2026 World Cruise
January 6 - May 27, 2026
Category: John & Sandy
Monday, February 17, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Colombo, Sri Lanka
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Colombo, Sri Lanka, off the southeast coast of India.
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka’s easy breezy city
Perfumed flower garlands, colonial roots, and lavish afternoon teas welcome you to the former garden city of Colombo. Sri Lanka’s easy, breezy city is intoxicating, with its cinnamon-dusted air, steaming cups of delicate Ceylon, and sassy seaside charm. A place of complete sensory immersion, explore tangled streets to sidestep frantic tuk-tuks and gaze in awe at grand colonial buildings turned heritage hotels.
Cute cafes usher you inside for sweet lassi, and the walls are made for a pleasantly lackadaisical walking pace. They’re perhaps most impressive on stormy days when you can watch bruised clouds tumble and roil across the sea from this perfect vantage point.
Back in the capital, stroll the ornate halls of the National Museum, where gilded swords, studded masks, and rare artifacts from the ancient world and colonial times are gathered.
Visit the Gangaramaya Temple to walk among the orange-robed monks who glide between flora-strewn alters or plunge into the chaos of Pettah, where market cries reach orchestral heights. An incredible gathering of carved Hindu gods decorates the colorful pyramid of the Captain’s Garden Kovil temple, the oldest Hindu temple in the city, which rises majestically from the surrounding railway tracks.
Forever the dish of the day, crab is a must in Colombo. Sit down, tuck in your bib, and use your hands to crack, scoop and suck out the soft white meat – incredibly delicious when smothered in lashings of garlic and fiery chili.
SIGHTS
• Gangaramaya Temple
• National Museum
• Vihara Mahadevi Park
• Kelaniya Temple
• Ingiriya Tea Plantation
• Galle Face Green
• Mount Lavinia Beach
• Dutch Hospital
SHOPPING
Colombo is renowned for its precious and semi-precious stones: sapphires, star rubies, topaz, garnets, citrine, and more, found at gems and jewelry outlets. You can also buy various unique souvenirs, including Ceylon tea, renowned for its quality and flavor. Other popular items include handcrafted items, such as wooden carvings and batik textiles, which are notable in Sri Lanka. Don’t forget to explore local markets for spices and artisanal crafts!
Today’s Excursion – Life & Lore in Colombo
We explored Colombo’s religious and cultural history through this historic capital and major port city.
Scenic Colombo City
We drove through the city’s commercial district and Pettah Bazaar area. We passed by the Pettah Fort, old government buildings, and Victoria Park, or ‘Vihara Mahadevi Park,’ a botanical garden for tropical species. Across the street is the imposing, Neo-classical Town Hall. A visit is made to Cinnamon Gardens, a former cinnamon plantation turned upscale residential district. Here, see the University and most of the embassies in Colonial mansions lining the lovely, shaded avenues.
National Museum
This elegant, white, colonnaded building featured a scary and fascinating mask collection, a gallery filled with outstanding Hindu and Buddhist bronzes, a collection of the regalia of the King of Kandy, and more. Some images are mobile, enabling ritual processions around the temple or the town’s streets.
Museum, Galle Face Green & Gangaramaya Temple
The Galle Face Green is the former haunt of Colombo’s high society. It is situated in the foreground of the Neo-classical facades of the Colombo Club and the Galle Face Hotel. We visited the Gangaramaya Temple, the nicest and most intimate of Colombo’s Buddhist temples.
Tonight’s dinner was in the Alantide Restaurant.
ROCK THE BOAT
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY
We enjoyed an unforgettable evening on the Pool Deck and danced the night away with a “Rock the Boat” dance party under the stars! The deck was our dance floor.
Thursday, February 13, 2025 – Photo of the Day – At Sea
Where in the World Are We?
Today is our 3rd-day sailing from Phuket, Thailand, to Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, in the Indian Ocean.
Today’s activities included:
9:00 – World Cruise Client Breakfast in the La Dame Restaurant.
