Hong Kong To Sydney Cruise ÄVENTYRET BÖRJAR HÄR
Hong Kong , China | Nha Trang , Vietnam | Singapore , Singapore | Darwin , Australia | Airlie Beach , Queensland | Brisbane , Australia | Sydney , Australia
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Hong Kong, China
SHOULDA, WOULDA, BUDDHA
After you arrive at Hong Kong's airport on Lantau Island, see the enormous Tian Tan Buddha, measuring 112 feet tall and weighing over 200 tons. Then, take a harbor cruise to get your bearings and see Hong Kong's modern architecture. Later, slurp noodles at the Temple Street Night Market. If you have an extra day, head out to Dragon's Back portion of the Hong Kong Trail for some scenic hiking among mist-covered peaks.
After you arrive at Hong Kong's airport on Lantau Island, see the enormous Tian Tan Buddha, measuring 112 feet tall and weighing over 200 tons. Then, take a harbor cruise to get your bearings and see Hong Kong's modern architecture. Later, slurp noodles at the Temple Street Night Market. If you have an extra day, head out to Dragon's Back portion of the Hong Kong Trail for some scenic hiking among mist-covered peaks.
in Hong Kong
Peek From the Peak
The Peak Tram takes you up to Victoria Peak, Hong Kong's 1,800-foot-high mountain. Less expensive buses will get you there, too. Once you're up top, admire the views over the city from the hiking trails. The Peak also offers an escape from the subtropical climate below — the air here is cooler and less humid.
Scenic Ride to Stanley
Stanley Harbour, on the other side of Hong Kong Island, will give you a taste of a different Hong Kong. It's a fishing village on Repulse Bay with a lovely seaside walk (snap some photos of the fishing boats) as well as a famous street market. There's lots of British history, a boardwalk and even a few beaches. You can take the bus from Central for a scenic trip, though the express bus is faster.
Out on the Harbor
Use an Octopus card for a ride on Hong Kong's iconic Star Ferry for inexpensive views of Hong Kong's harbor. The tour makes a scenic circular route between Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island, stopping at three piers. Skyscrapers are everywhere, but look closely for the smaller Golden Bauhinia near the Wan Chai Pier, a golden flower statue where the handover of Hong Kong took place in 1997.
Local Cuisine
Hong Kong is famous for dim sum, a meal of bite-sized foods with various selections brought to your table. Traditionally eaten for brunch, you'll find it at other hours, too. Choose from steamed buns, dumplings or fried rolls filled with spinach, crab or chicken. You'll likely need to share a table — but then you'll have help deciding what to order. Restaurants with lots of locals are a sign of quality and good prices.
Shopping
Head to Causeway Bay for modern retail therapy: This stretch of Hong Kong is virtually covered in malls and shops. Central is the district to go to for upscale designer clothes, shoes and other items. But don't overlook the markets for local handicrafts during your Hong Kong cruise. Pick up an inexpensive but distinctive jade necklace or ornament, or look for poetry-inscribed paintings and bamboo handicrafts from the antique dealers on Cat Street.
KRYSSNING
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Nha Trang, Vietnam
INNER CALM
Kick off your day at Nha Trong's Oceanographic Museum, housed in a French colonial building — see exotic underwater specimens like reef sharks, lionfish and puffers. Then, take the cable car to the Vinpearl complex on Bamboo Island for spectacular views of the bay. Make sure to allot time for oceanside relaxation: Bai Duong Beach is pleasantly quiet and offers mountain views while you wade in the turquoise waters.
Kick off your day at Nha Trong's Oceanographic Museum, housed in a French colonial building — see exotic underwater specimens like reef sharks, lionfish and puffers. Then, take the cable car to the Vinpearl complex on Bamboo Island for spectacular views of the bay. Make sure to allot time for oceanside relaxation: Bai Duong Beach is pleasantly quiet and offers mountain views while you wade in the turquoise waters.
in Nha Trang
High in the Sky
The gondola ride over the sea leading to Vinpearl and Hon Tre, or Bamboo Island, is the world's longest. Here, you'll find the Vinpearl Amusement Park, a waterpark with a lazy river, a wave pool, an aquarium and a golf course. The cable car entrance is close to the cruise port.
Buddha Basics
Learn about Buddhism by visiting the Hai Duc and Long Son pagodas. The latter has a giant white Buddha statue which can be seen from anywhere in Nha Trang. Look for dragons and other mythical animals in the temple designs, inside and out.
