Ko Samui/Thailand
Ko Samui rises up out of the ocean like a piece of heaven on earth. You can also gather some heavenly impressions in the jungle, away from the white sandy beaches and coconut palms: follow the thundering of the waterfalls into the hilly heart of the island or pay homage to the 18-armed statue of monk Jao Mae Kuan at the Plai Laem Temple*.

Ko Kood, Thailand
Swap a Christmas tree and snow for tropical rainforest and picturesque beaches as you spend a relaxing Christmas Day in one of the main bays of this small island paradise, before enjoying a festive Christmas gala back on board.

Laem Chabang (Bangkok)/Thailand
On Christmas day, the highlights of Bangkok shine, giving you a colourful goody bag filled with one surprise after another: hundreds of tuk-tuks manoeuvre through the busy streets lined with skyscrapers, enormous shopping malls, exotic markets and steaming food stalls. Get one of the drivers to take you to the Lebua State Tower, where you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view, or pay a visit to the famous Emerald Buddha in the Wat Phra Kaeo temple complex. Discover the fascinating contrasts of this vast city at a more leisurely pace on a boat trip* along the Chao Phraya River. The spectacular Ancient City* has a collection of Thailand’s architectural cultural heritage: probably the largest open-air museum in the world, it has copies and originals of over 100 monuments, statues and palaces from all parts of the country.

Da Nang (Hue)/Vietnam
Da Nang was once on the border between the Chinese Empire and the land of the Cham dynasty, and today you can see Cham sculptures in the local museum. Or join us for an overland excursion* over the Hai Van Pass (“sea cloud pass”) into Vietnam’s imperial past. Hue* was the capital of the Vietnamese empire until 1945, and the imperial family lived behind the fortified walls of the citadel. Sights such as the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the emperor’s palace, with their tiled roofs, artistic dragon ornaments, frangipani trees and lotus ponds, will lead you into an exotic world. Go on a bicycle tour through traditional villages and along green paddy fields to the old town of Hoi An*. For centuries, this was a lively trading city on the Silk Road. Its decline in the 19th century left it with some beautifully preserved historic monuments, such as the Japanese Bridge and the merchants’ houses, from the imperial era. Perhaps the enticing displays at the markets have left you feeling curious about dishes such as “Bo bay mon” and “Cha gio”? Conjure up some delicious Vietnamese recipes with the help of an experienced chef*.

Nha Trang/Vietnam
In this “Nice of the Far East”, you will find traditional round basket boats and some of the best beaches in the country. There is no shortage of culture either: visit the ninth-century Po Nagar Cham Towers and travel by motor boat* to Coconut Island to learn all about life in a native village.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)/Vietnam
As you pass through the streets of lively Saigon*, you will see thousands of bicycles, street food stalls and rickshaws as you pass architectural gems from the French colonial era, such as the impressive City Post Office and the pretty Notre Dame Cathedral. The rather sober-looking Reunification Palace was built in 1966 and was the residence of the president until 1975. In 1976, the torn-apart country was finally reunified. You can see reminders of the country’s long resistance against the French and Americans in the underground tunnels of Cu Chi*. Greet the following morning – and therefore also the New Year – with the first rays of sunshine in Tao Dan Park, where you can experience the stimulating effects of Tai Chi exercises alongside the locals. Or enjoy a traditional French massage in the luxurious L’Apothiquaire* spa.

Singapore
“Singapura” – the Lion City – named by an Indian prince, the city has now become a multicultural megacity. The city’s landmark* is the Merlion, which has a lion’s head and the body of a fish. Chinatown* and the ultra-modern Shenton Way are part of Singapore’s diverse scenery, which you can explore on a bicycle tour*. The city is also an impressive sight from above, with views from the Singapore Flyer*, at 165 m one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the world. Singapore’s penchant for superlatives doesn’t stop when it comes to natural beauty: at Gardens by the Bay*, you can walk under a 54 m tall glass dome through cloud forests, marvel at gigantic steel ferns or see flowers from all over the world in the Flower Dome. Immerse yourself in the vibrant life of this cosmopolitan city until the late afternoon and spend one last night on board before you depart. Perhaps you will stay on for a post-cruise programme* and visit the temple complexes of Angkor Wat* in Cambodia.