Asia River Cruises

A river cruise across Asia is truly inspiring, with a cornucopia of fascinating destinations and stunning areas of natural beauty to be found along the banks of the continent's major waterways. As you travel on an exotic escape, you'll uncover a wealth of intriguing ancient landmarks, deeply spiritual cultures and bustling districts brimming with exciting excursion possibilities and authentic local experiences.

Rivers in Asia

River cruises in Asia are available with an array of the finest river cruise lines, either travelling along the majestic Yangtze through China’s beautiful heartland, across exotic Myanmar on the Irrawaddy or to Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia via the mighty Mekong River. Each of these magnificent Asian rivers has its own distinctive character and diverse cultures to discover, so whichever you choose to cruise, you are guaranteed an unforgettable adventure.

Mekong

The Mekong is Southeast Asia’s most iconic river, flowing for over 2,700 miles across the boundaries of six nations including Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia. River cruises along this wonderfully exotic waterway, therefore, offer guests a diverse and enchanting Southeast Asian experience, encompassing a diverse range of cultures and destinations across a vast area of the continent.

Although not situated on the banks of the river, most Mekong itineraries will provide time in Vietnam’s bustling Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City – formerly Saigon – at the beginning or end of a voyage, where travellers can appreciate the nation’s fascinating heritage and contemporary culture. Elsewhere on the Mekong, featured ports across Cambodia include the nation’s capital of Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham and Siem Reap – the gateway to the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat.

Yangtze 

Yangtze river cruise itineraries will travel between two of China’s most famous cities – Shanghai and Beijing. Although Beijing is not actually located on the river, flights from Xian take guests into the heart of the city, from where they can visit an array of iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall of China. Yangtze cruises also offer the chance to see the incredible Three Gorges Dam, the ornate pavilions and temples of Shibaozhai as well as Chongqing, the largest city in western China.

Irrawaddy

Some of the most spectacular destinations to feature on Irrawaddy river cruise itineraries include historic Bagan, enchanting Mandalay and the nation’s former capital, Yangon, most famous for its stunning golden pagodas.

Asia river cruise tips

• Asia river cruises are perfect for foodies, as you can sample an array of authentic dishes and local delicacies.
• Take strong walking shoes for days spent exploring ancient religious sites and temples.
• Pack lightweight clothes that will protect against insect bites and keep you cool.
• Pack modest clothing that will cover your shoulders and knees during temple and monastery visits.

Cruising with Jane McDonald in Asia

Tune in to Channel 5's current river cruising programme with Cruising with Jane McDonald as she explores the world of India. Follow in her footsteps with a selection of river cruises in Asia, from Kolkata to the Rajbari Temples.