There’s something inherently dramatic about arriving somewhere by river. Unlike an airport—where your grand entrance is typically hampered by baggage carousels—stepping off a boat feels cinematic and (more importantly) hassle-free. Nowhere is this truer than in Asia, where the rivers have long been the highways of emperors, traders, and the occasional adventurer.

But let’s be clear: this is not the sort of river voyage where you’ll be roughing it on a creaky wooden barge, fending off mosquitoes. No, these are the great rivers of Asia done properly, where your floating boutique hotel glides effortlessly between gilded temples, jungle-clad ruins, and bustling riverside markets, all while you sip a perfectly chilled cocktail on deck.

So, where should you cast off first?

The Mekong: the river of a thousand markets

If the Mekong were a person, it would be the charming rogue with endless stories to tell; the kind of character who’s been everywhere, seen everything, and always knows where to find the best street food. Snaking its way through six countries, this mighty river is best explored in Vietnam and Cambodia, where life unfolds on its banks like a moving theatre of history, culture, and commerce.

In Vietnam, expect to weave past floating markets where vendors peddle everything from dragon fruit to live fish. In Cambodia, you’ll glide towards the ancient city of Angkor, where sunrise over the stone spires of Angkor Wat feels less like a tourist attraction and more like a portal to another century.

And in between? Sampan rides through water coconut groves, visits to silk-weaving villages, and perhaps a chance encounter with a Buddhist monk keen to practice his English. 

The Yangtze: China’s legendary waterway 

The Yangtze is less of a river and more of a spectacle. At over 6,000 kilometres, it’s a journey through China’s past, present, and future, all in one winding route. The showstopper? The legendary Three Gorges, where sheer cliffs rise dramatically on either side, their misty peaks looking like something straight out of a Chinese ink painting.

Sailing this river, you’ll pass ancient pagodas perched on precarious hillsides, sacred mountains shrouded in mist, and the engineering marvel of the Three Gorges Dam (because nothing says ‘grandeur’ like a structure the size of a small city).

And while the Yangtze offers plenty of cultural encounters—tea ceremonies, calligraphy lessons, and the odd tai chi session at dawn—its greatest gift is the scenery. When your toughest decision is whether to admire the view from your private balcony or from the outdoor Jacuzzi, you know you’ve made the right travel choice.

The Irrawaddy: Burma’s golden highway

For those looking to slip away from the well-trodden tourist trail, the Irrawaddy (or Ayeyarwady, if you’re feeling ambitious) offers a voyage into Myanmar’s gilded heart. This is a river of temples—thousands of them—stretching across dusty plains and rising like a dawn mirage.

The highlight? Bagan, an ancient city where over 2,000 Buddhist temples and stupas dot the landscape, best viewed from the deck of your riverboat (or, if you’re feeling extravagant, from a hot air balloon).

Along the way, expect to stop at riverside villages where ox carts outnumber cars and the locals greet you with a warm smile and a cup of tea. Just be prepared for a slower pace of life—the Irrawaddy is less about ticking off tourist sites and more about stepping back in time.

The Ganges: a spiritual odyssey (with a side of the chaotic)

There are rivers, and then there’s the Ganges—a waterway so steeped in myth, history, and spirituality that sailing it feels less like a cruise and more like a pilgrimage. This is a journey for the senses: the scent of incense drifting from riverside temples, the sound of chanting from holy ghats, and the sight of saffron-clad sadhus meditating on the banks.

A voyage along the Ganges can take you past the sacred city of Varanasi—where funeral pyres burn beside temples and devotees take ritual baths in the water—all the way to the grand palaces of Kolkata, a city that still echoes with colonial charm.

But beyond the spiritual drama, this river offers a glimpse into everyday Indian life, from bustling silk-weaving villages to mango orchards where the fruit is so good it has its own fan club.

A journey unlike any other

Sailing Asia’s rivers isn’t just about moving from A to B—it’s about immersing yourself in a landscape where life happens on the water. It’s about sipping fresh coconut juice on the deck as a trawlerman rows past with a net full of silver fish. It’s about watching the golden spires of a temple catch the last light of day, knowing that tomorrow brings another port, another culture and another adventure.

And yes, it’s about doing it all without sacrificing a single luxury. Because while ancient emperors may have travelled these waterways in wooden junks, we prefer a ship with a rooftop pool, a world-class chef, and a crew who've already memorised your cocktail order before you even ask. Asia’s rivers are waiting. The only question is: which one will you sail first?