9:45 Enrichment Lecture with Reed Kaestner – Wildlife of Sri Lanka
We delved into a fascinating discussion of the birds and animals found in Sri Lanka.
It was a must-see lecture for all nature lovers.
11:00 Intermediate Bridge
2:00 Enrichment Lecture with Dr. Bill Timmins -The Atomic Spies – Part 1:
Stalin knew about the Manhattan Project long before the bombings on Japan. The Soviet Union’s KGB had assembled the most extensive network of agents operating in the US, the UK, and Canada. So, who were the spies, and how did the codebreakers from the FBI, MI5, and the NSA finally track them down? Learn how the super-secure Soviet encryptions were cracked to
provide evidence in one of America’s most prominent spy trials.
3:00 Enrichment Lecture with Sue Baic – 5 a day the South East Asian way
Eating more fruit and vegetables is arguably one of the most important dietary changes most of us could make. We explored why they are important, what counts, and how much we need. Delve into the sometimes surprising scientific background using examples from our cruise itinerary.
Dinner was in The Alantide Restaurant.
THE BLUES MAN
SHOWTIME WITH HEADLINE ENTERTAINER TOM SEALS
The Piano Man is back by popular demand! Tom celebrates the music he loves the most… big band, swing, blues, and some of that infamous boogie woogie!
Click below to see Tom Seal’s Boogie Woogie video.
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 – Photo of the Day – At Sea
Where in the World Are We?
We are sailing for the 2nd of 3 days from Phuket, Thailand to Trincomalee, Sri Lanka.
Today’s Activities included:
9:45 Destination Lecture with Evelyn Evans – Trincomalee
On the island’s northeastern coast, its bay is considered one of the world’s finest natural harbors. There are old Dutch Forts, Tamil Hindu Temples and access to the interior where elephants roam wild.
11:00 Intermediate Bridge
2:00 Enrichment Lecture with Sue Baic – Superfoods of South East Asia
Can we eat ourselves young?
Many traditional foods of SE Asia have become increasingly popular. Explore the latest research on foods from our cruise itinerary and their remarkable role in promoting health, helping us to age well no matter where we live.
3:00 Enrichment Lecture with Dr. Bill Timmins – Churchill and Stalin and their race for a nuclear weapon
At the end of the Second World War, Britain was almost bankrupt. Although it had collaborated in the Manhattan Project, the US had closed its doors on information transfer. Britain now had to produce a nuclear weapon on its own. It managed to do just that in a surprisingly short time and with limited resources. Meanwhile, the US and UK believed it would take the Soviet Union at least ten years to build its first atomic bomb. However, they failed to account for its extensive network of spies in the US, UK, and Canada!
Tonight’s dinner was at The Alantide Restaurant
A NIGHT AT THE OPERA
MARY MCCABE
Mary McCabe is a soprano hailing from Downpatrick, Northern Ireland. Mary has been connected with Northern Ireland Opera since its inception, beginning as a Young Artist and later as an Associate Artist. Enjoy tonight’s show: Chocolate Box of Popular Opera Arias & Art Songs.
See one of her performances on YouTube below.
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 – Photo of the Day – At Sea
Where in the World Are We?
We are sailing from Phuket, Thailand, to Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, in the Indian Ocean.
Today’s Activities included:
11:00 Enrichment Lecture with Reed Kaestner
Getting the most out of your travel photographs:
An easy-to-understand discussion of composition basics. Applying a few of these “rules” will take your photos to a new level. Photographs from around the world will illustrate the concepts.
2:00 Enrichment Lecture with Dr. Bill Timmins – The Manhattan Project:
The race to create the first atomic bomb was one of the twentieth century’s most complex and ambitious projects. Developed under a veil of complete secrecy, this US-led project pushed the boundaries of science and engineering, ushering in a new age of nuclear weapons. The Manhattan Project marks the beginning of a story whose consequences reverberate today.
Tonight’s dinner was in the Alantide Restaurant.
