With new itineraries aboard Luminara, the latest superyacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, you can experience Asia’s vibrant city life and tranquil countryside. Discover breathtaking skylines, rich cultural heritage and unspoiled nature, all in one unforgettable journey.
With new itineraries aboard Luminara, the latest superyacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, you can experience Asia’s vibrant city life and tranquil countryside. Discover breathtaking skylines, rich cultural heritage and unspoiled nature, all in one unforgettable journey.
Do you travel for the thrill of exploring a new city? Or do you relish nothing more than escaping to pristine nature, departing the daily grind for unspoiled landscapes, outdoor adventures and spiritual serenity? If you had trouble deciding or are traveling with a mix of personalities and desires, put Asia at the top of your list. With an intoxicating blend of natural splendor and cosmopolitan glitz, this is the perfect region to explore the best of all worlds. New itineraries aboard Luminara offer a captivating way to discover Asia’s diverse pleasures. Here, we share some showstoppers.
Hong Kong, China
If you were to close your eyes and imagine Hong Kong, towering skyscrapers probably rise into view. But thrillingly close to all its energy and glamour is a bounty of green open spaces, hiking trails, beaches and wildlife, from black-faced spoonbills to rare pink dolphins. Thanks to Hong Kong’s compact size and excellent transportation, you can spend the morning indulging in authentic dim sum and luxury shopping in hip Sheung Wang, then escape to the idyllic beaches and laidback vibes of scenic Sai Kung, where you can snorkel, kayak or dine al fresco on Michelin-starred seafood. Hong Kong’s contrast of nature and bustle are exemplified by iconic spots like Victoria Peak, boasting spectacular skyline views from above its woodland trails, and Nan Liang Garden, a verdant, manicured oasis in the heart of the city. Just northwest, Mai Po Nature Reserve is a paradise of wildlife and a triumph of conversation for China’s diverse wetland ecosystem.
Bangkok, Thailand
On the surface, Thailand’s capital, home to The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, is hustle and bustle through and through. Pulsing with crowds and sensory stimulation, Bangkok features an explosion of sights, sounds and flavors. And yet, even the busiest corners can transform in a single moment when you step over the threshold into one of the city’s many temples, where the soulful spirit of prayer is instantly palpable. Restored, take in the dazzling spectacle of the Grand Palace, an intricate complex of temples and museums that is also the city’s spiritual heart. Wander vibrant Chinatown, a foodie paradise where famous Yaowarat Road boasts some of the city’s best street food — look out for the busiest stalls to find the choicest eats. For renewed serenity, a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River is an excellent way to see the city in all its glorious contrast, as ancient temples, historic neighborhoods, humble bungalows and towering skyscrapers jostle for your attention.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Reminders of how the past and present coexist are everywhere in Ho Chi Minh City, starting with its name: It’s still commonly referred to as Saigon. Downtown, echoes of Vietnam’s French colonial past — graceful mansions, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House — bump up against gleaming malls and luxury apartments. Iconic Ben Thanh Market, a 1,500-stall haven for local crafts and cuisine, also dates to the colonial period. By night, the city transforms, with countless bars and nightclubs open until the wee hours, especially on lively Bui Vien Walking Street in District 1. But those seeking calm needn’t wander far: the Mekong Delta, where you can drift along pretty canals by boat past sacred sites and villages, is a popular day trip, as is the Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, a lush mangrove forest ecosystem at the mouth of the Saigon River, where you can spy flying fox bats, birds and monkeys, and even feed saltwater crocodiles. Just below the city’s surface lies an extraordinary chance to descend, quite literally, into wartime history in the vast underground network of the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnam’s capital casts a bewitching spell with its potent mix of architectural elegance and natural beauty. History buffs will find no shortage of thrills in long-significant Hanoi, established as an imperial city of the Ly dynasty in the 11th century and then, hundreds of years later, as the capital of French Indochina and then of communist North Vietnam. Follow in the footsteps of Ly kings in the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, just a few minutes’ walk from the graceful French Quarter. Both neighborhoods are anchored by Ho Kiem Lake, which is only the biggest and most famous of some 20 lakes here. Hanoi is surprisingly lush, as everywhere ancient Buddhist pagodas and crumbling colonial buildings are framed by explosions of greenery. Escape the frenzy of motorbikes and markets at the Temple of Literature and its serene gardens, or float along the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, where dramatic limestone rock formations, caves and breathtaking views make a magical impression.
