It make sense that Asia has become one of the hottest river cruise destinations – the exotic locales, friendly cultures and beautiful architecture all add up to create mesmerizing vacations. Travel down China’s Yangtze River for a river cruise experience like no other. Popular excursions let guests revel in the wonder of the Terracotta Warriors and the majesty of the Forbidden City. In Southeast Asia, river cruises on the Mekong River pass rural villages and ancient temples along the way to Ho Chi Minh City, unlocking an entirely new world of culture.
River Cruises in Asia
Yangtze River
The Yangtze River is the third longest river in the world and therefore offers ample opportunity for diverse river cruising.
Guests sailing the Yangtze River will experience China’s captivating culture and architecture as they cruise from one wonder to the next, including the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an and the Great Wall outside Beijing.
The river also serves as a gateway to China’s natural beauty and exotic wonders.
Many Yangtze River cruises culminate in Shanghai, located at the mouth of the river. Here guests will be inspired by the handicraft of the city’s gifted artisans and artists.
Avalon Waterways Yangtze River Cruises China Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection China Viking River Cruises
Mekong River
The best way to experience the Mekong River is through a river cruise vacation. The Mekong, which flows through parts of China, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, is a favorite of cruisers looking for a culturally diverse experience. Common sighting along the shores of the Mekong River include rice paddies, orchards, terraced farms and floating markets.
Travelers may visit Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, which has maintained many of the French influences brought by France’s colonization.
Just as popular is the Angkor region, site of the breathtaking Angkor Wat temple and surrounding ruins.
Cruisers can explore Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City with its many Vietnam War-related sites or Bangkok’s Grand Palace complex, site of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Avalon Waterways Mekong River Cruises Cambodia & Vietnam Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection Southeast Asia Viking River Cruises