A country of renowned beauty and hospitality, ports like Bangkok offer a fantastic glimpse of Thai culture. Visit a beautiful local temple, or take a tour of one of the famous floating markets, where colour and scent and sound all form a vibrant atmosphere along the market waters. Bangkok is also very well-connected, giving you plenty of options to extend your cruise into a trip inland.

There’s so much to discover in Singapore, from Gardens by the Bay, whose lights and architectural Supertree Grove are something you’ll never forget, to the cable car rides that offer spectacular views. Top it off with a signature Singapore Sling drink and you’ll be set. Singapore is also a gateway to many other destinations inland and abroad, making it an excellent port to choose to add on something extra to your holiday.

Depending on where you make port, there’s a wide range of marvels to witness in Vietnam. Visit botanical gardens, learn about harrowing recent history at the War Remnants Museum, or haggle for beautiful wares in the markets. Cruise ports in Vietnam also offer a gateway to a Mekong Delta river cruise.

Best known for the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex, the largest religious structure in the world, calling at Cambodia will provide a fantastic sea-focused stop on your cruise. When you’re done with the temple trip, take guided snorkelling tours in the shimmering waters or kayak amongst the roots of a mangrove forest. You can also take a cruise of the Mekong Delta river.

Visit stunning local attractions like the Schwedegon Pagoda, containing relics from the Buddhas said to have been enshrined there 20 centuries in the past, as well as the famous Silver Buddha. Take a trip to a local market to see the famous Myanmar crafts on display, such as the beautiful lacquered goods, or puppets in traditional costumes. Myanmar is also your connection to taking a cruise of the Irawaddy River, beholding the inland beauty and culture that this country has to offer.

Of particular interest for those seeking an inspirational river cruise, India beckons voyagers in to explore the Golden Triangle of inspirational cities, including the pink city of Jaipur. Meander along the Kerala back waters, or explore the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers as they wind across a fantastic landscape.

In ‘the land of the rising sun’, there’s so much to see. Make port in Tokyo to discover iconic Japanese experiences, from a visit to the famous Fujisan mountain to a ride on the shinkansen – the renowned Japanese bullet trains. Visit at the right time of year, and you’ll even be able to enjoy the incredible spectacle of Hanami: flower viewing, as the hundreds of cherry blossom trees come into bloom and cover the ground in a blanket of pink petals.

Make port in cities like Incheon, only a short trip from the ancient capital of Seoul, whose borders hold endless possibility. Sample delicious local food, visit the Korean War Museum, climb the rock faces that watch over the city, and so much more. Explore what Korea looked like in the 19th century in the Hanok Folk Village, or explore the heritage of its history in the National Museum.

The oldest nation in the world, China has so much to offer the itinerant cruiser. Go to see the incredible Terracotta Warriors, or visit the Panda Conservation Centre to learn more about one of the world’s most endangered and beloved animals. Walk along the Great Wall of China, marvelling at the incredible scenery, then return to the city and enjoy the fantastic Chinese cuisine. If you want to explore this country’s inland marvels, add a cruise down the Yangtze river to your itinerary.