Take a magical journey to a Far Eastern tropical paradise of breathtaking natural beauty, contrasting cultures and ancient dynasties. Explore the intense, bustling cities of Hong Kong or Singapore, and the tropical rainforests of Borneo. Experience a warm welcome as you visit the Philippines and its busy capital city, Manila, and witness the modern and traditional appeal of Vietnam, from its cities to its lush countryside. A cultural hotspot, you will never be short of things to see and do in Thailand's busy city of Bangkok. Go bargain hunting in the street markets, treat your taste buds by trying out one of the many exotic eateries, or be amazed by the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple.
Discover the colourful tapestry of the traditional lifestyles of the local people, and relax in the idyllic surroundings. Breathe in the heavy scents and admire the vivid colours of the beautiful, unspoilt white sand beaches, warm crystal clear seas and lush tropical landscapes in this destination of a lifetime!
Featured Port:
Hong Kong
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.
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Far East Ports
| Cambodia |
| Sihanoukville, Cambodia |
| China |
| Beijing, China |
| Dalian, China |
| Kaohsiung Taiwan, China |
| Nanjing, China |
| Qingdao, China |
| Sanya, China |
| Shanghai, China |
| Tianjin, China |
| Xiamen, China |
| Zhangjiagang, China |
| Hong Kong |
| Hong Kong, Hong Kong |
| Indonesia |
| Anambas, Indonesia |
| Bali, Indonesia |
| Belawan, Indonesia |
| Bitung, Sulawesi, Indonesia |
| Jakarta, Indonesia |
| Jayapura, Indonesia |
| Karimunjawa Island, Java, Indonesia |
| Komodo, Indonesia |
| Kura Kura, Indonesia |
| Padang Bay, Bali, Indonesia |
| Semarang, Indonesia |
| Ujung Pandang, Indonesia |
| Japan |
| View all ports in Japan |
| Korea |
| Busan, Korea, South |
| Cheju Island, Korea, North |
| Inchon, Korea, South |
| Jeju Island, Korea, South |
| Malaysia |
| Kemaman, Malaysia |
| Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia |
| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| Kuantan, Malaysia |
| Kuching, Malaysia |
| Kudat, Borneo, Malaysia |
| Langkawi, Malaysia |
| Malacca, Malaysia |
| Penang, Malaysia |
| Port Kelang, (Kuala Lumpur), Malaysia |
| Sandakan, Malaysia |
| Libya |
| Al Khums, Libya |
| Benghazi, Libya |
| Darnah, Libya |
| Derna, Libya |
| Tobruk, Libya |
| Tripoli, Libya |
| Myanmar (Burma) |
| Yangon, Myanmar (Burma) |
| Philippines |
| Cebu, Philippines |
| El Nido, Philippines |
| Manila, Philippines |
| Singapore |
| Singapore, Singapore |
| Taiwan |
| Hualien, Taiwan |
| Keelung, Taiwan |
| Taipei, (Keelung), Taiwan |
| Thailand |
| View all ports in Thailand |
| Vietnam |
| Cai Lan, Vietnam |
| Da Nang, Vietnam |
| Ha Long Bay, Vietnam |
| Haiphong, (Hanoi), Vietnam |
| Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
| Phu My, Vietnam |
| Vung Tau, (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam |
Currencies
Cruises to the Far East take you to a number of countries that have different currencies. If you intend to withdraw cash from an ATM or use a credit card, check what your bank charges and make sure you tell your bank you intend to use your debit or credit card abroad before you leave. Cruise ships usually offer an onboard currency exchange but are not always at competitive rates. If you’re unsure, ask for advice when booking your cruise.
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Time Difference
Myanmar (Burma) GMT +6.5
Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam: GMT +7
China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan: GMT +8
Japan, Korea: GMT +9
Indonesia: (West) GMT +7 (Central) GMT +8 (East) GMT +9
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Cambodia, Myanmar or Vietnam but is very much appreciated. You are expected to make a small monetary donation at the end of a visit to a religious building, especially if a monk has shown you around.
In Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, tipping is not expected but is welcomed. You may see a 10% service charge on your restaurant bill but bear in mind this might not be shared with staff. Tipping taxi drivers is not mandatory, although many do not carry small change so it is best to round up the bill.
