1. Meridian Adventure Sail
In A Nutshell: Exclusive escapades on a private, eco-friendly catamaran.
Meridian Adventure Sail is an invitation-only club with six 62-foot catamarans based in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. Apply for membership online. Once you’re in, you are welcome to book one catamaran (minimum six people) or all six for up to 32 people. Learn to dive with qualified dive masters or tackle the waves on Rocket Wakesurf boards.
Route: Meridian Adventure Sail offers bespoke trips throughout the world, but Raja Ampat is unrivalled in its biodiversity.
Don’t Miss: Come nightfall, hop aboard specially outfitted, light-up paddleboards for a SUP (stand up paddleboarding) adventure unlike any other.
Budget: Rates for one catamaran start at US$8,250 (S$11,420) per day, all-inclusive (6-8 guests; 1-week minimum).
2. Mekong Jewel by Uniworld River Cruises
In a Nutshell: A highlight reel of the Mekong aboard a new ship with an old-world soul.
A 34-room, all-suite super ship with handsome four-poster beds and palm-fringed verandas, the Mekong Jewel may be the most aristocratic way to take in the historic treasures of Vietnam and Cambodia along the famed Mekong.
Route: The 12-night Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & The Mekong itinerary hits all the region’s top spots, including Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat.
Don’t Miss: At the rural riverine village of Angkor Ban in Cambodia, accept a water blessing from local Buddhist monks.
Budget: The 12-night Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & The Mekong tour starts at US$5,499 (S$7,474) per person, all inclusive.
3. RV Katha Pandaw and RV Kindat Pandaw by Pandaw
In a Nutshell: Traditional, ultra shallow draft boats finished in teak and brass, used for exploring the best of the Ganges River.
In 2019, Pandaw introduced new routes into India’s main waterways aboard the RV Katha Pandaw and RV Kindat Pandaw, two-deck shallow draft vessels designed to navigate the sections of the Ganges with low water levels.
Route: The 14-night Upper Ganges River adventure starts in Kolkata and includes an overland sojourn to the sacred and colourful city of Varanasi, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world since the 11th century BC.
Don’t Miss: Endangered South Asian river dolphins usually make an appearance on the stretch of river between the towns of Bateshwarsthan and Bhagalpur.
Budget: The 14-night Upper Ganges River adventure starts at US$5,524 (S$7,508) per person.
4. Ylang by Heritage Line
In A Nutshell: A wellness-focused expedition around Vietnam’s postcard-perfect Lan Ha Bay.
Onboard the 10-suite cruise, expect therapeutic experiences such as Tibetan singing-bowl ceremonies, sunrise tai chi and guided meditation sessions.
Route: The two-night Senses of Lan Ha voyage shows off the best of the bay’s limestone islets, jade lagoons and floating fishing villages.
Don’t Miss: The slow-paced but fascinating tea ceremony that introduces the health benefits of Vietnam’s traditional herbal teas.
Budget: The Senses of Lan Ha voyage starts at US$527 (S$716) per person.
To book a flight to these destinations, visit singaporeair.com
SEE ALSO: 5 luxurious Asian river cruises to experience
This article was originally published in the March 2020 issue of Silkwinds magazine
