Explorer, 20 Nights Coastal Wonders Of East Asia ex Tokyo to Bangkok (Laem Chabang)

Seven Seas Explorer® took luxury cruising to the next level, from the palatial Regent Suite to the hand-picked art accentuating her halls.

Shimizu, Japan
On a clear day, you can see magnificent Mount Fuji from the lively Port of Shimizu. Visit The S-Pulse Dream Plaza to tour the Shimizu Sushi Museum with informative displays and models that show the history and variations of Japan’s most famous fare. Stroll through the Kashi-no-Ichi Market, where some of the port's fresh seafood is sold and be sure to enjoy a delicious cup of tea.

Osaka, Japan
This charming city serves up amazing cuisine, superb shopping and a friendly spirit, with the restored Osaka Castle offering a spectacular lesson in Japanese history and culture. Osaka's nickname – Tenka no Daidokoro (The Nation's Kitchen) – originally referred to its Edo Period status as Japan's rice-trade hub; today it refers to the city’s reputation as a gourmand's paradise. Take in a 360-degree view from Abeno Harukas – Japan’s tallest skyscraper – before visiting the city’s spectacular aquarium and through Dotonbori, Osaka’s glittering heart. The immensely historical city of Kyoto is within reach, beckoning with spectacular architecture that includes thousands of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines.

Beppu, Japan
Lovers of hot spring resorts, rejoice. Perched hillside on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, Beppu bubbles with life thanks to a preponderance of onsen (hot springs). Enjoy a variety of rejuvenating bath types, from heated sand to traditional steam to hot mud. As one of the country’s most popular spots for enjoying a long, hot soak, most visitors find Beppu to be a delightful opportunity to absorb the more relaxed side of Japan’s vibrant culture.

Busan, South Korea
Located on the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula just two-and-a-half hours from Seoul, Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city. With its deep harbor, it’s also one of the largest commercial ports in the world. Often referred to as “the summer capital of South Korea,” Busan is known for its exceptional beaches, scenic cliffs and ancient temples high in the mountains.

Jeju, South Korea
Jeju Island is often called the "Island of the Gods,” for its breathtaking landscape. UNESCO deemed the island’s dormant volcano Hallasan as a Biosphere Reserve because of the abundance and diversity of plant and animal species. Enjoy delicious fare, such as fresh fish, squid, octopus and sea cucumber, as well as its famous Shitake mushrooms and honey, which has a distinct taste.

Seoul (Incheon), South Korea
From Incheon, travel to the capital of South Korea, a city that artfully balances cutting-edge and traditional. Admire the Korean architecture of Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House), the official residence of the President of the Republic of Korea. Shop the antique shops and art galleries craft stores of Insadong in Seoul’s art district. Learn centuries of Korean history at the National Museum. Be dazzled by the World Heritage-listed Changdeokgung, the most stunning of Seoul's five main palaces. In Incheon, visit a memorial to the landing operation led by General Douglas MacArthur in September 1950, a decisive victory that turned the course of the Korean War.

Dalian, China
Dalian is the second largest city in Liaoning Province, and the largest port in northern China. It is young by Chinese standards, dating from 1898, though smaller settlements had long existed in the area. Like Hong Kong and Shanghai, Dalian's development stemmed from colonial occupation, but in this case by Russia. Under Russian rule Dalian, or Dalny as it was known, became the southern tip of the Trans-Siberian Railway and the main port of the eastern Russian empire.

Shanghai, China
Shining brightly on the banks of the Yangtze River Delta in East China, this historic and glamorous city beckons with dazzling architecture, a universe of dining options and buzzing streetscapes. Stroll Singapore’s legendary waterfront – known locally as ‘The Bund’ – for skyline views and colonial-era buildings. Pay homage to the famed pair of Buddhas at the Jade Buddha Temple in bustling downtown, learn the city’s fascinating story at the Shanghai History Museum in the Pudong district and head to the Old City to explore the 400-year-old Yuyuan Garden. You’ll be tempted by Shanghai’s fabled street food wherever you go, from crab shell pies to paper-thin soup dumplings.

Xiamen, China
Originally established as a major seaport in the Song Dynasty, Xiamen today remains an important Chinese trade center. Historical sites from many eras await your discovery from charming Old Town to the former international settlement on neighboring Gulang Island. Hulishan Fortress, built in 1894, offers a tour of the tunnels and trenches, and displays of ancient weaponry; Jimei Park features eclectic architecture and elegant pavilions along Dragon Boat Lake. For a look at ancient times, take in the most respected Buddhist venue in China, Putuo Temple complex, with its classic front gate, many halls, garrets, and ponds; and be sure not to miss the Seven Buddha Tower.

Hong Kong, China
From an iconic skyline overlooking a glorious harbor to lush green mountains and sprawling parks, Hong Kong has all you could want (and more) in a world-class city. Gain a deeper understanding of Hong Kong’s culture and history at Man Mo Temple, ride the world’s steepest funicular to Victoria Peak and cruise through a fishing village by sampan. Escape the urban bustle with a walk along the soft, golden sands of Repulse Bay. Dive into classic favorites like dai pai dong (street-food stalls) and yum cha (tea and dim sum) after conquering a dizzying assortment of shopping venues in this commercial hub of Asia.

Nha Trang, Vietnam
By far Vietnam’s most popular seaside resort town, Nha Trang offers more than a turquoise bay ringed by a nearly four mile arc of golden sand and a lively promenade. Visit the impressive brick structures of the Po Nagar Cham Towers, built by the Cham civilization between the 7th and 12th centuries. Take in the nearly 80-foot-tall white Buddha of Long Son Pagoda and spectacular surroundings of Hai Duc Pagoda. Snap photos of grass-eating buffalo and terraced rice fields on a drive to villages that dot the countryside around Nha Trang. Or simply relax at a beachside bar with a coconut cocktail.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Sitting on a giant bend in the Sài Gon River, the quintessentially cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) boasts glistening skyscrapers, bustling food markets and magnificent French-Colonial buildings. Gain important perspectives of Vietnam’s 20th-century war history at the War Remnants Museum and tunnels of C? Chi. Admire the grandeur of the 19th-century Notre Dame Cathedral, HCMC’s iconic symbol, and nearby Central Post Office. Get a local's view of the frenetic city center while zipping through alleyways on a motorbike. Embrace the spirituality of the Jade Emperor Pagoda and 1960s architecture of the Reunification Palace, stopping to savor Vietnamese street food like pho (noodle soup) or savory crepes.

Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand
From the port city of Laem Chabang, discover the contrasting charms of Krung Thep (City of Angels) amongst the exotic temples, lavish palaces, teeming markets and urban skyline of Bangkok. Once a small trading center, Thailand’s capital city thrums equally on vendors selling legendary street food, graceful Thai architecture and saffron-robed monks. Ride a ubiquitous tuk-tuk to Wat Pho, home to an immense, reclining, gold-plated Buddha. See floating grocery stores and teakwood houses built on stilts on a boat tour along the Chao Phaya River. After shopping for Thai silk and jewelry, dine on classic Bangkok dishes like pad Thai, Khao mun gai and mango sticky rice.