Asia is a vast continent that offers a wide range of experiences set against some of the world’s most extraordinary backdrops: mountains and deserts…floating villages and urban jungles…ancient temples and modern metropolises. See the highlights of Beijing and Shanghai, the Terra Cotta Warriors of Xian, the Khmer temple formations of Angkor, the French architecture in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, or the historically pivotal Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Enjoy a deluxe Yangtze or Mekong River cruise and indulge in all that Asia has to offer.
Asia is the world’s largest continent, hosting approximately 4 billion people—over half of the world’s total population—and containing a wealth of cultures, environments, history and political systems. The physical geography of Asia is often disputed and, given the breadth and diversity of the land mass, it is sometimes not entirely clear what countries comprise the geography of “Asia.” The term is typically used strictly in reference to the Far East, Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent—a definition that became commonplace in the U.S. after World War II. Though it would be difficult to experience all that Asia has to offer in one lifetime, Viking’s Asia river cruises can bring you closer than ever before. See the highlights of Beijing, Shanghai and Xian (including the Terra Cotta Warriors) as you float on the Yangtze River or cruise on the Mekong River and experience the historic charm and culture of Southeast Asia, within the temple walls of Angkor Wat or even on the lawns of Saigon’s Reunification Hall—a building that remains symbolic of the end of the Vietnam War.
Historic Background
The Asian continent’s history is a rich tapestry of powerful empires, man-made wonders and timeless cultures. Since ancient times, religious and cultural influence throughout the Asian continent has been greatly influenced by the civilizations of India and China—such interweaving can be witnessed even today. Over the centuries, nomadic tribes such as the Mongols and the Turks have invaded and occupied many regions in Asia, bringing cultural influences to bear. One of China’s most notable attractions, the Great Wall, was constructed as a response to the conflicts between the Ming Dynasty and Mongolian tribes, and remains as a symbol of China’s inaccessibility to foreign visitors. Only in the past three decades has China welcomed Western tourism, despite its determination to keep itself free from outside influence.
Though it may lack China’s isolationist tendencies, Southeast Asia—Vietnam and Cambodia and their neighbors Laos, Thailand and Burma/Myanmar—has seen a great deal of strife, resulting in periods when tourism simply was not possible. Vietnam and Cambodia have clashed with one another, assisted one another, gone through respective civil wars, colonial subjugation and large-scale conflicts. Today, Cambodia and Vietnam have emerged from the chaos of the 20th century and are rapidly developing culturally and economically. Visiting these countries on either side of the Mekong River is a rich cultural experience; holding wonders beyond compare, amidst the features and existing ruins of their often shared history.
Asian Languages
There is a great deal of language diversity within Asia. The most commonly spoken language in the world, Chinese contains over a 100 dialects grouped into seven families, including Mandarin and Cantonese. The Chinese government encourages use of the dialect we know as Mandarin Chinese in an attempt to unify the country’s spoken language. Cambodia is a country that does not contain such issues—Khmer is the country’s official language with more than 95% of the population speaking it. In Vietnam, Vietnamese is the official spoken language but English is finding increased favor as a second language. Additionally, both Vietnam and Cambodia still retain some French speakers due to their shared colonial past.
Exploring Asia by River
Cruising along the Yangtze or Mekong River is only one of many highlights that you will experience during your cruisetour through the continent. Viking cruise program directors and cruise ships make it easy and enjoyable to see the wide array of destinations along these two iconic rivers. Viking River Cruises guests enjoy the comfort and convenience of being fully escorted by deeply experienced staff from the moment of their arrival through departure.
In China
Viking River Cruises offers several exciting itineraries in China, all of which show guests the highlights of Beijing, Shanghai and Xian (including the Terra Cotta Warriors) and include a Yangtze River cruise. The river cruise portion of the journey travels through the spectacular Three Gorges region on a sumptuous cruise ship with all balcony staterooms; one of our itineraries takes you farther along the river to see the birthplaces of Chinese silk and porcelain and much more. All cruise travelers also have the chance to visit a school near the Yangtze River and meet the children—a highlight for many people. A Viking cruise takes visitors on fascinating excursions off the river as well, with fully escorted land tours of major attractions in China including the Forbidden City, Summer Palace and the Great Wall. Cultural activities, such as a dramatic performance of selected Peking Opera highlights, a Tang Dynasty dinner show and a breathtaking Chinese acrobatic show, are unique opportunities to experience the true heart of China. Choose the cruise tour itinerary that most interests you: see China’s cultural delights on a longer Yangtze cruise, or take three days at the “roof of the world,” Lhasa, Tibet.
In Southeast Asia
The wonders of Southeast Asia are now available to you on a Mekong River cruisetour—made possible by Viking River Cruises and its respected partners. Viking provides guests with a unique glimpse into the cultural diversity of Cambodia, the dense history of Vietnam and the unmistakable beauty of the Mekong River. Bookended by extensive stays in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Viking River Cruises spares no expense ensuring that guests get a thoroughly illuminating experience. Visit the ancient temple complexes of Angkor; ride a cyclo through the busy streets of Phnom Penh; or just enjoy the scenic cruising on one of the world’s greatest rivers, the magical Mekong. Witness the cultural diversity of these friendly, welcoming countries, and gain a new appreciation for the French colonial architecture that graces several major cities. Come aboard and see the range of old and new on an itinerary unlike any other.