Secret Islands and Mythical Cities of South-East Asia

With featured guest Thanh-Van Tran-Nhut, mechanical engineer and author of the investigations of Mandarin Tan (Philippe Picquier).

Through a brand-new itinerary departing from Phuket, PONANT invites you to discover the natural gems and historic cities of South-East Asia. Sailing from Thailand to Malaysia via Singapore, Cambodia and Vietnam, Le Jacques Cartier invites you on an exceptional14-day cruise featuring heavenly islands, exceptional natural heritage, and cultural discoveries where Asian, Indian and European influences mingle. 

In a sublime setting of emerald water, karstic cliffs, mangrove and white sand, Le Jacques-Cartier will also drop anchor off the coasts of the uninhabited island of Ko Rok Nok, a paradise for swimming and relaxation. This fabulous odyssey continues as the glorious shoreline of West Malaysia slowly emerges before you. You will sail the Malacca Strait, the former strategic crossroads on the silk and spice roads, to discover the beautiful cities of Penang, UNESCO World Heritage Sites with fascinating Asian, Portuguese and Dutch heritage. Then, in Port Klang, enjoy the captivating blend of Art Deco and Oriental architecture of the emblematic Sultan Suleiman Royal Mosque.

In Singapore, city-State on the edges of the Orient, you will be seduced by the unique multicultural atmosphere of this "garden city", home to wonderful botanical tropical gardens, UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Back in Malaysia, you will sail along the east coast to reach the picturesque and dynamic city of Kuantan. Known throughout the country for the quality of its arts and crafts, this former fishing port stands out for its ancestral know-how. Here, artisans excel in the art of batik, an ancient fabric printing technique, are renowned for the weaving of pandanus leaves, and distinguish themselves in the creation of wooden sculptures.

In the Gulf of Thailand, discover the charms of the ancient fishing village of Sihanoukville, renowned for its sandy beaches and the authentic atmosphere of its markets. Facing the Cambodian shores, the Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc offers a taste of paradise. Known as "the Emerald Island", it is a concentrate of the most beautiful features Mother Nature has to offer: heavenly beaches of fine sand surrounded by stunning coral reefs, wild coves, unspoiled tropical forest home to wildlife and dense vegetation, verdant peaks, and more.

Le Jacques-Cartier will then chart a course north towards the Côn Dao Islands, in the China Sea. This preserved archipelago, where picturesque fishing villages overlook a crystal sea, will delight you with its wild beauty as well as its rich history.

Your voyage will end in Ho Chi Minh City. Founded in the 17th century, this city formerly known as Saigon sits right near the Mekong Delta, a mythical river on which small, colourful boats throng on market days.