Asia Cruise: what not to miss

Asia Cruise

Are you ready to explore Asia on a cruise? Let me guide you through everything you need to know. From the must-see destinations and unforgettable tours to visa requirements and where your ship will dock, I’ll walk you through all the essentials. Cruising through Asia is unlike any other experience, and in this guide, I’ll share exactly what you shouldn’t miss.

Japan

Japan is one of the most visited Asian country on a cruise ship, it is developed and modern: futuristic cities, ancient temples, volcanic scenery, and ultra-clean, well-organized ports. Best time of the year is between March - October. Cherry Blossom Season (Late March – Early April).

See the cherry blossoms from a cruise—tap the picture explore Asia cruises

Cruise Ports: Highlights, Sights

1. Yokohama (Tokyo) – Most Common Turnaround Port 30–45 minutes by train

• Beautiful terminal with views of Minato Mirai

• Gateway to: Tokyo, Kamakura, Mount Fuji (via Shimizu or overland about 2 hours)

2. Tokyo International Cruise Terminal (Odaiba) 15-20 min

• New, modern, close to attractions: TeamLab, Rainbow Bridge, Toyosu Market

3. Osaka / Kobe 1-1,5 hrs

• Used for Western Japan itineraries

• Day trips to: Kyoto, Nara, Himeji Castle

4. Nagasaki 10 min from port

• Known for its layered history and Peace Park

• Very walkable from port

5. Hiroshima 15-20 min from port

• Gateway to Miyajima (floating torii gate) 45 min ferry ride

• Peace Memorial Park

6. Hakodate (Hokkaido) 20 min

• Famous for the night view from Mount Hakodate

7. Aomori 5-10 min from port

• Gateway to Hirosaki Castle (top sakura spot)

• Nebuta Museum

8. Shimizu – Mount Fuji Port 1-2 hrs depending with taxi or train

• The best port for viewing Mount Fuji from the ship

• Closest cruise port to the Mount Fuji

China

China is one of the most fascinating cruise destinations in Asia, a mix of ultramodern cities, ancient history, serene gardens, and dramatic coastlines. Best time of the year is between March - October.

Tap the picture to discover river cruises and explore stunning temples

Cruise Ports: Highlights, Sights

• Great Wall of China (Mutianyu) Port: Tianjin (for Beijing) 2.5–3 hours each way

• Forbidden City Port: Tianjin (for Beijing) 2.5–3 hours each way

• The Bund (Shanghai) Port: Shanghai Wusongkou 45–60 minutes

• Victoria Peak (Peak Tram) Port: Hong Kong (Kai Tak)20–30 minutes to the Peak Tram station

• Gulangyu Island (UNESCO)Port: Xiamen 10–15 minutes from port to ferry + 5 min ferry ride

• Yu Garden & Old Town Port: Shanghai Wusongkou 45–60 minutes

• Big Buddha + Ngong Ping Cable Car Port: Hong Kong (Kai Tak) Taxi to cable car: 35–45 minutes

Cable car ride: 25 minutes

• Nanshan Temple Port: Sanya (Hainan Island) 40–50 minutes

• Tsingtao Brewery Port: Qingdao Travel time: 20–30 minutes

• Temple of Heaven Port: Tianjin (for Beijing) 2.5–3 hours each way

What you need to know about China

Visa Requirements

Many ports in China offer 144-hour visa-free transit for cruise passengers, especially through Shanghai.

Distances Can Be Long

Some of China’s major sights sit far outside the cruise ports.

Big Crowds, Big Rewards

Places like the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, or the Bund attract many visitors, but they are absolutely worth it.

The Great Wall of China

Vietnam

Vietnam is a captivating destination for cruisers seeking a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the dramatic limestone karsts of Halong Bay to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam offers something for every traveler. The country’s climate varies significantly from north to south, so timing your visit is key. Best time of the year is between March - October.

