Cruises From Asia

From world-famous landmarks to mouthwatering Peking duck dishes, Beijing (the second largest city in China), is a must-visit Asian destination for any seasoned travelers’ bucket list. With easy-to-use public transportation, fabulous local cuisine, and a popularity for overnight port stays, you certainly don’t want to miss your chance to explore this legendary city.

Located where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet in southwest China, Chongqing is a wonderful port to visit during a cruise vacation. Famous for its many historic, cultural, and nature-related attractions (as well as its spicy local cuisine), this is a perfect destination for travelers looking for a unique vacation experience. If you love to adventure outdoors, you will discover a multitude of mountains, natural hot springs, breathtaking canyons, and cave carvings. There are also a few museums, temples, and architectural points of interest scattered throughout, but not as many as you’d typically find in a major port city. The true appeal lies in the city’s natural wonders, as well as the cuisine. Many Chongqing dishes consist of Sichuan cuisine, which features a heavy emphasis on hot spices

Hong Kong is a major melting pot that is filled with modern design and big-city hustle. Its tourism infrastructure is solid, making it a bucket list destination for many cruisers. Brimming with profound shopping malls, museums, and cultural experiences, Hong Kong is an incredible city to take your next cruise from. Despite being such a metropolitan city, you will also be able to find beaches in Hong Kong on the other side of Victoria Peak, located on Hong Kong Island. With an easy-to-use public transportation system, great cuisine, and so much to do, spending a day or two in Hong Kong before or after your cruise can only make your vacation even better! Many cruises depart from Hong Kong, but a large selection visit during the cruise itinerary.

If you’re into locally brewed beer, beautiful beaches, and great museums, then you might consider taking a cruise that includes Qingdao. This skyscraper-filled city has a few preserved hints of German accents in its architecture and hillside villages. Qingdao is also home to a few appealing tourist attractions, such as a couple of aquariums, a lighthouse, landmark buildings, and more.

Shanghai is the largest city and port in China with beautifully-designed architecture, skyscrapers, and an ever-changing landscape. Thanks to Shanghai’s metro system, you can easily navigate this large city to walkable neighborhoods and sites that you want to see. Local cuisine is reminiscent of Shanghai’s local territories, although you can find a wide variety of Chinese-style cooking. From street food to fine restaurants, you’ll never go hungry. While exploring Shanghai, you can check out museums, gardens, skyscrapers, temples, and more! It is a wonderful city to spend a few days before or after cruising.

Located on the north shores of Kyushu Island (Japan), Fukuoka is a wonderful place to visit during a cruise in Asia. Filled with many beaches, temples, shrines, shopping centers, parks and museums, there is a little bit of something to suit travelers of all interests. There are even a few ancient castle ruins just waiting for exploration by history buffs! Some of the most unique attractions that you won’t find elsewhere include magnificent shrines that double as museums, gardens, festival sites, and rock gardens. Fukuoka is a perfect destination if you are interested in learning more about local religion and culture, as you will have the opportunity to discover plenty of it!

Hiroshima is an incredible starting place for your next cruise! Despite the city’s gloomy past, there are many fabulous things to do, see, and enjoy there today. Hiroshima is best known for its famous history (as it was the site of the atomic bomb drop), as well as its culture (there are many shrines, temples, and roots to Buddhism). While spending time in this city, you can check out its numerous parks, gardens, museums, historical attractions, and more. Once you reach the city center, you will find that most attractions are easily within walking distance. Plus, Hiroshima is filled with tons of restaurants where you can enjoy everything from sushi, seafood, Chinese, Italian, and Indian cuisine.

If you're seeking a slice of Japan away from the major metropolitan areas, Kanazawa might be the perfect destination. Often described as "Little Kyoto," the decorative town offers plenty of charm, but with less tourist traffic. As one of few cities not majorly damaged by bombings during World War II, Kanazawa maintains its rich history alongside contemporary settings celebrating a burgeoning culture. Foodies can traverse the local markets for the finest fresh seafood and sake, and curious minds will revel in an eclectic blend of modern and classical museums. Also plentiful in gardens with excellent public transportation, Kanazawa offers a cozy getaway spot for all travelers.

Kobe is one of the largest cities in Japan. Located on the waterfront, this port city has many modern touches. You’ll never fall short of something to do, as there are many museums, restaurants, shops, and landmarks to check out. The majority of tourist attractions in Kobe are just a few minutes’ walk from the cruise port. Of course, you can’t visit Kobe without trying its infamous Kobe beef! There are many restaurants where you can try it in steak, hot pot, or teppanyaki form. Plus, Kyoto’s temples and palaces are only a 40-minute ride from Kobe, creating the perfect opportunity for a day trip before your cruise if you take a cruise that departs from Kobe, Japan.