THE PIANO MAN
SHOWTIME WITH HEADLINE ENTERTAINER TOM SEALS
Tom Seals has performed in over 100 countries at world-famous venues such as Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Birdland on Broadway in New York, and Dubai Opera House. He was hand-picked by HRH Prince William to “represent the nation” at The Al Wasl Dome in Dubai to 10,000 people.
Join Tom this evening as he celebrates the most outstanding piano men of all time; think Elton John, Billy Joel, Ray Charles, and Jerry Lee Lewis!
Sunday, February 9, 2025 – Photo of the Day – At Sea
Where in the World Are We?
We are sailing from Singapore to Phuket Island, Thailand in Southeast Asia.
Today’s Activities include:
MEET DESTINATION LECTURER EVELYN EVANS
Evelyn was born in Shanghai, raised in Hong Kong, and educated in the UK and Ireland.
The fourth generation of her family to be born in China, she enjoyed carefree trips on her father’s China coast tramp steamers from a very early age, which gave her a great love of the sea,
the region and all things Asian.
However, now living in England and having had a half-Swedish mother, Evelyn has traveled extensively throughout the Baltic Region, and her enthusiasm for this fascinating, magnificent
part of the world is something you cannot help but realize.
Her introduction to the ports we visit will give you the background to enjoy what you see and do and give you the appetite to return and explore further in the future.
Evelyn read Colonial History at Trinity College Dublin and went on to have a long career in Advertising – working in Hong Kong, Sydney, Singapore, Manila, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur.
Now a freelance travel writer and lecturer, she visits this region every year and at every
opportunity.
9:45 Destination Lecture with Evelyn Evans –
Phuket: Situated in the Andaman Sea on Thailand’s Indian Ocean coast, well south of Bangkok, Phuket has terrific golden beaches, magnificent coves and bays, temples, spirit houses, friendly people, and delicious culinary treats. Seafood is of
course, a specialty!
3:00 Enrichment Lecture with Mike Reiss –
Secrets of The Simpsons’ Success: stories, secrets, and scandals from The Simpsons’ 35-year run.
Watch Ted Cruz’s audition for the Simpsons.
6:15 Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Reception
Captain Mino Pontillo welcomes all guests and introduces the Senior Officers of Silver Dawn.
Dinner was in Alantide Restaurant.
MIND MAGIC
SHOWTIME WITH HEADLINE ENTERTAINER MANDY MUDEN
Mandy Muden’s appearances on the 2018 Britain’s Got Talent, won critical acclaim, and standing ovations from both judges and public alike. She was the 13th woman to join the famous Magic Circle. Enjoy tonight’s show: Mandy’s comic take on Mind Reading – She Can Tell You What You Think Before You Have Even Thought of It. Mandy Muden’s appearances on the 2018 Britain’s Got Talent won critical acclaim and standing ovations from both judges and the public.
Saturday, February 8, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Singapore
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Singapore, Singapore, in Southeast Asia.
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE
The surprising superstitions of the Lion City
Superstitions are like culinary specialties: every part of the world has its own, and discovering those of new countries is always an experience, if not tasty, at least fun.
Singapore is no exception to the rule in Southeast Asia that gives pride of place to the supernatural and offers some surprising sparks of superstition that you can observe with a smile or take home with you, should they bring you luck… You never know.
Let’s start with a belief that will please the cheapskates: you don’t gift watches or shoes in Singapore.
Watches symbolise the end and ‘giving a clock’ in Mandarin sounds very similar to ‘attending a funeral’.
To avoid bringing death, no watches or clocks are given. For shoes, the same battle: the shoe is pronounced the same way as evil in Mandarin. So it’s in terrible taste to give shoes. Two beliefs that can save a lot of money…
Cutting your nails after dark is also forbidden. In Singapore, this practice is believed to attract angry spirits who could bring misfortune to the house and its inhabitants. Never point at the moon, either, especially if it is full. The risk? Finding yourself with the tips of your ears cut off in your sleep. Also to be avoided is whistling at night. This practice, which is harmless everywhere else, seems to please ghosts in this part of the world. Whistle at night, and you could end up with a string of not-always-benevolent ghosts hanging around your neck. Fortunately, the best way to deal with this is to wash your feet and face when you get home to ward off the wandering spirits.
Another rule of the Lion City, also found in Vietnam, is that you don’t take photos of three people. Two, yes. Four, yes, but three, no. It’s bad luck for the person in the middle to be the first to die.
Finally, let’s finish with a rather amusing and intriguing superstition involving new owners, a new flat or house, and a pineapple. For good fortune to fall upon a new house and its owners or occupants, when they first enter their new home, they must knock on the door three times and shout ‘huat ah’ (good luck) as they roll a pineapple around. Derived from Feng Shui, this practice is said to purify the premises. The story doesn’t say whether a tin of pineapples will do the trick..
Today’s Excursion – Singapore on your own
Orchard Road Self-exploration
Orchard Road is the symbol of consumerism. Singapore is the world’s largest consumer, and a good reflection of this is
Orchard Road – an avenue of 2km with a concentration of over 50 shopping centers. The best and the most exclusive brands can be found here. However, there are also shopping centers at affordable prices for all budgets. The malls are both above and below the street, and all are connected by “connections,” so there is no need to go outside to go from one place to another. For shopaholics, this is THE street. It is a stylish and cosmopolitan street where you can find anything.
China Town Self-exploration
In Chinatown, stroll along Pagoda Street and get a glimpse of the Chinese-influenced curios, accessories, apparel, and much
more. It is a good place to hunt for local souvenirs and gifts to take home. You can also view the Sri Mariamman Temple, which dates back to 1827 and is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. Chinatown Food Street is one of Singapore’s best places to eat tasty and authentic local food. The venue is roofed and has an integrated cooling system, making it a perfect all-day dining spot in Chinatown in any weather. You can find the array encompassing a wide range of flavors from across Singapore, China, and the rest of Asia. If it is your first time to Chinatown Food Street – or if you are picky when choosing what to eat – it might be a bit tricky to decide what to go for.
Marina Bay Center Self-exploration
Before you head back to your ship, you will have an opportunity to marvel at the architectural icons that dot the impressive skyline of this tiny city-state at Marina Bay Center. You may wish to walk along the scenic waterfront promenade decorated with artistic sculptures. If you have yet to see more skylines, head up 57 stories to the SkyPark Observation Deck, which boasts picturesque views of the panoramic vistas of Marina Bay and Singapore’s world-class cityscape.
Asian Culture Museum
The highlight was visiting the Asian Cultural Museum. The Special Exhibit was Pagoda Oddessy, featuring the China Pavillion at San Francisco’s 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. 84 hand-carved model pagodas based on real structures offer a tantalizing glimpse of China’s rich architectural heritage.
Tonight’s dinner was in Alantide Restaurant.
LIMELITE
TONIGHT’S SHOW
Experience a magnificent evening of musical entertainment at its best! Limelite is a dynamic show featuring the best musical theater from New York’s Broadway and London’s West End and some of the most iconic movie musicals.
Join your Silversea Singers and Dancers as we bring this Broadway experience t hits from past productions, including Grease, ABBA and The Greatest Showman.
Friday, February 7, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Singapore
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Singapore.
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE
The City of Gardens’ Skyscrapers and Soaring Structures
Advanced, airy, and elevated, Singapore is a spectacular, futuristic vision of utopian city life. A healthy population of almost six million calls it home. Still, this city is designed with space to breathe, gorgeous outdoor parks, massive indoor greenhouses, and beautiful recreational spaces spread between the City of Gardens’ skyscrapers and soaring structures.
Once a quiet fishing village, it is now a glistening island city-state and an international beacon of science, education, and technology. Singapore is almost intimidatingly clean – and the hyper-efficient public transport system whips residents and visitors across the city’s neighborhoods in a heartbeat. Glorious fountains and audacious skyscrapers loom up – nodding to traditional feng shui beliefs – and putting on dazzling illuminated displays after dark. The lush green botanical gardens are a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, covering 52 hectares and decorated with impressive colorful orchids.
Or breathe in the freshest air by wandering the canopy-strung bridges of MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Head for the iconic Marina Bay – a landmark of the city crowned by three interconnected towers, which watch out over island-sprinkled waters. Jaunt between Little India and the atmospheric Chinatown in minutes, where beautiful temples – like the Chinese Thian Hock Keng Temple and Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple add rich cultural intrigue. Singapore’s cuisine is a mouthwatering fusion of its Indian, Chinese, Indonesian, and Malay influences, taking and enhancing the best of each. Enjoy dishes in towering restaurants, or toast the glowing skyline with the city’s eponymous gin-soaked cocktail – a Singapore Sling.
SIGHTS
• Gardens by the Bay
• Chinatown
• Orchard Road
• Marina Bay Sands Singapore
• Singapore Botanic Garden
• Supertree Grove
• Singapore Flyer
SHOPPING
Orchard Road is a 2.2 km long, tree-lined, one-way street in Singapore known for its shopping, dining, entertainment, and hotel. Orchard Road’s main boulevard is filled with iconic shopping malls, luxury fashion, and renowned international brands.
Today’s Excursion – Gardens by The Bay & Observation Deck at Marina Bay Sands
Singapore’s new icon, a 250-acre (101-hectare) horticultural attraction, seems to be the nation’s most beautiful, with more than 1.5 million rare plants in giant domed conservatories. Visit Gardens by the Bay and see why it captures the essence of Singapore – the premier tropical Garden City – making Singapore a leading global city of the 21st century.
Gardens by the Bay
Depart the pier for the short drive to the Gardens by the Bay, Singapore’s new, iconic, approximately 250-acre (about 101-
hectare) horticultural attraction. With more than 250,000 rare plants in giant domed conservatories, the Gardens by the Bay
truly captures the essence of Singapore, the ‘Garden City.’
Cloud Forest, Flower Dome
Upon arrival, walk through the Cloud Forest, a mysterious world veiled in mist. The approximately 115-
foot-high Crystal Mountain is covered in lush vegetation from tropical highlands and shrouds the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Stroll by the waterfall, meandering through the old forests of conifers and ferns that comprise this unique environment.
Next, step into the Flower Dome, the 2015 Guinness World Record-holder as the world’s biggest glass nursery. The Flower
Dome replicates the cool-dry climate of Mediterranean regions and features towering baobabs, succulent plants, and 1,000-
year-old olive trees. During a guided tour of the Flower Dome, marvel at its extraordinary natural beauty, and spectacular and
innovative designs.
SkyPark Observation Deck
Your final stop is at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Proceed to the 57th-floor, approximately 650-foot-high (about 198-metre)
SkyPark Observation Deck to marvel at the spectacular panoramic views and photo opportunities overlooking the city.
Your tour concludes with a short drive back to the pier.
World Crusie Event
Singapore: A Bird’s Eye View
Get a bird’s eye view of Singapore as you enjoy a 360° look at the dazzling skyline with private access to the SkyPark Observation Deck of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel right in the city’s heart. Sip on a Singapore Sling and enjoy gourmet food from the city’s street markets, 57 stories up.
Whisked via dedicated Silversea express elevator to this privileged playground high above the Lion City, you’ll stroll under an evening sky illuminated by starlight, fireworks, projected artwork, and entertaining surprises. Graze on local culinary classics infused with a modern twist—Savour expertly mixed drinks. And revel in the incomparable magic of Singapore.
Thursday, February 6, 2025 – Photo of the Day – At Sea
Where in the World Are We?
We are en route from Saigon, Vietnam, to Singapore.
Today’s activities included:
9:45 Destination Lecture with Evelyn Evans – Singapore:
The independent city-state gets more exciting every time you visit, with more to see and do. With its glitzy downtown, upbeat architecture, enviable public transport system, and incomparable public housing system, Singapore’s success is the world’s envy. Tree-lined avenues, orchids galore, and a proud population ensure everyone is impressed. It may once have been
a British Colony, but today, it is a wonderfully successful country of contrasts.
11:00 Intermediate Bridge
3:00 Enrichment Lecture with Evelyn Evans – Sir Stamford Raffles & The Founding of Singapore’:
The story of a young man whose self-belief and ambition led him to become the founder of one of the world’s most significant British colonial outposts. Somewhat unscrupulous? Perhaps. But he will always be remembered in that highly successful nation-state.
MOTOWN
Join Silversea Singers in an upbeat, fast-paced performance featuring this iconic music style alongside our Silversea Dancers with some stylish moves.
Let us transport you back to the renowned Motown era, with memorable music ranging from the Supremes to the Temptations.
Dinner was in The Alantide Restaurant.
Wednesday – February 5, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Ho Chi Mink City, Vietnam
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Saigon, Vietnam.
HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM
A cultural melting pot with a rich history
Ho Chi Minh City is a cultural melting pot with a rich history dating back to the Khmer Kingdom. The city has been affected by various cultures, including Chinese, Indian, French, and American, which have left their mark on its architecture, cuisine, and way of life.
Exploring Ho Chi Minh City’s many historic buildings and museums is one of the most excellent ways to experience its cultural diversity. The Reunification Palace, for example, is a spectacular example of mid-century modern architecture that functioned as the South Vietnamese government’s seat of power throughout the war. Another must-see is the Museum of Vietnamese History, which depicts the country’s cultural progress from ancient times.
Food is another way to immerse yourself in the culture of Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients, robust flavors, and healthy herb and spice balance. Street food vendors can be found all around town, with everything from pho and banh mi sandwiches to exotic fruits and grilled meats.
Ho Chi Minh City is also known for its thriving arts scene, which includes many galleries, theaters, and performance spaces that showcase the work of local artists and performers. For example, the Sydney Opera House is a spectacular French colonial-era structure that hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including opera, ballet, and traditional Vietnamese music and dance performances.
SIGHTS
• Dam Sen Cultural Park
• Bitexco Financial Tower
• Ben Thanh Market
• Hotel Majestic
• Le Van Tam Park
• Jade Emperor Pagoda
SHOPPING
Considered a traditional fine art of Vietnam, lacquerware is beautiful, long-lasting, and—best of all for those with luggage weight restrictions—light. Most tourist shops and markets hawk the same kind of budget lacquerware. Higher quality items come at a price and are usually found in specialty shops. Some of the newer high-rise shopping complexes in downtown Ho Chi Minh City are home to high-end international brands.
Today’s Excursion – Saigon Discovery
This excursion provided an introduction to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly named Saigon, a vibrant and exciting city.
Thien Hau Temple
This beautiful temple was built in 1825 and dedicated to the cult of Thien Hau, Goddess of the Sea and Protector of Sailors.
History Museum
This outstanding museum considered the best place to get acquainted with Vietnam’s history, is housed in a building from the early 1900s. The museum displays artifacts from the Bronze Age to the early communist presence in Vietnam. Other exhibits feature Cham art, ceramics, and traditional costumes.
Leaving the museum, the bus will took us to the Notre Dame Cathedral, distinguished by its imposing twin spires. We stopped for photos at the splendid Reunification Palace and the elegant Saigon City Hall.
Lacquer Factory
The last visit was to one of Saigon’s best-known establishments for an introduction to the making of the city’s renowned lacquer
ware. We browsed through the showrooms, where a fascinating array of items tempts even the most jaded shopper.
Tonight’s dinner was an Indian-themed dinner at the Alantide Restaurant.
MUSICAL MEMORIES
PRE-DINNER SHOW WITH CRUISE DIRECTOR MOSS
Cruise Director Moss Hills and the Silver Dawn Band performed a mixture of music to stir up memories, including songs from Dire Straits, James Brown, Santana, Billy Joel, and more.
9:30 Chocolate Extravaganza
A delicious array of Chocolate Desserts prepared by our talented Pastry Chef and party night with Silversea Singer Beatrice.
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Where in the World Are We?
This is our 2nd day in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, Vietnam
HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM
The Áo Dài, or the Vietnamese elegance
Vietnam has undergone many changes over the last century. However, one silhouette remains almost unchanged in the landscape of this endearing country: that of Vietnamese women adorned with the Áo Dài.
The Áo Dài is not just a garment but a representation of Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage and a symbol of elegance. Worn by women in Vietnam for centuries, the dress has evolved to reflect the country’s changing fashion trends and social norms.
It first appeared at the end of the 18th century due to the civil war that divided the country into two parts. One is in the North, controlled by the Trinh family, and the other is in the South, controlled by the Nguyen family. As the clothing worn in the North was too similar to that of the Chinese, Lord Nguyen asked his people to distinguish themselves from the North by wearing silk trousers under a long, wide, five-sided tunic. The ancestor of the Áo Dài was born.
Over fashions, decades, and political changes, its cut, rather wide at first, was adjusted to accentuate the curves of Vietnamese women while still retaining a certain modesty. The collar disappeared, and the sleeves were shortened under Diem, under the influence of Madame Nhu, the First Lady of the time, who breathed new life and modernity into the dress at the end of the 1950s, a move that was, however, rejected by part of the country as being too modern. When the country entered the communist era in 1975, the Áo Dài fell out of favor, as it was considered “decadent” by the ruling powers. It came back with a vengeance at the end of the 80s, never to leave the forefront of Vietnamese dressing rooms.
SIGHTS
• Dam Sen Cultural Park
• Bitexco Financial Tower
• Ben Thanh Market
• Hotel Majestic
• Le Van Tam Park
• Jade Emperor Pagoda
SHOPPING
Considered a traditional fine art of Vietnam, lacquerware is beautiful, long-lasting, and—best of all for those with luggage weight restrictions—light. Most tourist shops and markets hawk the same kind of budget lacquerware. Higher quality items come at a price and are usually found in specialty shops. Some of the newer high-rise shopping complexes in downtown Ho Chi Minh City are home to high-end international brands.
Today’s Excursion – Saigon Street Food Experience
During this excursion to Ho Chi Minh City, we discovered Vietnam’s natural remedies and street food.
Ho Chi Minh City and Saigon Food Street Market
We drove to the Food Street and Tan Dinh Market in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City. The Tan Dinh Market is best known for its downhome Vietnamese food. Many vendors and food stalls in the market’s food section offer dishes freshly made to order.
Various local dishes can be purchased here, including Vietnamese pancakes (banh xeo), fresh spring rolls (goi cuon), hue cakes
(banh beo) and Vietnamese noodle soup (pho).
Ngon Restaurant and Lunch
Leaving the Tan Dinh Market, we re-boarded our coach and drove to the Ngon restaurant, which offers an extensive menu of foods from northern to southern Vietnam. The concept behind the restaurant is to bring together many different street vendors under one roof. In this compact venue, many classic Vietnamese dishes from throughout the country are prepared with the impressive local street fare’s flair, independence, and simplicity. A light Vietnamese lunch is served after exploring the food stalls.
6:30 PM – Pre-Dinner Show.
Dinner was in Alantide Restaurant
SMOKE ON
THE WATER
TONIGHT’S SHOW WITH INTERNATIONAL VIOLIN SENSATION ANALIZA CHING
AT 9:15 PM
VENETIAN LOUNGE, DECK 5
Analiza returns with her dazzling performance and her
phenomenal violin musical talent.
Click to see her semi-final performance on Britain’s Got Talent on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eFlvIuuNUxs?si=gngde4S-9_qkbDUh
