Passage Through the South China Seas

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1: UK to Hong Kong, China

  Fly from the UK to Hong Kong and embark onboard Viking Venus for your 26-night cruise

• Day 2: Hong Kong, China

  Hong Kong is an autonomous territory in South East China. Hong Kong has developed from a small fishing village in the 19th century to a bustling metropolis filled with high-rise buildings and infused with culture. Hong Kong is a shopper’s paradise; discover a wide range of shopping experiences at Causeway Bay, Sheung Wan, Harbour City, Festival Walk, and Tsim Sha Tsui. Dine in a traditional restaurant and sample a world of exquisite, mouth-watering local cuisine including noodles, dumplings, and rice. Visit Mickey Mouse at Disneyland Park, or relax on the white sand at Repulse Bay. Trek to Victoria Peak; the highest peak on Hong Kong Island and see one of the world's most beautiful skylines at Victoria Harbour. Witness the historical temples including Man Mo Temple and Po Lin Monastery for an insight into the local culture.

• Day 3: Sail the South China Sea

  Day at sea

• Day 4-5: Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

  Halong Bay — an UNESCO World Heritage site — features thousands of tall, limestone islands dotted across the Gulf of Tonkin in Vietnam. See spectacular stone caves and arches; swim in one of the bay’s sheltered coves; stroll around one of the markets; and enjoy fresh seafood dishes at one of the waterfront restaurants. From here, you can explore Cat Ba Island to find underground caves and a diverse selection or wildlife. Ha Long Bay is also a great place to go kayaking and see traditional fishing villages.

• Day 6: Hue (Chan May), Vietnam

  The UNESCO-listed city of Hue is located in central Vietnam and was once the seat of emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty and the country's national capital from 1802 to 1945. This fascinating and historic city is home to the 19th-century Dai Noi Citadel that encompasses: the Imperial City with its many palaces and shrines; the Forbidden Purple City that was once the emperor's home; and a replica of the Royal Theatre. Take a riverboat ride on the Perfume River or explore the Tomb of Tu Doc and Thien Mu Pagoda. You can also venture out of the city to the surrounding Bach Ma National Park with its lush landscapes, pretty walking trails, mountain ranges, and towering waterfalls or the tranquil Elephant Springs between Hue and Da Nang.

• Day 7: Sail the South China Sea

  Day at sea

• Day 8-10: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  Dock at Phu My and travel to Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, Vietnam's capital city has a strong heritage and vivid culture with plenty of modern twists. Explore French colonial architecture, shop at a designer mall and sample some street food as you wander around the energetic avenues. You can visit the colourful floating markets of Mekong Delta, before heading to the city's famous landmarks — including Notre Dame Cathedral, Jade Emperor Pagoda and the National Museum of Vietnamese History. Discover wartime Vietnam at the Cu Chi tunnels and Independence Palace, then treat yourself to port, sticky rice and seafood dishes flavoured with lemongrass, coconut milk and peanut dipping sauce!

• Day 11: Gulf of Thailand

  Scenic Sailing

• Day 12-13: Sihanoukville, Cambodia

  Located in southwest Cambodia, Sihanoukville is known for its beaches, beautiful tropical islands, and mangrove jungles. Set around a port on a peninsula jutting into the Gulf of Thailand, discover many tempting seafood restaurants and late-night bars. Ream National Park boasts much beauty to be discovered and Ou Chheuteal Beach is brimming with friendly cafes, bars, and exciting boating experiences. Backpack through Koh Ta Kiev; the biggest of a small group of Cambodian islands or uncover Koh Tang's engaging military past of the Vietnam War in 1975. The gold-hued Buddhist temple of Leu Pagoda is positioned at the top of a hill and boasts scenic views you won't easily forget. Shop for mouth-watering fresh seafood and unique handmade souvenirs at the popular Pshar Leu Market or enjoy a peaceful stroll to Kbal Chhay Waterfall.

• Day 14-16: Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand

  Laem Chabang is located two hours south of Bangkok. It is Thailand's largest and busiest industrial port, handling millions of tons of cargo each year. Most passengers head straight to Bangkok to discover the golden temples and sacred statues of Buddha. Have lunch at one of the world's top Michelin-starred restaurants. Be dazzled by the neon lights of downtown Bangkok where you will find the main shopping centres around Siam Square. Shopping in Bangkok is something to behold; with a combination of shopping centres and markets, you can pick up some of the finest souvenirs. Jump in a tuk-tuk and explore Bangkok's temples, palaces and markets.

