With its blend of modern attractions and age-old cultural sights, a cruise in Southeast Asia will appeal to a wide range of passengers.

Stretching from Beijing in the north to Bali in the south, Southeast Asia offers powder-white beaches, unique wildlife encounters and a host of fascinating cultural attractions.

“It is easy to see why so many holidaymakers choose a cruise to Southeast Asia with its abundance of UNESCO World Heritage sites, year-round tropical climate and wealth of local culture,” says Princess Cruises vice-president UK & Europe Tony Roberts.

Since this region is a rapidly growing market, there are plenty of different itineraries to suit all ages and budgets. Seabourn senior vice-president of global marketing & sales Chris Austin says the region attracts “naturally curious travellers, history buffs and adventure seekers alike”.

Whether it’s the striking limestone islands of Hanoi’s Halong Bay, Cambodia’s legendary UNESCO Angkor Wat temple complex or the natural beauty of Malaysia, a cruise is a perfect way to explore.

Iconic as standard

As Silversea’s sales director UK & Ireland, Connie Georgiou, explains: “Southeast Asia is a melting pot of culture, tradition, and modernity. Highlights include the staggering natural beauty of Vietnam, the serenity of Myanmar and UNESCO Heritage Site Palawan, which really is one of the most spectacular islands in the world – all these marvels can be discovered during a cruise.”

Shore excursions also offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit iconic sights such as China’s Great Wall or Myanmar’s Buddhist pagodas.

“Seeing the region from the water also enables guests to appreciate the diversity of nature, to sail between numerous small islands and to visit waterfalls, forests, villages, temples and pristine beaches – there is complete submersion into a diverse culture and the spectacular scenery, and the opportunity to see a huge variety of wildlife, on land, in the sky, and in the water,” enthuses Star Clippers UK general manager Fay McCormack.

Southeast Asia cruises generally run in the winter or spring, when it’s warm and there’s less chance of rain, although some companies, including Holland America Line and Princess Cruises, have sailings year-round. Nevertheless: “Whenever you choose to travel there’s no doubt that a Southeast Asia cruise provides a unique chance to tick off many destinations while unpacking only once,” says Marella Cruises head of trading and planning Neil Duncan.

Discovery in every corner

Shorter itineraries generally travel between Singapore and Hong Kong, visiting ports in Vietnam and Thailand en route, but there are longer sailings and expedition cruises, too.

Austin adds: “We even have cruises that visit the Indonesian archipelago where guests may participate in exciting optional excursions led by skilled expedition teams in Komodo and Surabaya, Indonesia.”

Passengers can also extend their stay with a river cruise along the Mekong, Irrawaddy or Yangtze. APT UK head of sales Jessica Shelton-Agar says: “Southeast Asia is one of the most incredible places in the world. A river cruise down the Mekong takes you through two amazing countries – Vietnam and Cambodia.

“The highlights along this stretch of this river include the chance to be moved by history with visits to locations such as the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh and on the other hand to be delighted with the many unique types of food and different experiences on offer.”

The diversity of sights and activities makes Southeast Asia an ideal multigenerational cruise destination, too.

“In terms of age profile, the demographics do tend to be younger than some other cruises, due to the variety of activities that can be enjoyed in the region, such as snorkelling and other watersports, but cruising in Southeast Asia is also a comfortable and safe way for older guests to travel in the region,” adds Star Clippers’ Fay McCormack.

Selling tips