28 nights · China · Departs Hong Kong (China) · Visiting Halong Bay, Da Nang, Saigon, Sihanoukville, Laem Chabang, Koh Samui Island Thailand, Singapore, Kota Kinabalu, Puerto Princesa, Boracay Island Philippines, Manila · Aboard Holland America on the ms Noordam
Image courtesy of Holland America ©
| Cruise line | Holland America |
|---|---|
| Ship | ms Noordam |
| Duration | 28 nights |
| Port calls | 12 |
| Departures | 1 sailings |
| From fare | $4,269 per person |
| Year built | 2006 |
| Guests | 2366 |
| Cabins | 986 |
| Crew | 820 |
| Length | 285 m |
| Beam | 32 m |
| Cruising speed | 22.0 kn |
Hong Kong is best approached from the water, where the Star Ferry crosses Victoria Harbour beneath a skyline of towers. Ride the Peak Tram for sweeping views of the harbour and surrounding islands. In Central, colonial landmarks stand beside glass towers; across the harbour, Kowloon’s markets and temples offer a different pace. Cantonese kitchens range from dim sum teahouses to polished dining rooms. Leave time for the harbour after dark, when the city’s lights come into focus.
Hạ Long opens onto a singular seascape: thousands of limestone islands rise from the Gulf of Tonkin. From the modern cruise port, boat trips lead into sheltered coves and dramatic grottoes. Some itineraries visit a floating fishing village, where families once made their living from the bay. Back ashore, Bai Chay has cafés and seafood restaurants. Choose a longer cruise for the best perspective: the karsts are most striking from the water.
Da Nang is Vietnam’s most appealing blend of city energy, broad beaches and easy access to remarkable heritage. The Museum of Cham Sculpture offers an exceptional introduction to the ancient kingdom of Champa. The Marble Mountains rise above the coast; Hoi An’s lantern-lit old town is about 30 kilometres south. Choose a beach day, a museum visit or an outing into central Vietnam’s layered past.
Ho Chi Minh City rewards curious travellers with a vivid collision of old Saigon and modern Vietnam. French-colonial landmarks, busy markets and motorbike-filled streets make the centre a study in contrasts. The War Remnants Museum offers a sobering account of the conflict, while local cafés invite a slower pause. For a deeper look at Vietnam’s wartime history, the Cu Chi tunnels make a memorable excursion beyond the city.
Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s principal seaport, set on the Gulf of Thailand beside a fast-changing coastal city. Its beaches, including Otres and Independence, offer a break from the busy port district. Nearby Ream National Park protects mangroves, river estuaries and coastal forest. Take a boat to offshore islands, or travel inland to Kampot for riverside scenery and colonial-era architecture.
Bangkok makes its first impression in motion: river boats, temple roofs and traffic threading between modern towers. At the Grand Palace, the Emerald Buddha and ceremonial halls reveal the city’s royal heritage. Nearby, Wat Pho holds the famous Reclining Buddha; a Chao Phraya boat ride offers a quieter view of old neighborhoods. Come hungry: markets and street kitchens serve fragrant curries, grilled seafood and mango with sticky rice. Allow time for heat and distance; Bangkok rewards an unhurried visit.
Ko Samui rewards those who look beyond its beach resorts. Thailand’s Gulf island pairs coconut groves and fishing villages with polished dining and quiet coves. From Nathon, explore the island’s temples, including the gold-toned Big Buddha, or follow the coast to Chaweng and Lamai. Boat trips reach Ang Thong Marine Park, where limestone islands rise above clear water. Choose a driver for the day; distances and heat make leisurely exploration easier.
Singapore rewards the curious with a rare mix of order, energy and invention. Within a short ride of the waterfront, explore Chinatown’s shophouses, Little India’s temples and Kampong Glam’s Malay heritage. Follow pepper crab and satay aromas into a hawker centre, where local cooks make a persuasive case for lunch. For a quieter hour, Gardens by the Bay pairs dramatic Supertrees with cool conservatories and views across Marina Bay.
Bangkok makes its first impression in motion: river boats, temple roofs and traffic threading between modern towers. At the Grand Palace, the Emerald Buddha and ceremonial halls reveal the city’s royal heritage. Nearby, Wat Pho holds the famous Reclining Buddha; a Chao Phraya boat ride offers a quieter view of old neighborhoods. Come hungry: markets and street kitchens serve fragrant curries, grilled seafood and mango with sticky rice. Allow time for heat and distance; Bangkok rewards an unhurried visit.
Ho Chi Minh City rewards curious travellers with a vivid collision of old Saigon and modern Vietnam. French-colonial landmarks, busy markets and motorbike-filled streets make the centre a study in contrasts. The War Remnants Museum offers a sobering account of the conflict, while local cafés invite a slower pause. For a deeper look at Vietnam’s wartime history, the Cu Chi tunnels make a memorable excursion beyond the city.
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah’s capital on Malaysian Borneo, faces the South China Sea. Begin at the waterfront, then explore the central market or Sabah State Museum. Boats reach Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, where five islands offer swimming and snorkelling just offshore. On Sundays, Gaya Street hosts a popular market, while Mount Kinabalu rises inland, about 90 kilometres away.
Puerto Princesa is Palawan’s unhurried capital, where a working waterfront and forested hills meet the Sulu Sea. Use the city as a launch point for Honda Bay’s islands. The UNESCO-listed Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park lies near Sabang, reached by road from town. Back in the centre, discover local museums, cafés and seafood restaurants, then stroll the Baywalk beside the water.
Boracay is small enough to cross in an afternoon, yet its white-sand shoreline invites a slower pace. White Beach runs roughly four kilometres, with three stations and distinct moods. Beyond the beach, take a boat to snorkel, sail at sunset, or seek quieter coves. Arrivals usually come through Caticlan, followed by a short ferry crossing. Choose your hours well: mornings are calm, while evenings bring the island’s beachfront dining to life.
Manila asks you to look beyond its traffic and modern skyline. Inside Intramuros, Spanish-era walls enclose stone churches, leafy courtyards and Fort Santiago, where Philippine history feels close at hand. Nearby, the National Museum complex displays Filipino art and heritage. Make time for a meal of adobo or fresh seafood, then watch sunset over Manila Bay. This is a port best explored with a clear plan—and room for discovery.
Hong Kong is best approached from the water, where the Star Ferry crosses Victoria Harbour beneath a skyline of towers. Ride the Peak Tram for sweeping views of the harbour and surrounding islands. In Central, colonial landmarks stand beside glass towers; across the harbour, Kowloon’s markets and temples offer a different pace. Cantonese kitchens range from dim sum teahouses to polished dining rooms. Leave time for the harbour after dark, when the city’s lights come into focus.
Published August 2, 2026
Last updated October 3, 2026
Author: J. Richard
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