanting spiritual sights, Wong Tai Sin Temple and Chi Lin Nunnery. As you navigate this huge metropolis (easy to do on the excellent transportation network), keep in mind that streets are usually numbered odd on one side, even on the other. There’s no baseline for street numbers and no block-based numbering system, but street signs indicate building numbers for any given block.
Day itinerary:
A spectacular, serrated skyline of soaring towers and neon lights, Hong Kong is a vibrant, immersive metropolis and cultural hub. Dramatic harbour-front light shows transform the waterfront’s gleaming buildings into a colourful canvas – best seen from the Star Ferry, when the Symphony of Lights blares into life each evening. A city where future and tradition collides – perhaps best illustrated by the skyscrapers that feature gaping holes, designed to allow spirit dragons to soar from the hills to the waterfront unimpeded. Wander flowing shopping streets, wade through sprawling markets and soak up the neon glory of this one-of-a-kind city – which continues to reach for the sky. Hong Kong’s dense jumble of activity is one of its main appeals, but once you’ve felt the thrill of rising to towering observation decks, to see the soaring city from above, it’s surprisingly easy to find peace among Hong Kong’s intense urban wonders. Victoria Peak is the highest point and it offers staggering views down over the city and harbour. The Peak Tram funicular can ferry you to the top, to the vantage point which was historically adored by the rich for the cooler air found here, away from the busy bustle of the city streets. Many elaborate temples add a tranquil element to Hong Kong’s whirr, and Tin Hau temple has a surprisingly urban location, considering its dedication to the Goddess of the Sea. It did once occupy the shorefront, but the city’s growth saw land reclaimed from the sea around it, leaving the temple marooned inland. Having been leased to the British for 99 years, milky tea is a revered tradition here – enjoy your cup with a serving of local dim sum.While it’s easy to think all the bright lights are the sum of today’s Hong Kong, you need only walk or board a tram for the short jaunt west into Western to discover a side of Hong Kong that is more traditionally Chinese but no less high-energy. You’ll discover the real Hong Kong to the east of Central, too, in Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and beyond. Amid the residential towers are restaurants, shopping malls, bars, convention centers, a nice smattering of museums, and—depending on fate and the horse you wager on—one of Hong Kong’s luckiest or unluckiest spots, the Happy Valley Racecourse. Kowloon sprawls across a generous swath of the Chinese mainland across Victoria Harbour from Central. Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of Kowloon peninsula, is packed with glitzy shops, first-rate museums, and eye-popping views of the skyline across the water. Just to the north are the teeming market streets of Mong Kok and in the dense residential neighborhoods beyond, two of Hong Kong’s most enchanting spiritual sights, Wong Tai Sin Temple and Chi Lin Nunnery. As you navigate this huge metropolis (easy to do on the excellent transportation network), keep in mind that streets are usually numbered odd on one side, even on the other. There’s no baseline for street numbers and no block-based numbering system, but street signs indicate building numbers for any given block.
The Hong Kong Island skyline, with its ever-growing number of skyscrapers, speaks to ambition and money. Paris, London, even New York were centuries in the making, while Hong Kong’s towers, bright lights, and glitzy shopping emporia weren’t yet part of the urban scene when many of the young investment bankers who fuel one of the world’s leading financial centers were born. Commerce is concentrated in the glittering high-rises of Central, tucked between Victoria Harbor and forested peaks on Hong Kong Island’s north shore. While it’s easy to think all the bright lights are the sum of today’s Hong Kong, you need only walk or board a tram for the short jaunt west into Western to discover a side of Hong Kong that is more traditionally Chinese but no less high-energy. You’ll discover the real Hong Kong to the east of Central, too, in Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and beyond. Amid the residential towers are restaurants, shopping malls, bars, convention centers, a nice smattering of museums, and—depending on fate and the horse you wager on—one of Hong Kong’s luckiest or unluckiest spots, the Happy Valley Racecourse. Kowloon sprawls across a generous swath of the Chinese mainland across Victoria Harbour from Central. Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of Kowloon peninsula, is packed with glitzy shops, first-rate museums, and eye-popping views of the skyline across the water. Just to the north are the teeming market streets of Mong Kok and in the dense residential neighborhoods beyond, two of Hong Kong’s most enchanting spiritual sights, Wong Tai Sin Temple and Chi Lin Nunnery. As you navigate this huge metropolis (easy to do on the excellent transportation network), keep in mind that streets are usually numbered odd on one side, even on the other. There’s no baseline for street numbers and no block-based numbering system, but street signs indicate building numbers for any given block.