If you are interested in beautiful cherry blossoms, mountaineering, historic sites, and all the seafood you can eat, then you might consider taking a cruise that includes Maizuru. Located in south-central Japan (not too far from Kyoto), Maizuru is an incredible destination filled with parks, historic sites, museums, landmarks, sacred temples, and more. It is easy to think of Maizuru as a smaller version of Kyoto, with a unique flair. Having originally served as a naval base in the early 1900s, Maizuru is also certain to be a popular destination among history buffs.

There are many fabulous reasons to take a cruise that visits, Naha, the capital of Okinawa, Japan. For starters, you can easily get a direct flight to this city from many of Japan’s other cities (such as Tokyo), or from destinations in Taiwan, China, or Hong Kong. Secondly, it is an appealing destination for its fascinating history (many ties to World War II) and interesting culture (in fact, the Ryuku Islands have their own culture, cuisine, and language). Third, it has so many things to do and see, that you might even consider spending an extra day or two there just to do it all! Naha is filled with beautiful shrines, temples, museums, beaches, historic sites, shopping opportunities, parks, mausoleums, and so much more to list! There is literally something for all interests. Plus, you will discover savory cuisine in a number of steakhouses, cafes, sushi bars, seafood restaurants, and more! Whether you’re in the mood for Italian, Korean, French, or Japanese, you will have no problem finding it in Naha.

Osaka is a high-energy city in Japan with a thriving nightlife, a huge culinary scene, and much more for you to discover when you take a cruise from there. Among the many things that you can check out are shopping malls, museums, marketplaces, restaurants, castles, and more. Depending on how much time you have, you can also take a bullet train to Kyoto (which is approximately 30 minutes), where you can experience ancient temples and palaces.

Located on the island of Hokkaido (Japan’s northernmost island), Otaru is a lesser-traveled town, but nonetheless a fabulous place to visit during an Asia cruise. Since it is a port city with significant ties to the fishing industry, you can count on a fabulous dining scene. Freshly caught seafood and sushi await! Otaru is also famous for its glass-blowing industry, which means you will also discover a fabulous art scene. From museums to beaches, outdoor attractions, and endless opportunities to discover local art and culture, you’ll fall short of something incredible to do in Otaru!

There is no cruise port city quite like Tokyo. Simply put, you’ll never run out of something to do! From a thriving city nightlife scene to serene Japanese gardens, there is something that will appeal to everybody that visits. There are so many activities to choose from – shopping, dining, museums, temples, gardens, entertainment, and more! Japanese culture is also a huge highlight of Tokyo – if you’re into learning about different traditions, cuisine, and customs, you’re in the right place! Since Tokyo is such a large and lively city, you might consider arriving early for your cruise (or staying a few extra days afterward) and experience the city for yourself.

From ornate temples to secluded beaches to villages, restaurants, and hotels, Bali embodies a rich blend of traditional authentic culture and a strong role in the tourism industry. If you are taking a cruise from Bali, your ship will be docked at Benoa, which is about a 30-minute drive from the city and a short drive from the airport. You can have a Balinese cultural experience without even having to leave the cruise port, as guests are welcomed by a traditional dance and a variety of vendors. However, Bali is a wonderful destination that is not to be missed! From delicious authentic cuisine (babi juling is their most iconic dish) to local crafts and fabrics, and even local beer, you are certain to enjoy spending a few days in this city before or after your cruise

If you are fascinated by history, culture, and religion, then you might consider taking your next cruise from Colombo, Sri Lanka. Filled with just about something for everyone, Colombo is a wonderful blend of old-world and modern-day. In addition to a scenic waterfront, you will discover curious temples, shrines, churches, parks and beaches. There are also some fabulous shopping opportunities, as well as a bunch of modern tourist attractions (such as casinos, amusement parks, and golf clubs). Plus, you’ll never go hungry, as many parts of Colombo are filled street food vendors. From freshly spicy samosas to fresh seafood specialties and as much curry and spice as you can handle, your taste buds are in for one unforgettable feast.

UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay, is nothing short of a unique destination from which to visit during a cruise in Asia. One of the most popular destinations within Vietnam, Ha Long Bay is famous for its many lush limestone archipelagos, perfect for exploring up close on kayaks or admiring from a distance. Ha Long Bay is known for its tour boat rides, which includes cave tours, fishing village tours, and plenty of scenic viewing. Many travelers also take a trek to Hanoi, which is about a 3 to 4-hour drive from Ha Long Bay. Though a bit of a distance (approximately a 2-hour-and-40-minute drive, depending on traffic), Hanoi is filled with many popular attractions that you can check off your bucket list!