Tipping is rare in China and Hong Kong. Cheaper restaurants and taxi drivers do not ask for or expect tips. However, mid-range and top-end restaurants may include a high service charge. In Singapore the government actually discourages tipping, so it is not expected. Most restaurants add an automatic service charge of 10% to the bill. In Japan, it is seen as rude to leave a tip and if you want to thank someone for good service, give them a small gift rather than a tip. Tipping is also rare in Korea. Some restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. Guides and drivers appreciate small presents instead of tips.
However, in the Philippines, tipping in restaurants is generally expected if a service charge hasn’t been added – up to 10% of the bill. Taxi drivers may also expect a small tip.
Visas Health Safety
The climate is mainly tropical; hot and humid all year round with lots of rainfall. Much of South and South East Asia has a wet and dry season.
Burma
Summers are cloudy, rainy, hot and humid (southwest monsoon, June to September). Winter has less cloud and rainfall, mild temperatures and lower humidity (northeast monsoon, December to April).
Cambodia
The monsoon season is May to November; the dry season December to April. There is little variation in temperature all year.
China
The north and north-west have a dry continental climate while the weather in the centre and south tends to be tropical, humid and rainy. The best times to visit are in autumn and spring when the climate is fairly moderate. The summer is between May to September and can be very hot. There is a monsoon season in the south between June and August. During the winter the north experiences clear skies, snow and icy winds. In the south the winters tend to be milder with temperatures always above freezing.
Indonesia
Indonesia has a tropical climate; hot and humid but more moderate in the highlands.
Japan
The climate varies from tropical in the south to cool in the north. The best times to visit are spring and autumn.
Korea
The best time to visit is the spring which runs late September to early November when there are warm sunny days and cool evenings. The hot and humid rainy season is from late June to early August.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong experiences cool, dry winters, and hot and humid summers. The best time to visit is the less humid autumn season which runs September to December. The typhoon season runs from July to August.
Malaysia
The wet season runs October to January on the east coast and October to November on the west coast. The best times to visit are October and April to May.
Philippines
March to May is hot and May to November is the rainy season. The best time to visit is November to March.
Singapore
There is no wet or dry season and the constant heat is made more comfortable by sea breezes. There are frequent rain showers all year.
Taiwan
Taiwan is cloudy most of the year. The rainy season runs June to August.
Thailand
Hot, humid, tropical climate. The hottest months are March to May and the wet season is between June and October.
Vietnam
Vietnam is tropical in the south and monsoonal in the north with a hot, rainy season mid-May to mid-September and a warm, dry season mid-October to mid-March.
Cambodia
Currency: Riel
US Dollars are widely accepted.
ATMs (Visa and MasterCard only) are available in most major cities, dispensing US dollars. However, it is advisable to already have US Dollars with you. Credit cards are accepted in some top-end hotels, shops and restaurants but you will probably be charged for this. Traveller's cheques in US Dollars can be changed at banks and some hotels, but can be difficult to change outside major cities.
China
Currency: Renminbi Yuan = 10 Jiao = 100 Fen
ATMs that take international cards include branches of the Bank of China and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, where you can use Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, Maestro, Plus and American Express (AmEx) to withdraw money. Credit cards are not widely used in China. Foreign currency and traveller’s cheques can be changed at border crossings, international airports, branches of the Bank of China, tourist hotels and some large department stores.
Hong Kong
Currency: Hong Kong Dollar
Foreign currency can be changed easily and traveller’s cheques are also widely accepted. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted and there are plenty of ATMs.
Indonesia
Currency: Rupiah
The US dollar and Euro are the most widely accepted foreign currencies in Indonesia. Some other currencies can be exchanged in the major cities. In more remote areas, foreign exchange may be limited to US dollars only or not possible at all. Make sure you check the amount before you hand over your money. MasterCard, Visa and American Express are the most widely accepted credit cards in the main tourist areas. In more remote areas, it is best to carry cash in small denominations. ATMs are available in towns. Traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at banks and larger hotels. American Express traveller’s cheques are more widely accepted.
Japan
Currency: Japanese Yen
Credit cards are not widely used in Japan. ATMs are common but most don’t accept foreign cards. However, ATMs at the Post Office accept Visa, Plus, MasterCard, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express and Diners Club cards. International cards are accepted at Citibank ATMs, which are usually open 24 hours. Foreign currency and traveller’s cheques can be exchanged easily.
North and South Korea
Currency: Won = 100 chon
Currencies can be changed at high street banks and hotels. US dollars are the easiest to exchange but any major currency is accepted. To withdraw cash from an ATM, look for a ‘Global’ sign or the logo of your credit card company. However, ATMs often have a daily withdrawal limit, and most only operate between 9am-10pm. Credit cards are not widely used and traveller’s cheques are generally not accepted. However, US Dollars are often accepted as an alternative method of payment.
