If you have the urge to explore Asia, a river cruise is a great
way to go. You’ll glide along on a floating hotel, enjoying a look at life
along a historic and beautiful waterway. Not long ago, China’s spectacular Yangtze
River was the main option for an Asian river cruise. Now, you have Vietnam’s
Mekong River and Myanmar’s Irrawaddy River added to your choice of itineraries.
The
Yangtze is Asia’s longest river, flowing from glaciers on the Tibetan
Plateau to the East China Sea. In addition to rural life along the river, overnight
stays in Beijing and Shanghai will give you a look at urban life in China. Your
ship will sail through the stunning Three Gorges region; shore excursions may
include visits to local schools, temples, museums and artisan workshops.
· Cruises
are offered April to October; know that the weather can be rainy June through
August.
· Most
Yangtze cruises are part of cruisetour packages of seven to 20 nights, with the
cruise portion being three to five nights.
The
Mekong flows through six countries, but most cruises are contained
within Vietnam and combined with overnight stays in Ho Chi Minh City; Hanoi;
and Siem Reap, Cambodia, gateway to the Angkor Wat temple complex. Some itineraries
include scenic Halong Bay, too. Your ship will sail through peaceful and
beautiful scenery, but will also take you to places that show the effects of
the Vietnam War. Local people will tell you that “the past is history” as they
welcome you to museums, temples and workshops.
· Cruises
are offered all year, including during the May to October rainy season; the air
is cooler and drier from November to February.
· Mekong
cruises are typically 14 days or more, including a week on the river.
The
Irrawaddy bisects Myanmar, a country that was closed to tourism for many
years under a military regime. Cruises visit some of Myanmar’s most significant
cultural sites, including Bagan, where the remains of more than 2,000 temples
and pagodas lie on a lovely green plain; and Mandalay, the former royal
capital.
· As
on the Mekong, the temperatures are coolest from November through February; expect
some rain from June to October.
· A
cruise from Bagan to Mandalay is three or four nights; seven-night cruises
include the city of Yangon. Longer cruises explore gorges further up the river,
or sail the Chindwin River tributary.
Once you decide which river to sail, you’ll have a choice of
cruise lines, too. Get help from Anita, your Cruise Holidays personal cruise
expert!
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