Day itinerary:
A spectacular, serrated skyline of soaring towers and neon lights, Hong Kong is a vibrant, immersive metropolis and cultural hub. Dramatic harbour-front light shows transform the waterfront’s gleaming buildings into a colourful canvas – best seen from the Star Ferry, when the Symphony of Lights blares into life each evening. A city where future and tradition collides – perhaps best illustrated by the skyscrapers that feature gaping holes, designed to allow spirit dragons to soar from the hills to the waterfront unimpeded. Wander flowing shopping streets, wade through sprawling markets and soak up the neon glory of this one-of-a-kind city – which continues to reach for the sky. Hong Kong’s dense jumble of activity is one of its main appeals, but once you’ve felt the thrill of rising to towering observation decks, to see the soaring city from above, it’s surprisingly easy to find peace among Hong Kong’s intense urban wonders. Victoria Peak is the highest point and it offers staggering views down over the city and harbour. The Peak Tram funicular can ferry you to the top, to the vantage point which was historically adored by the rich for the cooler air found here, away from the busy bustle of the city streets. Many elaborate temples add a tranquil element to Hong Kong’s whirr, and Tin Hau temple has a surprisingly urban location, considering its dedication to the Goddess of the Sea. It did once occupy the shorefront, but the city’s growth saw land reclaimed from the sea around it, leaving the temple marooned inland. Having been leased to the British for 99 years, milky tea is a revered tradition here – enjoy your cup with a serving of local dim sum.While it’s easy to think all the bright lights are the sum of today’s Hong Kong, you need only walk or board a tram for the short jaunt west into Western to discover a side of Hong Kong that is more traditionally Chinese but no less high-energy. You’ll discover the real Hong Kong to the east of Central, too, in Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and beyond. Amid the residential towers are restaurants, shopping malls, bars, convention centers, a nice smattering of museums, and—depending on fate and the horse you wager on—one of Hong Kong’s luckiest or unluckiest spots, the Happy Valley Racecourse. Kowloon sprawls across a generous swath of the Chinese mainland across Victoria Harbour from Central. Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of Kowloon peninsula, is packed with glitzy shops, first-rate museums, and eye-popping views of the skyline across the water. Just to the north are the teeming market streets of Mong Kok and in the dense residential neighborhoods beyond, two of Hong Kong’s most enchanting spiritual sights, Wong Tai Sin Temple and Chi Lin Nunnery. As you navigate this huge metropolis (easy to do on the excellent transportation network), keep in mind that streets are usually numbered odd on one side, even on the other. There’s no baseline for street numbers and no block-based numbering system, but street signs indicate building numbers for any given block.
The name says it all. A stylish apartment. Prestigious and classic, as is the Silver Whisper itself. For those who seek the superlative level of space, comfort and service on board. Available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two-bedrooms (as illustrated) by adjoining with a Vista Suite.
One bedroom: 85 sq.m. including veranda
Two bedroom: 117 sq.m. including veranda
Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.
Essentials
- Deck(s): 7
- Section: Mid-Ship
Characteristics
- Veranda
- Separate dining area
- Living room with sitting area
- Double vanity
- Separate shower
- Full-size bath
- Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Furniture
- Queen size bed
- Writing desk
- Vanity table
- Luxury bed mattresses
Media & Communication
- Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi
- 2 large flat screen TVs with Interactive Media Library
- Sound system with bluetooth connectivity
- Direct dial telephone
- Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
- Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
Onboard Services
- Butler service
- Complimentary laundry, pressing & wet cleaning
- Daily canapé service, Welcome chocolate, Welcome fruit stand
- Dinner for two in La Dame, one evening per voyage,
- Two hours of worldwide phone use, per voyage segment
- Champagne on arrival
Amenities
- Espresso machine
- Pillow menu
- Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
- Plush bathrobe
- Luxury bath amenities
- Umbrella
- Hair Dryer
- Slippers
Expertly designed and exquisitely appointed. Ideal for entertaining friends on your luxury cruise or enjoying a quiet dinner “at home”. Available as a one-bedroom suite configuration or as two-bedrooms (as illustrated) by adjoining with a Veranda Suite.
