How to Cruise Southeast Asia Like a Travel Champ

So, you want to cruise Southeast Asia?

Few other regions offer the same diversity. The combination of modern cities and alluring wilderness makes Southeast Asia the perfect destination for high adventure.

Of course, you have to do it right. Knowing what to see and how to get there makes your journey much more enjoyable.

Here’s how to cruise Southeast Asia like a champ: the locations, sites, cruise lines, and tips.

What to See

Southeast Asia is an extensive region covering 11 nations. Exploring the country in its fullness would take years.

You probably don’t have time to see it all–at least, not in one trip. You want to focus your attention on the very best Southeast Asia has to offer.

Here are the top places to visit as you cruise Southeast Asia.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam

Vietnam is a country with an immense history. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is home to many fascinating museums and memorials dedicated to the Vietnam War. It’s also the place to eat world-renowned food.

One of the most popular places to visit in Saigon is the site of the Cu Chi Tunnels. These are extensive tunnels over 120 miles wide that figured prominently in both the first Indochina War and the Vietnam War.

Other important buildings to visit include the elegant Presidential Palace and the War Remnants Museum.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Cambodia is increasingly becoming a very popular tourist destination.

Siem Reap boasts incredibly beautiful temples that have been named UNESCO World Heritage sites. Among these is Angkor Wat, the largest temple in the world.

Angkor Thom is known for its more than 200 smiling stone faces. These are bas-relief carvings unlike anything you’ve seen before!

The sacred works at Siem Reap should definitely be on the to-visit list of any ancient history enthusiast.

Singapore

Singapore offers the luxuries of a highly modern metropolis. The city is a site of massive skyscrapers, restaurants, and shopping centers.

If you’re really in the mood to be dazzled, stay until dark and catch the nightly laser show. Take a stroll through the beautifully designed public parks with splendid fountains.

For an even bigger multicultural experience, visit Singapore’s Chinatown and Arab neighborhood, where you can find delicious authentic food and alluring wares to take back home after your cruise Southeast Asia.

Puerto Princesa, Philippines

The Philippines features one of the most amazing natural formations in Southeast Asia: Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the world’s longest underground rivers. Getting to the caves involves an adventurous journey by van, outrigger boat, and canoe.

Once you arrive at your destination, you’re treated to wondrous stalactite and rock formations.

For nature lovers, Puerto Princesa is a can’t-miss stop as you cruise Southeast Asia.

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok offers something for every taste. You can find anything in the two-hundred-year-old commercial center.

For temple-hoppers, there’s the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. This is Bangkok’s oldest temple. It features a giant reclining Buddha measuring 150 feet long by 49 feet tall.

Why travel on foot when you can move around Bangkok like the locals? Grab a tuk-tuk–a three-wheeled motor taxi. Enjoy the feeling of the wind in your face as you travel from site to site!

Komodo, Indonesia

See the majestic creatures from National Geographic up-close and in-person!

Komodo National Park is home to diverse wildlife including, of course, the great Komodo Dragon.

Seeing komodo dragons is one of the all-time favorite experiences of travelers who cruise Southeast Asia.

Best Cruises

Fortunately, Southeast Asia has become a hot travel destination over the last decades. That means more and more major cruise lines are offering trips to these exotic locations!

Oceania Cruises

Oceania offers a very high-class cruise on its Nautica vessel that spans Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

The cruise lasts 16 days, during which you enjoy amenities like wine tasting, spa retreats, and art classes.

Star Cruises

Star has lots of options for those who want to cruise Southeast Asia.

The 1,870-passenger Superstar Virgo covers the best of Thailand and Malaysia.

Onboard, you have access to six restaurants. If you want a taste of everything, you get free dining six-meals-a-day at the Chinese buffet or Bella Vista International.

Star Cruises definitely treats its passengers well!

Fred Olsen Cruises

Fred Olsen strives to create an atmosphere that’s both homey and luxurious. As you travel, you’re treated to constant courtesy entertainment.

Their vessel, Black Watch, takes you to ports in Malaysia and Singapore plus other exotic locations like New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Australia.

Ama Waterways

With Ama Waterways, you get a fun trip that encompasses both land and water. Three nights in Hanoi followed by three nights in Siem Reap. Then Phnom Penh and Saigon.

Ama Waterways is one of the best options out there for experiencing Cambodia and Vietnam the right way!

Belmond

For a really unique experience, try Belmond’s river cruises in Myanmar.

The cruise features hugely entertaining cultural performances by locals.

And the best part is that the river journey gives you a full view of Myanmar’s gorgeous scenic landscapes!

Tips for When you Cruise Southeast Asia

Now that you’re ready to get started on your spectacular East Asia journey, here are a few super important tips to keep in mind so that your journey is as enjoyable as possible.

First is the long distance between the ports and your ultimate destination.

Because many cruise lines anticipate this, they’ll often dock for a couple of days so that you can spend the night in the city. Be sure to check with your cruise line to plan out your schedule in advance.

Always stay on top of the latest happenings in the area you want to visit before you make plans. Southeast Asia is prone to civil and political unrest.

You would also do well to beware of pickpockets when in the crowded cities. Store your valuables in a secret pocket if you can and avoid showing your money off in public.

One final very big tip. Toilet paper isn’t always readily available when you cruise Southeast Asia. Take sanitary wipes wherever you go.

Conclusion

You can have an unforgettable time when you cruise Southeast Asia. The people, the landscapes, the culture, and the history are amazing.

Pick out the most intriguing locations, choose a quality cruise line, and follow our traveling tips to maximize your Southeast Asia experience.

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