Tourexpi
Digital travel platform Agoda has released a ranking
of the most popular river cruise destinations in Asia based on activity
bookings made between January and February 2026. The list highlights waterways
where travelers can experience city skylines, coastal landscapes and cultural
attractions from a different perspective.
River cruises are increasingly popular among visitors
seeking immersive travel experiences. From dinner cruises in Bangkok to scenic
tours in Vietnam and harbor cruises in Hong Kong, the activities combine
sightseeing with local cuisine, entertainment and cultural highlights.
Bangkok and Vietnam among the top destinations
According to Agoda’s data, the Chao Phraya River in
Bangkok ranks first among Asia’s most popular river cruise experiences. Dinner
cruises along the river offer buffet-style dining with Thai and international
dishes while passengers enjoy views of illuminated temples and riverfront
landmarks. Many cruises also include live entertainment and cabaret-style
performances.
Vietnam features prominently in the ranking with three
destinations. Halong Bay is known for its dramatic limestone formations and
sunset cruises that often include refreshments, music and stops for cave visits
or kayaking. In Da Nang, evening cruises on the Han River provide views of
landmarks such as the Dragon Bridge and Han River Bridge. Further south, the
Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City offers a range of options from sightseeing
cruises to sunset dinner experiences accompanied by live music and cultural
shows.
Major Asian cities also feature in the ranking
Urban river cruises in Singapore and Hong Kong also
rank among the most booked activities. In Singapore, cruises departing from
Clarke Quay pass landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands and the Merlion while
offering views of the city’s skyline and historic riverfront areas.
Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong attracts travelers with
sunset and night cruises that showcase the city’s iconic skyline. Many tours
coincide with the nightly Symphony of Lights show, allowing visitors to
experience the spectacle from the water.
Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President Supply at Agoda,
said experiential travel continues to shape booking trends. “Experiences and
activities bring a destination to life. With Agoda’s extensive selection of
activities, travelers can personalize their adventures to fully immerse
themselves in Asia’s awe-inspiring scenery and cultural heritage.”
Agoda currently offers more than 300,000 bookable
activities worldwide alongside over six million accommodation listings and more
than 130,000 flight routes that can be combined in a single booking.
Image
Credit: © Agoda
The most interesting news
Read the News

Spain strengthens position as Europe’s leading high-value tourism market
Spain generated €115.1 billion in international visitor spending in 2025, outperforming the European average for spending per traveller as global tourism expenditure surpassed US$2 trillion
Read the News

Colombia tops Global Big Day bird count once again
Colombia recorded more than 1,560 bird species during the 2026 Global Big Day, reinforcing its position as the world’s most bird-diverse country
Read the News

Yas Island to become home of Sphere Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi will invest USD 1.7 billion in the construction of Sphere Abu Dhabi, a new immersive entertainment venue planned for Yas Island with completion targeted for 2029
Read the News

Delta expands fast, free Delta Sync Wi-Fi across global fleet
More than 1,200 Delta aircraft now offer free Delta Sync Wi-Fi for SkyMiles Members, combining high-speed connectivity with personalized entertainment and digital travel experiences
Read the News

Spain launches €15 million support package for sustainable tourism businesses
Hotels, restaurants, campsites and other tourism businesses in Spain will benefit from a new €15 million funding programme aimed at improving energy efficiency and circular economy measures
Read the News

Eurowings introduces sneakers as standard crew footwear
Eurowings cabin crews can now wear branded white sneakers as part of their uniform every day, expanding the airline’s popular “Sneaker Flydays” concept across all operations
Read the News

SWISS expands India network with new nonstop Bengaluru–Zurich service
Swiss International Air Lines is pleased to announce the launch of new nonstop flights between Bengaluru and Zurich, further enhancing connectivity between Switzerland and India’s leading technology and innovation hub.
Read the News

Radisson Hotel Group expands its footprint in Dubai
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Barsha Heights is a 537-room five-star city hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, affiliated with Radisson Blu, part of Radisson Hotel Group.
Read the News

Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines strengthen partnership
Starting 1 June 2026, Philippine Airlines will place its (PR) code on Qatar Airways flights from Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao to Doha, and connect to over 20 major European cities, including Paris, Rome, and Frankfurt via Hamad International Airpor
Read the News

Emirates taps GE Aerospace for repair capabilities
The agreement will support the expansion of the Emirates Engine Maintenance Centre (EEMC)
Read the News

Six Senses Joins the UNEP and UN Tourism Recipe of Change
A living expression of the brand’s sustainable ethos and Eat With Six Senses philosophy
Read the News

Closing the gender gap requires tackling structural barriers, improving access to opportunities, and sustained commitment
Women do most of the work in tourism, yet they remain underrepresented in leadership
Read the News

Marriott International expands portfolio in Peru through landmark conversions
The two properties in Lima are set to officially join The Ritz‑Carlton and JW Marriott brand portfolios in 2028, reflecting the city’s rise as a leading global luxury destination.
Read the News

Tripmasters expands with new experience-focused vacation packages
New curated travel collections respond to growing demand for slower, experience-driven vacations with fewer hotel changes and deeper destination immersion
Read the News

As Americans hit the road during the country’s 250th anniversary, Hilton is celebrating all summer long.
Next week, Hilton is kicking off Hilton Honors America Experiences with a dozen unexpected and unforgettable road trip experiences for only 250 Hilton Honors Points per trip, Hampton by Hilton stays and gas included.
Read the News

In a Sea of Sameness, Kempinski Group is choosing control
Kempinski Group has announced the acquisition of the Augustine Hotel, Prague — the groups wholly owned hotel in over five decades, says Barbara Muckermann
Read the News

TUI launches TUI Smiles Rewards Club
TUI has launched TUI Smiles Rewards Club, the company’s first-ever global loyalty programme, enabling customers to collect Smiles across TUI's portfolio – from flights and hotels to packages, cruises, and experiences.
Read the News

TAT and Warner Music Japan bring Thailand’s spirit to life
Music-led collaboration showcases Bangkok’s everyday charm while connecting Thailand’s relaxed optimism with younger global audiences
Read the News

ASTA Travel Advisor Conference 2026
May 27, 2026 - May 29, 2026, San Diego, California
Read the News

Global Travel & Tourism to outpace wider economy by 1.5 times
Global Travel & Tourism is forecast to continue outpacing wider economic growth in 2026, with the sector expected to contribute $12TN to the world economy, accounting for 9.9% of global GDP, according to new data from the World Travel & Tourism Counc