One bedroom: 87-101 sq.m. including veranda
Two bedroom: 119-133 sq.m. including veranda
Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.
Essentials
- Deck(s): 6, 7, 8
- Section: Forward
Characteristics
- Veranda
- Separate dining area
- Living room with sitting area
- Double vanity
- Separate shower
- Full-size bath
- Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Furniture
- Queen size bed
- Writing desk
- Vanity table
- Luxury bed mattresses
Media & Communication
- Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi
- 2 large flat screen TVs with Interactive Media Library
- Sound system with bluetooth connectivity
- Direct dial telephone
- Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
- Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
Onboard Services
- Butler service
- Complimentary laundry, pressing & wet cleaning
- Daily canapé service, Welcome chocolate, Welcome fruit stand
- Dinner for two in La Dame, one evening per voyage,
- Two hours of worldwide phone use, per voyage segment
- Champagne on arrival
Amenities
- Espresso machine
- Pillow menu
- Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
- Plush bathrobe
- Luxury bath amenities
- Umbrella
- Hair Dryer
- Slippers
Stately describes the Royal suite. Commanding and majestic. Perfect for entertaining while you cruise. Enough living space to roam.The pinnacle of good living. Available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two-bedrooms (as illustrated) by adjoining with a Veranda Suite.
One bedroom: 90-94 sq.m. including veranda
Two bedroom: 122-126 sq.m. including veranda
Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.
Essentials
- Deck(s): 6, 7
- Section: Forward
Characteristics
- Veranda
- Separate dining area
- Living room with sitting area
- Double vanity
- Separate shower
- Full-size bath
- Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Furniture
- Queen size bed
- Writing desk
- Vanity table
- Luxury bed mattresses
Media & Communication
- Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi
- 2 large flat screen TVs with Interactive Media Library
- Sound system with bluetooth connectivity
- Direct dial telephone
- Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
- Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
Onboard Services
- Butler service
- Complimentary laundry, pressing & wet cleaning
- Daily canape service, Welcome chocolate, Welcome fruit stand
- Dinner for two in La Dame, one evening per voyage,
- Two hours of worldwide phone use, per voyage segment
- Champagne on arrival
Amenities
- Espresso machine
- Pillow menu
- Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
- Plush bathrobe
- Luxury bath amenities
- Umbrella
- Hair Dryer
- Slippers
Stylish and sophisticated. Separate dining and living rooms. Larger verandas. Situated midship. Perfection in design for comfortable living. Silver Suites accommodate three guests.
One bedroom: 61-65 sq.m. including veranda
Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.
Essentials
- Deck(s): 7
- Section: Mid-Ship
Characteristics
- Veranda
- Separate dining area
- Sitting area
- Double vanity
- Separate shower
- Full-size bath
- Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Furniture
- Queen size bed
- Writing desk
- Vanity table
- Luxury bed mattresses
Media & Communication
- Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi
- 2 large flat screen TVs with Interactive Media Library
- Sound system with bluetooth connectivity
- Direct dial telephone
- Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
- Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
Onboard Services
- Butler service
- Complimentary laundry, pressing & wet cleaning
- Daily canapé service, Welcome chocolate, Welcome fruit stand
- Champagne on arrival
Amenities
- Espresso machine
- Pillow menu
- Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
- Plush bathrobe
- Luxury bath amenities
- Umbrella
- Hair Dryer
- Slippers
A mark of distinction. Sumptuous. Spacious. Rich textures and panoramic views surround you with distinguished luxury.
An extravagant suite for an extravagant cruise.
One bedroom: 49 sq.m. including veranda
Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.
