West - East Wonders

Los Angeles, also called LA, or the City of Angels, is situated in southern California, and as the home base of Hollywood is the Entertainment Capital of the world. There is so much to do in this famous city, such as visit LA's most popular beach Santa Monica that offers ocean activities, shopping, street performers and more, or simply investigate the fantastic shopping venues. Helicopter tours are now becoming extremely popular, as one gets to see beaches, movie star homes, the Hollywood sign, downtown, and all of the attractions through the eyes of an expert. Read more about Los Angeles, USA

Astoria is Oregon's most northerly town and the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. Situated at the mouth of the Columbia River, it is a deep-water port, with fine old Victorian homes standing along well-maintained streets, and the beautiful 32 km long Astoria Bridge. It certainly offers a rich history. Those fascinated by history will visit the historic area at Fort Clatsop and the military displays at Fort Stevens. Read more about Astoria, USA

Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, Canada, and is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island off Canada's Pacific coast. It is one of the oldest cities in the Pacific NW, with British settlement beginning in 1841, and it still retains a number of historic buildings close to the harbour. The city certainly has a unique blend of old world charm and new world experiences. As an island destination, Victoria offers visitors an escape from the hurried world and beams with ambience. Read more about Victoria, Canada

Vancouver is a sophisticated coastal city located to the south of British Columbia, Canada. The city is linguistically and ethnically diverse as reflected in the fact that 52 percent of its inhabitants do not speak English as their first language. Ranked highly in worldwide ‘liveable city’ rankings for many years and being surrounded by nature’s scenery at its best, makes tourism its second largest industry. This beautiful city brims with attractions such as Vancouver's Olympic Village located on the SE side of False Creek, which offers stunning views of the city's downtown skyline and Coastal mountains. Read more about Vancouver, Canada

Alaska’s ‘first city’ Ketchikan is situated along the shores of Alaska's Inside Passage within the heart of the Tongass National Forest. Evergreen mountains rise out of the water, the lush green landscape nurtured by the abundant rainfall of the temperate rainforest environment. Visitors are presented with a remarkable array of activities and attractions that highlight the town's history, industry and culture, and bring them up close to resident wildlife. Ketchikan’s impressive variety of shops and galleries feature work by many of the island’s resident artists as well as an assortment of souvenir items and unique gifts that make shopping a ‘must-do’. Read more about Ketchikan, USA

Sitka, the fourth largest city by population in Alaska, is nestled on the west side of Baranof Island, and is thought to be the most beautiful of SE Alaska cities. The flora and fauna of Sitka and its surrounding area are notable attractions. Residents and visitors alike enjoy fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and simply experiencing all this dynamic town has to offer. Sitka is one of the oldest and most culturally significant communities in Alaska. Read more about Sitka, USA

Ships call at the ports of Seward and Whittier on the SE coast of Alaska as gateways to Anchorage, which is home to almost half the population of Alaska. What better way to see Alaska than taking the impressive train ride from Seward to Anchorage. You'll see wild animals, beautiful scenery, and enjoy a great meal in the diner car. On arrival be sure to visit the historical Alaska Railroad depot and walk the streets to discover interesting restaurants and a great range of stores (such as Modern Dwellers), and meet very friendly locals. Read more about Anchorage (Whittier), USA

The City of Kodiak is situated on the second largest island in the United States, SW of Anchorage in the Gulf of Alaska. Kodiak Island is famous for huge Kodiak brown bears, elk, Sitka deer (black tail), and mountain goats, all of which invite tourists to the Kodiak Archipelago. The magnificent green that the island turns during the summer is why Kodiak is affectionately called Alaska's Emerald Isle. The biggest attraction on Kodiak Island when it comes to wildlife would have to be the huge Kodiak grizzly bears that call the island home. Read more about Kodiak, USA

Actually the peaks of a submarine mountain range, the Aleutian Islands, part of the U.S. state of Alaska, are now part of the National Wildlife Refuge. They were set aside in 1980 as a 3.3-million-acre unit of the 4.9-million-acre Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. This chain of 14 large volcanic islands and 55 smaller ones belong to both the United States and Russia. Read more about Aleutian Islands, USA

Petropavlovsk is the main city and the main administrative, industrial, and cultural centre of the Kamchatka peninsula. Arriving on a fine day presents visitors with spectacular views of a massive harbour, four active volcanoes, and one of the oldest towns in the Russian Far East. Petropavlovsk is still home to a Russian submarine base. Weather and time permitting, it is well worth taking a helicopter flight that targets the Valley of the Geysers, the second biggest collection of geothermal features after Yellowstone. Read more about Petropavlovsk, Russian Federation

