30-Day Shanghai Nights, Seoul Sunsets & Southeast Asia

Busan is the second largest city in South Korea, and the country's seaside connection to Japan and the West. Lovely urban scenery, the Pusan International Film Festival, and near-by hot springs has made Busan a popular leisure destination. Busan has the sophistication of a major city, as well as famous beaches that lure visitors from all over the world. The city is a microcosm of South Korea, a nation whose economic success often obscures, to Westerners, one of Asia's most sophisticated and venerable cultures.

Incheon, famous as the site for MacArthur's strategic landing during the Korean War, provides Korea one of the few ports along the Yellow Sea. Off the coast are numerous islands, some still uninhabited. Many people who live in Inchon make the arduous trek to Seoul each day, and Seoulites flock here on the weekends to enjoy fresh fish and visit the islands. Inchon has been the major port serving Seoul since the early days of the Chosen Dynasty. Seoul became Korea's capital city in 1394 at the beginning of the Choson Dynasty (1392-1910). Currently home to 10.1 million people, it is the financial, political, commercial, recreational, educational, and cultural center of the Republican nation. Seoul is a blend of the old and new, where skyscrapers tower above the graceful architecture of ancient gates, palaces, and temples, thus reflecting the legacy of its previous era.

Incheon, famous as the site for MacArthur's strategic landing during the Korean War, provides Korea one of the few ports along the Yellow Sea. Off the coast are numerous islands, some still uninhabited. Many people who live in Inchon make the arduous trek to Seoul each day, and Seoulites flock here on the weekends to enjoy fresh fish and visit the islands. Inchon has been the major port serving Seoul since the early days of the Chosen Dynasty. Seoul became Korea's capital city in 1394 at the beginning of the Choson Dynasty (1392-1910). Currently home to 10.1 million people, it is the financial, political, commercial, recreational, educational, and cultural center of the Republican nation. Seoul is a blend of the old and new, where skyscrapers tower above the graceful architecture of ancient gates, palaces, and temples, thus reflecting the legacy of its previous era.

"Paris of China" and "Pearl of the Orient," the vibrant city of Shanghai is a shining symbol of the economic emergence of the world's largest nation. A comfortable jumble of old and new, it is a city in seemingly unstoppable transition. Like the rest of China, Shanghai is undergoing one of the fastest economic expansions the world has ever seen, yet has striven to retain its historical roots. Today's Shanghai is a montage of stunning architecture, mixed with noble reminders of long-gone eras. Shanghai, as you soon discover, has many faces.

"Paris of China" and "Pearl of the Orient," the vibrant city of Shanghai is a shining symbol of the economic emergence of the world's largest nation. A comfortable jumble of old and new, it is a city in seemingly unstoppable transition. Like the rest of China, Shanghai is undergoing one of the fastest economic expansions the world has ever seen, yet has striven to retain its historical roots. Today's Shanghai is a montage of stunning architecture, mixed with noble reminders of long-gone eras. Shanghai, as you soon discover, has many faces.

Miyako Island is 300 km south of Okinawa island, and is famous for its beaches, said to be Japan’s most beautiful. Maehama beach is for swimmers, while Yoshino has great coral reefs for snorkelers and the white-sand Sunayama has dramatic rock formations. Cape Higashi-Hennazaki is a long, narrow cape with the picturesque lighthouse at the end. The city’s Botanical Garden boasts over 1600 tropical varieties. Nakasone Tuyumya was an important leader of Miyako and the Okinawan people in the 16th century. Near the port in Hirara is memorial to him and his descendants, a designated national cultural asset. At the island’s north end, the graceful Ikema Ohashi bridge leads to the small Ikema Island.

Located on the Pacific coast of Taiwan island, where the Hualien River enters the sea, Hualien is a gateway to the island’s most spectacular natural splendors. It was here that Portuguese sailors in the 16th century caught a first glimpse of the grandeur and named the island Formosa. For a first visit nothing could beat a tour to the Taroko National Park, a swathe of mountain peaks, deep-cut canyons, rivers and waterfalls that is simply breathtaking. The rivers here have carved deep gorges into the marble cliffs, and attractions such as the Tunnel of Nine Turns make it even more dramatic. This path leads through marble-walled tunnels, interrupted by natural windows that let the light stream down from above, culminating in a rushing waterfall.