Essentials
- Deck(s): 7
- Section: Mid-Ship
Characteristics
- Veranda
- Sitting area
- Double vanity
- Separate shower
- Full-size bath
- Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Furniture
- Queen size bed
- Writing desk
- Vanity table
- Luxury bed mattresses
Media & Communication
- Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi
- 2 large flat screen TVs with Interactive Media Library
- Sound system with bluetooth connectivity
- Direct dial telephone
- Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
- Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
Onboard Services
- Butler service
- Complimentary laundry, pressing & wet cleaning
- Daily canape service, Welcome chocolate, Welcome fruit stand
- Champagne on arrival
Amenities
- Espresso machine
- Pillow menu
- Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
- Plush bathrobe
- Luxury bath amenities
- Umbrella
- Hair Dryer
- Slippers
Spacious and immaculate, the Deluxe Veranda is just perfect to for relaxing whether it’s morning, noon or night! A perfect mid-ship location, why not enjoy a pre-dinner drink, breakfast with a view or just enjoy the gentle evening breeze on your private teak veranda? From relaxing in the ultra-luxury marble bathroom to enjoying your best night’s sleep ever, the Deluxe Veranda is the savvy traveller’s choice.
One bedroom: 32 sq.m. including veranda
Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.
Essentials
- Deck(s): 6, 8, 9
- Section: Forward, Mid-Ship
Characteristics
- Veranda
- Sitting area
- Double vanity
- Separate shower
- Full-size bath
- Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Furniture
- Queen size bed
- Writing desk
- Vanity table
- Luxury bed mattresses
Media & Communication
- Unlimited Standard Wi-Fi
- 1 large flat screen TV with Interactive Media Library
- Direct dial telephone
- Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
- Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
Onboard Services
- Butler service
- Champagne on arrival
- Amenities
- Pillow menu
- Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
- Plush bathrobe
- Luxury bath amenities
- Umbrella
- Hair Dryer
- Slippers
Superior by name and superior by nature! Where do we begin? From beautiful bed linens to sumptuous furniture, our Superior Veranda suites are luxury inside and out! Whether enjoying some down time with the state of the art entertainment system or taking in the most spectacular views from the comfort of your suite veranda, the Superior Veranda is the cosiest home away from home on the high seas.
One bedroom: 32 sq.m. including veranda
Wheelchair accessible suites: 535 and 537
Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.
Essentials
- Deck(s): 5, 6, 7, 8
- Section: Forward, Mid-Ship
Characteristics
- Veranda
- Sitting area
- Double vanity
- Separate shower
- Full-size bath
- Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Furniture
- Queen size bed
- Writing desk
- Vanity table
- Luxury bed mattresses
Media & Communication
- Unlimited Standard Wi-Fi
- 1 large flat screen TV with Interactive Media Library
- Direct dial telephone
- Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
- Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
Onboard Services
- Butler service
- Champagne on arrival
Amenities
- Pillow menu
- Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
- Plush bathrobe
- Luxury bath amenities
- Umbrella
- Hair Dryer
- Slippers
After a busy day of exploring, welcome home to the haven of the Classic Veranda Suite. With butler service, a queen size bed (which can be separated on demand) and beautiful marble bathroom, you won’t want to leave! However, the best part of our Classic Veranda suite is by far the large, private, teak veranda for which the suite is named. Pure bliss.
One bedroom: 32 sq.m. including veranda
Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.
Essentials
- Deck(s): 5, 6
- Section: Forward, Mid-Ship
Characteristics
- Veranda
- Sitting area
- Double vanity
- Separate shower
- Full-size bath
- Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Furniture
- Queen size bed
- Writing desk
- Vanity table
- Luxury bed mattresses
Media & Communication
- Unlimited Standard Wi-Fi
- 1 large flat screen TV with Interactive Media Library
- Direct dial telephone
- Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
- Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
Onboard Services
- Butler service
- Champagne on arrival
Amenities
- Pillow menu
- Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
- Plush bathrobe
- Luxury bath amenities
- Umbrella
- Hair Dryer
- Slippers
A quiet sanctuary. The sitting area of the Vista suite has plenty of room to relax. Large picture windows frame panoramic ocean views. The perfect backdrop for breakfast in bed during the cruise.
One bedroom: 27 sq.m.
Essentials
- Deck(s): 4, 5
- Section: Forward
Characteristics
- Large Balcony Window
- Sitting area
- Double vanity
- Separate shower
- Full-size bath
- Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Furniture
- Queen size bed
- Writing desk
- Vanity table
- Luxury bed mattresses
Media & Communication
- Unlimited Standard Wi-Fi
- 1 large flat screen TV with Interactive Media Library
- Direct dial telephone
- Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
- Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
Onboard Services
- Butler service
- Champagne on arrival
Amenities
- Pillow menu
- Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
- Plush bathrobe
- Luxury bath amenities
- Umbrella
- Hair Dryer
- Slippers
Authentic Italian recipes and the freshest, sustainable ingredients come together in this restaurant at sea.