Otaru is a small city and port on the island of Hokkaido, Japan, NW of the larger city of Sapporo. It faces on the west the Sea of Japan and mainland China. The original inhabitants were indigenous Ainu people. Otaru is for many a commuter town for Sapporo. Read more about Otaru, Japan

Aomori is the capital city of Aomori Prefecture, situated on the northernmost tip of the main Japanese island facing Hokkaido. It has a cold maritime climate with short cool summers and has heavy snowfalls in winter. It is a World Heritage Site, as it has the world's largest virgin forest of beech trees. Also fascinating are the Sannai-Maruyama Ruins, the largest historic site in Japan, said to have revealed structures of a traditional village dating back some 5,500 years. Read more about Aomori, Japan

Ishinomaki, population 147,000, is a coastal city facing Matsushima Bay and the Pacific Ocean, on the Japanese island of Honshu. Its coastline forms part of the Sanriku Fukko National Park, created after the Great East Japanese Earthquake of 2011. The epicentre of this costliest natural disaster in history was 140 km due east of Ishinomaki. A 5m tsunami destroyed Ishinomaki port. Read more about Ishinomaki, Japan

Yokohama is located on the western coast of Tokyo Bay, less than half an hour's train journey directly south of Tokyo. It is the second largest city in Japan and one of the cities most visited by foreigners. Despite being devastated by bombings in WWII it remains a maritime city and retains an international flavour. Nissan and city of Yokohama have launched Japan’s first-ever car-sharing program with ultra-compact EVs (electric vehicles). Read more about Yokohama, Japan

Yokohama is located on the western coast of Tokyo Bay, less than half an hour's train journey directly south of Tokyo. It is the second largest city in Japan and one of the cities most visited by foreigners. Despite being devastated by bombings in WWII it remains a maritime city and retains an international flavour. Nissan and city of Yokohama have launched Japan’s first-ever car-sharing program with ultra-compact EVs (electric vehicles). Read more about Yokohama, Japan

Shimizu is located on the coast of Suruga Bay, 140km SW of Tokyo, on the island of Honshu, facing the Pacific Ocean. Shimizu-ku is actually a ward or sub-division of the city of Shiuoka. The Kakita River flows through the town. It is one of Japan's three most beautiful ports because of nearby Mt. Read more about Shimizu, Japan

Nagoya, the fourth-largest city in Japan and one of its major ports, is located on the Pacific coast in the Chubu region on central Honshu. One of the two most famous sightseeing spots is the reconstructed Nagoya Castle that was built in 1612 with two golden carp on the roof, and that today is also home to an interesting museum that contains an ancient Atsuta shrine as well as some 4,400 national historic treasures. The Atsuta Shrine is known as the second-most venerable shrine in Japan, after Ise Shrine. It is said to enshrine the Kusanagi sword, one of the three imperial regalia of Japan. Read more about Nagoya, Japan

Kobe is the capital of the Hyogo Prefecture and lies on the southern side of the main island of Honshu, Japan. A cosmopolitan port city with an international flavour it is hemmed in by Mt. Rokko, and it constantly comes up number one in expatriate rankings of the best place to live in Japan. The Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, with its collection comprising sculptures, prints and paintings, built following the horrific earthquake in 1995, is a tribute to the spirit of mankind. Read more about Kobe, Japan

Kobe is the capital of the Hyogo Prefecture and lies on the southern side of the main island of Honshu, Japan. A cosmopolitan port city with an international flavour it is hemmed in by Mt. Rokko, and it constantly comes up number one in expatriate rankings of the best place to live in Japan. The Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, with its collection comprising sculptures, prints and paintings, built following the horrific earthquake in 1995, is a tribute to the spirit of mankind. Read more about Kobe, Japan

The capital of the prefecture of the same name, Hiroshima, situated at the centre of the Chugoku region in western Honshu – Japan’s largest island – is possibly best known for being the first city in history to be destroyed by a nuclear weapon. Today, though, it is a modern cosmopolitan city with wide boulevards and criss-crossing rivers. Many of the famous attractions are connected to the horrific split second of the bomb blast on August 6, 1945, and are truly well worth visiting. Today, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park commemorates the 1945 event. Read more about Hiroshima, Japan

Seoul is the capital of South Korea, and is located on the Han River in the country's north-west. The city is an hour from Incheon port. With almost half of South Korea's population living in its greater area, it is the country's foremost economic, political and cultural centre. With its technologically advanced infrastructure, Seoul was chosen by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design, as the World Design Capital of 2010. Read more about Seoul, South Korea

