In this Guide
Australian travellers seeking adventurous international holidays often look at booking South Pacific Island cruises. However, Southeast Asia is another accessible and convenient destination for cruise vacations.
Southeast Asian cruises depart from several Australian ports as well as nearby destinations such as Singapore. Major cruise lines offer affordable cruise packages that sail alongside some of the world’s most beautiful coastlines and islands, taking in exciting destinations like Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and more.
We thought we would highlight some of the top Southeast Asian destinations that are common ports of call on the world’s best Asia cruises.
And don’t forget, cruise holidays may not always be smooth sailing. Ensure you consider cruise travel insurance to navigate potential problems such as missed cruise departure, cruise delays, cabin confinement, or requiring onboard medical treatment or emergency medical transport.
Penang, Malaysia
Penang is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, making it almost feel as though you’re visiting multiple countries all in one trip. The highlight is exploring the UNESCO-listed capital of George Town, where you can see influences from China, Malaysia, India, and Great Britain.
In addition to offering a generous mix of cultural influences, Penang also offers a broad range of things to see and do. Visit temples such as one of the country’s finest Buddhist temples, Kek Lok Si Temple, and the 19th-century mansions like the Pinang Peranakan Mansion and the famous Blue Mansion. Don’t miss the unique waterfront stilt homes built by early Chinese immigrants.
Foodies will delight in sampling local Malaysian dishes like char kway teow and laksa, while art lovers can check out all the impressive street art around George Town. Nature lovers can delight in jungle treks or visit Penang National Park and Monkey Island, home to macaques and dusky leaf monkeys.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Even though Kuala Lumpur isn’t on the coast, many cruises offer excursions to Malaysia’s bustling capital via ports like Port Klang. Access is often via ports like Port Klang, offering a unique chance to see a city that blends its cultural history and modern advancements in building and design.
Tour the sky bridge and observation decks of the 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world. For a spiritual experience, head to one of the important religious sites such as the National Mosque of Malaysia or the giant Chinese Thean Hou Temple.
Kuala Lumpur is renowned for its skyscrapers, and another one worth a visit is the KL Tower, where you can dine in a revolving restaurant at the top. And the city isn’t done building yet, with the Merdeka 118 recently being completed. Due to open fully to the public by the end of 2024, it’s recognised as the world’s second tallest building behind Dubai’s Burj Khalifa.
Lastly, the Batu Caves are another notable attraction where you can ascend the hundreds of steps leading to the Hindu Temple Cave, home to a 40-metre-tall golden statue of a Hindu God of War.
Kota Kinabalu, Borneo
Cruises that visit the island of Borneo offer something truly special, especially in terms of exotic wildlife experiences. Kota Kinabalu, in Malaysia’s state of Sabah on Borneo, acts as a gateway for shore excursions to observe some of the island’s natural treasures both on land and sea.
Hike one of the region’s tallest peaks by attempting to summit Mount Kinabalu for impressive views, or leisurely hike along the nature trails at the base of the mountain within Kinabalu Park. You can also easily organise a boat ride to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park for a bit of snorkelling or diving off islands like Gaya, Sapi, or Manukan.
Meanwhile, Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is home to rare Borneo animals like pygmy elephants, orangutans, and proboscis monkeys. You can also try your luck at spotting local wildlife by booking a cruise on the Klias River, home to crocodiles.
Interact with local tribes and learn their ancient traditions by visiting the Mari Mari Cultural Village, or exploring the informative displays and exhibits at the Sabah State Museum. If you’re fortunate enough to dock on a weekend, you can browse the Gaya Street Sunday Markets to pick up local handicrafts and sample a range of popular street food.
Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Sihanoukville is just beginning to become a popular cruise destination in Southeast Asia. While the city is primarily known for its stunning beaches, it now serves as a convenient starting point for trips to Phnom Penh. Cruises often offer connections to visit Siem Reap’s iconic Angkor Wat temple.
Sihanoukville is known for its delicious seafood. You can try popular Khmer cuisine, including fresh crabs and prawns, as well as popular local dishes like amok, lok lak, and samlor korkor.