On board this luxury cruise ship a divine selection of Italy’s best cuisine is served à la carte in La Terrazza. Authentic recipes and the freshest ingredients come together with flair and passion aboard this luxury cruise — a flavourful expression of Silversea’s distinctive Italian heritage. La Terrazza uses buffalo mozzarella from Naples, organic balsamic vinegar and olive oil from Umbria, and air-dried ham out of Parma. The Emilia-Romagna region also produces Silversea’s 24-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano, while the pasta is made daily right on board. La Terrazza is open for casual, buffet-style breakfast and lunch with indoor or al fresco dining on the outdoor terrace. During the evening, La Terrazza transforms into an à la carte traditional Italian restaurant.
Open-seating for breakfast and lunch.
Seating is limited for dinner and reservations are recommended.
Soft breezes and ocean views beckon at the Grill, especially as the sun goes down when cruise guests gather for cocktails at the outdoor bar and talk about the day’s events.
One of the healthiest cuisines to exist, The Grill features lava stone cooking at its finest. Sourced from volcanic rock and placed in an oven to reach an optimum temperature of 400˚C, The Grill invites guests to cook their food directly at their table. Place your meat, fish or vegetables on top of the grill stone or inside the soup bowl, and then simply cook to your very own taste. Every bite is cooked to perfection, time after time. With the stone cooking available in the evenings only, The Grill becomes a daytime rotisserie and gourmet salad and burger bar, offering build your own burgers from the best selections of meat.
Dress code: Casual
Casual wear consists of pants, blouses or casual dresses for women; open-neck shirts and slacks for men are appropriate
Enjoy Continental and regional specialities, as well as sweeping ocean views in our main dining room.
Sparkling with silver, crystal and candlelight, this luxury cruise ship’s main dining room serves contemporary, international cuisine with sophisticated elegance and impeccable service. Menus feature regional specialities unique to the voyage destination, for example, Roasted Chilean Sea Bass while cruising the Chilean fjords and Indian Chicken Korma en route to Mumbai. The Restaurant on board this luxury cruise ship offers open-seating dining, which means there are no assigned times, no assigned tables. You are free to dine when, where and with whom you please.
La Dame features a bespoke menu by our top chefs, and is the highest expression of excellence of French dining. The ambience is one of chic contemporary style, with crisp white table linens and the impeccable white gloved service associated with Silversea. Named after “La Dame de Paris” or the Eiffel Tower, La Dame echoes the traditions and cultures embedded in the French gastronomic past, while respecting its bright culinary future. Quintessentially Parisian, extremely elegant and very refined, meals at La Dame are a fusion of tradition and modernity.
Per guest reservation fee of US$60.
Silversea’s experienced Shore Concierge team are happy to assist, ensuring your shore- side experience is nothing less than a memory that lasts forever. Their knowledge and understanding of ports will truly add to your enjoyment and experience. Detailing history, local flavour, culture, regional customs, shopping tips and much more, they will make sure you get the best of your destination, wherever you are in the world.
Multiple days at sea mean plenty of R & R for some, but others prefer to drink in all there is to offer on land. Our Mid-Cruise Land Adventures allow you to take full advantage of your time with us without missing a single thing! These short escapades offer an array of adventures, break up your sea days and allow for deeper exploration beyond the coast.
Let Silversea customise a special event or excursion exclusively for you. Expert Shore Excursion professionals are available to assist with all your shorex questions. Make an appointment and gain insider access to knowledgeable suggestions, personalised planning and hassle-free coordination of all private, independent touring, including area highlights, flightseeing, water sports, and much more. Take advantage of this service either in advance of your voyage by email at shoreconcierge@silversea.com or on board by visiting the Silvershore® Concierge desk. Have the Silver Shore Concierge create your tailor-made tour, or be whisked away by private car for a day — the pace and agenda are up to you.