Hanoi is a melting pot of culture that encompasses the best of Vietnam. Once a small fishing village, Hanoi has transformed into a popular tourist destination with many exciting sights and attractions. Plus, it is located not too far (about a 2-hour-and-40-minute drive, depending on traffic) from Ha Long Bay, which is another one of the country’s biggest draws. Hanoi is filled with everything from colorful artisan shops to historic temples and French architecture to luscious parks, historically significant sites, and much more. You will also come across many street food vendors where you can get a taste of local cuisine. Haiphong, another city in Vietnam that’s worth a visit, is also about an hour and a half drive from Hanoi.

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a fabulous destination to include on a cruise. It's a thriving modern city filled with tons of incredible sights. Among skyscrapers and high-rises, you will discover plenty of French colonial architecture, temples, shrines, shopping opportunities and friendly locals. Plus, you can discover a wide range of delicious cuisine, from local Vietnamese and Chinese flavors all the way to French-inspired dishes.

Often referred to as the "Hawaii of Korea," Jeju Island is a stunning destination for travelers seeking warm weather, beautiful beaches, and picturesque mountains. A popular pick among honeymooners, South Korea's largest island offers splendid scenery and natural wonders to explore. Climb the long-dormant Mount Hallasan volcano, or tour the well-kept lava tunnels underground. This unique island is also known for haenyeo, female divers who go 10-20 meters under the water without a breathing apparatus. Get a full taste of Jeju Island's culture by taking a majestic boat tour, and while tasting, save some room for its famous peanut ice cream. With so many distinct sites and customs, Jeju Island is unlike most destinations in Asia, or anywhere in the world!

Situated on the banks of the mighty Mekong River, Kampong Cham is an excellent starting destination for your next Asia river cruise. Best known for its colorful French colonial architecture, religious sites, and close proximity to Koh Pen and Phnom Penh. Kampong Cham is filled with a unique and authentic atmosphere not found elsewhere in Cambodia. You can expect a city with less traffic and crowds, as Kampong Chen is a relatively lesser-traveled destination. Plus, being a much smaller city, you can easily get around on foot, as most of the restaurants and main sights are located so close to each other. What you can discover in this quaint city includes markets, riverfront beauty, bamboo bridges, and more! It’s a great way to have an unforgettable cultural experience when visiting Cambodia.

Keelung is the port city where ships dock for Taipei, which is approximately a 20-minute drive from the port, and is easily accessible via mass transit (about a one-hour trip). Since Keelung is filled with many exciting things to see and do, you might consider spending some time in this city before heading to Taipei. When spending time in Keelung, there are a few great sights and attractions that you certainly don’t want to miss checking out. Keelung is filled with historic forts, street food vendors, parks, museums, and many scenic views! Plus, you can enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of authentic Taiwanese cuisine, which is certain to tickle your taste buds.

The best word to describe Kota Kinabalu is “exotic.” For seasoned travelers, it is a refreshing change from modern cities that are filled with museums, restaurants, art galleries and the like. For instance, you could visit a local village and watch blowpipe making instead of learning about it through an exhibit. A thriving tourist city of Maylasia, Kota Kinabalu is filled with natural beauty, friendly locals, local culture, villages wildlife, hot springs, and more. There is even a private island resort for those who still want to experience a “traditional” vacation of water sports, white-sand beaches and upscale dining.

For a truly authentic cultural experience, consider taking a cruise that includes Male. Capital of the exotic Maldives Islands, Male has a little bit of something to offer every traveler. Whether your interests are beaches and resorts, or a culturally-immersive experience, you are certain to find all that you’re looking for in this incredible port city. Male is filled with beautiful beaches, mosques, unique markets, a few museums, and iconic landmarks. Plus, when spending time in Male, you can treat your taste buds to some local Maldivian food (a nice break from the restaurants onboard your ship). Many Maldivian dishes are made from ingredients such as fish, coconut, starches, and spices, with influences from India and Sri Lanka.

For a destination with the perfect blend of glamour and tranquility, you might consider taking your next cruise from Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. Having originally been destroyed during a bombing in World War 2, Manila has since risen as a city filled with glitz, charm, and stylishness. Manila is filled with iconic landmarks, parks, churches, museums, and many interesting tourist attractions! There’s also a bunch of shopping malls, thought-provoking art museums, resorts, restaurants, and much, much more. With so many incredible options for activities and entertainment, if you take a cruise that starts in Manila, you may want to consider staying in Manila for an additional day or two so you can experience as much as possible.

