Travel Indochina Expands Its Asia River Cruising Portfolio

Leading Asia specialist, Travel Indochina, has launched its new Asia River Cruising brochure for 2013/2014 with new river cruises through Burma and Laos, alongside established favourites on the Mekong through Vietnam and Cambodia and on the Yangtze in China. The new 52-page brochure is the operator's biggest and most comprehensive river cruising portfolio to date. It continues to feature an enticing range of itineraries aboard The Jahan and luxury sister ship, Jayavarman, the smallest and most deluxe vessels to sail the waters between Saigon and the temples of Angkor. Each vessel offers an enchanting experience and 27 spacious, air-conditioned cabins with large private balconies, impeccable service and unparalleled onboard facilities including restaurants and bars, sundecks, swimming pools and spas. Customers can choose from an 8-day, 12-day or 19-day itinerary sailing on either vessel. New in the Asia River Cruising brochure for 2013, Travel Indochina features exciting itineraries in one of the most beautiful regions of Laos. The specialist operator's 7-day and 11-day cruises offer an ideal way to see Laos from both the river and on land. They journey from the Thai border to Luang Prabang, or in reverse, and from Pakse to the stunning 4,000 Islands scattered across the Mekong. Along the way, passengers will cruise through sleepy villages and observe rural life of the river tribes along the banks, while taking in the spectacular scenery of the Golden Triangle. Customers can cruise the mighty Mekong through Laos in style, on board one of two river vessels. The Vat Phou is a converted rice barge with 12 en-suite cabins and a maximum capacity of just 24 guests. In contrast, The Luang Say cruise does not have cabins and, instead, accommodation is at the charming Luang Say Lodge which sits in an elevated position overlooking the mighty Mekong. Prices for a 7-day cruise start from £1,026pp on The Luang Say and exclude international flights. Those with a little more time on their hands can combine all three destinations of Indochina with Travel Indochina's new extensions in Laos. The extended 14-day and 22-day itineraries begin or end respectively on The Jahan or Jayavarman. Sailing from Vietnam into Cambodia where the magical temples are unveiled, the tour then progresses to Pakse via a short domestic flight before journeying through southern Laos on The Vat Phou. The 22-day itinerary operates in reverse and has the added bonus of a 2-night cruise on The Luang Say in northern Laos and a 4-night stay in the gem of the region, Luang Prabang. Prices for a 14-day and 22-day cruise start from £2,920pp and £4,363pp respectively, excluding international flights. Another new addition to the 2013 brochure, customers of Travel Indochina can discover the beauty of Burma while touring the Irrawaddy River on the RV Paukan or The Road to Mandalay cruise boats. The voyage begins from the ancient capital of Bagan, with its 2,500 pagodas spread across a dusty plain, before journeying to the royal city of Mandalay and passing through forested gorges to Yangon. The cruises provide an ideal way to learn about riverside life and meet the smiling locals in this magical land. They also operate in reverse. These two Burmese vessels combine all the features of a luxury boutique hotel with fantastic onboard facilities including deluxe spas, acclaimed gourmet menus and impressive observation decks affording incredible views of the ever-changing scenery. The operator has 3-day itineraries on the RV Paukan and 4, 8 and 12-day itineraries incorporating The Road To Mandalay cruise - an Orient Express brand - with touring in Burma. Prices for an 8-day cruise start from £2,267pp on The Road To Mandalay and exclude international flights. Travel Indochina also offers 4, 9, 12 and 18-day journeys along one of the world's greatest waterways, China's Yangtze river. www.travelindochina.co.uk or telephone: 01865 268 940.