Independent Travel Tips - Asian Ports

[mikesierra]

My wife and I are booked on the cruise of a lifetime on the NAUTICA Hong Kong-Athens Mar 31, 2007 but wonder if what has worked before applies to this cruise.

On our previous cruises in Europe and North America we have mostly opted to travel independently, choosing only a few cruiseline tours. This has worked magnificiently for us .

Our interests include the highlights of architecture and culture, lunch at an authentic (but safe and clean) local restaurant, local shops (my wife must buy a yard of local fabric for the world journey quilt she is making), people watching and learning about local life from talking with locals.

We are prepared to hire a taxi or a private car with driver and an English speaking tour guide where necessary, and to travel on public transit when practical.

Any tips or suggestions in general, or specifically about any one of these ports, will be appreciated.


Hong Kong, China - 5 days (3 - pre-cruise)
Da Nang, Vietnam - 1 day
Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) Vietnam - 2 days
Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand - 2 days
Singapore - 1 day
Phuket, Thailand - 1 day
Goa (Mormugao), India - 1 day
Bombay (Mumbai), India - 2 days
Salalah, Oman - 1 day
Luxor (Safaga), Egypt - 2 days
Aqaba, Jordan - 1 Day
Cairo (Port Said), Egypt - 1 day
Athens - Transit:Fly to Paris (4 days post cruise)
Thank you

[rahrah50]

Hi,

I am no help on your cruise, but does your wife have any info on fabric shopping in Rome, Florence, or Venice???? Thanks

Roylynn

[mikesierra]

My wife says Venise is all about lace and she found some beautiful stuff in small shops in the backstreets behind St mark's Square. In Florence she endud up buying linen napkins with olives etc. By the way, if you like stationery she says there is a stationaery store close the the Uffizzi gallery that is the best she has every been to. Hand made marble papers, hand made leather journals... As for Rome, she doesn't remember.

[Jane110]

I've never cruised to Asia, but have been to a few of the places you'll visit independantly.

Hong Kong - there's really no need for a guide. Many people speak english, transporation via ferry, subway, bus and taxi is cheap and easy.
I went to a fabric market - I forget the name, but will ask my friend if she remembers. If you'r wife is knowledgable about fabric, I'm sure she'll remember to bring a lighter or matches with her to the silk markets.
For great shopping in HK, visit Stanley Market. They have everything. I had reversible silk jackets custom made for $50. I went the first day and they were ready 5 days later.

Bangkok - another easy city to get around on your own, however, if you hire a guide/driver, they will make sure you get to all the highlights in your short visit. I can't recommend a guide since we arranged one when we landed at the airport. They had a kiosk at the baggage claim area and we arranged for a half day tour w/ english speaking guide and driver. She picked us up at our hotel the next day. Cost us $30. for 4 hours.
The best fabric in Thailand is Jim Thompson Silk. They have a small store next to his historical home (a must see, IMHO) and then they have a larger selection at the Jim Thompson Store.
Since you'll be there overnight, don't miss going to the PatPong area at night. That's where they have the night market and the famous strip clubs. If you stick with the ones owned by the King Group (displayed on the door) you won't get ripped off for drink prices.

Paris - many, many fabric stores. I'm sure your hotel concierge can tell you where they are. I pass them all the time, but since I don't buy any, I forget where they are.