DESTINATION

Asia River

From the mystical temples along the Mekong to the floating markets of Vietnam and the ancient pagodas of Myanmar, discover why Asia’s legendary rivers offer one of the most immersive and unforgettable ways to explore the Far East.

Discover Asia by River

Asia’s great rivers are the lifeblood of ancient civilizations—flowing through landscapes of staggering beauty and cultural richness. An Asia river cruise takes you deep into the heart of destinations that ocean ships simply can’t reach: past golden stupas, through emerald rice paddies, and into vibrant riverside villages where daily life unfolds just as it has for centuries. With intimate ships, expert local guides, and year-round tropical warmth, an Asia river cruise is a journey for the soul.

A picturesque Mediterranean harbor filled with sailboats and yachts, nestled against a rocky mountainous landscape with white buildings cascading up the hillside.
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A picturesque stone terrace with white-trimmed walls and tiled flooring, featuring wooden chairs and green plants, with a stunning view of the Aegean Sea and rocky coastline during golden hour.
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Ancient Temples & Pagodas

Glide past golden stupas, centuries-old pagodas, and sacred temple complexes that rise majestically from the riverbanks.

Incredible Cuisine & Markets

Savour authentic flavours at floating markets, street food stalls, and onboard cooking classes featuring local specialties from each region.

Immersive Cultural Experiences

Step ashore into vibrant villages, witness traditional crafts, and connect with local communities in ways that only river cruising makes possible.

Explore Asia’s Iconic River Regions

Asia offers several breathtaking river cruising regions, each with its own distinct character and allure. Our expert cruise advisors have been there and will help you choose the perfect river journey for the experience you’re dreaming of.

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Mekong River

Key Ports: Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, My Tho, Cai Be, Sa Dec, Chau Doc

Known For: Floating markets, Angkor Wat temple complex, French colonial architecture, lush rice paddies

Ideal For: Culture lovers and first-time Asia river cruisers seeking iconic experiences

Duration: 7-14 nights

A large cruise ship navigates through a stunning Norwegian fjord surrounded by steep green mountains, with a small village nestled along the shoreline. The landscape showcases dramatic natural beauty with blue waters, lush vegetation, and rugged mountain terrain.
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Irrawaddy River

Key Ports: Mandalay, Bagan, Yangon, Sagaing, Mingun, Ava

Known For: Thousands of ancient temples in Bagan, traditional monasteries, lacquerware artisans, sunrise balloon rides

Ideal For: History enthusiasts and spiritual travellers seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures

Duration: 7-14 nights

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Yangtze River

Key Ports: Chongqing, Yichang, Wuhan, Fengdu, Shibaozhai

Known For: Three Gorges Dam, dramatic canyon scenery, ancient ghost cities, traditional river towns

Ideal For: Travellers seeking awe-inspiring natural landscapes and engineering marvels

Duration: 3-7 nights

Compare Asia River Cruise Regions

Feature Mekong River Irrawaddy River Yangtze River
Typical Duration 7–14 nights 7–14 nights 3–7 nights
Countries Visited Vietnam, Cambodia Myanmar (Burma) China
Best For First-time Asia cruisers, culture lovers, foodies History enthusiasts, spiritual travellers, off-the-beaten-path seekers Nature lovers, bucket-list travellers, engineering enthusiasts
Highlights Angkor Wat, floating markets, Mekong Delta, French colonial towns Bagan temples, Mandalay, traditional monasteries, lacquerware villages Three Gorges, dramatic canyons, ancient ghost cities, the Great Dam
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Our Asia river cruise advisors will guide you every step of the way.

Asia river cruising opens up an incredible world of possibilities. You can explore the Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia, visiting Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, and the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat. The Irrawaddy River takes you through Myanmar’s ancient kingdom of Bagan and the cultural capital of Mandalay. China’s mighty Yangtze River reveals dramatic gorges and the engineering marvel of the Three Gorges Dam. And for those who want even more, the Chao Phraya in Thailand and the Ganges in India offer their own unique river experiences. If choosing between these extraordinary destinations feels overwhelming, that’s exactly why we’re here. Our team of 23+ expert advisors will help you narrow down the perfect Asia river cruise for your interests, schedule, and budget—with no fees, ever. Talk to a cruise expert today!

Beyond the Rivers

Many Asia river cruise itineraries can be extended with pre- or post-cruise land tours for an even more complete experience of the region.

  • Siem Reap & Angkor Wat – The world’s largest religious monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Ha Long Bay – Emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone karsts
  • Luang Prabang – Sacred temples and the Mekong’s serene Laotian stretch
  • Bangkok & Chao Phraya – Vibrant Thai capital with ornate palaces and floating markets
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Find your specialty cruise today!

