Asia River Cruises
If you’re looking for a true cultural adventure, it has to be an Asian river cruise. Cruise the Mekong through Vietnam and Cambodia, visit floating markets, discover riverside temples, tour local villages, and experience river life. You'll see Asia from a different perspective, tasting regional foods, and meeting communities along banks. You’ll return home with ever-lasting memories.
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We had a brilliant time. Ashu made sure are trip was perfect. When we had to change things mid trip due to unforeseen circumstances he made sure everything worked.we can’t praise him enough Kerala is amazing,the houseboat was a highlight and I recommend at least 2 nights. We had four. Mr Nelson was an amazing cook best food we’ve had in India and Mr Thomas also made the boat an unforgettable experience. We had great hotels and Steven was a fun driver to have. Kochi is a beautiful interesting city well worth a visit.
Deep Kerala Backwaters Cruise with Taj Mahal Trip 13 DaysTour was good. Had various tour guides in different cities. Would have liked more free time though. Accommodation was good except Great Wall Bejing wasnt good. Broken toilet seat cuboards and v shabby. The air seats were not booked previously so had to sit apart. Yangtze river bit disappointing. Room v musty. Paid for upgrade. But overall we enjoyed the tour
11-Day China Golden Triangle Trip: Luxury Small Group & 5-star CruiseExcellent cordination regarding pickup arrangements, Hotel Arrangement and Tours between the Tour Guides..
14-Day China Tour with 5-star Yangtze Cruise: Small Group & No Shopping
10 best river cruises through Asia
Compiled by
SteffAsia travel expert at TourRadar
- Deep Kerala Backwaters Cruise with Taj Mahal Trip 13 Days
- 11-Day China Golden Triangle Trip: Luxury Small Group & 5-star Cruise
- Luxury Mekong and Temple Discovery Cruise 2026-2027/2027-2028 - 11 Days
- 14-Day China Tour with 5-star Yangtze Cruise: Small Group & No Shopping
- 11 Days Yangtze River Group Tour
- 15-Day All-inclusive China Tour with Yangtze: Small Group, 5-star Cruise
- Treasures of the Mekong 2025-2026|2026-2027 - 13 Days
- 2-Day Ha Long Bay - Lan Ha Bay 5-Star Cruise Private Balcony Cabin
- Yangtze River Deluxe Cruise 5D/4N from Yichang to Chongqing
- Treasures & Temples of Vietnam & Cambodia 2025|2026
Deep Kerala Backwaters Cruise with Taj Mahal Trip 13 Days
“The communication was outstanding, and nothing seemed to be too much trouble.”
Jane, traveled in November
A traditional houseboat glides through Asia's Kerala backwaters. The route covers Vembanad Lake's vast expanse and narrow canals of Champakulum, revealing floating villages while a chef prepares local cuisine from fresh market ingredients.
Duration 13 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Kerala Backwaters, Alleppey, Nedumudy, New Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur Age Range Ages 12+ Operator TTI TOURS From
- US$1,460
11-Day China Golden Triangle Trip: Luxury Small Group & 5-star Cruise
“Travelling in a small group, having informed guides, and easy access to main sites.”
Leanna, traveled in March
Duration 11 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Chongqing, Three Gorges, Qutang Gorge, Yichang, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Travel China Guide From $2,739
15% off- US$2,328
Duration 11 days Destinations Siem Reap, Banteay Srei, Tonle Sap Lake, Angkor Wat, Kampong Kdei, Kampong Thom, Kampong Cham, Hanchey, Koh Pen, Angkor BanSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $5,555
21% off- US$4,366
14-Day China Tour with 5-star Yangtze Cruise: Small Group & No Shopping
“Fabulous itinerary, did so many varied activities. Was above and beyond our expectations.”
Anthony, traveled in April
Duration 14 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Chongqing, Yangtze, Three Gorges, Yichang, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Travel China Guide From $3,559
15% off- US$3,025
Duration 11 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Chongqing, Qutang Gorge, Three Gorges, Yichang, Shanghai, Wuzhen Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Top China Travel From
15% off- US$1,982
15-Day All-inclusive China Tour with Yangtze: Small Group, 5-star Cruise
“the programme was fully packed and useful and covers the most important and interesting places to see in china”
Mohamed, traveled in April
Duration 15 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Chengdu, Chongqing, Qutang Gorge, Yichang, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From $3,999
15% off- US$3,399
Duration 13 days Destinations Siem Reap, Banteay Srei, Tonle Sap Lake, Angkor Wat, Kampong Thom, Kampong Cham, Hanchey, Koh Pen, Angkor Ban, Koh Oknha TeiSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $6,230
3% off- US$6,041
What our customers ask about Asia River Cruises
What are the main stops and attractions along Mekong River cruise routes?
The Mekong River cruise experience spans Vietnam and Cambodia with notable stops that showcase the region's rich heritage. Most routes include the Angkor Wat temple complex in Siem Reap the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh and vibrant floating markets in Cai Be. The Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City offer historical perspective while stops at smaller riverside communities like Chau Doc Sa Dec and My Tho provide opportunities to connect with local life. A TourRadar traveler mentioned "Angkor Wat was magnificent for its architecture while the floating villages and traditional life along the Mekong were spectacular experiences."
What types of shore excursions are typically included on Mekong River cruises?
Shore excursions on Mekong River cruises connect travelers with local culture and history. Activities range from exploring floating markets in the Delta to touring ancient temples at Angkor Wat visiting the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and discovering craft villages like Koh Chen's silver workshops. The Emerald Harmony cruise includes visits to the Cu Chi Tunnels and traditional Buddhist ceremonies at Oudong Monastery. One TourRadar traveler shared "The variety of excursions was excellent - from bustling cities to remote villages we got to experience the authentic daily life along the Mekong."
How many days should I plan for a Mekong River cruise?
Standard Mekong River cruises run between 8 and 15 days. AmaWaterways offers an 8-day "Charms of the Mekong" route from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh while Emerald Cruises extends to 15 days with their "Wonders of Vietnam Cambodia & the Mekong" including land tours. The choice often depends on whether travelers want a focused river experience or additional city exploration. A TourRadar traveler reflected "Our 11-day CroisiEurope cruise gave us the perfect amount of time to explore both the river life and major cities without feeling rushed."
What size ships are used for Asian river cruises and how many passengers do they carry?
Mekong River vessels are built for intimate experiences and navigation of narrow waterways. The Emerald Harmony carries 84 passengers the RV Indochine II accommodates 62 guests and the AmaDara maintains a boutique atmosphere with under 100 passengers. A TourRadar traveler on CroisiEurope noted: "With only 60 passengers the atmosphere was intimate and we got to know our fellow travelers while still having plenty of personal space in public areas like the panorama lounge."
What kind of cuisine is served on Mekong River cruises?
Food offerings on Mekong River cruises balance local Asian flavors with familiar international options. Ships like the Emerald Harmony serve dishes made from local ingredients alongside western choices. Most packages include all meals with unlimited beverages during lunch and dinner. Special dining events feature welcome and farewell dinners themed nights and cooking demonstrations. The RV Indochine II's main deck restaurant serves refined cuisine with river views. A TourRadar traveler noted "The food was exceptional - we loved trying different Vietnamese and Cambodian dishes while having familiar options available too."