Destination
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia invites exploration by water. From the jungle-lined banks of the Mekong River to the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, and from the storied ports of Vietnam to the vibrant islands of Indonesia and Thailand, this region offers a captivating blend of history, spirituality, cuisine, and natural beauty. Small ship cruising opens the door to experiences both iconic and hidden—with deeper cultural immersion, flexible itineraries, and meaningful connections. At Small Ship Travel, we curate a collection of Southeast Asia voyages aboard small ship cruises, many with under 100 passengers. Whether river or coastal, these journeys emphasize access, enrichment, and authenticity—connecting you with UNESCO heritage sites, remote villages, floating markets, and coastal cities rich in tradition and color
Each of these cruise lines has been carefully vetted by Small Ship Travel for their exceptional service, destination expertise, and ability to deliver immersive, small-scale exploration. Pandaw Cruises Specializing in Southeast Asia’s rivers, Pandaw offers authentic, expedition-style cruises on the Mekong, Irrawaddy, and Red River, as well as coastal sailings. Their classic teak ships accommodate 16–40 guests and are designed for cultural depth and regional immersion, with stops at remote villages, temples, and local markets. Aqua Expeditions Aqua Expeditions brings luxury design and personalized service to the Mekong River, sailing between Vietnam and Cambodia aboard the Aqua Mekong. With just 40 guests, the experience features expert-guided shore excursions, chef-driven cuisine, and a contemporary take on river exploration. AmaWaterways AmaWaterways offers elegant Mekong River cruises between Vietnam and Cambodia, combining well-appointed accommodations, enriching cultural tours, and exceptional cuisine. Their itineraries include guided temple visits, floating markets, and local artisan workshops, all delivered with warm, attentive service. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Uniworld offers luxury, all-inclusive river cruising on the Mekong, with beautifully designed ships and a focus on immersive cultural experiences. Their itineraries feature visits to historic cities, Buddhist temples, and riverside villages, enhanced by local entertainment, expert guides, and regionally inspired cuisine. Scenic River Cruises Scenic offers all-inclusive luxury cruises on the Mekong River, combining five-star accommodations, butler service, and locally curated excursions. Their 13-day itineraries explore Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and surrounding villages, with deep cultural access and onboard enrichment. Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic Lindblad offers select coastal Southeast Asia itineraries, often focused on Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Borneo, with a strong naturalist and cultural lens. These expeditions include expert lectures, wildlife encounters, and meaningful visits to indigenous communities and remote islands. Silversea Cruises Silversea’s Southeast Asia itineraries offer ultra-luxury exploration of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, often visiting smaller ports and remote islands. With all-suite accommodations and curated excursions, Silversea balances elegance with deep regional discovery. Ponant Ponant’s sleek expedition yachts cruise through Southeast Asia’s archipelagos, from the Philippines to Indonesia. Their itineraries combine coastal landscapes, cultural landmarks, and onboard enrichment, with a refined French touch and a strong commitment to sustainable travel.
Traveling by water in Southeast Asia mirrors the rhythms of the region itself—fluid, layered, and deeply connected to its rivers and coasts. Small ship and river cruising lets you access historic trading ports, spiritual sites, floating markets, and natural sanctuaries without the rush of land travel.
From Buddhist temples to colonial towns, from bustling night markets to tranquil rice paddies, you’ll uncover authentic experiences that larger ships and tours cannot reach. Guided by regional experts, you’ll gain insight into daily life, traditions, and cuisine—whether you're floating past stilt villages on the Mekong or dropping anchor off a hidden beach in Indonesia.
Sample Experiences Include:
Southeast Asia’s climate varies by region, but in general, the best times to cruise are:
For Indonesia and the Coral Triangle, dry season tends to run from May to September—ideal for coastal and marine-focused expeditions.
At Small Ship Travel, we bring deep expertise in Southeast Asia cruising—from luxury Mekong itineraries to expedition-style sailings through the Indonesian archipelago. We partner only with cruise lines that meet our standards for cultural authenticity, comfort, and responsible travel.
As a Virtuoso affiliate through our relationship with Travel Experts, a member agency, we provide:
Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.
Get in the mood for cruising by reading our travel guides, recommendations and cruise reviews.
River cruising offers a seamless and luxurious way to experience Europe’s most historic and scenic waterways, from the fairy-tale castles of the Rhine to the imperial capitals of the Danube and the artistic treasures of the Seine. Unlike ocean cruises, these intimate voyages bring travelers directly into the heart of medieval villages, grand cities, and world-renowned wine regions, allowing for deeper cultural immersion. Along the way, passengers can explore UNESCO-listed landmarks, savor locally inspired cuisine, and enjoy exclusive excursions, from private château tours to classical concerts in Vienna.
