Vietnam & Thailand 12 Nights • Hong Kong, China • CELEBRITY SOLSTICE

Neon signs galore, dim sum, and amazing temples are a few of the favorite experiences in Hong Kong. Take in as much as you can of this thrilling city with its endless shopping and towering skyscrapers. Your agenda for Hong Kong should include Victoria Peak, an Aberdeen Fishing Village, the Man Mo Temple and Sheung Wan Dried Food and Herbal Market. Be certain to have extra room in your suitcase for the bargains you are bound to discover.

Hanoi (Ha Long Bay), Vietnam: Nothing can prepare you for the beauty of Ha Long Bay and its 2,000 limestone karsts, nor the experience of trekking around mountainous Sapa. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, this port city with its sweeping lush landscapes and calm waters lies just 100 miles from the bustling streets of Hanoi. Catch a water taxi out to one of the many floating restaurants on the bay.

There’s so much to explore on a Vietnam cruise. Head to Hanoi, the country’s captivating capital, where you’ll find a blend of Parisian grace and Asian pace. Rise early to watch t’ai chi practiced at dawn near Hoan Kiem Lake, then take in the rich heritage and history with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the bustling back streets of the Old Quarter. Or embark on an adventure through the Red River Delta. Experience one of the world’s most magnificent natural wonders- Ha Long Bay in the Gulf of Tonkin from the decks of a traditional Chinese junk boat.

The Nguyen Dynasty founded this former capital in the 17th century on the banks of the Perfume River. Today it sits as a massive open-air museum of temples, pagodas, palaces and tombs. Explore the Imperial Citadel, then take a river cruise for a view of the Tombs of the Emperors and Thien Mu Pagoda. Pago Pago is the main settlement on Tutuila, surrounded by peaks rising out of deep water harbor rimmed with palm-shaded beaches.

Located on the edge of the Mekong Delta, this dynamic metropolis also features the ageless beauty of an ancient culture. French colonial architecture mixes with modern Asian influences, providing a diverse backdrop for the many motorbikes, scooters, pagodas, and street markets. Stroll the wide boulevards of this city, formerly known as Saigon, and visit The History Museum, which houses artifacts from two thousand years of Vietnamese history.

Bangkok is a city of contradictions: high-rise buildings and popular clubs abound, but so do golden temples and lively street fairs. A visit to the National Museum is great for history buffs, while shoppers will love the bargains in the Banglamphu district. Klong Toey, in central Bangkok, features a highly discounted market, offering fresh eel, dried fish, and the lively smells, sights, and sounds of this waterfront-pier area.

This small tropical paradise, lined with coconut palms and white sand beaches and encircled by turquoise water is a perfect place to escape and explore. Gaze up at the Big Buddha, cool off in the natural pool at the base of Na Muang Waterfall and view the astonishing natural rock formations of Hin Ta and Hin Yai.