Apart from relaxing on beautiful local beaches like Serendipity or Otres, you can book excursions to see the impressive Kbal Chhay Waterfall. Venture deep into Ream National Park in search of exotic wildlife via a boat tour through the mangroves.
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Leaving Malaysia behind, we venture on to Halong Bay, home to more than 1,600 unique limestone islands. Many of these are uninhabitable, creating a surreal marine landscape that is truly breathtaking.
Larger cruise ships often dock at nearby ports like Cai Lan or the Hon Gai International Cruise Port. From there, smaller tender boats take you deeper into the bay. While cruise stops in the bay are generally brief, there are still numerous activities to enjoy in a short period.
You can visit the famous Sung Sot Cave or the beautifully illuminated Thien Cung Cave. Tours of the bay also often include visits to popular islands like Ti Top or Cat Ba Island. For a more secluded experience, tours may also include Bai Tu Long, where you can escape the large numbers of tourists from the larger cruise ships.
Other popular excursions include visiting the local pearl farms or floating fishing villages like Cua Van or Vung Vieng. Kayaking around the limestone islands is a popular activity that allows you to feel a deeper connection with this beautiful spot in North Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Another popular stop for cruises visiting Vietnam is Ho Chi Minh City. Like Halong Bay, ships must dock outside the city and organise transport for passengers to head into the city. Typically, you will dock at Phu My Port before boarding a bus for the two-hour drive into town.
Ho Chi Minh is home to several museums and notable landmarks that help tell the story of the city’s colonial and wartime history. The War Remnants Museum does an excellent job of showcasing the details of the Vietnam War.
The city boasts beautiful architecture, such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, a relic from the French colonial period. Touring the Reunification Palace is another highlight.
Many historical tours also venture beyond the city to take cruise passengers to the Cu Chi Tunnels, used as living and hiding spots by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. If you’re not into wartime history, you can opt for a river cruise on the Mekong to visit floating markets and traditional homes.
Back in the city, you’ll be impressed by the way the city blends centuries-old temples like Thien Hau Temple with modern towering skyscrapers like Landmark 81 and Bitexco Financial Tower, both offering observation decks that overlook the city.
Singapore
Singapore is a popular starting or ending point for many Southeast Asian cruises due to its world-class attractions. Many major international and regional cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Dream Cruises, and Silversea use Singapore as a home port for their Southeast Asian itineraries.
Marina Bay Cruise Centre is located near famous landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay, accommodating the large cruise ships that embark on longer international voyages.
The Singapore Cruise Centre, on the other hand, is near Sentosa Island and is where smaller cruises depart for shorter regional cruises around neighbouring Southeast Asian countries.
Singapore makes a great cruise stop since it packs a lot of attractions in a rather small area, most of which can be easily accessed thanks to the local MRT public transport system.
Visit Chinatown and Little India for great food and culture. Head to Orchard Road to shop for luxury designer brands. Bring out your inner child at Sentosa’s Universal Studios Singapore or get lost in nature by hiking through MacRitchie Reservoir, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, or the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, shopaholic, or crave a bit of history and culture, this multicultural city delivers.
Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is one of Thailand’s largest and most famous islands and cruise stops. The island itself offers endless things to do and also serves as a gateway to the nearby Phi Phi and Similan Islands.
Phuket’s Deep Sea Port is conveniently close to many of the most popular attractions allowing you to take in a great deal within a short cruise stop. Visit ethical elephant sanctuaries to interact with these gentle giants, or relax on incredible beaches like Patong Beach, which offers plenty of sunbathing, water sports, and vibrant nightlife.
Don’t miss the colossal, white Big Buddha that towers over the city and the Buddhist temple known as Wat Chalong. For marine adventures, book snorkelling, diving, or kayaking tours to take in Phuket’s vibrant marine life and coral reefs. If you’re visiting on the weekends, you can browse the Phuket Weekend Night Market to purchase souvenirs or sample local cuisine.
From ancient temples to bustling, modern cities, there’s a broad range of shore excursions to enjoy whilst cruising around Southeast Asia. Whether you’re exploring remote pristine nature or immersing yourself in vibrant urban life, a cruise is a luxurious way to see this corner of the world.
But don’t forget to consider travel insurance so you don’t find yourself feeling marooned!
