Singapore, Singapore - This diamond-shaped island just off the coast of Malaysia gleams with skyscrapers in its business district, but as you delve more deeply into this city-state, you'll uncover a delightful mix of cultures, religions, ancient treasures along with traces of its British colonial perios that combine to form a unique, Singaporean identity. The cultural fusion is perhaps best expressed in Singapore's unofficial language, Singlish, a unique patois of English, Chinese and Malay.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Koh Samui, Thailand - Looking at the water, the palms, and the plants, you might think the color green was invented on Koh Samui, and then reinvented. Everywhere you look are shades of celadon, smaragdine, and viridian. Located in the Gulf of Thailand about 400 miles south of Bangkok, Koh Samui is an island of towering coconut trees, generous sun, and powdery white beaches. Cruise visitors will enjoy the Big Buddha, an important symbol for the locals, the Na Muang waterfall, and the beaches. Chaweng is the island's high-energy beach. Lamai is less busy. Maenam is quiet, and closest to port.

Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand - Once a small Khmer trading center, Bangkok has grown into one of the world's most populous and cosmopolitan cities. Bustling streets and markets stand side by side with serene golden temples and glitzy nightclubs. Explore the architectural marvel of the Grand Palace. Discover Bangkok's largest Buddha at Wat Pho and shop the spectacular Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

Sihanoukville, Cambodia - Known for its white sand beaches, warm Gulf of Thailand waters, and laid back atmosphere, Sihanoukville is a premiere beach lovers' destination. Built in the late 1950s, the town is much newer and more cosmopolitan than most Cambodian provincial cities. Spend the day exploring miles of unspoiled beaches or chose one and swim, snorkel or simply relax under a beach umbrella.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh is Vietnam's largest and most famous city and is surrounded by rivers and canals. During the 14th century this city was known as Prey Nokor and was nothing more than a trading post. Slowly it grew into a small town, similar to the nearby traditional Cambodian villages. By the 18th century, the Lords of Hue, under the Nguyens, had established control of the trade in Prey Nokor and renamed the city Saigon. From 1833 until 1836, the tight control of the Nguyen leadership provoked a strong uprising, leading to great destruction and massacre until the intervention of the French in 1859. During the Vietnam War, Saigon's population nearly tripled and the city grew uncontrollably. In 1975, at the end of the war, North Vietnam had defeated South Vietnam after 30 years of battle. The new communist regime changed the official name of the city of Saigon to Ho Chi Minh and began to rebuild its economic and social structure.

Chan May, Vietnam - In Chan May, Crystal Cruises will dock closer to Hue, allowing you to see this important imperial city at a more relaxed pace. Indeed, Hue (pronounced "hway") merits a full-day excursion. Having served as the Vietnamese capital from 1802 to 1945, the city was home to thirteen emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. Its three walled enclosures, built concentrically around one another, are collectively called the Citadel-an appropriate name, given that the emperor and his family lived within the Forbidden Purple City, located at the Citadel's center. The term "Forbidden" is appropriate too, as the Royal Palace resembles Beijing's Forbidden City.

Hong Kong, China -  From Victoria Peak, the Hong Kong metropolis is all primary colors and neon, commerce and capitalism. Yet just beyond the highrises are the Fragrant Harbour, Stanley Market, and mainland old China, complete with rice paddies and coolie hats.