Rejuvenate Mind and Body
The Po Nagar Cham Towers are less than two miles north of the city. Only four of the eight towers built in the 7th to 12th centuries remain. Find your inner calm at this ancient worship site, which blends Buddhist and Hindu traditions in its statues and architecture. Then, head to the hot springs and mud baths at nearby Thap Ba to refresh your body, too.
Local Cuisine
Nha Trang is well-known for its excellent seafood. Locals farm lobster just offshore — have a feast on the beach or at one of the city's many restaurants. Or try the Vietnamese version of steak and eggs, bo ne, traditionally served on a hot plate for breakfast with lime and chili sauce.
Shopping
Check out street markets like Dam or Vinh Luong. Here, you'll find souvenirs like pearl jewelry, clay pots painted with Champa designs or hand-embroidered artwork. Peruse Tran Phu Street along the beach — look for silk clothing in the form of shirts, skirts and scarves.
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Singapore, Singapore
SING IT OUT
Singapore is all about contrast. Discover Singapore's cultural diversity in neighborhoods like Arab Street, Chinatown and Little India. Or see the different ways the city enshrines its natural splendor, at the classic Botanic Gardens or the futuristic Gardens by the Bay. Feast Bak Kut Teh (pork rib soup) from one of Singapore's famous food hawkers, or shop the luxury boutiques of Orchard Road.
Singapore is all about contrast. Discover Singapore's cultural diversity in neighborhoods like Arab Street, Chinatown and Little India. Or see the different ways the city enshrines its natural splendor, at the classic Botanic Gardens or the futuristic Gardens by the Bay. Feast Bak Kut Teh (pork rib soup) from one of Singapore's famous food hawkers, or shop the luxury boutiques of Orchard Road.
in Singapore
Multicultural Medley
Singapore has four official languages and even more ethnicities that have influenced its culture. Discover the city's Muslim heritage at Sultan Mosque along Arab Street and its Chinese character (and food!) in Chinatown. Little India is the heart of the city's Tamil Indian community, while Kampong Glam is the epicenter of Malay-speaking Singapore.
Two Sides of Nature
Singapore's tropical landscape is as diverse as its culture. The Singapore Botanic Garden (and adjoining Orchid Garden) approach horticulture from a more traditional perspective, while the spacey Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay would seem more at home in "Avatar" than an issue of "Better Homes and Gardens."
Zoom In, Zoom Out
Head to the rooftop of the massive Marina Bay Sands to enjoy a panorama of the Singapore skyline, which is also beautiful as seen from the city's symbolic Merlion statue on the other side of the bay. Or visit a more inward-looking Singapore icon when you order an original Singapore Sling cocktail at the Long Bar of the Raffles Hotel.
Local Cuisine
The best way to get a cross-section of Singaporean cuisine is to visit its street vendors, or hawkers, in hubs like Tiong Bahru. Jump onboard a Singapore cruise to try Cantonese-derived wantan mee noodles, with dumplings and yellow egg noodles topped with slices of char siu pork. Snack on chai tow kway, also called carrot cake, even though it's made from rice flour and daikon radish fried with eggs in pork fat.
Shopping
Singapore is a shopper's paradise, whether you stick to the high-end boutiques of Orchard Road or the local shops throughout the city. One way to guarantee a special souvenir during your Singapore cruise vacation is to shop in the city's ethnic neighborhoods: Seek out chopsticks and lacquerware in Chinatown or incense and South India dolls in Little India.
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Darwin, Australia
TROPICAL TOP END
Start your Darwin adventure by walking the Heritage and Cultural Trail, which takes you past early settlements and sacred sites of the native Larrakia people. Learn more about the city's World War II history at the Darwin Military Museum and Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility. Then, head to Crocodylus Park to get friendly with the local crocodiles, and learn more about them in the park's Crocodile Museum.
Start your Darwin adventure by walking the Heritage and Cultural Trail, which takes you past early settlements and sacred sites of the native Larrakia people. Learn more about the city's World War II history at the Darwin Military Museum and Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility. Then, head to Crocodylus Park to get friendly with the local crocodiles, and learn more about them in the park's Crocodile Museum.
in Darwin
Keep It Cool
Cool off from the midday tropical heat with a dip in Darwin's man-made Wave Lagoon. Or head to the breeze and shade of the Darwin Botanical Gardens, where you can stroll among orchids and bromeliads under the cover of rain trees.