Cruise Ports: Highlights, Sights

1. Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My Port) 1.5–2 hours by road

• Cu Chi Tunnels, explore the underground tunnels from the Vietnam War

• Mekong Delta, floating markets, riverside villages, traditional life

• War Remnants Museum & Ben Thanh Market, cultural insight and local shopping

• Notre-Dame Cathedral & Saigon Opera House

2. Da Nang 30–45 minutes

• Hoi An Ancient Town, UNESCO-listed lantern-lit streets

• Marble Mountains, caves, pagodas, and panoramic views

• My Khe Beach, sandy beaches perfect for a short stop

• Cham Museum, rich history of the Champa Kingdom

3. Hai Phong (Gateway to Halong Bay) 2–3 hours by road to Halong Bay

• Halong Bay Cruises, limestone karsts, floating villages

• Lan Ha Bay, quieter, less crowded alternative

• Cat Ba Island & National Park, nature trails and wildlife

4. Nha Trang 15–20 minutes

• Po Nagar Cham Towers, ancient Hindu temple complex

• Long Son Pagoda, giant white Buddha statue

• Beaches & resorts, swimming, sunbathing, water sports

• Vinpearl Land, amusement and water park for families

  
  

This kind of scenery can be found in Vietnam and Thailand

Thailand

Thailand is one of Asia’s most popular cruise destinations, offering tropical beaches, bustling cities, rich culture, and historic temples. Most cruises visit Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Phuket, and Koh Samui. Best time of the year is between March - October.

Cruise Ports: Highlights, Sights

1. Bangkok (Laem Chabang Port) 1.5–2 hrs to city center

• Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

• Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

• Floating Markets (Damnoen Saduak / Amphawa)

• Chao Phraya River Cruise

2. Phuket  beaches & attractions 20-60 min

• Patong, Kata & Karon Beaches

• Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island

• Old Phuket Town

• Big Buddha & Wat Chalong

3. Koh Samui beaches & sights 15-45 min

• Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

• Ang Thong National Marine Park

• Chaweng & Lamai Beaches

• Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks

4. Laem Chabang / Pattaya  45–120 min to sights

• Pattaya Beach & Walking Street

• Sanctuary of Truth

• Floating Market

• Coral Island (Koh Larn)

Singapore

Singapore is a modern city-state with a vibrant mix of culture, history, and futuristic architecture, making it one of Southeast Asia’s most popular cruise destinations. From the dazzling skyline of Marina Bay Sands to lush gardens, colorful neighborhoods, and world-class shopping, Singapore offers a compact but unforgettable experience for cruise passengers. Best time of the year is between March - October.

Tap the picture to explore amazing hotels in Singapore!

There are two cruise ports:

• Marina Bay Cruise Centre (MBCC) 15 - 20 minutes by car/taxi to downtown

• Singapore Cruise Centre 20 - 25 minutes by car/taxi to downtown

Highlights, Sights

1. Marina Bay Sands & SkyPark

Iconic hotel and observation deck, panoramic views of the city skyline

2. Gardens by the Bay

Supertree Grove, Flower Dome, Cloud Forest

3. Merlion Park

Singapore’s symbol, great photo opportunity

4. Singapore Flyer

Giant observation wheel offering city & harbor views

5. Singapore River & Clarke Quay

Riverside dining, nightlife, and river cruises

6.Universal Studios on Sentosa Island

Amusement/Theme park

Indonesia

Indonesia is an archipelago of over 17,000 islands, offering cruisers a mix of tropical beaches, volcanic landscapes, lush jungles, and vibrant cultures. From the cultural heritage of Bali to the historic city of Jakarta, the natural beauty of Komodo National Park, and the tropical charm of Lombok, Indonesia is a paradise for those seeking adventure and relaxation on the same itinerary. Best time of the year April - October.

Scenic Cruise in Indonesia

Cruise Ports: Highlights, Sights

1. Bali (Benoa Port) 20–60 minutes

• Ubud, rice terraces, Monkey Forest, traditional markets

• Tanah Lot Temple, iconic sea temple and sunset views

• Uluwatu Temple, cliff-top temple with Kecak dance performances

• Seminyak / Kuta Beaches, shopping, dining, and surfing

2. Jakarta (Tanjung Priok Port) 45–60 minutes

• National Monument (Monas), symbol of Indonesia’s independence

• Kota Tua (Old Town), Dutch colonial architecture, museums

• Ancol Dreamland, beach, amusement park, and marina

• Istiqlal Mosque & Jakarta Cathedral, iconic religious landmarks

3. Surabaya (Tanjung Perak Port) 30–45 minutes

• House of Sampoerna, museum of Indonesia’s tobacco history

• Suramadu Bridge, longest bridge in Indonesia, connecting Java & Madura

• Majapahit-era temples, historic cultural sites nearby

4. Komodo / Labuan Bajo Usually docked at Labuan Bajo harbor, transfers by short boat to islands (15–45 min)

• Komodo National Park, home of Komodo dragons

• Pink Beach , unique sand, snorkeling, and diving

• Padar Island, stunning viewpoint over the bay

India

India is a diverse and vibrant country with a rich tapestry of history, culture, architecture, and natural beauty. For cruisers, India offers a fascinating mix of ancient temples, colorful markets, colonial-era architecture, and stunning coastlines along the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Popular cruise itineraries often focus on the western coast (Mumbai, Goa, Kochi) or the eastern coast (Chennai, Kolkata), sometimes combined with stops in Sri Lanka or Southeast Asia. Best time of the year April - October.