Relax and unwind in the Panorama Lounge, a sophisticated yet amicable space offering beautiful ocean views as you enjoy your cruise.
The Panorama Lounge is specially designed by Silversea to provide an uninterrupted view of the day’s destination from the comfort of the luxury cruise ship’s interior. This is an ideal place to unwind, enjoy afternoon tea, listen to the pianist and watch the setting sun while you cruise. The drinks are complimentary, the music live and inviting. Enjoy dancing to a range of musical styles for every taste from standards to the latest club mixes.
There is a wealth of luxury shopping experiences aboard all Silversea ships, featuring the most distinctive and appealing brands from across the globe.
Exceptional shopping experiences do not end in the cosmopolitan cities we visit. Silversea’s striking new shipboard boutiques, reimagined and redesigned are stunning modern design spaces befitting the finest creations from legendary designers. Carefully selected partners onboard Silversea’s duty-free boutiques offers our guests a carefully curated selection of cutting edge fashions, jewellery, accessories, fine perfumes, cosmetics and Silversea Logo collection all at duty-free prices.
Whether it is for a card tournament or conference, Silversea will provide a dedicated space for the perfect guest experience.
The Card Room on board this luxury cruise ship is where Bridge games and tournaments take place most days. On days at sea, newcomers to the game can learn how to play. Should your group require a conference or meeting space, Silversea is pleased to provide a tailor-made experience. Audio-visual equipment is available and complimentary on our top cruise line.
Enjoy a selection of hardcover books, magazines, newspapers, and more during your luxury cruise.
The Library on board this luxury cruise ship has an extensive selection of hardcover books, magazines, reference materials and newspapers, as well as audio listening stations. Movies are also available and can be viewed on your in-suite entertainment centre while you cruise.
Enjoy a selection of games at the Silversea Casino for guests 18 and older, or discover new games during your luxury cruise.
Roulette, blackjack and slot machines are available while you cruise in The Casino for guests 18 years or older. If you are a novice, come to the champagne reception and learn all the games offered aboard this luxury cruise ship.
Be sure to visit the Reception area, where our experts can provide invaluable information to help you get the most out of your cruise.
This central lobby area of the Silver Whisper welcomes guests to speak with a Guest Relations specialist should they have a question or require any service. Assistance is available 24 hours a day on this luxury cruise ship. For guests wishing to make shoreside arrangements, the Silver Shore Concierge is available to assist with knowledgeable suggestions and personalised coordination of all private, independent touring including sightseeing, water sports, golf and more. The Cruise Consultant can prove indispensable when planning your next Silversea voyage, or should you wish to extend your current voyage for a day, a week, a month… Like having your own personal onboard Silversea professional, the Cruise Consultant will help you to select the perfect voyage, reserve your preferred suite and provide immediate confirmation.
No cruise is complete without meeting new people. Enjoy complimentary drinks and live music at the bar while meeting other guests.
With complimentary cocktails and engaging conversation, live music and a dance floor, Dolce Vita on board this luxury cruise ship welcomes guests to mix and mingle while they cruise to their destination.
Set on the highest level at the very top of the ship, this is a quiet space for reading and reflection while being dazzled by the undulating seascapes that are constituent to life on board.
The eponymous lounge carries its name well. Set on the highest level at the very top of the ship, this is a quiet space for reading and reflection while being dazzled by the undulating seascapes that are constituent to life on board. Borrow a book from the in-house library, read the papers or just embrace the tranquillity of being at sea.
If you appreciate good cognac or premium cigars, be sure to visit the Connoisseur’s Corner to see the ship’s exceptional selection.
The Connoisseur’s Corner of this luxury cruise offers exceptional cognacs along with a premium selection of cigars for purchase.
Applaud a broad spectrum of entertainment — from full-scale production shows and classical soloists, to cultural entertainment and feature films.
Every seat in this luxury cruise ship’s multi-tiered venue enjoys a clear view to the stage. Applaud a broad spectrum of entertainment brought to the Silver Whisper — from full-scale production shows and classical soloists, to cultural entertainment and feature films. Throughout your voyage, The Show Lounge also presents port talks, enrichment lectures and a variety of special events throughout the cruise.
