Guide to River Cruising in Asia

Travelling to Asia is an eclectic mash-up of colours, cultures, and cuisines. Teeming crowds, gaps in infrastructure, and other petty annoyances don’t have to deter you from Asian travel. River cruises are quickly becoming the most popular vacation choice in Asia. Gliding along a meandering river, you’ll have intimate views of bustling cities, remote villages, and a panoply of fascinating cultures with none of the hassles of over-the-road travel. For many travellers, an Asian river cruise vacation is the only way to go.

Types of River Cruising Options

Unlike the massive cruise ships plying the oceans, river cruise ships come in an array of sizes and styles, from Kettuvallams (Kerala house boats), to luxury liners, with varying levels of services and amenities. Spas, libraries, lectures, cooking classes, and butler services are often aboard the vessels. River cruise ships are smaller, more intimate, and have a high level of personal service. The crew-to-passenger ratio is typically much lower on a river cruise ship. In addition, many Asia river cruises are completely all-inclusive, a welcome change from oceangoing cruises.

While river cruise ships are smaller, these vessels are not short on service and amenities. The Pandaw River Expedition boats include on-board massages, on-board cultural performances, activities such as fruit-carving demonstrations, and evening cocktail parties. The dining rooms serve regional cuisine, usually locally-sourced produce and European specialties. For an even more local and traditional authentic style of cruising, try a traditional thatched roof grain boat-styled ships to explore the backwaters of Kerala, or an authentic Bai Tho junk to sail Halong Bay.

Pick a River to Cruise and What You'll See

The next step to choosing your cruise vacation is deciding which river to explore. The following are some of the most popular choices:

Myanmar - The Irrawaddy River

You'll visit cultural sites such as the 2,000 temples and pagodas at Bagan and the shrines at Mount Popa. Explore the bustling river banks of Mandalay City, and tour Mingun - the site of the ruins of the massive pagoda of King Bodawpaya.

Vietnam - Halong Bay

The emerald waters and striking limestone cliffs of Halong Bay make for a blissful cruise experience. Enjoy swimming and sunbathing, hiking, photographing panoramic views of the bay, and visiting quaint fishing villages.

China - The Yangtze River

Visit Fengdu, the City of Ghosts, and tour Shibaozhai, the "Stone Treasure Fortress." On the Yangtze River, continue on to the Three Gorges, one of China's most spectacular sites, and marvel at Three Gorges Dam, the largest in the world.

Laos - The Mekong River

While the mighty Mekong meanders through six Asian countries, you can choose to immerse yourself in the mystery of Laos and explore the Kuang Si Falls and Luang Prabang and the Pak Ou Caves, wander the Golden Triangle area at Chiang Saen, and visit the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak.

Vietnam and Cambodia - The Mekong River

A river cruise is an excellent way to explore the remote villages of Vietnam and Cambodia, where villagers help pull the ships up the rapids. These itineraries include visits to Saigon, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap, as well as many visits to local markets, fishing villages, and rural monasteries and temples.

India - Brahmaputra River

Start your cruise in Assam and enjoy glimpses of the snow-capped Himalya Mountains and scenic countryside. Pass Peacock Island and view wildlife like dolphin and birds of prey. Pass the historic town of Tezpur and enjoy an excursion to a tea plantation in Silghat. Experience a land safari, get to know local fascinating ethnic tribes, and learn about the folklore surrounding the river.

India - Kerala Backwaters

Technically, this cruise explores the Alleppey Canals and Vembanad Lake around historic Cochin, and features succulent seafood dishes made from shrimp, mussels, crabs, and karimeen, an exotic fish you won't experience elsewhere.

Why You Need To Go

Eschew the daily hassles of packing and unpacking when you travel on a river cruise. Once you're settled in your stateroom, you're set to relax and enjoy your vacation. Travellers who don't want to pack each day to move to their next destination have time to focus on capturing their surroundings, not securing their luggage again and again. For travellers who value authentic experiences, a river cruise immerses you in a side of the country and its culture you won't see on most land-based tours. You'll see exotic locations and meet people who inhabit local villages. If wildlife excites your passions, you'll also see animals and birds in their natural habitat, not packed in parks and preserves. Asian river cruise vacations are the ideal choice for relaxing and stimulating travels. As you cruise along some of Asia's formidable transportation waterways, you'll experience the allure of a river adventure.