Volcanic islands, ancient temples, Komodo dragons, tribal cultures and some of the most extraordinary marine life on the planet. South East Asia covers vast territory from Indonesia's archipelago to Papua New Guinea, Borneo, Vietnam and more. Small expedition ships reach remote islands and waterways where conventional travel becomes complicated, bringing you closer to wildlife and communities far from tourist infrastructure.
South East Asia Expedition Cruises
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Our top picks
Ponant Explorations
An escapade in the heart of Melanesia
From Darwin to Lautoka
21 Aug - 6 Sep 2026 (16 Nights)
From £11,670 per guest
Seabourn Cruises
32-Day Kimberley Expedition, Indonesia & Papua New Guinea
From Broome to Lautoka
2 Sep - 4 Oct 2026 (32 Nights)
From £24,989 per guest
Seabourn Cruises
45-Day Kimberley Expedition, Indonesia & Papua New Guinea
From Broome to Papeete
2 Sep - 17 Oct 2026 (45 Nights)
From £36,294 per guest
Seabourn Cruises
64-Day Kimberley Expedition & Islands Of The Pacific
From Broome to Santiago (San Antonio)
2 Sep - 5 Nov 2026 (64 Nights)
From £46,664 per guest
Our Insight
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. Indonesia expedition cruises reveal 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.
Borneo expedition cruises give you the opportunity to search out orangutans and amazing proboscis monkeys, explore some of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world.
Visiting Vietnam and Cambodia is something different again. 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 cruises will amaze you with rich tribal culture, beautiful beaches and spectacular scenery, like visiting another world.
The small expedition 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 South East Asia expedition cruise 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.
Some voyages focus on Papua New Guinea or the west Papuan archipelago of Raja 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. 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.
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!
Travel tips and FAQs for South East Asia small ship expedition cruising
What will the weather be like on a South East Asia cruise?
In general this is a region where the weather is hot and steamy, although Northern Vietnam, for example, can be quite chilly in the winter months. Either way, you are going to be checking out for humidity in the months you are visiting and aiming to avoid the rainy season as downpours can be torrential and relentless.
What should I pack for a South East Asia cruise?
Your ship may provide binoculars but we recommend taking your own. Ensure you have insect repellent and sunblock and plan to wear long sleeved tops and trousers for protection from the sun and from insect bites and comfortable walking shoes are a must. Take a hat too and sunglasses of course. Swimwear is a must if you are exploring the Indonesian archipelago.
Health and visa requirements for a South East Asia cruise
Make sure all your regular routine vaccinations are up to date and check out the specific requirements of the area you are visiting. You might need Yellow Fever and there is a malaria risk in some destinations.
Visa requirements vary from country to country and you may be visiting several, so check carefully before you travel and make sure your passport has six month validity and some blank pages for stamps. Many countries in the region offer visa on arrival or easy e-visa access.
Exploring further afield
Wherever you have chosen for your core South East Asian expedition cruise, take a close look at the distances involved and the ease of travel. If you are picking up a ship in a remote location, it is worth pacing the journey so you don't get too anxious about missing flight connections, so consider starting and finishing your trip in an easy access hub such as Singapore, Hong Kong or Kuala Lumpur. Maybe add on an amazing train trip too: the Eastern and Oriental Express runs between Singapore and Bangkok.
Where to stay
With a huge tradition of hospitality, you are going to love a hotel stay in South East Asia, with lots of options to pick from. We can give you excellent advice.
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