Shanghai, at the mouth of the Yangtze River on the mid-coast of mainland China, is the most populous city in the People's Republic. It is the largest centre of commerce and finance on mainland China, and the show-piece of the world's fastest-growing major economy. It is a major cruise port rivalling Hong Kong and Singapore, and the largest container port in the world. Check your visa requirements. Read more about Shanghai, China

Shanghai, at the mouth of the Yangtze River on the mid-coast of mainland China, is the most populous city in the People's Republic. It is the largest centre of commerce and finance on mainland China, and the show-piece of the world's fastest-growing major economy. It is a major cruise port rivalling Hong Kong and Singapore, and the largest container port in the world. Check your visa requirements. Read more about Shanghai, China

Shanghai, at the mouth of the Yangtze River on the mid-coast of mainland China, is the most populous city in the People's Republic. It is the largest centre of commerce and finance on mainland China, and the show-piece of the world's fastest-growing major economy. It is a major cruise port rivalling Hong Kong and Singapore, and the largest container port in the world. Check your visa requirements. Read more about Shanghai, China

Miyako is a small city of 60,000 people on the eastern-most coast of Honshu, Japan's main island. The island of Miyako-jima is home to beautiful beaches, perfect for sunning, swimming and snorkelling. When you are ‘sun-spent’, migrate to the Miyako-jima City Tropical Plant Garden to marvel at over 1,500 species of exotic tropical plants. Toast your travel companions with Japanese shochu while you nibble on specialty soba noodles. Read more about Miyako, Japan

Ishigaki is the largest city for the Yaeyama Island Group, and is located on Ishigaki Island, as is the area's major boat terminal, Ishigaki Port. It is the southernmost of the Ryukyu (or Nansei) Islands chain, of which the largest is Okinawa. The island enjoys a thriving culture steeped in traditions that are a mixture from Japan, China, nearby Taiwan (230km to the west), and its former trading partners. Much of the island and surrounding waters including Mount Omoto and Kabira Bay are protected as part of Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park. Read more about Ishigaki, Japan

Taipei, located on the Danshui River, is the largest city and the capital of Taiwan, in the Republic of China. It lies 25 km SW of the Pacific Ocean port Keelung in northern Taiwan. Now a sprawling metropolis, for those who love the hustle and bustle of a big city, it truly is a great place to visit. It is renowned for its Shopping Malls, among the most popular being Core Pacific City. Read more about Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, Province of China

Hong Kong, situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and the South China Sea, is a kaleidoscope of life, a sophisticated fusion of East and West, a city of diversity where new and old meet at every turn. Hong Kong offers a host of memorable tourist attractions within its compact area. Victoria Harbour and the Giant Buddha are among the most awe-inspiring. Then take the famous Escalator and the Tram to the Peak, the tallest point on the island, with some of the most expensive homes to be found anywhere. Read more about Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Hong Gai – aka Halong, Hanoi – is a port city located about 160 km NE of Hanoi in Vietnam. The city lies mainly on Bai Tu Long Bay, a part of the beautiful Halong Bay. This huge bay is famous for its wonderful landscape of over 200 cliff islands covered with beautiful tropical vegetation and surrounded by the mysterious, beautiful, quiet waters of the bay. Over innumerable centuries the lapping waves at the bases of the cliffs have resulted in the many strangely shaped limestone inlets, striking caves and grottos. Read more about Hong Gai, Viet Nam

Hue is the former Imperial capital of Vietnam and is intimately connected to the imperial Nguyen Dynasty that ruled from 1804 to 1945. The Perfume River is the main landmark and distinctly divides the city in two, with the old city on the north side and the newer city, including most hotels and restaurants, on the south side. Much of the riverside has wisely been done up as a pleasant promenade and park dotted with most unusual sculptures. The Citadel in the old city is of great historical interest. Read more about Hue, Viet Nam

Hue is the former Imperial capital of Vietnam and is intimately connected to the imperial Nguyen Dynasty that ruled from 1804 to 1945. The Perfume River is the main landmark and distinctly divides the city in two, with the old city on the north side and the newer city, including most hotels and restaurants, on the south side. Much of the riverside has wisely been done up as a pleasant promenade and park dotted with most unusual sculptures. The Citadel in the old city is of great historical interest. Read more about Hue, Viet Nam

Nha Trang is a coastal city and capital of Khánh Hòa province, Vietnam. It is possibly best known for its bay, one of the most beautiful in the world, and the excellent scuba diving. It is a popular destination for locals, international tourists and large numbers of backpackers. The setting is stunning, with towering mountains looming up behind the city and the sweeping beach stretching into the distance, the turquoise waters dotted with little islands. Read more about Nha Trang, Viet Nam