Come and indulge in a luxurious spa treatment. Facials, body wraps, massages: the spa is the perfect place to unwind.
Relax your body and mind in this luxury cruise ship’s soothing sanctuary. Indulge in a wide range of invigorating therapies at the spa, including facials, body wraps and massages. Appointments for these services may be made on board the ship, or in advance via My Silversea. Men’s and women’s saunas and steam rooms are perfect for relaxing before your luxury spa treatment or after your workout.
The Fitness Centre offers world-class equipment, classes, and personalised services.
The Fitness Centre on board this luxury cruise ship is equipped with free weights, weight machines, state-of-the-art treadmills, elliptical trainers and recumbent and upright bicycles. Classes in aerobics, yoga, Pilates and circuit training are led by the onboard fitness trainer and are always complimentary on Silversea’s best cruise line. Personal training, body composition analysis and specialty classes are available at an additional charge.
Maintain your fresh look throughout your luxury cruise at the Zagara Beauty Salon. Services are available for men and women.
A full range of salon services including hairstyling, manicures and pedicures, is available on board this luxury cruise ship for both men and women. Appointments for these chargeable services may be made on board the ship, or in advance via My Silversea. Maintain the look of prestige travel while you cruise.
Chaise lounges arranged in the sun or shade. Bubbling whirlpools. The pool water refreshing in warmer climates, heated for cooler weather. The attentive staff at the ready with an oversized towel as you emerge from the pool, with your favourite beverage at just the right moment. The luxury cruise ship of your dreams.
A jogging track is available for guests, running the entire outside edge of the deck.
For Silversea Expeditions guests, casual resort wear is appropriate at all times when on board, with the exception of two evenings when Informal attire is required. For men, this means a jacket, tie optional.
At Silversea, the comfort, enjoyment and safety of all guests is paramount. To ensure a pleasant and safe environment, smoking is prohibited in most public areas, guest suites or suite balconies. However, cigarette, e-cigarette, cigar, pipe and vaporizer smoking is permitted in the Connoisseur’s Corner both indoors and outdoors (where applicable). In addition, cigarette, e-cigarette and vaporizer smoking is permitted in specifically designated outside areas and tables:
- Silver Nova, Silver Ray: Dusk Bar (port side);
- Silver Muse, Silver Spirit: Panorama Lounge (port side) and Pool Grill (port side);
- Silver Moon, Silver Dawn: Panorama Lounge (starboard side) and Pool Grill (port side);
- Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper: Panorama Lounge (starboard side) and Pool Grill (starboard side);
- Silver Cloud, Silver Wind: Panorama Lounge (port side) and Pool Grill (port side);
- Silver Origin: on open deck 4 aft;
Silversea kindly requests that all guests observe the non-smoking areas.
Wheelchair guests must bring their own collapsible wheelchair. Please note that not all shore excursions are suitable for guests with impaired mobility. Silversea strongly recommends wheelchair guests travel with someone who is able to assist them both ashore and at sea as Silversea may be unable to offer special assistance. Please note that wheel-on and/or wheel-off access may not be available at some ports-of-call. Silversea reserves the right to deny boarding to any guest who failed to notify Silversea of such requirement at the time of booking.
All guests are required to report in writing to Silversea at the time their reservation is made:
- Any physical or mental condition that may require medical or professional treatment or attention during the voyage
- Any condition that may render the guest unfit for travel, or that may require special care or assistance
- Any condition that may pose a risk or danger to the guest or anyone else on board the ship
- Any condition that may require oxygen for medical reasons
- Any intention or need to use a wheelchair aboard ship.
If you have special dietary requirements, Silversea will make every attempt to accommodate your requests. Please advise Silversea of your needs on the Guest Information Form at least 75 days prior to sailing. Notification should be sent to specialservices@silversea.com
Each Silversea ship is equipped with a Medical Centre, which is staffed by a doctor and nurse on 24-hour call when at sea. When docked, supplementary emergency care may also be obtained through local medical facilities. Guests may be charged for medical services and for medications used for their medical treatment. The Medical Centre is not intended or designed to provide on-going treatment of pre-existing conditions or for extended critical care, and Silversea is not responsible for the diagnosis, treatment or services furnished by shipboard medical personnel.