We’ll help find the perfect specialty cruise—whether you’re crossing oceans, transiting canals, or exploring the ends of the Earth.

Best Time to Cruise Asia’s Rivers

Asia’s river cruising seasons vary by region, so timing your journey is key to making the most of your experience.

Mekong River (November – March): The cool, dry season offers comfortable temperatures around 75-85°F, lower water levels for easier temple access, and clear skies. This is peak season, so we recommend booking early.

Irrawaddy River (October – March): The dry season brings ideal cruising conditions with mild temperatures, calm waters, and clear views of Myanmar’s stunning pagodas and temples.

Yangtze River (April – May, September – October): Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather and the best visibility for enjoying the dramatic Three Gorges scenery without summer crowds or heat.

Shoulder months like October and March can offer excellent value with pleasant conditions across most regions. Our advisors will help you find the ideal timing to match your schedule and preferences.

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Why Book with Cruise Help

Expert Advisors

Specialty cruise specialists who understand the unique requirements of expedition and world voyages.

Exclusive Perks

Access to special deals, onboard credits, and amenities not available when booking direct.

Personalised Planning

Custom recommendations for ships, itineraries, and cabin selection on complex voyages.

Full Support

Assistance from booking through disembarkation and beyond—we’re with you every step.

Asia River Cruise FAQs

The ideal time depends on the river. For the Mekong (Vietnam and Cambodia), November through March offers cool, dry weather with temperatures around 75-85°F. The Irrawaddy in Myanmar is best from October to March during the dry season. China’s Yangtze River is most enjoyable in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). Our expert advisors can help you choose the perfect timing for your preferred destination.

The Mekong River cruise between Vietnam and Cambodia is widely considered the best introduction to Asia river cruising. It offers a perfect blend of iconic cultural sites like Angkor Wat, vibrant floating markets, delicious cuisine, and well-developed cruise infrastructure. Most Mekong cruises run 7 nights, providing enough time to experience the highlights without feeling rushed.

Mekong River cruises travel between Vietnam and Cambodia, featuring floating markets, Angkor Wat, and French colonial towns. Irrawaddy River cruises explore Myanmar’s ancient temples at Bagan, traditional monasteries, and artisan villages. Yangtze River cruises in China showcase dramatic Three Gorges canyon scenery and the massive Three Gorges Dam. Each offers a distinctly different experience of Asia.

Asia river cruises range from 3-night Yangtze River sailings to 14-night Mekong expeditions. The most popular Mekong itineraries run 7 nights between Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap. Irrawaddy cruises typically last 7-14 nights. Many travellers also add pre- or post-cruise land tours, extending the total trip to 2-3 weeks. Your cruise advisor can help plan the perfect duration for your vacation.

Visa requirements vary by country. U.S. citizens typically need a visa or e-visa for Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and China. Many Mekong cruises cross between Vietnam and Cambodia, so you’ll need entry documents for both countries. Some cruise lines assist with visa arrangements, and our advisors will walk you through exactly what documentation you’ll need well in advance of your sailing.

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing in modest cuts (covering shoulders and knees for temple visits), comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a light rain jacket. Evenings onboard are smart casual rather than formal. Don’t forget a reusable water bottle and any prescription medications. Your cruise advisor will provide a complete packing list tailored to your specific itinerary and travel dates.

Several excellent river cruise lines sail Asia’s waterways, including AmaWaterways, Viking River Cruises, Avalon Waterways, Uniworld, Scenic, and Aqua Expeditions. Each offers a different style, from ultra-luxury to expedition-focused experiences. Our team of 23+ advisors knows these lines inside and out and will match you with the perfect cruise line for your preferences and budget—with no fees, ever.

Asia river cruises are generally well-suited for older travellers, with smaller ships offering a more intimate and less physically demanding experience than ocean cruising. However, some shore excursions involve uneven terrain, steps at temples, and walking on dirt paths. Many cruise lines offer alternative excursion options. Let your cruise advisor know about any mobility considerations so we can recommend the best ship and itinerary for your comfort.

Popular excursions include touring the Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia, visiting floating markets in the Mekong Delta, exploring the ancient temples of Bagan by horse cart, taking cooking classes with local chefs, visiting silk weaving villages, watching traditional dance performances, touring the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City, and sampling street food on guided walking tours.

Many travellers enhance their Asia river cruise with pre- or post-cruise extensions. Popular combinations include adding Ha Long Bay, Bangkok, Luang Prabang, or beach time in Bali or Thailand. Some cruise lines offer complete packages that pair their river itinerary with guided land tours. Our advisors specialize in creating seamless multi-destination journeys—talk to a cruise expert about building your perfect Asia adventure.