Introduction
The rivers of Asia, from the mighty Mekong to the spiritual Ganges, are among the greatest on earth. And, there's no better way to take in their landscapes and ancient cultures than aboard a luxury river cruise.
The Mekong River flows through Indochina, its course winding from the high Himalayas to the South China Sea. Board a luxury river cruise to witness daily life along its storied banks, sailing from just south of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, through the Mekong Delta and across the border to Siem Reap in Cambodia, stopping along the way at floating markets, fish farms and ancient temples. Speak to our cruise experts to add on a visit to Angkor Wat or perhaps follow the river further towards its source to explore Luang Prabang in neighbouring Laos.
The Mekong, Laos
Then, in China, the mighty Yangtze River provides a wonderfully scenic way to explore the heart of this fascinating country, from the sheer beauty of its karst landscapes to the infamy of the controversial Three Gorges Dams project. Starting in Chongquing, most Yangtze cruises, including our clients' favourite by Sanctuary Retreats, take in all of the region's highlights, including Fengdu, the Snow Jade Cave, the aforementioned Three Gorges Dam, Dongting and Wuhan, and mix in regionally inspired dining with such authentic experiences as Tai Chi classes and traditional tea ceremonies.
And that's not all. Over in Myanmar, the Irrawaddy meanders from high mountains to vast plains, cutting past ancient towns and temples complexes. First among these is Bagan, whose riverside collection of stupas dates back to the 9th century. And, in India, a cruise along the Ganges takes in the spirituality of Varanasi alongside ancient Mughal ruins, 6th-century rock carvings and even rare sightings of Gangetic dolphins. The Brahmaputra, too is just as enthralling, as it winds past verdant tea plantations and the Kaziranga National Park – home to one-horned rhinos and royal Bengal tigers.
The Ganges in Varanasi, India
Tailor-make your river cruise by adding a visit to Beijing, Shanghai or any of China's other attractions before or after your sailing, to see more of this complex, compelling country.
