Hanoi, the capital of French Indochina from 1902, is one of the main cultural centres of Vietnam, where most Vietnamese dynasties have left their imprint. French colonial architecture still remains today, with the tree-lined boulevards and its many villas and mansions. Another key port of call on any Vietnam cruise is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay, famous for its limestone pinnacles which rise miraculously from the sea. And don't miss Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, which boasts numerous beautiful pagodas and some fantastic markets, as well as the impressive Thien Hau Temple.

Neighbouring Cambodia is less developed, but equally fascinating. Angkor Wat, accessed from the nearby town of Siem Reap, is a must-see for anyone visiting the country. This remarkable temple complex was built for King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city, and its significance is illustrated by its appearance on the Cambodian national flag. It's also worth spending some time exploring the capital, Phnom Penh; it's a bustling, youthful city, home to impressive architecture (and, it must be said, some sobering reminders of the Khmer Rouge regime).

With different weather patterns effecting Cambodia and Southern Vietnam, Central Vietnam and Northern Vietnam there's not really a right or wrong time to visit. Most itineraries will travel between Singapore and Hong Kong taking between 10 to 14 nights and some will include additional calls in Thailand, the Philippines or even Borneo.