Hang Out With Crocs
The Northern Territory and crocodiles go together like kangaroos and Australia. Crocosaurus Cove is home to some of Australia's largest saltwater crocodiles and the world's biggest Australian reptile display. Adrenaline junkies can choose to swim with the crocs via the Cage of Death, the world's only crocodile dive.
Museum Hop
The Museum and Art Gallery Northern Territory offers exhibits on natural science, Cyclone Tracy, indigenous and Australian art, paleontology and World War II. Check out the Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility, with exhibitions on the company's history and the Bombing of Darwin Harbour. Finally, drop into the Darwin Military Museum for some national history.
Local Cuisine
Dining in Darwin means tropically inspired cuisine savored over ocean views. Head to the waterfront at East Point Reserve, where you'll find plenty of harborside restaurants. Cruise to Darwin and try local banana prawns with green mango salad or grilled fresh-caught barramundi with watercress salad. Don't miss the otherworldly croissants and baked goods at Alley Cats Patisserie.
Shopping
The perfect Darwin souvenir could include a jewelry purchase from Paspaley Pearls, which produces the world's most rare and valuable pearls. Alternatively, visit Paperbark Woman, a store that stocks clothing, bags, accessories and home wares designed using textiles produced by indigenous Australians and Torres Strait Islanders. Traditional boomerangs and other aboriginal artifacts make great souvenirs.
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Airlie Beach, Queensland
YOUR BARRIERS
Start your day exploring this seaside town: Stroll the Bicentennial Walkway along the oceanfront, then head to Airlie Beach Lagoon or Boathaven Beach for an afternoon dip. Or take a half-day trip to the famous Whitsunday Islands. There, you can snorkel along the Great Barrier Reef, or discover rain forest hiking paths and secluded beaches at Molle National Park.
Start your day exploring this seaside town: Stroll the Bicentennial Walkway along the oceanfront, then head to Airlie Beach Lagoon or Boathaven Beach for an afternoon dip. Or take a half-day trip to the famous Whitsunday Islands. There, you can snorkel along the Great Barrier Reef, or discover rain forest hiking paths and secluded beaches at Molle National Park.
in Airlie Beach
Islands Among the Reef
Doing a half or full-day trip to the Whitsunday Islands is the thing to do in Airlie Beach. For best Great Barrier Reef experience, do a tour to Hardy Reef's pontoon. There are also half-day trips available to both South Molle Island and award-winning Whitehaven Beach.
Wander the Rain Forest
Airlie Beach is not only an ocean gateway. Conway National Park — and its regional parks — are located minutes from Airlie Beach. The area is known for its lush rain forest, seasonal waterfalls, scenic lookouts and walking and biking trails. Locals recommend the easy Coastal Fringe Circuit, a 1.2-kilometer (0.7-mile) track.
Laze by the Lagoon
Located in the town center, the Airlie Beach Lagoon is a free, self-chlorinated swimming pool. The Lagoon is surrounded by grassed areas, barbecue facilities and swaying palm trees for sunbathing or reading in the shade. There's also a children's pool and sandy beach area attached to the Lagoon.
Local Cuisine
The Esplanade is Airlie Beach's go-to spot for dining. Head here for traditional fish and chips as well as higher-end seafood-focused fare — try tempura-battered local tiger prawns or wild-caught Barramundi with new potatoes. You can also find internationally inspired takes on the ocean's bounty, like Malaysian-style laksa, a noodle soup with curry broth, piled high with prawns, squid and scallops.
Shopping
The Airlie Beach Saturday Markets happens on the foreshore every Saturday. Drop by and browse the local art, craft and clothing stalls for a unique souvenir. PAYA Boutique also stocks a wide range of hand-selected fashion and lifestyle products, including women's fashion, accessories, jewelry, home wares and gifts.
KRYSSNING
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Brisbane, Australia
SUNNY SIDE UP
You won't run out of things to do in Brisbane's city center. South Bank is a can't-miss — head there and relax by the man-made lagoon, stroll through a weekend markets, peruse the museums and galleries and grab dinner at one the hip restaurants. A short walk across the Brisbane River will bring you to Queen Street Mall, the city's premier shopping district.
