Asian itineraries

[Tansy Mews]

We are considering two itineraries - Asian Jewels and Emperors and Empires

 

Singapore to Beijing - Asian Jewels

This would give us a chance to see the Great Wall since the cruise ends in Beijing

http://www.oceaniacruises.com/findcruise/grandvoyages/nau140206a/default.aspx

 

Hong King to Bangkok -Emperors

This would give us time to spend a few extra days in Bangkok and to go to Siem Reap. This itinerary is a few days longer but some backtracking.

http://www.oceaniacruises.com/findcruise/grandvoyages/nau140222a/default.aspx

 

We have never traveled in Asia so it is all new to us! Any advice most welcome. We are interested in buildings, history and landscapes

[lais]

We are considering two itineraries - Asian Jewels and Emperors and Empires

 

Singapore to Beijing - Asian Jewels

This would give us a chance to see the Great Wall since the cruise ends in Beijing

http://www.oceaniacruises.com/findcruise/grandvoyages/nau140206a/default.aspx

 

Hong King to Bangkok -Emperors

This would give us time to spend a few extra days in Bangkok and to go to Siem Reap. This itinerary is a few days longer but some backtracking.

http://www.oceaniacruises.com/findcruise/grandvoyages/nau140222a/default.aspx

 

We have never traveled in Asia so it is all new to us! Any advice most welcome. We are interested in buildings, history and landscapes

 

Wow! Both beautiful itineraries. I think I'll book Singapore to Beijing. Thanks for the heads up!

[findacruise]

If you want to go in 2013 think about trying this cruise we are going on - could get on the wait list for a lower cabin. We are doing a pre-cruise for 3 days for $999 each and an included 3 day post cruise to Angor Wat. It is all inclusive. We chose it after doing a comparison with other cruises. We booked it last December while we were on our first Regent cruise. Just a thought to consider if your schedule allows. It's not as long as the one you have chosen, but a nice itinerary. We have not been to Asia, either and are very excited. Planning is so much fun! :)

http://www.rssc.com/cruises/VOY130316/summary/default.aspx

[Tansy Mews]

Thanks for the suggestion. We are being greedy - we really want to go to Kyoto too. Yep, I know there is always a next time but....!

[lais]

The Hong Kong to Bangkok doubles back and you visit some of the same ports twice. Singapore to Beijing looks fabulous! I have a great hotel for you if you stay in Beijing for a night or two.

[findacruise]

Thanks for the suggestion. We are being greedy - we really want to go to Kyoto too. Yep, I know there is always a next time but....!

 

 

Not greedy at all! GO FOR IT!

[vaitape]

Thanks for the suggestion. We are being greedy - we really want to go to Kyoto too. Yep, I know there is always a next time but....!

 

We got ourselves from Kobe port to Kyoto via the train..really easy to do. Stayed in a lovely hotel along the river adjacent to the old part of the city. Attended a Cherry Blossom Dance performance by the geishas and wandered amongst the shrines, temple, gardens....many Japanese family dressed in kimonos for the Cherry Blossom Festivals. There was a huge beer garden set up outside a temple and the food at the stalls was fabulous...fresh fried sweet potato spears, bbq'd fish and yakatori.....

 

Terrific memory-maker!

[Love.II.Cruise]

WOW - amazing cruises! I say each of you write a list of pros and cons and see which has more pros.

 

I'd love to do either one of those, but I can't take that much time off of work. I'm sure whatever you choose, you'll love!

[no fuss travel]

Great Wall is incredible but so is Angor Wat. There is so much to see and do in Beijing. Fascinating city. Angor Wat has several temple sites, all of which have their own unique perspective. (trying to think of a better word, but am at a loss). We had three full days in Angor Wat and saw most of the temples. What will reach out at you is the children trying to sell you crafts. You simply will not be able to say no. Watch out for the monkeys at the temple as they are not very nice. Once of the ladies on our tour got too close, they stole her camera, ran up a tree and after 45 minutes dropped it from the tree. You can guess what happened.

The pro for Angor Wat is that is will be much warmer than the Great Wall at that time of the year and it is not as crowded.

Either way you will be making a great choice. Enjoy. We are planning on going back in a few years to see how much things have changed.

[Kissing Seahorses]

Although the "Great Wall" is impressive for its size alone (the only man made structure that is visible from space), I found Angor wat to be fascinating, that "lost" society was very advanced and built beautiful architecture. I also have a soft spot in my heart for the Cambodian people for all they have been though.