Asia

A feast for the senses

Asia’s third-longest river, sailing the Mekong opens up a cornucopia of experiences that delightfully steal a breath of two. With cities like Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City en route, a whirlwind of onshore excursions from sobering historical sites to buzzing districts make for plenty of distractions. Still, it isn’t all about urban endeavours, as evidenced when visiting Vietnam’s Cái Bè District, bursting with colour from its famed flower gardens and the hubbub of the floating markets. The upper Mekong slows things down further in the verdant valleys of Laos’ Luang Prabang, revealing the rural lives of the tribes that live along its banks.

Vietnamese icons

A UNESCO World Heritage site just east of Hanoi, Halong Bay’s calm waters and characterful rock formations are a mecca for sailing trips aboard traditional junk boats. An overnight stay takes in the must-sees like floating fishing villages, prehistoric caves and stop-offs on little islets primed for hiking. Extend by another night and the door opens to onboard cooking classes, exploring a pearl farm and kayaking between the limestone karsts. Halong’s more under-the-radar alternative, Lan Ha Bay, makes for a more relaxed voyage discovering isolated beaches and cycling around the leafy landscapes of Cat Ba Island before sipping sundowners on deck.

On the banks of spirituality

Believed to be the embodiment of the Hindu goddess Ganga, sailing the waters of the Ganges proves to be an enlightening and spiritual experience. Authentic India is on full display while drifting past traditional towns, historic temples and impressive architecture. Deeper explorations are a must, though, providing a glimpse into the country’s history with visits to brass working villages, battlefields and spots of sacred importance. Expanding the journey from water to land by hopping aboard the Maharajas' Express is also encouraged, taking in the likes of the Golden Triangle, Mumbai and the Blue City – Jodhpur.