Star Collector: Okinawa Days & Mekong Ways
From $9,399 per person
21 days
Ship: Star Seeker
From $9,399 per person
21 days
Ship: Star Seeker
Discoveries await on this in-depth journey through 13 different ports, from robust Vietnamese coffee to Okinawa’s colorful and chunky yachimun ceramics. Explore Southern Japan, once the realm of Ryukyu kings and a place that’s unique both in culture and climate. This is where mainland Japanese go for their tropical beach vacations, and where purple potatoes, pineapple, and pork are as common as seafood. Ride a water buffalo carriage past walls made of coral and streets paved with white sand in a beautifully preserved Ryukyu village just off the coast of Ishigaki, and dive into local cuisine at Okinawa’s Kokusai Dori food street where flavors are influenced by Ryukyu kings and American GIs as well as Japan. Overnight in three of Asia’s most dynamic cities and stay late in others, with time to pursue your interests or let your curiosity lead you – to the Mekong Delta, My Son, Cu Chi Tunnels, or a Vietnamese cooking class. Revisit Vietnam’s distant past in Ancient Hoi An and the Imperial City of Hue, and feel yourself shrinking like Alice in Wonderland in the presence of Angkor Wat – the 12<sup>th</sup> century complex that’s more than four times the size of Vatican City.
In Amami, Japan, a small ship exclusive port, join a Windstar shore excursion to experience the intricate art of kimono-making, from dyeing the fabric and weaving the threads to crafting the final, beautifully finished garment.
Day-by-day description of your cruise and cruise activities.
Klong Toei (Bangkok), Thailand
Known for its beautiful ornate shrines and temples and vibrant street life, Bangkok is one of the top cities in the world to visit. Your ship is docked as close to Bangkok as any ship can get. Highlights include the Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun, and the Floating Market. Extend your stay to include the overland Angkor Wat/Cambodia tour.
Ko Kood, Thailand
Ko Kood, Thailand's tranquil paradise island, is renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush jungles, and serene atmosphere, making it the perfect location for Windstar’s Signature Beach Barbeque.
Sihanoukville (Phnom Penh), Cambodia
Sihanoukville serves as a gateway to Phnom Penh, offering a convenient starting point to explore Cambodia's vibrant capital, rich in history, culture, and iconic landmarks such as the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the poignant Killing Fields. Sihanoukville is also a launching point to Kampot, known for its pepper plantations.
Nha Rong (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam
Spend the day exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels where the Viet Cong based their insurgency. Delve into Vietnamese traditions in the villages of the Mekong Delta. Or stay close to your elegant ship enjoying the city’s French colonial flare, maybe bartering for conical hats and form-fitting <em>ao dai </em>(traditional Vietnamese tunic) at the market.
Nha Rong (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam
Spend the day exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels where the Viet Cong based their insurgency. Delve into Vietnamese traditions in the villages of the Mekong Delta. Or stay close to your elegant ship enjoying the city’s French colonial flare, maybe bartering for conical hats and form-fitting <em>ao dai </em>(traditional Vietnamese tunic) at the market.
Hoi An (Da Nang), Vietnam
We’ll stay here overnight to explore three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. My Son Sanctuary is Vietnam’s most important Champa ruin dating back to the 4th century. The imperial city of Hue is the spiritual heart of Vietnam and home to Nguyen Dynasty emperors. Admire the beauty of Hue’s bridges, canals, and lakes. And Hoi An is a tranquil 16th century trading town that has changed little over the centuries. Walk over the 400-year-old covered bridge, pausing to ponder the dog and monkey statues guarding either end.
Chan May (Hue), Vietnam
Hue, located near the port of Chan May, is a city rich in history and culture, once the imperial capital of Vietnam. Known for its ancient citadel, royal tombs, and stunning pagodas, Hue offers a glimpse into the country’s royal past. Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed Imperial City, the serene Thien Mu Pagoda, and the elaborate tombs of past emperors, making it a fascinating destination for history and culture enthusiasts.
CRUISING HALONG BAY
Cruising through Halong Bay offers a mesmerizing experience, as you glide past its emerald waters, towering limestone karsts, and lush islands, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site. For a closer view of the limestone formations and to visit some of the islands, take a shore excursion on a junk boat during your stay in Halong Bay.
Halong Bay (Hanoi)
Halong Bay is our gateway to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam about 3.5 hours away but well worth the visit. Hanoi boasts a fascinating blend of East and West with lots of Chinese influences and French design. Highlights include the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, Thirty-Six Streets District in Old Town Hanoi, and Hoa Lo Prison, known widely as the “Hanoi Hilton.” Explore the mystical landscape of Halong Bay by charming traditional fishing junk.
Hong Kong
Our ship docks right in the heart of Hong Kong’s harbor, putting you at the center of all manner of attractions. Watch sampans and junks glide through the waters of Aberdeen. Soak in the towering skyscrapers, peaceful green hillsides and world-famous Harbour from the top of Victoria Peak. Pursue bargains at Stanley Market. Have your fortune told at the Temple Street Night Market. Visit Lantau Island where a giant bronze Buddha holds court.
Hong Kong
Our ship docks right in the heart of Hong Kong’s harbor, putting you at the center of all manner of attractions. Watch sampans and junks glide through the waters of Aberdeen. Soak in the towering skyscrapers, peaceful green hillsides and world-famous Harbour from the top of Victoria Peak. Pursue bargains at Stanley Market. Have your fortune told at the Temple Street Night Market. Visit Lantau Island where a giant bronze Buddha holds court.
Keelung (Taipei)
The modern metropolis and capital city of Taiwan is an interesting mix of Japanese, Chinese and Southeast Asian cultures. The skyline is dominated by the 1,671-foot, 101-storied, bamboo-shaped skyscraper, Taipei 101. Other highlights of Taipei include the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park, Martyrs’ Shrine which is an excellent example of classical Ming Dynasty architecture, and the Confucius Temple.
Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki City is the southernmost Japanese city located closer to Taiwan than the main islands of Japan. Well known by Japanese tourists for the clear waters and coral reefs, the island is ringed by beaches offering excellent snorkeling, swimming and diving. The emerald-green water of Kabira Bay, a top sightseeing spot famous for the cultivation of black pearls is here, which you can view on a glass bottom boat trip as swimming is not allowed.
Okinawa (Naha)
Renowned for its scenic beauty, rich history and unique Chinese, Japanese and Korean culture, Okinawa is famous for its ceramic wares. Tsuboya Potter Museum is the place to visit to learn about this beautiful artform. You’ll also want to see Shuri Castle & Shureimon Gate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Kokusai Street, the main shopping area.
Amami Island
The tropical small port of Amami Island is well-known in Japan for the top-quality silk and dyes produce the highest-end kimonos. The white-sand beaches and warm, crystal-clear waters of Amami are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Amami is also known for Keihan, its unique chicken rice dish.
Osaka
Osaka is the gateway to Kyoto with great street food, bright lights and delightful night life. Its main historic landmark is the 16th century Osaka Castle surrounded by a moat and many flowering trees. Kyoto is famous for its numerous Buddhist temples, gardens, imperial Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. It is also known for formal traditions like kaiseki dining (multiple courses of precise dishes) and geisha entertainers.
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