South East Asia Expedition Cruises

This extensive region covers a whole variety of countries and lands, including the extensive Indonesian archipelago, the huge island of Borneo, diverse and spectacular Papua New Guinea in the southwestern Pacific, and the ever intriguing Vietnam and Cambodia with their rich history and captivating cultures. Luxury adventure cruises in this region are the perfect way to explore off the beaten track, searching out wildlife, different cultures, amazing scenery and a very rich marine wonderland, alongside stunning cosmopolitan cities, mouthwatering food and an insight into very different lands.

Highlights of a Luxury South East Asia Expedition Cruise

With so many destinations to choose from within South East Asia, you are going to return again and again. Exploring the Indonesian islands you will see extraordinary wildlife such as Komodo dragons, enigmatic indigenous communities, incredible seascapes and marine diversity in the coral triangle, breathtaking volcanic scenery, lush jungles, traces of ancient civilisations and more.

Meanwhile in Borneo you will have the opportunity to search out orangutans and amazing proboscis monkeys, explore some of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world, climb Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, and meet many fascinating people.

Visiting Vietnam and Cambodia is something different again, particularly if you are cruising the Mekong: what a way to explore, learning more about the very different cultures and lifestyles. Add on an unforgettable visit to Siem Reap to explore Angkor Wat and the captivating vast temple complex, travel to Northern Vietnam to explore Hanoi and Hue, and to the south for bustling Ho Chi Minh City where you can learn more about its distressing recent history. Papua New Guinea will amaze you with its rich tribal culture, beautiful beaches and spectacular scenery, like visiting another world.

The Small Ship Difference in South East Asia

Exploring by small ship, and particularly in this island region, means you can understand the significant differences between the many nations and islands in the region, get easy access to the extraordinary marine life, and explore in a way which is near impossible for a conventional traveller.

Venture deep inland along bays and tributaries, take the opportunity to snorkel with marine creatures in a watery wonderland, and explore where there is little or no tourist infrastructure for uncommon explorations far from the crowds.

Dedicated experts transform your understanding of the region from marine biologists to ecologists, and ethnographers to historians.

Luxury Small Ship South East Asia Expedition Itineraries

With so many different destinations to choose from, and such vast distances and differences between them, you will want to return to this region time and again.

Focus on Papua New Guinea, or the west Papuan archipelago of Rajah Ampat, the Four Kings. Further into the Indonesian archipelago you can find close up itineraries focussing on a very specific region, or range further, to the island of Borneo with its extraordinary biodiversity.

In Vietnam, the long coastline from north to south reveals contrasting lands and cities, as well as a very different climate. Alternatively, take a Mekong River cruise from the Mekong Delta to Phnom Penh in Cambodia, with land add-ons at either end.

Top and tail your journey with vibrant city stays or a relaxing few days of R&R in one of the amazing hotels such as Song Saa Private Island in Cambodia.

Luxury Expedition Cruise Lines That Visit South East Asia

Explore the itineraries of Aqua Expeditions' tiny vessel Aqua Blu, which have so much to offer from Komodo National Park to the Spice Island and Coral Triangle, Raja Ampat and West Papua, as well as the Asmat region in New Guinea.

Cruises on Australia's Kimberley Coast will venture into South East Asia, particularly at the beginning and end of the Kimberley season. AE Expeditions have lengthier voyages, as do Silversea and Seabourn as they position their expedition ships.

On the Mekong, the Aqua Mekong offers a unique experience, but you have plenty of other options such as AmaWaterways, Uniworld or Scenic. Whichever you choose, the small complement of guests ensures a very intimate exploration.

Best Time to Cruise in South East Asia

Although many consider South East Asia to be a year-round destination, this extensive region boasts a variety of climates, so choose your itinerary or specific destination first and then discuss the best time to visit. As a rule, avoiding the rainy season is your best bet, this can be serious RAIN!