Far East & Asia 78 river cruising Exotic lands - And untouched corners - T
he prospect of sailing through exotic lands of
gleaming temples, ancient tribes and authentic traditions is proving to be an alluring mix that increasing numbers of travellers are unable to resist. Sara Macefi eld reports
Asia is the rising star of the river cruising world that shows no sign of losing its sheen. One of the main attractions is the ease of taking such a trip through some of the most untouched corners of Asia to places where tourism is virtually unknown. Yet by choosing a river cruise, customers are reassured of a certain level of comfort and service that remains constant, no matter where they cruise. The views outside may change drastically, but the onboard ambience will not. In several destinations, most notably Myanmar (Burma), riverboats and cruise ships offer the best options for tourists as the country’s former isolation from the outside world means there are few international- standard hotels. In time, this will change, but for now cruise vessels have the upper hand and this has fuelled an explosion of interest in the country that has made it one of the hottest tourist destinations of the moment. China may be the long-established mainstay
of Asia river cruising with sailings along the Yangtze with, amongst others, Wendy Wu, Viking and Avalon. But while it continues to account for the bulk of the business, it is Indo-China and India that are adding fresh interest. A string of river cruise lines are virtually queuing up to launch new river vessels and itineraries along the Irrawaddy River, primarily between Mandalay and Bagan on three or four- night sailings or between Mandalay/Bagan and Yangon on longer cruises. This month (November) Sanctuary Retreats
unveils Sanctuary Ananda, an opulent all-suite, all-balcony vessel, claiming its 21 suites are the largest of any riverboat in Myanmar.
AMAWATERWAYS HAS A 17-NIGHT FLY-CRUISE PACKAGE THAT INCLUDES
STAYS IN HANOI, HALONG BAY AND SIEM REAP PRE-CRUISE, A SEVEN- NIGHT SAILING AND TWO NIGHTS IN HO CHI MINH CITY POST-CRUISE. IT COSTS FROM £3,559PP, DEPARTING AUGUST 10, 2015. DRINKS AND
EXCURSIONS INCLUDED. 0800 954 0063;
amawaterways.co.uk
“By choosing a river cruise, customers are assured of a certain level of comfort and service that remains constant, no matter where they cruise.”
sellingtravel.co.uk
SAMPLE DEAL
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