Sailings

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.

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.

Malaysia's capital rises like a vision from the deep jungles. Its fascinating array of architectural styles includes Malay stilt villages, Islamic minarets, Hindu temples, Chinese shop houses and the indescribable opulence of the Royal Palace. In the background rise the world's tallest buildings, the Petronas Twin Towers completed in 1996.

Set like a jewel in the Andaman Sea, Thailand's largest island has great expanses of sandy beaches that lure sun-seekers to their shores, and a unique culture combining influences from China and Portugal. Visit the fabled monastery of Wat Chalong, the Orchard Garden and the Thai Village, where examples of the country's culture are presented in a tranquil lakeside setting.

Ancient Burmese culture endures in this exotic city of the Irawaddy River. The jewel of the city formerly known as Rangoon is the Shewedagon Pagoda, one of the world's great Buddhist shrines, which is literally swathed in gold as well as diamonds, rubies and other precious stones.

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.

Bustling Manila is the second largest city in Southeast Asia, with its towering skyscrapers and remarkable joie de vivre. Yet amid the big-city turmoil are oases of calm: lush tropical parks, magnificent cathedrals, dramatic Spanish forts. Choose from the cultural riches of the Metropolitan Museum and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Intramuros, Manila's famous walled city, was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century. A "must see" is the Malacanang Palace with its opulent displays of Ferdinand and Imelda's decadent indulgences.

In the province of Sabah.

Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka means "Resplendent Land," an apt description for this beautiful island. Sri Lanka lies fifty-five miles north of the equator, just off the southern tip of India. With its unique beauty, warm climate and near-perfect beaches, Sri Lanka is one of Asia's most adored destinations. Since the sixteenth century, the Portuguese, Dutch and British have all left their architectural and cultural marks in Sri Lanka's capital of Colombo. Yet despite its colonial architecture, Sri Lanka has always remained Oriental in spirit, with colorful bazaars, dancing elephants, graceful women in saris, and many Buddhist shrines and temples.

The Seychelles have a singular magic, whether you are lazing in the sun or paddling around with a snorkel or scuba gear. Uninhabited until modern times, these East African islands are known for exquisite beaches and pristine coral reefs.

One of the most beautiful of the Seychelles islands, Praslin has a coastline of granite bluffs, carved by wave erosion into fluted columns and fantastic forms like abstract sculpture. In the national park, visit a grove of huge, ancient Coco-de-Mer palms, found nowhere else on earth. A single frond can roof an entire house.

East Africa's history is on view in Mombasa. The old Dhow Harbor was a center of trade among the old Swahili towns of the Indian Ocean. The Portuguese Fort Jesus looms above, surveying Old Town's Arab-style craft bazaars. Herds of elephant, giraffe and other game are to be found just inland, in game reserves like Taita Hills and Shimba Hills.

For many centuries, traders from Europe, India, the Orient and Arabia were lured to these shores. It was from here that explorer David Livingstone set off on his last expedition into the heart of the continent. Today, as you walk along the winding streets of the old Stone Town, lined with whitewashed coral rag houses, you can see reminders of this rich history all around you. Visit the Palace museum, former residence of the Omani Sultans, and the cathedral that now stands on the site of the notorious slave market.

In the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

African and Oriental cultures merge harmoniously in the cosmopolitan city of Durban. Zulu rickshaw drivers beckon passengers along Durban's Marine Parade. Silks and gold-threaded saris tempt visitors at the Oriental Arcades. In addition to golden beaches, Durban offers a fascinating history. It is also gateway to Zululand, where the drumbeat of tribal dancing is testimony to the enduring traditions of the Zulus. A visit to Shakaland is an experience of tribal customs.

Along the eastern coast of Africa, you will find the most beautiful city known to man-kind. This dominating tourist attraction stands alone in superiority among the hearts of its past visitors. This friendly city is known for many of its exceptional historical architecture and the allurement of its sites. Within sight of the Algoa Bay lies Port Elizabeth, engulfed in captivating serene country sides.

Dating back to 1820, Port Elizabeth became the country's first permanent British resident. A crew of 4,000 British Settlers that arrived by sea found this city. Port Elizabeth acquired her name from the late wife Elizabeth of the Acting Governor of Cape Colony, Sir Rufane Donkin. This Gateway city to the Eastern Cape is composed of a population over one million, which appoints this city as the fifth largest by population and second largest by area. Port Elizabeth plays an imperative role in the economical growth and well-being of South Africa. This role includes the contribution of the automobile industry for transportation and things such as keeping airports well equipped, port and harbor integrating South Africa with international and national destinations.

Such a beautiful sight to see contains alluring sites such as The Oceanarium, which is known for the notorious Dolphin and seal spectacle, the dolphin research centre, underwater observation area in the aquarium, two larger tanks of sharks and stingrays, and 40 different species of bony fish. The ideal weather in this city provides the perfect atmosphere for water sports. Within this utopian city lie extraordinary findings so we won't dare expose all of its possessions.

California's Monterey is located on in the Midwestern coast of the state in Monterey County. The original inhabitants were the Native Americans of the Esselen, Ohlone, and Salinan tribe then thereafter the Europeans arrived. Back in 1542, Monterey Bay's first discoverer was European Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo who declared it to be Spain's. Monterey's name was derived after Count of Monte Rey (viceroy of New Spain) by Sabastian Vizcaino who was the first it set foot in Monterey in December of 1602. The city was founded back in 1770 and later incorporated n 1850.

One of the world's most scenic harbors, the "Mother City" has welcomed sailors since Portuguese navigators first rounded the Cape of Good Hope in the 15th century. Take a cable car ride to the summit of massive, flat-topped Table Mountain, the city's dominating landmark, for a panoramic view of the Cape from 3,300 feet. At nearby Stellenbosch, the university town famous for its Cape Dutch architecture, sip crisp local vintages at one of the well-known wine estates.