You won't run out of things to do in Brisbane's city center. South Bank is a can't-miss — head there and relax by the man-made lagoon, stroll through a weekend markets, peruse the museums and galleries and grab dinner at one the hip restaurants. A short walk across the Brisbane River will bring you to Queen Street Mall, the city's premier shopping district.
in Brisbane
Head South
You can't miss South Bank when in Brisbane. Take in the view from the Wheel of Brisbane, the city's version of the London Eye. Stroll through the Arbour, a walkway awning with expertly curated plants and flowers. Take a dip at Streets Beach — Australia's only inner-city man-made beach — before heading to one of the neighborhood's upscale eateries.
Get a 360 View
See Brisbane from several different perspectives. Check out the wide-angled view from Mt Coot-tha Lookout, then face your fears and do the Story Bridge Adventure Climb. Next, see the sunset from Kangaroo Points Cliff Park, or hop on a free CityCat ferry for skyline views from the Brisbane River.
Get Wild
Take a drive north to the Sunshine Coast — you'll find not only pristine beaches but also the untouched beauty of the region's hinterlands. Get onboard a Brisbane cruise to experience the volcanic peaks of the Glasshouse Mountains, or walk through the rock pools of Gardners Falls.
Local Cuisine
It's always patio season in Brisbane. For the best riverside dining, check out Eagle Street Pier, which is bustling with city workers once the clock strikes 5 p.m. And don't miss Eat Street Northshore, a wharf that becomes a hub for forward-thinking street food on Friday and Saturday nights, where you can get a slice of Japanese pizza or a dessert of decadent churros.
Shopping
Queen Street Mall is Brisbane's biggest shopping street. Meanwhile, James Street is lined with boutiques stocking some of Australia's favorite designers. For a unique souvenir, purchase a handmade treasure from Collective Markets in South Bank with Australia cruises. The market is made up of stalls where artisans of everything from jewelry to home decor set up shop.
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Sydney, Australia
SUNSHINE
The Blue Mountains, just an hour west of central Sydney, feel like they're world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With more than 1 million hectares of forests, cliffs, canyons, caves and waterfalls — and plenty of walking paths to take you there — this is one of the best day trips Sydney has to offer. Quaint towns such as Katoomba stand in stark contrast to iconic landmarks such as the Three Sisters, the towering rock formation overlooking the valley.
The Blue Mountains, just an hour west of central Sydney, feel like they're world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With more than 1 million hectares of forests, cliffs, canyons, caves and waterfalls — and plenty of walking paths to take you there — this is one of the best day trips Sydney has to offer. Quaint towns such as Katoomba stand in stark contrast to iconic landmarks such as the Three Sisters, the towering rock formation overlooking the valley.
in Sydney
Go in Circles
Circular Quay is the perfect place to start exploring Sydney. You can find the Opera House here, and Harbour Bridge is within walking distance. Stride into one of the many walking and pub tours that leave from here. Just 20 minutes away, you can stretch your legs on the iconic Harbour Bridge walk, the first of its kind in the world.
Get Manly
Bondi Beach gets all the attention, but Manly Beach in the Northern Beaches is a bit more local. The Corso is lined with shops and restaurants, including local favorite, Hugo's. If surfing is your thing, this is the place to be. The walk from Spit Bridge to Manly is a fantastic way to soak in the city's coastline.
Walk Watsons
Hop on the ferry or one of the regular buses that go to Watsons Bay to enjoy the scenic hike around South Head. During your journey, you'll enjoy views of Sydney Harbour, North Head, the historic Hornby Lighthouse and, of course, the sapphire-blue Pacific Ocean. The Gap offers breathtaking views of the sea from the rocky cliffside.
Local Cuisine
With all the water surrounding you, it's no surprise seafood takes center stage on many plates in the city. Head to Sydney Fish Market for giant Sydney Rock oysters or classic fish and ships. Stop into a local pie shop for a traditional Australian meat pie, or explore Sydney's international side with udon or ramen noodles at a Japanese noodle bar, or seek out shrimp dumplings in Chinatown.
Shopping
There are plenty of shopping malls in the heart of the city, including Westfield Mall, Pitt Street Mall and the wonderful Queen Victoria Building, which is now a shopping mall featuring top designers. Seek out cutting boards made from local camphor laurel — they're not only beautiful but also have natural antimicrobial properties. During your Sydney cruise vacation, look for jewelry made from opal, the national gemstone of Australia.
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