Located in the Tien Giang Province of Vietnam, My Tho is a wonderful starting destination for your next cruise, but it is also featured (more often) as a destination port within a cruise itinerary. Located not too far (about an hour-and-a-half drive, depending on traffic) from the very popular big city, Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho is a great alternative destination to explore if you’ve already experienced Ho Chi Minh City, or if you’re looking for an adventure that’s off the beaten path. With an incredible history behind it, this city is popular among history buffs, as well as culture-seekers who are looking for a unique and immersive experience. My Tho is filled with ecotourism opportunities, Buddhist temples, a few nice parks, and even a snake farm.

Penang is a fantastic destination to visit during a cruise vacation, especially if you’re history buff, foodie, and/or culture-seeker! History-lovers are certain to find the port’s trade and military past interesting. Foodie’s will be in culinary paradise, as the diverse ethnicity of Penang makes for some great food choices. Those interested in local culture are certain to enjoy its diverse mosques, temples, and churches. Penang is also filled with gardens, museums, shopping opportunities, mountain hikes, iconic landmarks, and more! Best of all, you will discover all kinds of cuisine, from Indian to Chinese to Malaysian, whether in the form of street food, fine dining, or something in between.

Port Klang is the largest port in Malaysia and an incredible place to visit during a cruise vacation. A city famous for inexpensive local cuisine, scenic viewpoints, and its close proximity to giant shopping malls with unique attractions, you certainly won’t be disappointed spending time here. Culture-seekers will appreciate the many temples and mosques you can visit. Shoppers will love exploring the area’s many large shopping malls (closer to Kuala Lumpur, which is about a 45-minute drive from Port Klang). Foodies will certainly find themselves snapping pictures of their meals at the many mouthwatering local restaurants.

Siem Reap is one of Cambodia’s popular cruise ports. Situated along the legendary Mekong River, Siem Reap is filled with striking architecture, Buddhist temples (including the world-famous Angkor Watt), stunning palaces, and local goods. If you are taking a cruise from Siem Reap, you are in for a truly incredible cultural experience. You definitely don’t want to miss out on trying some local cuisine, with Far East flavors that will make your taste buds dance.

Singapore is nothing short of a stunning city. Featuring many modern amenities, you will discover plenty of great things to do in town. Most of the main tourist attractions are located within close proximity to each other, and Singapore’s public rail system makes them easily accessible. Shopping is one of the most popular activities in Singapore, whether you’re looking for great deals on big brands or unique handicrafts sold by local artisans. There are also numerous performing arts venues, famous landmarks, gardens, and great restaurants. You can find all sorts of cuisine in Singapore, from familiar fast food all the way to upscale restaurants where reservations are required!

Yangon is a fascinating old colonial city with charming cultural sites, gorgeous scenery, and gold-plated pagodas. This exceptional city is certain to fascinate even the most seasoned world traveler! Yangon is filled with glistening temples, giant Buddha statues, handicraft markets, green parks, zoos, museums, and some terrific Burmese restaurants.

If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind cultural experience, there is no doubt that you can discover it in Bangkok. From authentic spicy cuisine to opulent palaces, temples, and shrines, Bangkok is filled with unique sights, friendly locals, and a captivating landscape. Instead of your typical tourist attractions (museums, beaches, parks, etc.) you can discover the lifestyle of Thailand and all that it has to offer. You can do this by visiting Bangkok’s many historically significant structures (see above), cruising the Chao Phraya River, perusing a floating market, and even watching a Muay Thai fighting event! If you are taking a cruise from Bangkok, staying an extra day or two in the city can be well worth your time. Your bucket list will thank you!

Koh Samui is an exotic island, located roughly 300 miles south of Bangkok. Once an undeveloped island (in fact, Koh Samui is Thailand’s third-largest island), it is now a well-developed, resort-like port that sees millions of tourists each year. When spending time in Koh Samui, you will discover beaches, temples, waterfalls, natural rock formations, golf courses, and multiple zoos. Plus, don’t miss out on the local fare – freshly caught seafood is a huge specialty. You can even take a cooking class to learn the basics of Thai-inspired culinary arts!

Laem Chabang is home to the largest seaport in Thailand. It's a largely industrial area, but is only a 2-hour drive from world-famous Bangkok, and other interesting sites are not far away from it. Whether its local markets, botanical gardens, the beach, or a zoo, there's a lot to do in the area.

Phuket is a fabulous destination for a cruise vacation because it has something that will appeal to everybody. This exotic island features plenty of restaurants, bars, shops, resorts, untouched beaches, delicious Thai cuisine, and of course, all the fascinating highlights of the far east/southeast Asia. Phuket is a particularly appealing destination among snorkelers and scuba divers, as their waters are generally clear and make for an ideal underwater adventure. If you are fascinated by culture, you are certain to enjoy the many temples, museums, and shrines that are scattered throughout the city. Plus, there are many local markets where you can shop for unique souvenirs, including Buddha figures.