Keelung is the second largest port in Taiwan, and a booming trade industry has turned it into a very prosperous city and international seaport. However, the main reason for calling here is to travel inland to visit the contemporary metropolis of Taipei. Not long ago, the scenic valley of the Tanshui River was home to rice and vegetable farmers, but today it is the site of Taiwan's bustling center of culture, commerce and government.

Hong Kong is divided into four sections: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and the numerous outlying islands. One hundred sixty-four square miles of dense real estate dominate Hong Kong Island, including enormous skyscrapers with futuristic architecture, opulent hotels, residential compounds on Victoria Peak, and some of the oldest Chinese communities in the region. All these elements create one of the most exotic and exciting ports of call in the world; one that is universally loved by tourists and its own enterprising citizens.

Just off the coast of Vietnam, a myriad of karstic islands are clustered in this picturesque setting. Looming out of the sea, undercut by erosions into fantastic shapes, they reminded the Vietnamese of the looping back of a swimming dragon. Scattered among them, whole communities of fishing families live most of their lives on sampans, trading among themselves and periodically going into nearby towns such as Haiphong to sell their catch and buy supplies.

Da Nang, known as Tourane by the French, succeeded Hoi An as the most important port in central Vietnam during the 19th century. Today, Da Nang's distance from other power centers, its natural endowments, (the port and proximity to Laos and Thailand), and its high degree of provincial autonomy allows for considerable local initiative. Among the Da Nang area sites of interest to visitors are the Marble Mountains, China Beach, the ancient port town of Hoi An and the imperial city of Hue.

Ho Chi Minh City covers an area of more than 800 square miles, stretching westward from the South China Sea to the Cambodian border. Its land is overwhelmingly rural, dotted with villages and clusters of houses set amidst rice paddies. The downtown section of Ho Chi Minh City is still known as Saigon, and it is here the economic changes sweeping Vietnam and their social implications are most evident. The level of activity and energy of this city will amaze you, and make it clear that this country does not intend to stand still.

Ho Chi Minh City covers an area of more than 800 square miles, stretching westward from the South China Sea to the Cambodian border. Its land is overwhelmingly rural, dotted with villages and clusters of houses set amidst rice paddies. The downtown section of Ho Chi Minh City is still known as Saigon, and it is here the economic changes sweeping Vietnam and their social implications are most evident. The level of activity and energy of this city will amaze you, and make it clear that this country does not intend to stand still.

Sihanoukville, also known as Kampong Som, is located in southern Cambodia on the Gulf of Thailand, and is Cambodia's only international marine port. Its beaches are the most prominent natural feature of the city, spanning most of the surrounding coastline. Sihanoukville has several cultural sites, including Victory Monument built to symbolize friendship with Vietnam, and Independence Square, constructed in honor of independence and the Cambodians that lost their lives defending their country.

Seabourn has discovered an unspoiled tropical island paradise on which to create our signature Caviar in the Surf beach barbecue party. Sugary white sand, swaying palms and limpid waters invite you enjoy watersports, and a sumptuous feast prepared by your peerless Seabourn culinary staff awaits you on this sublime slice of Southeast Asian heaven.

Bangkok is a city of endless fascination. Spiked with countless high-rise buildings of concrete and glass, Bangkok is an exhilarating mix of chaos and refinement, of frenetic markets and hushed golden temples, early-morning alms-giving rituals and ultra hip designer boutiques. In the heart of the city is the Chao Phraya River, its vast network of canals (klongs) as important to local transportation as the intricate road system. There is a wealth of history and culture to be discovered here: palaces, temples, markets, and exquisite classical Thai dance performances.

Founded as a British trading colony in 1819, Singapore joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963. Two years later, it became an independent island-state, developing into one of the world's most prosperous countries. With ultra-modern skyscrapers combined with a medley of Chinese, Indian and Malay influences, Singapore is a dynamic city rich in contrast and color, exhibiting a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture.