Die Höhepunkte Südostasiens

Situated in the Gulf of Tonkin, Halong Bay is one of the most spectacular scenic locations in Vietnam. In 1994 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s easy to see why: around 2,000 limestone cones with dense vegetation rise up out of the emerald green water, creating a mystical atmosphere. According to legend, this scenery was formed by a dragon descending through the sea. Numerous grottoes and caves are hidden among the submerged limestone formations, just waiting to be discovered. Small junks cross the bay, bringing visitors closer to the mysterious little islands and romantic waterfalls.

Da Nang, in central Vietnam, reveals its charm as a vibrant centre with an important history and modern lifestyle. The impressive cultural relics of the Cham dynasty, which once ruled over Southeast Asia, tell the tale of a long and rich past. The Cham Museum offers interesting insights into this period. The long stretch of beach at Da Nang is a great place to enjoy the sun and let your mind drift. Just a stone’s throw away are the picturesque trading port of Hoi An and the imperial city of Hue, which draws visitors under its spell thanks to its magical location on the romantic Perfume River and its cultural heritage.

The economic heart of Vietnam beats in Ho Chi Minh City, a metropolis located in the south of the country at the mouth of the Saigon River. Formerly known as Saigon, it was renamed after the reunification of north and south Vietnam in 1976 in honour of the former president, Ho Chi Minh. The city’s skyline features buildings that can be seen from miles away, including the 461 m (1,512 ft) high skyscraper Landmark 81 and the Bitexco Financial Tower at a height of around 260 m (853 ft). As well as its economic importance, Ho Chi Minh City is also a culinary centre with a variety of Vietnamese and international restaurants. Chinatown, also known as Cholon, in the busy city centre is an inviting place to spend time browsing and admiring the curiosities on offer at the markets.

Singapore combines modern glamour with deeply rooted traditions. The smallest city in Southeast Asia, its name means “Lion City” and it is home to an exciting mix of futuristic buildings, historic districts and green oases. The city’s landmark, the Merlion, stands guard over the harbour, while its skyline is dominated by the impressive Marina Bay Sands and its breathtaking SkyPark – featuring one of the longest swimming pools in the world. Singapore is a great place for strolling along the busy Orchard Road, discovering long-standing traditions in Chinatown and experiencing the future of urban nature in the Gardens by the Bay.

Malacca, on the south-west coast of the Malaysian peninsula, attracts visitors with its rich cultural heritage and historic atmosphere. The oldest city in Malaysia has been shaped over the centuries by a variety of influences and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. The salmon-red buildings on Dutch Square and the A Famosa fortress bring the colonial era back to life, while the Chinese Cheng Hoon Teng temple and the Kampung Kling mosque reflect the religious diversity of the city. Malacca is a fascinating testament to its eventful history and offers visitors the opportunity to dive into the past as well as enjoy the vibrant present-day life in the city.

From Port Kelang, you can embark on a discovery tour of exciting Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. KL, as the city is known, offers a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition. The majestic Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world, dominate the skyline, while there are plenty of exotic discoveries to be made in the narrow streets: Markets, Hindu temples and districts such as Little India and Chinatown, which reflect the diversity of Malaysian culture. Kuala Lumpur is an ideal destination for explorers looking for a combination of modern architecture and cultural heritage.