China’s Yangtze and other Asian rivers are a wonderful way for clients to discover exotic destinations. 

Timeless rural scenes and vibrant cities provide diverse and unforgettable contrasts on Asia river cruises. The Yangtze has been the lifeline of China for centuries and today it boasts the modern marvel of the Three Gorges Dam – the world’s largest engineering project.

Elsewhere, the Lower Mekong and Irrawaddy, respectively, offer culture-rich sailings through Vietnam and Cambodia and in Myanmar, formerly Burma.

The majority of Yangtze itineraries include land-based stays in historic Beijing and neon-lit Shanghai, with excursions that might showcase dizzying acrobatic performances and a trip to see a Chinese opera. The most dramatic part of the river is the 150-mile Three Gorges region with its namesake dam and scenic Lesser Three Gorges stretch, which is explored on smaller boats.

Asia river cruises on the Lower Mekong take passengers seamlessly through Vietnam and Cambodia with trips to floating villages and the wonder of the 12th-century UNESCO-listed temples of Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious site.

Myanmar itineraries typically start with a stay in the former Burmese capital, Yangon, followed by a cruise between the ancient temple-filled town of Bagan and Mandalay. Intrepid clients can also venture along the Chindwin, a tributary of the Irrawaddy.

Authentic travel

Asia has seen a huge growth in river cruise offerings in recent years, with far-flung destinations proving to be of particular appeal to clients who have already experienced European rivers. This continues to be shown in the number of lines launching new ships and itineraries for 2019/2020.

APT UK & Europe managing director Paul Melinis says: “Over the past 12 months we have seen significant demand for Asian river cruising, which is now one of the most popular destinations we sell. We believe this growth is down to several factors, including the chance for guests to experience authentic Asi. They can have personal encounters here with visits to local villages and towns.

“Second, we know our guests don’t simply want to be voyeurs on holiday; they are looking for hands-on experiences that they can get involved with and create lifelong memories. With our APT Freedom of Choice, guests can choose to enjoy local cooking classes and leisurely bicycle rides, which is another perfect way to explore the real Asia.

“We’re delighted to have re-introduced new Myanmar itineraries for 2020 as demand has started to increase. Guests can have a fantastic holiday knowing they have the sanctuary of the ship to return to. Myanmar is a place where traditions are still alive and lands still untouched.”

In addition, the Best of China itinerary for 2020 has been extended to 16 days and now includes a two-night stay in Chengdu and VIP access to a section of Beijing’s Forbidden City. What’s more, a brand new Mekong river ship – RV AmaMekong – will start sailing exclusively with APT on its luxury itineraries and the new ship RV Apsara will sail on the programme of essential river cruises.

Going solo

Titan Travel reports a 21 per cent year-on-year increase for the 21-night Images of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos itinerary, which includes a Mekong cruise, in addition to a rise in the number of passengers booking dedicated solo sailings on the 13-night Treasures of China tour – this features a Yangtze cruise.

The trend for single travellers looking for authentic destinations is also reflected in Riviera Travel’s A Grand Tour of China, a 15-night itinerary that is designed for passengers travelling alone.

For clients in search of luxury, Sanctuary Retreats offers Yangtze sailings on the Sanctuary Yangtzi Explorer which carries just 124 passengers, compared with the 300-plus on other ships, and offers the highest staff-to-guest ratio of 1:1. On the Irrawaddy it operates the custom-built 42-passenger ship Sanctuary Ananda, featuring a L’Occitane spa. Also in Myanmar, Pandaw recently completed a new ship, Kanee Pandaw, which is the 20th vessel to join the fleet.

Scenic’s new Asia & Far East collection for 2020/21 includes sailings on the recently refurbished boutique ship Yangtzi Explorer, with fares including wine and beer with lunch and dinner, plus an earlybird offer, subject to availability, of free business-class flight upgrades on selected itineraries. Uniworld is also offering complimentary one-way business- class upgrades on 2020 Vietnam and China itineraries booked by 31 December.

Viking River Cruises’ 16-night Roof of the World itinerary is being introduced to the UK market for 2020 and is ideal for clients looking for a comprehensive tour taking in China and Tibet.

Viking UK head of sales Neil Barclay explains: “Our Asia programme continues to thrive, with our China offering proving extremely popular both with new-to-cruise and past guests. The cruise tour is fully escorted from arrival in China and guests experience the great cities of Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. This, combined with a night river cruise, really gives guests the best of both worlds and is a great introduction to cruising.

“Our Mekong product offers a truly authentic experience where guests see the real heart of the countries we visit and immerse themselves in the local culture. Our small ship, carrying under 60 guests and built in keeping with the local design, ensures guests are transported in a style fitting with the area.”

Selling Tips

• Yangtze ships are much larger than European vessels and offer more facilities
• Mekong and Irrawaddy ships offer a more intimate experience
• Many itineraries include land tours or offer extensions
• Ships showcase authentic regional cuisine
• Cruises are an easy way to experience areas where English is not widely spoken

Sell it

Saga has a 17-night Grand Tour of China leaving 9 June 2020, from £2,999pp, with a four-night Yangtze cruise and flights. 0800 074 8021, sagaagents.co.uk

Uniworld has a 12-night Highlights of China & the Yangtze tour, leaving 18 September 2020, from £4,399pp, including flights plus early booking one-way upgrade, 0808 168 9110, uniworld.com

APT has an 11-night Hidden Wonders of Myanmar land stay and seven-night cruise leaving 7 September 2020, from £3,995pp with transfers and internal flights, 0800 012 6683, aptouring.co.uk