Idyllic Asian Isles – Hong Kong to Bangkok

In 1841, Hong Kong became a British Crown colony when it was acquired from China. In 1984, Britain and China signed an agreement which stated Hong Kong would return to China, but that it would maintain in its capitalist system for 50 years. This transfer took place during on June 30, 1997 under great pomp and ceremony. Its enormous harbor, vast industrialization and free port status make it a major Asian crossroad, and perhaps the best place to shop in the world.

Drink in the exquisite beauty of Ha Long Bay with its breathtaking monolithic limestone islands and famous morning mists before going ashore to visit Hanoi. Enjoy the broad boulevards, French colonial architecture and wonderful old quarter. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Vuon Bach Thao park where locals practice Tai Chi.

Nha Trang, on the south-central coast of Vietnam, supports a population of 300,000 or so but retains a welcoming small-town ambience. A resort town, it is flanked by nearly 10 kilometres of glorious shore, lapped by seas that are pleasantly tepid year-round.

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly and still commonly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam, situated in the south. In the southeastern region, the city surrounds the Saigon River and covers about 2,061 square kilometres.

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly and still commonly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam, situated in the south. In the southeastern region, the city surrounds the Saigon River and covers about 2,061 square kilometres.

Straegically located at the end of the Malaysian peninsula, the island nation of Singapore is a modern,

thriving metropolis and a true melting pot of cultures. Singapore offers diverse colorful ethnic quarters; a fantastic array of superb cuisines; and a shopping mecca second to none. In many ways Singapore (the name means Lion City) was built by Sir Stamford Raffles. Coming ashore to a tiny fishing village in 1819, through trade treaties and business acumen, he laid the foundation for one of the most amazing urban success stories in history. Today, travelers can embrace exotic sights and sounds as they stroll or ride a trishaw through Chinatown, the Arab Quarter or Little India. Head down to the scenic Boat Quay for unrivaled views of the harbor and stop at one of the many international eateries for a refreshing repast. Shop along famous Orchard Road with its merchandise from every corner of the Pacific Rim; embark on a night safari at the Singapore Zoo or relax in the verdant shade of the Bukit Timah Nature Preserve. Be sure to leave time to try a refreshing Singapore Sling at the bar at Raffles Hotel.

Koh Samui is Thailand’s third largest island. Surrounded by eighty smaller islands, this stunning, natural beauty has been relatively undiscovered until recent years. Rumor claims that in 1971 the first tourists to set foot on Koh Samui were hippies who arrived by way of a coconut boat from Bangkok. While Koh Samui still exports up to 2 million coconuts to Bangkok every month, recent urban developments include a no-frills airport and an ostentatious Reggae bar.

Bangkok is the capital and largest city in Thailand. It began as a small trading center on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River serving the Ayutthaya Kingdom, the precursor of modern Thailand which existed from 1350 to 1767. Indulge your senses in the city’s fabulous golden temples and palaces, the royal barges and the Emerald Buddha. And explore the hidden city of teak mansions and lovely gardens or learn about Thai culture. Look for luxurious silk, wood carvings and fine jewelry among other crafts. Tempt your palate with chili-based dishes or sweet and sour recipes. Try some sate with peanut sauce, sticky rice and grilled fish and meats.

Bangkok is the capital and largest city in Thailand. It began as a small trading center on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River serving the Ayutthaya Kingdom, the precursor of modern Thailand which existed from 1350 to 1767. Indulge your senses in the city’s fabulous golden temples and palaces, the royal barges and the Emerald Buddha. And explore the hidden city of teak mansions and lovely gardens or learn about Thai culture. Look for luxurious silk, wood carvings and fine jewelry among other crafts. Tempt your palate with chili-based dishes or sweet and sour recipes. Try some sate with peanut sauce, sticky rice and grilled fish and meats.