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the largest city of Vietnam in SE Asia, is situated on the banks of the Saigon River which flows into the Mekong delta, in the south of the country. Phu My, 70km to the SE, is one of the many ports used by tourist ships bringing visitors to this rapidly developing and dynamic city with more than 6 million citizens. Ho Chi Minh City’s architecture and lifestyle is a combination of American and Chinese influences. Modern office skyscrapers, amidst Chinese style pagodas and food stalls along the street, create a dynamic urban area in a very special sense. Read more about Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the largest city of Vietnam in SE Asia, is situated on the banks of the Saigon River which flows into the Mekong delta, in the south of the country. Phu My, 70km to the SE, is one of the many ports used by tourist ships bringing visitors to this rapidly developing and dynamic city with more than 6 million citizens. Ho Chi Minh City’s architecture and lifestyle is a combination of American and Chinese influences. Modern office skyscrapers, amidst Chinese style pagodas and food stalls along the street, create a dynamic urban area in a very special sense. Read more about Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

Sihanoukville (aka Kampong Som) is a port city in southern Cambodia on the Gulf of Thailand, 185 km SW of the capital Phnom Penh. Historically, it was the site of the last official battle of the U.S. Army in the war, and two shipwrecks 40 m down, off one of its islands, are of interest to divers. It is the only deep water port in the country, and one of the main centres of economic growth in Cambodia. Read more about Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Bangkok, the capital, largest urban area and primary city of Thailand, is about a two-hour trip from Laem Chabang Port. The city is situated at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River. It is a place where the past, present, and future live harmoniously together, as reflected by the luxury hotels and gleaming skyscrapers that grace the skyline alongside dazzling, historical temples. The city's wealth of cultural landmarks and attractions in addition to its notorious entertainment venues has made it synonymous with exoticism. Read more about Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand

Bangkok, the capital, largest urban area and primary city of Thailand, is about a two-hour trip from Laem Chabang Port. The city is situated at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River. It is a place where the past, present, and future live harmoniously together, as reflected by the luxury hotels and gleaming skyscrapers that grace the skyline alongside dazzling, historical temples. The city's wealth of cultural landmarks and attractions in addition to its notorious entertainment venues has made it synonymous with exoticism. Read more about Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand

Ko Samui is an island off the E coast of the Kra Isthmus in Thailand, about 35 km NE of Surat Thani town on the mainland peninsula. It lies in the Gulf of Thailand, and is Thailand's second largest island, though only 15 km across. The central part of the island is an uninhabitable mountainous jungle. The various lowland areas are connected by a single road that circumnavigates the island. Read more about Ko Samui, Thailand

Singapore is an island nation located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It lies 137 km N of the Equator, just south of the Malaysian state of Johor. One of the few remaining city-states in the world, Singapore is a thriving cosmopolitan city that is brimming with diversity and has a multiplicity of culture, language, arts and architecture and a world famous variety of cuisine. You'll find historic sites like the Thian Hock Keng temple, superlative shopping, including gargantuan malls, and numerous beaches. Read more about Singapore, Singapore

Semarang, on the N coast of Java, is the capital of the Province of Central Java and one of the largest cities in Indonesia. Northern Semarang has a lot of old Dutch colonial buildings, especially in the area called The Old City. Here is found the fascinating Dutch fortress that is pentagonal in shape, and nearby the Lawang Sewu building, once a company head office for the Dutch East Indies, with an old locomotive, to name but a few of about 50 old buildings that recall the history of colonialism. Benowo waterfall is located near Mount Ungaran, Read more about Semarang, Indonesia

Surabaya is Indonesia’s second largest city and the capital of East Java. It is located on the NE coast of Java, sheltered by the island of Madura in the Java Sea. This is “the city of heroes”, whereby during a battle between Indonesian nationalists and British/Dutch forces in 1945 Indonesia galvanised its claims to independence. The city’s 800-year recorded history includes sultanates, Dutch East India Company trading, and Japanese occupation. Read more about Surabaya, Indonesia

Bali is an Indonesian island at the western-most of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is one of Indonesia’s 33 provinces, with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island. Bali is home to the most of Indonesia's Hindu minority, and also the largest tourist destination in the Archipelago. Activities on offer include white water rafting, jungle trekking, river kayaking, mountain cycling and scuba diving. Read more about Denpasar (Bali), Indonesia

