In 2016, Silversea Cruises is offering some incredible voyages to Asia and the Far East aboard Silver Shadow, and each one will include flights, a 2-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay, complimentary shore excursions and free Wi-Fi.
Some of the destinations offered on these voyages are truly incredible, for many they are once in a lifetime opportunities, so we decided that our blog today would focus on some of the spectacular places you could visit – and the shore excursions you could do – on many of these wonderful itineraries.
All of the Silversea Asia shore excursions mentioned in our blog today are included in the cost of your cruise fare.
Silversea Asia 2016 Included Shore Excursions
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia – Panoramic Kota Kinabalu – You will depart the pier and drive through the city, passing landmarks such as Tun Mustapha Tower and the State University en route to a photo stop at the City Mosque. This exemplary of contemporary Islamic architecture is surrounded by a manmade lagoon, thus giving the illusion of a floating mosque. Moving on, you will drive past Queen Elizabeth Hospital before a stop is made at the State Mosque, which boasts the largest honeycomb-designed dome in the world. To end your tour you can enjoy a refreshment stop at Tanjung Aru Beach and admire the view across the South China Sea.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Cu Chi Tunnels – This half day tour offers a local perspective on wartime memories and the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels. Work on the tunnels began in 1948 during the war against the French, and greatly expanded throughout the 1960’s. Measuring 80 cm wide and five feet tall, the maze of tunnels was extensive, extending over 120 miles. They included storerooms, sleeping quarters, kitchens, medical facilities and classrooms, and at one time, over 16,000 people lived in the tunnels. Most only 2 or 2.5 feet wide by 5 feet high, the tunnels had thick roofs capable of withstanding the weight of tanks or the impact of bombs weighing up to 200 pounds. Some have been enlarged to accommodate visitors at the site.
Bangkok, Thailand – River Cruise & Royal Barge Museum – This wonderful tour offers a visit to the Flower Market followed by a boat trip on the bustling Chao Phraya River. This tour also allows you to take in two of Bangkok’s major attractions, the ‘Temple of Dawn’ (Wat Arun), one of Thailand’s most recognised landmarks, and the Royal Barge Museum. Once the king would proceed down the river to Wat Arun in a flotilla of royal barges, but today they are housed in this special museum.
Chan May, Vietnam – Da Nang & Marble Mountain Beach – Your first stop will be Da Nang and a visit to the Cham Museum, where more than 300 pieces are displayed outdoors. You will then enjoy a Pedicab ride from the museum to Han Market: enjoy numerous opportunities for photos of the industrious vendors, streets full of motorcycles and pedicabs, local markets and colonial buildings. Next it is on to Marble Mountain. King Minh Mang in 1837 named the mountains of Ngu Hanh after the five basic elements of the universe: Kim mountain (metal); Moc mountain (wood); Thuy mountain (water); Tho mountain (earth); Hoa mountain (Fire). In Marble Mountain Village, the skillful hands of the area’s talented workers have created thousands of stone statues. Your tour ends with a stop at Marble Mountain Beach, where American Marines and South Korean troops had base camps during the Vietnam war.
Ko Samui, Thailand – An Introduction to Ko Samui – Your first stop is the Big Buddha Temple, a 36-foot high statue located off the northern shore of Ko Samui. Surrounding the Buddha image are kutis or meditation huts. Although the monks welcome visitors, a sign requests that proper attire be worn on the temple premises. Next it is on to Plai Leam Temple. Newly built in 2004, the temple follows in the tradition of temple art. The highlight is the big statue of the Goddess of Mercy which is housed elegantly outside the shrine in the temple compound. Coconut Plantation Ko Samui, producing over 3,000,000 coconuts a month, is known as the island of coconuts, and harvesting the commodity requires special skills. Your visit to a coconut plantation offers the opportunity to discover the islanders’ unique way of life and daily work, making for a memorable introduction.
Phuket, Thailand – Phuket Landmarks – Your first stop is the Giant Buddha Image, located atop Narkerd Mountain and measuring approx. 148 feet in height. Next it is on to Seang Tham Chinese Shrine – one of the oldest Chinese shrines in Phuket City and built for the Chinese migrants who moved to Phuket to work – and Phuket Town. Your last stop is Phuket’s Old Town where we recommend a stroll along Talang Road to see the century-old Sino-Portuguese mansions and stop for refreshments at a local coffee shop.
Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia – Highlights of Kuala Lumpur – This half-day city tour begins with a drive to the National Monument. Designed by acclaimed sculptor Felix De Weldon, this 50-foot-high bronze monument was constructed in 1966. From National Monument it is on to Independence Square – the former site of the Royal Selangor Club. Next, proceed to the Jamek Mosque. Built in 1909, it is the oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur. Your tour concludes with a visit to KL Tower where you can admire the breath-taking panoramic views from the Observation Deck.
Shanghai, China – Shanghai Old and New – This tour covers just about everything! Start with a visit to The Bund, one of Shaghai’s most famous streets. To the Europeans, the Bund was Shanghai’s Wall Street, a place where fortunes were made and lost. The Former French Concession Area is next. In the 1920s and 1930s, the French Concession was known for its lawlessness and decadence. As the foreign diplomatic quarter, it features top hotels, great shopping, bars and restaurants in art-deco buildings. The People’s Square is the most popular place for city residents to unwind and you will visit here before heading for Pudong, the city’s hot spot for investment in China. Oriental Pearl Tower – the tallest TV tower in Asia – is next before you visit the Shanghai World Financial Centre and Jin Mao building: the second tallest skyscraper in China and a soaring monument to Shanghai’s economic boom.
Ishigaki, Ryuku Islands, Japan – Ishigaki Nature – Your tour starts with a short drive to Ishigaki Yaima Village, which is located in a lush forest inhabited by squirrel monkeys and features lovely old restored homes. Next it is on to the Kabira Bay Park and Observatory. Considered the most beautiful bay in Ishigaki Island, Kabira Bay was the recipient of a 3-star rating from the Michelin Guide in 2009. At the Observatory, take in spectacular panoramic views of the clear, blue ocean, white-sand beach and verdant island.The Banna Observatory is your last stop and is located in the centre of the island. If the weather is good you can see Taketomi Island and Iriomote Island from here.
Book Your Silver Shadow Asia Voyage with The Cruise Line
All of the shore excursions featured in today’s blog can be found across many of Silver Shadow’s 2016 Asia and the Far East voyages, of which the entire collection can be found on our website by clicking here.
Go on, visit Asia with Silversea in 2016 and embark on the journey of a lifetime. Call one of our Luxury Cruise Experts now on 0800 008 6677 to secure your stateroom or find out more.