Malaysia
Currency: Malaysian ringgit = 100 sen
Locals sometimes refer to the ringgit as a ‘dollar’. The best currency for exchange is the Pound Sterling, but US Dollars are also widely accepted. It may be difficult to exchange foreign currencies outside the main tourist centres. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted and traveller’s cheques are accepted by all banks, hotels and large department stores.
Myanmar (formerly Burma)
Currency: Kyat
Myanmar has no ATMs and credit cards and travellers cheques are not accepted.
Black-market (shops, hotels, travel agents, restaurants) exchange rates are substantially more favourable than official exchange counter rates. Only US dollars and euro can be exchanged. Avoid moneychangers on the street. Only crisp, clean and usually new dollar bills are accepted and, in return, watch out for notes taped together or with cut corners, as these won’t be accepted anywhere else. Check the kyat before you hand over your money. K1000 is the highest denomination (less than £1), you’ll get a lot of notes.
Philippines
Currency: Philippine Peso = 100 centavos
Foreign currency and traveller’s cheques can be exchanged in banks in the capital Manila but it is difficult outside of the city so carry the local currency to other areas. Moneychangers usually offer the best rates but are notorious in the Philippines for scams. MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club are widely accepted in many shops and restaurants in large towns and cities but credit card fraud is common so keep your card in sight at all times. Plenty of ATMs are available.
Singapore
Currency: Singapore Dollar = 100 cents
US Dollars, Australian Dollars, Yen and Pounds Sterling are also accepted at many major shopping centres in Singapore. Foreign currencies, traveller's cheques and cheques can be changed at most banks and licensed money changers. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted and ATMs are widespread. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling. A passport is required when cashing traveller's cheques.
Taiwan
Currency: New Taiwan Dollar = 100 cents
Receipts are given when currency is exchanged, and must be presented in order to exchange unused NT dollars before departure. Traveller’s cheques, American Express, MasterCard, Visa and Diners Club are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.
Thailand
Currency: Baht = 100 satang
Banks offer the best exchange rates. Outside large towns and tourist areas, notes higher than 500 Baht may be difficult to exchange, so visitors are advised to carry small change. Traveller’s cheques, American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. ATMs are found in all major cities and almost all provincial banks.
Vietnam
Currency: Dông
Both US Dollars and Vietnamese Dong can be used in many major cities in Vietnam. There is a commission charge for changing money in banks. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in major towns and cities but a 3% charge is usually applied and it is better to carry cash outside of main tourist areas. There are ATMs in many major towns, but not everywhere. Vietcombank has branches in most cities, accepting Visa, Mastercard and JCB. Traveller’s cheques are accepted in authorised foreign exchange banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, take traveller's cheques in US Dollars. Large dollar bills with small tears will not be accepted in Vietnam.
Japan
| A |
| Aomori, Japan |
| F |
| Fukuoka, Japan |
| H |
| Hakodate, Japan |
| Hiroshima, Japan |
| I |
| Iwo-Jima, Japan |
| K |
| Kagoshima, Japan |
| Kobe, Japan |
| Kyoto, Japan |
| M |
| Miyako, Japan |
| Miyazaki, Japan |
| Muroran, Japan |
| N |
| Nagasaki, Japan |
| Nemuro, Japan |
| O |
| Okinawa, Japan |
| Osaka, Japan |
| Otaru, Japan |
| S |
| Saipan, Japan |
| Sendai, Japan |
| Shimizu, Japan |
| T |
| Tokyo, Japan |
| Y |
| Yokohama, Japan |
Thailand
| B |
| Bangkok, Thailand |
| Butang Group, Thailand |
| H |
| Hin Daeng/Ko Rok Nok/Ko Muk, Thailand |
| K |
| Ko Adang, Thailand |
| Ko Khai Nok, Thailand |
| Ko Kood, Thailand |
| Ko Kradan, Thailand |
| Ko Miang, Thailand |
| Koh Samui, Thailand |
| Krabi, Thailand |
| L |
| Lem Chabang, (Bangkok), Thailand |
| P |
| Patong Beach, Phuket, Thailand |
| Phang Nga/Ko Hong, Thailand |
| Phang Nga/Ko Khai Nok, Thailand |
| Phuket, Thailand |
| S |
| Similan Islands, Thailand |
| Surin Islands, Thailand |
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