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Mekong, Yangtze, Ganges, Irrawaddy & Chindwin Cruising - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Burma, India & China

Imagine waking up in a luxury floating hotel and feasting your eyes on the scenic views as you welcome a brand new day. Cruise along Asia's enchanting rivers, and gain a deeper insight into the life of the locals. For many travellers, it is the experience interacting with the wonderful people they meet along the way and learning about the history and culture of the local people that are the true highlights of their trip.

22 years' Asia experience

Insider Journeys has been exploring Asia's rivers for as long as they've been creating travel experiences – 22 years and counting. In that time Insider Journeys has developed expertise that others just can't match. With seven offices on the ground in Asia, they're in a prime position to provide their travellers with a personalised service, while keeping up to date with the latest and greatest. Whether it's sourcing the best local restaurants, the newest boutique touring options, great shopping tips, or just the security of knowing they are there whenever you need them – Insider Journeys local expertise is second to none.

With a focus on smaller ships and high quality cruise lines, you get to choose from some of the best river cruises on offer in Asia. With a commitment to unique experiences, authentic encounters and responsible travel, a river cruise with Insider Journeys will show you the major sites, plus reveal the local villages and hidden backwaters of Asia that few tourists get to see.

Travel without the hassles

Check into your luxurious cabin and unpack just once, and let all the sights and sounds come to you, with the conveniences of a boutique hotel at your fingertips. With Insider Journeys luxury Asia river cruising, you can do just that.

A floating hotel

Enjoy the convenience of cruising without giving up your creature comforts. Pamper yourself with impeccable service, spacious, air-conditioned cabins with private balconies on most cruises, and on-board facilities, including restaurants and bars, sun decks, swimming pools and spas.

Private balconies

Almost all cabins on cruises in Vietnam, Cambodia, China and India featured in this brochure offers a private balcony for you to sit and enjoy the luxury of watching the incredible vistas float past. Other ships generally have large panoramic windows, refer to the cruise ship pages for details.

Quality service

Many of the staff on board are internationally trained, and you can expect the type of service you would in a four- to five-star hotel. Your every need is personally attended to with high staff-to-passenger ratios. When extending your tour beyond a river cruise, you'll be in the best possible hands. Insider Journeys itineraries in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia include their expert local guides. In Burma, India and China, experienced local English-speaking guides will escort you throughout your journey. On their China Small Group Journeys, a Western tour leader will accompany groups of seven or more travellers. Their passion and enthusiasm for Asia is inspiring and their insight and local knowledge means that you can expect experiences no guidebook can offer.

How is it different to an ocean cruise?

River cruisers generally carry far fewer passengers than ocean cruisers. They cruise over smaller distances so travel is at a more leisurely pace, and stopping along the banks is common. More intimate ships give you the chance to meet other travellers, and access areas on-shore where a larger group would not be able to go. While the facilities on a river cruiser are of a very high standard, there may not be the quantity found on large ocean-cruisers, and the trip is more focused on the people and places you visit.

The Complete Experience

Insider Journeys has a reputation based on its passion for creating real travel experiences in Asia. Local expertise and commitment to creating unique, personalised holidays is what sets Insider Journeys apart. Using this expert knowledge, Insider Journeys has combined each cruise with some unique touring on the ground to create longer itineraries. If you have time, Insider Journeys strongly recommends choosing one of the longer packages.

You can handpick your additional touring with the best possible package, tailored just for you by combining your cruise with hotel, touring, and transport options. Or combine your cruise with one of the Small Group Journeys, with the unique combination of local English-speaking guides and a Western tour leader as you travel with a maximum of 16 other like-minded travellers.

Guaranteed departures

Being able to book your holiday well in advance ensures it is a stress-free experience. Almost all of Insider Journeys itineraries are guaranteed, which means you can plan your trip with confidence, not waiting until the last minute for confirmations.

Dining on Board

When on your river cruise:

• All meals are included and served in dedicated dining areas but there are often private dining options available.
• Many of the chefs on board have been internationally trained.
• You have the opportunity to enjoy local cuisine and regional specialities with a range of Western options also available.

Featured river cruises

VIETNAM, CAMBODIA & LAOS - The Mekong

BURMA - The Irrawaddy

INDIA - The Ganges

CHINA - The Yangtze

What's Included

Accommodation

Insider Journeys river cruise cabins are extremely comfortable, the majority with private balconies, and all the conveniences you would expect from a four- to five-star hotel. If you choose to travel on one of the extended tours, you will experience some of Asia's finest hotels, handpicked by Insider Journeys.

Meals

All meals on board Insider Journeys cruise ships are included. On extended tours, enjoy breakfast daily and some lunches and dinners, but note that this varies by destination, so check the itinerary inclusions for details.

Sightseeing and entrance fees

Shore excursions are planned so you can explore Asia in-depth and experience the places you are travelling through. All shore excursions, led by local English-speaking guides, are included in your tour price, as well as entrance fees to most sites you visit.

Entertainment

On-board entertainment is included most evenings, so you will never be lost for something to do.

Transfers

Most of Insider Journeys cruise packages and extended tours include all transfers while touring as well as return airport or hotel transfers on the first and last day.

Transport in air-conditioned vehicles

All land transport is provided in Insider Journeys air-conditioned vehicles (except tuk-tuk touring) and offer comfort and safety.

Local English-speaking guides

Local English-speaking guides are available on board, and accompany you on all shore excursions. When travelling on Insider Journeys extended tours, you are accompanied by Insider Journeys local English-speaking guides on all excursions and transfers. Insider Journeys guides are some of the best in Asia and have unmatched local knowledge of the places you will visit. To meet some of Insider Journeys guides, see page 5.

Tips

In Laos and India and cruises with Jahan and Jayavarman, we have included tips for local guides, drivers and cruise ship staff in the price so you don't need to think about it while you are away. However, tips are not included for cruises and tours in Burma and China, as well as cruises with Aqua Mekong.