Allure of cruising Asia’s rivers
More people than ever are cruising, more than ever are taking to rivers and the standard of the ships continues to rise.
And all this seems to be embodied by Avalon Waterways’ new ship Avalon Siem Reap.
The Siem Reap is now sailing the Mekong River through Cambodia and Vietnam — destinations in which interest continues to increase.
And the ship’s design is based on Avalon’s “Suite Ship” design, which it pioneered on European rivers. But Avalon Siem Reap has been designed specially for Asian cruising, is just 60m long and can take up to 36 guests.
For the ship’s debut, Avalon Waterways has savings of up to $2000 per couple on some cruises aboard during 2015. Other departures are available with savings of $1000 per couple.
Avalon Siem Reap is offered as part of a 12-night itinerary between Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City, Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & The Mekong River. Now priced from $3326 per person twin share on selected departures, the itinerary includes three nights in Siem Reap to explore the spectacular temples of Angkor Wat, seven nights cruising the Mekong River and two nights in Ho Chi Minh City.
The ship has 18 suites, all 23sqm, air-conditioned and fitted out in contemporary Asian style. Each has a balcony and floor-to-ceiling wall-to-wall windows framing the passing panorama.
Avalon Siem Reap will be joined later this year by a second new Asian ship, Avalon Myanmar.
With a similar size and design, Avalon Myanmar will operate Avalon’s first cruises on the Irrawaddy River, offering a 13-night itinerary from Rangoon, Golden Myanmar & The Alluring Irrawaddy.
Travel agents, 1300 230 234 or avalonwaterways.com.au.
Burma by boat
Pandaw has a new seven-night luxury river cruise on Burma's Chindwin River exploring remote Nagaland near the border with India. The cruise is on the low-draught, five-cabin Kalay Pandaw when the water levels are high. Highlights include the colonial town of Mawlaik where the Dak bungalows are set around an old golf course, Sitthaung, Homalin — home to the Buddha Lotus Garden — local Naga villages and Khamti, which is known as the “land full of gold”. Departure dates are September 12, 19 and 26 from Rangoon or Mandalay. The cruise costs from $4490 per person twin share and includes domestic flights, entrance fees, guides, main meals, drinks, gratuities and the use of mountain bikes. pandaw.com.au.
