Cruise through Asia with Travel Indochina
In a clear indication of the level of interest and demand for Asia river cruising, Australia’s leading Asia travel specialist, Travel Indochina, has launched its first ever river cruising brochure, encompassing itineraries for the Mekong River’s latest and most exclusive boat, ‘The Jahan’, its sister ship, ‘The Jayavarman’ and cruises down China’s Yangtze River.
Once the domain of longtail boats, converted rice barges and passenger ferries plying the Mekong River, a new wave of intimate and luxurious river cruising products have entered the market, making it high on the list of ‘must do’ Asian experiences.
Heritage Lines new flagship cruise ship, The Jahan, incorporates the features of a luxury boutique hotel. With 26 of the largest sized cabins of all Mekong vessels, with large private balconies, private shore excursions and on-board services including spa, pool and daily Tai Chi, The Jahan offers the ultimate Mekong River experience.
According to Travel Indochina Managing Director, Paul Hole, river cruising interest has been keen.
“Since announcing our exclusive allocation rights for The Jahan, its inaugural voyage in October has been completely booked,” says Paul.
“The Jahan has one of the highest staff to passenger ratios on the river, meaning the service is exemplary. We know the cruise will be leaving our passengers wanting more, so we have combined the eight day journey with unique on the ground touring options to create 12, 15 and 19 day itineraries to choose from.”
For those preferring a journey down one of the world’s greatest rivers, the Yangtze, Travel Indochina offers itineraries ranging from four day / three night cruises from Chongqing to Yichang up to nine days / eight nights from Shanghai, on some of the finest boats on the river, including The Victoria Cruises range of ships and The Orient Royal Cruises’ ‘Yangzi Explorer’.
“Importantly, we have great availability,” says Paul. “We have two different boats departing weekly and four itineraries along the Mekong, and options of two or six departures weekly along the Yangtze with the different lines. There are tours departing virtually every few days!”