CBT Asia

April 11-25, 2016

12.0 Mainpro-C credits

Tuition $1,295 (tax-free)

The workshop is the CBT for Anxiety module (12.0 Mainpro-C credits). Join us and you’ll learn a marvellous set of ultra-brief techniques to help patients overcome shyness, worry, panic & other common anxiety disorders.

This "bucket list" journey will take our group to exotic destinations in Asia, including Singapore ("the world's most modern city"), Ho Chi Minh City (vibrant Saigon), Nha Trang (tropical seaside paradise), Huế (Vietnam's ancient capital), Hong Kong (China's powerhouse), Taipei (featuring the world's top Chinese antiquities museum), Kagoshima (the ancient samurai stronghold), Kyoto (the Japanese capital for 1,000 years), and the megacity of Tokyo (the largest city on earth).

If you are a world citizen, it is imperative to have some first-hand experience with the rising continent of Asia. If it's your first trip to the region, you and your travelling companion(s) will return transformed from our mesmerizing exploration of the ancient and modern sights. Your understanding of the world (and your rapport with many of your Asian patients) will increase immeasurably.

Traveling solo?  If the cruise line's "single supplement" is deterring you, Pauline at CruiseShipCentres may be able to help. Call (888) 739-3117 or email travel@cbt.ca for details. 

Singapore is one of the most affluent and modern cities on earth. Everything is clean and green, and clearly master-planned. Attractions include the world's largest oceanarium (Marine Life Park), ultra-high-end shopping (Orchard Road), the world's largest botanical conservatories (Gardens by the Bay), the world's most expensive building (the iconic Marina Bay Sands), and a new top-ranked amusement park (Universal Studios). There's also indoor skating & tubing, the "open concept" Singapore Zoo, and an air-conditioned 500ft Ferris wheel. Yet the city-state of five million has a fascinating culture and history, and is immeasurably enriched by an exotic blend of sturdy Victorian buildings, red-tiled Chinese shop-houses, Arab bazaars, Buddhist pagodas, and Hindu temples among those ultra-modern buildings. For additional adventure, consider day trips to Malaysia (connected by a causeway) and/or Indonesia (65 minutes by ferry).

NOTE: We think Singapore is so awesome that we're offering a pre-cruise vacation CME option this round. Arrive a few days before your cruise with your traveling partner(s) and see the sights! See CBT Singapore for details.

Ho Chi Minh City, known as Saigon before the end of the "American War", is a major trading centre and bustling metropolis. Despite its hardships (wars with China, France and US), the Vietnamese are among the friendliest people on earth. You'll also quickly understand why Vietnam is one of the world's fastest growing economies. HCMC's sights & sounds will make it super-clear that you're not in Canada. Motorized scooters fly past the French colonial architecture at dizzying speeds, carrying enterprising people (up to five), livestock (chickens, geese and/or pigs), building supplies (wood, bricks and/or wind-breaking mirrors)... so much stuff that you'll be placing bets about what you'll see next. Immediately west is the Mekong Delta, the nutrient-rich region that is by far Vietnam's most productive area for fishing and agriculture. The Mekong's "floating markets" are a must-see. 

Nha Trang is a quaint town that has become one of Vietnam's most popular sea-side resorts. Traditional fishing boats still line the harbors and small farm villages are still nestled in the countryside's lush valleys. However, in recent years the white-sand beaches and azure coral waters have become lined with very modern resorts. You'll be stunned how favorably Nha Trang compares with American destinations like Palm Beach and Waikiki. But Nha Trang also has a rich history. One must-see is the Po Nagar temple complex, built by the Cham on a mountaintop in 781. Another is the Long Sơn Pagoda's 24m white Buddha and its numerous dedications to Thích Quảng Đức, the monk who famously set himself on fire in Saigon in protest in 1963.  

Da Nang was the world's busiest airport during the American (aka Vietnamese) War. But today the attractions are three nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Huế (pronounced "way") was the Vietnamese capital until 1945. Huế's huge Imperial Citadel, also known as the Purple Forbidden City, has a perimeter of almost 2.5km. Lining the banks of Huế's ancient Perfume River are the burial complexes of seven emperors, most of which resemble scenes from an Indiana Jones or Lara Croft movie. One, the 18 hectare royal "tomb" of Emperor Minh Mạng, is surrounded by a wall enclosing 40 stone constructions, including pavilions, temples, and palaces. Hội An is an exceptionally well-preserved 15th century trading port that remains enchantingly free of modern influences. Mỹ Sơn is one of the foremost Hindu complexes in Indochina, with mysterious vine & moss-covered temples dating back to the 4th century. 

AN EPICUREAN NOTE:  Pho is the classic Vietnamese soup made of rice noodles, meat and herbs. Pho's origins & pronounciation are intensely debated. The great culinary scholar Gustave Hue argued that pho is derived from French "pot-au-feu" and should thus be pronounced more "fuh" than "faux" (video).  