Temple in Chennai, India

Cruise Ports: Highlights, Sights

1. Mumbai (Nhava Sheva Port / Jawaharlal Nehru Port) 45–60 minutes

• Gateway of India, iconic monument and waterfront

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST), UNESCO-listed railway station

• Marine Drive & Chowpatty Beach, scenic coastline and promenade

• Elephanta Caves, rock-cut caves, 1-hour ferry from Gateway of India

2. Goa (Mormugao Port / Panaji area) 30–60 minutes

• Beaches: Baga, Calangute, Palolem, sunbathing, water sports

• Old Goa Churches: Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral

• Spice Plantations & Markets, cultural and culinary experiences

• Forts: Aguada Fort, Chapora Fort, panoramic coastal views

3. Kochi / Cochin (Cochin Port) 15–45 minutes

• Fort Kochi & Mattancherry, colonial architecture, Jewish Synagogue

• Chinese Fishing Nets, iconic waterfront feature

• Backwaters Excursions, traditional houseboats, canals

• Jew Town & Local Markets, spices, antiques, souvenirs

4. Chennai (Madras Port) 30–45 minutes

• Marina Beach, one of the world’s longest urban beaches

• Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Dravidian architecture

• Fort St. George, colonial-era fort and museum

• Government Museum & Cultural Centers, history and art

Visa

Things you need to know about visa arrangements, see below if a visa is required for US citizen and European (Schengen) citizen.

🇺🇸 Visa Requirements for Americans Traveling in Asia (Cruise-Friendly Guide)

Country	Visa Needed?	Notes for Cruise Passengers
Japan	❌ No visa	90 days visa-free. Very easy for cruise visits.
South Korea	❌ No visa	90 days visa-free.
Singapore	❌ No visa	90 days visa-free. Super easy entry.
Malaysia	❌ No visa	90 days visa-free.
Thailand	❌ No visa (for short stays)	Americans usually get 30 days visa-free. Cruise visits are allowed without visa
Philippines	❌ No visa	30 days visa-free.
Taiwan	❌ No visa	30 days visa-fr
Hong Kong	❌ No visa	90 days visa-free.
Macau	❌ No visa	30 days visa-free.
Indonesia	⚠️ Visa on Arrival	Easy at port or arranged by cruise line.
Vietnam	⚠️ Yes, visa or cruise visa	Cruise lines often arrange a group visa onboard.
Cambodia	⚠️ Visa or visa on arrival	Cruise lines often facilitate visas.
India	✔️ Visa required	Usually an e-visa required, sometimes cruise-assisted.
China	✔️ Visa required (mostly)	Some cruises use transit visa exemptions, but rules vary. Always check itinerary details.

🇪🇺 Visa Requirements for Europeans (EU/Schengen) Traveling in Asia

Country	Visa Needed?	Notes for Cruise Passengers
Japan	❌ No visa	90 days visa-free for all EU passports. Very easy for cruise visits.
South Korea	❌ No visa	90 days visa-free.
Singapore	❌ No visa	90 days visa-free.
Malaysia	❌ No visa	90 days visa-free.
Thailand	❌ No visa (short stays)	EU travelers get 30 days visa-free. Cruise visits allowed without visa.
Philippines	❌ No visa	30 days visa-free.
Taiwan	❌ No visa	90 days visa-free.
Hong Kong	❌ No visa	90 days visa-free.
Macau	❌ No visa	Typically 90 days visa-free.
Indonesia	⚠️ Visa on Arrival	Very easy; cruise lines often arrange it.
Vietnam	⚠️ Yes, visa or cruise visa	Cruise lines commonly issue a group visa onboard.
Cambodia	⚠️ Visa or visa on arrival	Often arranged by the cruise line.
India	✔️ Visa required	Usually e-visa; sometimes cruise-assisted.
China	✔️ Visa required (mostly)	Some cruises use transit visa exemptions. Always check your itinerary.

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