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July 7, 2025

Asia is a continent that awakens the soul and ignites curiosity. From temples hidden in the jungle, to endless rice paddies and bustling floating markets, every corner of this vast land tells a story. Yet, if there is truly a special way to explore this immense cultural and natural richness, it is undoubtedly through a river cruise.

The river cruises offered by Thurgau Travel provide a unique opportunity to explore Asia from an authentic perspective, far from the traditional tourist circuits. Through a slow, elegant, and profound journey, travelers have the chance to connect with the deepest roots of Asian cultures while rediscovering the joy of mindful and relaxed travel.

From the sacred waters of the Ganges in India to the dynamic Mekong Delta in Vietnam and Cambodia, Thurgau Travel opens the doors to a different Asia, experienced at the fluid rhythm of its great rivers. Thurgau Travel stands out for its meticulous attention to detail and its ability to combine luxury, sustainability, and authenticity. River cruises in Asia are not mere transfers from one place to another, but deep cultural experiences that allow travelers to grasp authentic nuances often inaccessible by land. The travel packages include guided excursions with local experts, moments of relaxation on board, high-quality Asian and international cuisine, as well as thematic experiences such as meditation sessions in temples, traditional culinary tastings, floating markets visits, tea plantation tours, and meetings with local artisans. Hospitality is one of the core values of Thurgau cruises: the ships are designed to ensure comfort, intimacy, and a personalized atmosphere, offering a refined alternative to the large ocean liners.

Picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage and timeless traditions will enchant you on and along the Mekong and the Red River. Among the most captivating river itineraries proposed by Thurgau Travel, the Mekong cruise stands out as the very soul of Southeast Asia. On board of the new-build RV Mekong Discovery or the RV Mekong Pearl or RV Angkor Pandaw, offers a profound journey that touches cultural, historical, and scenic chords like few others can. The Mekong flows through countries steeped in millennial charm such as Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar, creating a watery thread that unites diverse peoples and traditions into a vibrant mosaic of life. The journey along the Mekong leads to places rich in spirituality and beauty, like Luang Prabang in Laos, with its golden temples, the silent dawn ceremonies of monks, and the pervasive serenity that fills every corner of this UNESCO World Heritage city. Further south lies Hoi An in Vietnam, a city that enchants with its colorful lanterns, perfectly preserved colonial houses, and a timeless atmosphere. The cruise continues to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s lively capital, witness to the country’s complex and painful past but also to its cultural revival, evident in its museums, royal palaces, and the vitality of its streets.

Another unique experience is offered by the RV Thurgau Ganga Vilas along the Ganges in India, which represents not only a physical journey but also an inner one. The Ganges is much more than a river: it is a deity, a sacred entity that has accompanied the spiritual and daily life of Indians for millennia. Navigating its course allows immersion in a world full of symbolism and history, where every bank tells a piece of Indian identity. The journey typically begins in Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, where the famous ghats fill with pilgrims engaged in ritual ablutions, prayers, and meditations. Traveling eastward, one reaches Patna, an important historical city linked to the ancient kingdom of Magadha, a cultural and religious crossroads of past eras. Finally, the journey ends in Calcutta, a metropolis rich in contrasts where colonial heritage blends with a vibrant and creative present, characterized by colorful markets, theaters, art galleries, and a welcoming population. The Ganges cruise is ideal for those wishing to deepen their understanding of India’s spiritual dimension and to be guided by a slow rhythm that invites listening and contemplation. Each stop along the way reveals the intertwining of the sacred and the everyday, the myth and reality of a country that fascinates with its complexity.

Alongside the well-known great rivers, Thurgau Travel also offers more intimate and authentic itineraries along the lesser-traveled waterways of Vietnam, for those who wish to discover hidden gems and pristine landscapes. Among these, the Red River—also called the Song Hong—which flows through the capital Hanoi and winds into the northeastern inland of the country, offers surprising glimpses of a region rich in culture and ethnic traditions. The Da and Lo rivers, also part of these exclusive routes, run through emerald green rice fields, villages inhabited by ethnic minorities, and mist-covered hills, providing an authentic and peaceful vision of a Vietnam far from classic tourist trails. Often, to complement these cruises, an excursion to Halong Bay is offered, a place that needs no introduction: its limestone islands majestically emerging from the emerald waters create a dreamlike scenery, perfect to experience by boat and capture all its magic.

The river cruises offered by Thurgau Travel in Asia are distinguished not only by the beauty of their itineraries but also by the excellence of the selected ships. Each vessel is designed to offer a perfect balance between comfort and local charm, combining elegance, functionality, and a welcoming atmosphere. The smaller size of the ships allows navigation even on more remote river stretches, providing an intimate and authentic experience for those who wish to go beyond classic tourist routes.

Among the most representative ships is the RV Thurgau Ganga Vilas, a true jewel designed for long crossings on the Ganges. It is a vessel that harmoniously blends spirituality and luxury: its spacious cabins welcome guests with furnishings inspired by the elegance of Indian craftsmanship, while the onboard cuisine offers refined dishes that celebrate the rich culinary traditions of the subcontinent. Added to this are relaxation and wellness areas, allowing travelers to experience the journey as a moment of rejuvenation. Regarding Mekong navigation, Thurgau Travel offers two vessels characterized by a sober and refined style: the RV Mekong Pearl and the newly build luxury cruise RV Mekong Discovery. Designed to explore even the river’s more interior branches, these ships offer a highly immersive experience, featuring panoramic terraces ideal for observing the slowly flowing landscape, a tea lounge where guests can enjoy local infusions in complete tranquility, and a themed library for those wishing to deepen their understanding of the region’s culture and history. The onboard menu reflects a fusion between East and West, combining exotic flavors with familiar notes for a complete and surprising gastronomic experience.

Another iconic ship employed by Thurgau Travel is the RV Angkor Pandaw, a true ode to travel of bygone days, built of teak and brass. The traditional design blends with all modern comforts, offering guests a suggestive and relaxing environment. Here every detail—from the soft lighting to the carved wooden furnishings—contributes to creating an intimate atmosphere, perfect for those seeking an authentic river cruise experience immersed in the history and river culture of Asia.

Choosing a river cruise in Asia with Thurgau Travel means embarking on a journey that goes beyond simple tourism. It is an experience designed to offer travelers an authentic connection with the lands they traverse. Each itinerary is carefully planned to encourage encounters with local cultures, not only through visits to iconic sites but also via thematic activities, targeted excursions, and moments of exchange with local communities. This is how one truly connects with the traditions, stories, and daily rhythms that animate the regions along Asia’s great rivers. The river journey also allows a unique immersion in natural landscapes, often far from the paths beaten by mass tourism. Navigating the Mekong, the Ganges, or the Brahmaputra means passing through lush jungles, remote villages, cultivated fields, misty hills, and sacred banks dotted with temples.

Another important aspect is the sustainability of the journey. The ships used by Thurgau Travel are designed to minimize environmental impact. But above all, the very approach to travel promotes a more attentive and responsible form of tourism. Moving slowly, having time to observe, listen, and understand, also means respecting the places and people who inhabit them. It is a way of traveling that values the quality of experience over the quantity of stops, placing authenticity and awareness at the center.

Traveling along Asian rivers with Thurgau Travel, therefore, is not only a way to explore fascinating territories but an experience that balances culture, nature, spirituality, and comfort. Every cruise is designed to leave a lasting impression.

Don’t miss news, updates, and reviews of Thurgau Travel on Cruising Journal, with photos, videos, and cruise deals.

Giorgia Lombardo

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