• Day 17: Koh Samui (Nathon), Thailand

  Explore Thailand's second-largest island — Koh Samui. Formerly known for its coconut plantations, the island is now famous for its white-sand coastline and exciting water sports. You can see Wat Phrayai and its 39-foot Buddha monument or head further inland to admire the stunning Na Muang Waterfalls. Pay a visit to the unique Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks (the Grandpa and Grandma rocks). Get up close to indigenous marine and animal life at Samui Aquarium with Tiger Show. View the most famous poisonous snakes in Asia at the Snake Farm.

• Day 18: Gulf of Thailand

  Scenic Sailing

• Day 19: Strait of Malacca

  Scenic Sailing

• Day 20: Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia

  Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia. The city's most famous landmarks - the 451 metre tall Petronas Twin Towers and also the 421-metre high Menara KL Tower – both offer city-wide views from their observation decks. Spend a few hours at the Bukit Bintang shopping and entertainment district or enjoy the 7000 artefacts on display at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia. Escape to the tranquil surroundings of Kuala Lumpur Bird Park or admire the Hindu temple at Batu Caves. Kuala Lumpur's British colonial past comes to life at the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station and the Sultan Abdul Samad Building.

• Day 21-22: Singapore

  Singapore is one of the most popular destinations in Asia for tourism and it is very easy to see why. A modern day metropolis with a wide range of cultural diversity and a huge emphasis on technology all coming together to attract people the world over. Take a shopping trip down Orchard Road, a shopper’s paradise of designer shops and department stores you will be spoilt for choice for what to buy, journey to the Singapore Botanical Gardens with 120 acres showcasing some weird and wonderful plants or head to the world famous Raffles Hotel and relax with a Singapore Sling Cocktail. Singapore is a city that you will want to visit again and again.

• Day 23: Sail the Java Sea

  Day at sea

• Day 24: Java (Semarang), Indonesia

  Nestled on Java’s north coast, Semarang is Central Java’s largest city and commercial capital. Made up of two parts, the lowlands and the highlands, you get to enjoy striking architecture and scenic landscapes. Pay a visit to the old quarter and view the Lawang Sewu landmark or head to the majestic Sam Poo Kong temple in Chinatown. Escape to the idyllic surroundings of the tree-lined Simpang Lima in the modern city centre. Semarang is also your gateway to Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world's largest Buddhist monument. This awe-inspiring temple is home to amazing stone carvings and affords panoramic views across lush green fields and distant hills thanks to its hilltop location.

• Day 25: Java (Surabaya), Indonesia

  Indonesia’s second largest city, Surabaya is rich in cultural charm and ancient history. This bustling city combines impressive Dutch colonial buildings with a city atmosphere. Stop by the awe-inspiring Heroes Monument commemorating those who died in Battle of Surabaya. Visit the Sanggar Agung Temple and gaze in awe at the mesmerising god and goddess statues on display inside. Alternatively, head to the House of Sampoerna, a unique clove museum and watch as women hand-roll cigarettes. You can also savour authentic Indonesian cuisine inside the historic setting. Explore Subrarya Zoo and come face to face with indigenous animals or make a splash at one of the biggest water parks in Southeast Asia, Ciputra Waterpark.

• Day 26: Bali (Benoa), Indonesia

  Benoa is located on a peninsula on the southern tip of Bali, just north of the luxury resort of Nusa Dua. Life here centres around sunbathing on the beautiful beaches and enjoying water sports on the crystal clear seas. Discover a spot of culture on a visit to Caow Eng Bio Chinese Temple and Pura Dalem Ning Lan Taman Beji Temple. Learn to cook Balinese-style with a culinary class at Bambu Bali Cooking School. Venture further afield to enjoy an elephant safari at the famous Elephant Safari Park in Taro or board a Kura-Kura Bus and explore the island's must-see nature and scenery.

• Day 27: Bali (Benoa), Indonesia to UK

  Disembark ship and fly back to the UK