Bali is an Indonesian island at the western-most of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is one of Indonesia’s 33 provinces, with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island. Bali is home to the most of Indonesia's Hindu minority, and also the largest tourist destination in the Archipelago. Activities on offer include white water rafting, jungle trekking, river kayaking, mountain cycling and scuba diving. Read more about Denpasar (Bali), Indonesia

Broome, situated on a peninsula in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, is known as the ‘pearl of the north’ due to its being the home of the South Sea pearls, among the largest commercially harvested cultured pearls in the world. In the 1800s Broome attracted pearl divers from Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines, resulting in the delightful multicultural town it is today. Visitors can witness first-hand how Broome pearls are cultured on a cruise to a local pearl farm, and hear the romantic stories of the original pearl luggers. Visit the amazing pearl showrooms of Chinatown. Read more about Broome, Australia

Another 'must', is a visit to the delightful Fremantle Markets, a precinct providing local arts, crafts, jewellery, specialty foods, and dining halls. The area also hosts buskers and other street performers. Fremantle offers seven-day shopping, a fantastic array of food, and the welcoming Cappuccino Strip, all of which adds up to fun and entertainment for all ages. It is truly an elegant and energetic city! Read more about Fremantle, Australia

Another 'must', is a visit to the delightful Fremantle Markets, a precinct providing local arts, crafts, jewellery, specialty foods, and dining halls. The area also hosts buskers and other street performers. Fremantle offers seven-day shopping, a fantastic array of food, and the welcoming Cappuccino Strip, all of which adds up to fun and entertainment for all ages. It is truly an elegant and energetic city! Read more about Fremantle, Australia

Margaret River is a town in the SW of Western Australia, located in the valley of the Margaret River, 277 km south of Perth, the state capital. It is located 9 km inland from the Indian Ocean. An exciting dimension to the Margaret River cruises, passengers come ashore at Busselton, which has at 1.8km the world’s longest jetty. Also of interest is that with only 55 sq.km. Read more about Margaret River, Australia

Cruise ships anchor off the town of Penneshaw and tender to the jetty. Kangaroo Island, named by Matthew Flinders in 1802, is Australia's third largest island. Situated 112 km SW of Adelaide, it is a pristine untamed wilderness where the koalas aren't being cuddled, they're relaxing at home in native trees. The seals aren't performing, they're lazing beside you on the beach. Read more about Kangaroo Island, Australia

The Port Adelaide Passenger Terminal is 22 km from Adelaide city centre. Access is via a vehicle drop-off zone, or a 200 m walk to Outer Harbour railway station. Park cars nearby, but note there is no long-term parking. Adelaide is an architecturally-planned city, set beside the River Torrens between the Adelaide Hills and Gulf St Vincent. Read more about Adelaide, Australia

For those with a little more time to spend in Melbourne, there are many easy day trips to enjoy beyond the city limits by guided tour or with a hire car. Not even an hour from Melbourne, you’ll find Australia’s best-preserved steam train Puffing Billy - the historic railway puffs through the leafy Dandenong Ranges. The Mornington Peninsula offers first-rate wineries, local cuisine, and both bay and ocean beaches. To get up close with native fauna, a trip to Healesville Sanctuary will give you a fix - the beautiful, bushland-set sanctuary gives you the chance to cosy up with koalas, kangaroos and wombats as well as lesser-known Australian animals. Read more about Melbourne, Australia

Burnie, on the NW coast of Tasmania, is a regional city best known for its busy container port and major industries. It is becoming famous for the wealth of unexpected places for visitors to explore. The central business district provides a thoroughfare to the beach-side board-walk, while Burnie Park with its historic tearoom the 'Burnie Inn', a wildlife sanctuary and a walking track to Oldaker Falls, are close to the city centre. Just a few minutes’ drive away you can view wild platypuses along the banks of the Emu River, then head to the Lactose Cheese Tasting centre and enjoy the region's famous cheeses, specialty products, and the best Tasmanian wines. Read more about Burnie, Australia

Getting around Sydney is easy and accessible. You can jump on a train from Sydney airport to Circular Quay in approx.18 minutes, ride the hop on hop off bus around the city that offers multiple stops including Sydney Tower, Botanic Gardens, Australian Powerhouse and Maritime Museums, Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge or the Bondi bus. If travelling on the water is more your style, catch a ferry to visit Sydney’s amusement park, Luna Park, visit the buzzing Manly Beach wharf which is linked to the Corso mall or cruise west of the city to join a Haunted History, Crooked Character or Convict Precinct tour at UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, Cockatoo Island. The best times to visit Sydney are September through November and from March to May as they offer the most comfortable temperatures, around mid 20°C. Read more about Sydney, Australia