Asia River Cruises: Your Extraordinary Journey Through the Heart of Asia
From the floating markets of the Mekong Delta to the ancient temples along the Irrawaddy and the timeless landscapes of the Yangtze, discover why Asia’s legendary rivers offer some of the most immersive and culturally rich cruising experiences on Earth.
Your Extraordinary Asia River Adventure Awaits
Asia’s great rivers are the lifelines of ancient civilizations—flowing through landscapes of staggering beauty, past gilded temples, terraced rice paddies, and villages where time seems to stand still. An Asia river cruise is far more than a vacation; it’s a deeply immersive journey into cultures, traditions, and cuisines that have flourished for thousands of years. With intimate small-ship experiences, expert local guides, and temperatures that range from pleasantly warm to tropical, Asia’s waterways invite you to slow down, connect, and discover.
Ancient Temples & Sacred Sites
Gilded pagodas, centuries-old monasteries, and ornate Hindu temples line Asia’s riverbanks, offering a window into spiritual traditions that have endured for millennia.
Extraordinary Cuisine
Savor the bold flavors of Vietnamese pho, Cambodian amok, Burmese curries, and Chinese regional specialties—often prepared with ingredients sourced from the very markets along your route.
Intimate Small-Ship Experience
Asia river vessels carry far fewer guests than ocean ships, creating an intimate atmosphere with personalized service, expert onboard guides, and access to remote villages unreachable by road.
Explore Asia’s Legendary Waterways
Asia offers a remarkable variety of river cruising regions, each revealing a different facet of this vast continent. Our cruise advisors will help you choose the perfect waterway for your extraordinary adventure.
Compare Asia River Cruise Regions
Feature Mekong River Irrawaddy River Yangtze River
Typical Duration 7–14 nights 7–14 nights 3–7 nights
Countries Vietnam & Cambodia Myanmar (Burma) China
Best For Culture seekers, foodies, first-time Asia cruisers History lovers, spiritual explorers Nature enthusiasts, bucket-list travelers
Highlights Angkor Wat, floating markets, colonial Saigon Bagan temples, U Bein Bridge, lacquerware workshops Three Gorges, towering cliffs, Three Gorges Dam
Our Asia river cruise advisors will guide you to the perfect waterway.
With so many extraordinary waterways to explore across Southeast Asia and China, choosing the right Asia river cruise can feel like a journey in itself. That’s where our expert advisors come in.
On the Mekong River, you’ll journey between Vietnam and Cambodia—visiting Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling streets, the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor Wat, and the vibrant floating markets of the Mekong Delta.
The Irrawaddy River carries you through the heart of Myanmar, past the ancient temple-studded plains of Bagan, the royal city of Mandalay, and remote villages where traditional crafts have been practiced for centuries.
China’s mighty Yangtze River reveals the dramatic Three Gorges—towering limestone cliffs, the monumental Three Gorges Dam, and a landscape that has inspired poets and painters for millennia.
You can also explore the Chao Phraya in Thailand, the Ganges in India, or combine your river voyage with pre- and post-cruise extensions to destinations like Hanoi, Halong Bay, Bangkok, or Beijing.
If that sounds like a lot to navigate, rest assured—every detail will be expertly handled by Extraordinary Adventures and our dedicated Asia river cruise advisors. Call us today!
Beyond the River
Many Asia river itineraries can be extended with immersive pre- and post-cruise experiences that bring the full breadth of this remarkable continent to life.
![](https://extra.itbyus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/happy-couple-walking-full-length-transparent.png<div class="fusion-text fusion-text-26"></div>)
Our specialty cruise advisors will ensure your voyage is everything you dreamed.
Rarely will any of us make it to these extraordinary places more than once. So, if you’re going to do it at all, you should do it right. Let the experts at Extraordinary Adventures ensure that your voyage to these remote destinations is everything you dreamed it would be.
They don’t call us Extraordinary Adventures for nothing, you know.
Best Time to Cruise Asia’s Rivers
Asia’s river cruising seasons vary by waterway, and choosing the right time can make the difference between a wonderful voyage and an extraordinary one.
Mekong River (October – April): The dry season offers comfortable temperatures between 75–90°F, lower humidity, and ideal water levels for navigation. December through February is especially pleasant with cooler, drier conditions.
Irrawaddy River (October – March): Myanmar’s cool, dry season provides the most comfortable cruising with clear skies and temperatures in the 70s–80s°F. November through February is peak season.
Yangtze River (April – May, September – November): Spring and autumn offer the best weather and scenic beauty. Summer months are hot and humid, while winter can bring chilly temperatures and fog in the gorges.
Holiday sailings around Chinese New Year and the Christmas season offer festive cultural celebrations, while shoulder months provide excellent value with fewer travelers at popular ports of call.
Why Book with Extraordinary Adventures
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.