Silversea cruise guidelines state that children under the age of 18 must be accompanied, in the same or connecting suite, by a parent or other responsible adult over the age of 21 for the duration of the voyage. If the adult accompanying the minor is not their parent, a parental consent guardianship form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian and received by Silversea prior to sailing. Please contact our Special Services Department at SpecialServices@Silversea.com for a Parental Consent Form. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to purchase or consume alcohol. Silversea reserves the right to refuse to serve anyone who in its sole judgment may be under the influence of alcohol, or for any reason necessary in its judgement to preserve the health and safety of guests and employees.
Silversea cannot accommodate infants less than six months of age and reserves the right to limit the number of children less than three years of age (Silver Explorer, Silver Cloud and Silver Wind cannot accommodate infants under the age of 1 year, Silver Origin cannot accommodate children under the age of 5 years). Parents are required to sign a notarised waiver prior to sailing in order to grant a valid booking for children ages between 6 months and 1 year old. A signed and notarised waiver will be required for all children between these ages. Although Silversea accepts guests over the age of 6 months (over the age of 1 year for Silversea Expeditions), there are no special programmes for children on board our luxury cruise ships, and Silversea does not provide for the care, entertainment or supervision of children. Silversea reserves the right to limit the number of children less than 3 years of age.
Children under the age of 8 years old are only permitted to participate in suitable Silver Shore Excursions / shuttle service if the vehicles are equipped with the correct safety harness and seating equipment. Child harnesses and secure seating cannot be guaranteed. Silversea reserves the right to refuse children under the age of 8 years old on any tour on the basis of safety. Guests may use their own approved safety seat, booster seat or harness provided they are compatible with the local touring vehicle and can properly secure the child.
In addition, the Zodiacs used for Silversea Expeditions are unable to accommodate children younger than 5 years of age. As Silversea does not provide babysitting services, an adult family member will be required to remain on board with their child(ren) during Zodiac excursions.
Complete valet services, including laundry, pressing and wet cleaning, are available at an additional charge and may be arranged through your butler. Laundry service is complimentary for certain suite categories and for those Venetian Society members who have reached certain reward levels. A self-service launderette offers washing machines, dryers, irons and laundry supplies, allowing you to limit the amount of cruise luggage needed, especially for longer voyages.
All Silversea ships are equipped to offer wireless (Wi-Fi) Internet access. You can use your own laptop to surf the Internet and check emails at Wi-Fi locations throughout the ship, or from the comfort and privacy of your suite. Computers, email and Internet access are also available on board at the Internet Café. However, it is important to understand that telecommunication services while at sea are via satellite and significantly different than high-speed connections on land back home. The signal travels in a similar manner to radio waves but at much greater distances. Therefore, onboard Internet access is not guaranteed at all times. Satellite communications are also affected by weather and the ship’s location. In particular, Internet service is extremely sporadic while in the Arctic. Guests aboard expedition cruises to/from Svalbard should be prepared to be out of communication for the duration of their time on board. (Please be assured that Silver Explorer always has emergency communication capabilities.)
- Fitness Centre
- Zagara Beauty Spa
- Elevator
- Beauty Salon
- The Observation Lounge
- Jogging Track
- Elevator
- Deluxe Veranda Suites
- Pool Deck
- Launderette
- Pool Bar
- The Grill
- Library
- Elevator
- Internet Corner
- Panorama Lounge
- Grand Suites
- Deluxe Veranda Suites
- Superior Veranda Suites
- La Terrazza
- Connoisseur’s Corner
- Conference/Card Room
- Elevator
- La Dame
- Medallion Suites
- Silver Suites
- Superior Veranda Suites
- Royal Suites
- Grand Suites
- Owner’s Suites
- The Show Lounge
- Launderette
- Elevator
- Deluxe Veranda Suites
- Superior Veranda Suites
- Grand Suite
- Royal Suite
- Casino
- Casino Bar
- The Bar
- Boutique
- Reception/Guest Relations
- Elevator
- Shore Concierge
- The Show Lounge
- Future Cruise Manager
- Lobby
- The Show Lounge
- Classic Veranda Suites
- Superior Veranda Suites
- The Restaurant
- Vista Suites
- Elevator
Get in touch with our team to start planning
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