Hong Kong's skyscrapers form a glistening wall of steel & glass, junks & sampans ply the busy harbour, and the green, dragon-crested hills beckon. Hong Kong is one of the world's great travel destinations—with a new billion dollar cruise terminal. Sights include Victoria Peak (1,805ft), Stanley Market (one of the world's great bazaars), Po Lin Monastery (with 268 steps to the base of its enormous 112ft Buddha), the traditional fishing village of Tai O (over 300yrs old), the nightly Symphony of Lights (14min of music, lasers & fireworks), the Ritz Carlton's Ozone Bar (on the 118th floor, making it the highest bar in the world), and the Bruce Lee statue (unveiled in 2005). Or get a custom-fitted suit and/or dress (yes, there's time). And an easy one-hour ferry ride away is Macau, with its exotic blend of Portuguese and Chinese influences. If gambling's your thing, you're in luck: in 2006 it overtook Las Vegas to become the world's largest gambling center.

Taipei is the capital of Taiwan, and a world leader in cell phone, tablet, and laptop manufacturing (odds are the device you're reading this on was manufactured there). If it's your first visit to Taiwan, you'll be blown away by how developed yet green it is. Yes, Taipei has ultra-modern architecture, including the world's 2nd tallest building, the 101-story Taipei 101. But 75% of Taiwan is covered in lush & undeveloped mountains. There are over 100 peaks over 10,000 feet, with 12,966 foot Jade Mountain comfortably besting Washington State's iconic Mount Baker (10,781 feet). Living in them thar Taiwanese hills are 16 officially recognized "highland tribes", predating the Chinese by nearly 10,000 years, and contributing immeasurably to the island's cultural richness. However, the country's #1 attraction remains the National Palace Museum, widely regarded as having the finest collection of ancient Chinese art & artefacts in the world. Beijing would dearly like it back from the heirs of Chiang Kai-shek.

Kagoshima is a mountainous, geothermal wonderland on the tip of the Japanese island of Kyushu. Just 3km offshore lies 1,117m Mount Sakurajima, a miniature Mount Fuji that has been erupting almost continuously for over 50 years. In addition to having numerous traditional onsen (communal hot springs), Kagoshima is also known for its unique hot sand "baths" in which guests are buried up to their necks to therapeutically bake. Kagoshima was historically significant as the stronghold of "the last samurai", Saigō Takamori. Saigō valiantly held out against the leaders of the 1867 "restoration" that ultimately toppled the shogunate and restored the Emperor to power. Saigō was thus featured in a block-buster Hollywood movie in 2003. You'll definitely enjoy the high-tech Meiji Restoration Museum, as well as your explorations of the historic samurai houses and Zen gardens of the Samurai District.

Osaka is home to some of Japan's most fascinating monuments, including the immense Osaka Castle and the Sumiyoshi Shinto Shrine, established in 211 AD (i.e., back when Britain was ruled by Rome). Nearby Kyoto was Japan's imperial capital for over 1,000 years and remains its cultural and spiritual centre. Kyoto has 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Nijō Castle (with priceless Japanese artworks and "nightingale floors" to alert the shogun of possible ninja intrusions), Ryōan-ji (the world's most famous Zen rock garden), and the Fushimi Inari Shrine (with over 10,000 red torii gates). Kyoto is also renowned as Japan's sake and culinary capital (you may experience a life-changing kaiseki dinner) and for its genuine Geisha District (yes, with genuine geishas.. and no, they don't). Also nearby is the ancient city of Nara, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nara is home to over 1,000 sacred free-range deer (WARNING: they bite your bum if you don't feed them) and the photogenic Great Buddha, housed in what is still the world's largest wooden building.

Tokyo is the world's most populous city (~40 million) and has the sophistication to match. The Tsukiji Fish Market is the world's largest, and is your best chance to find another $1.8 million bluefin tuna. The Harajuku District is teaming with colorful "Harajuku Girls", whose fashions inspire teens (and music videos) around the world. Akihabara is the center of Tokyo's electronics shops and otaku (anime and manga) culture. Shibuya's "scramble intersection" is considered the world's busiest, and is an experience you'll never forget. The Ginza District is recognized as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world, with flagship stores galore. The Yūshūkan War Museum houses the largest collection of Japanese WW-II artefacts, and is essential for any history buff. The huge 175-acre Meiji Shinto Shrine begins with an entryway under a 40 foot high torii gate. And on, and on. And you can get to it all on the Tokyo Metro, considered so reliable and safe that children as young as five use it to "commute" to school.

A CONFESSION:  We're unabashedly in love with Japan! The warmth of the Japanese people, and the aesthetic refinement that permeates almost everything is truly extraordinary. Please consider staying with us for a few days after the cruise for CBT Tokyo.

Inside cabins from $5,079 CDN tax incl

Balconies from $7,499 CDN tax incl

Your companion cruises free