Sailings

One of Asia's great success stories, this island republic has merged diverse cultures into a dynamic and thriving nation. Clean, modern and full of green gardens, its neighborhoods reflect the Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arab and European backgrounds of its past. After sampling the legendary shopping, retire to Raffles Hotel's famous bar and toast Maugham, Kipling and Noel Coward with a Singapore Sling.

The quiet beaches of Lamai, on the island's southeastern coast, are sure to afford you the perfect opportunity to relax. If you would prefer to be a little more active while on Ko Samui, there are plenty of beautiful underwater sights at Coral Cove or Angthong Marine National Park. Dive shops are a dime a dozen on Ko Samui, so you will have plenty of opportunities to explore some of the world's prettiest coral reefs.

After 20 years of isolation, this history-laden Vietnamese capital will charm and fascinate you with her vibrant sights. Formerly Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a blend of magnificent French colonial architecture set against spacious boulevards thronged with trishaws, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians. Leave time to shop in the Ben Thanh Market or wander in the landmark Reunification Hall. The more adventurous may opt for an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong in hiding from Allied troops.

Today this lovely town on the South China Sea reflects the peaceful era of pre-war Indochina. And up the coast, the grand Thien Mu Pagoda and stately Tu Duc Tomb welcome you to Hue, Vietnam's ancient royal capital, on the banks of the Perfume River.

Judging from the beauty of Hanoi, you can't help but to be amazed by its appearance. This pleasant city offers just the right atmosphere, not too fast paced and not too slow. Through all of the different moves and name changes, Hanoi is still able to maintain its allure.

Hanoi was moved from Hoa Lu to Dai La by King Ly Thai To (Ly Cong Uan) in 1010. The king's vision of the dragon ascending from the Red river brought on the change of Dai La to Thang Long. At the end of the Tran Dynasty in 1397, the capital city Thang Long was moved to Thanh Hoa-Tay Do (Western Capital) and Thang Long became Dong Do (Eastern Capital). The capital was renamed Dong Quan during the invasion by China in 1407. In 1428, Le Loi liberated Vietnam and renamed Dong Quan to Dong Kinh after 10 year fight. Once again the city was renamed Thang Long in 1527, King Gai Long moved this capital city to Hue in 1802 and changed the meaning of Long from dragon to prosperity. When King Minh Mang came along he renamed the city Ha Noi in 1831 meaning within the river.

Besides Hanoi's beauty, this city also possesses historical findings. One of these findings would be Ho Hoan Kiem (Lake of the Returned Sword). The Lake of the Returned Sword was at one point in time called Luc Thuy or Green Water then changed to Ho Hoan Kiem, based on a similar legend as the Kind Arthur and the Lady of the Lake's legend. After the 10 years of fighting the Chinese and vindicated Vietnam's independence. The priceless sword that King Le Thai possessed was taken away by a large turtle. During a sail on Lake Luc Thuy the turtle appeared, the king pointed the sword at the turtle. The turtle grab onto the sword and disappeared into the lake. Since this sword was of such value the king ordered for the lake to be emptied, but the sword or the turtle was never seen again.

Hong Kong is the cosmopolitan hub of the Far East. This former British colony reverted to Chinese control in 1997, yet the culture-rich atmosphere remains. See the Wong Tai Sin Temple, tour local markets and the floating village of Aberdeen. Take the Tram to the top of Victoria Peak for one of the world''s most exciting views, or cross the harbor aboard one of the famous Star Ferries. After shopping and exploring, enjoy high tea at the favored retreat of many world travelers-the Peninsula Hotel.