Cruising: shore excursion

Running with the local littlies

When Australians complain about their standard of living, they really need to go and spend some time overseas.

Indochina

Enchanted by a mystic river

Louise Goldsbury embraces the magic of the Mekong on an unforgettable cruise.

Cruising: shore excursions

On song up the Irrawaddy

The kids in Yandabo are so poor but they seemed so happy.

Cruising: shore excursions

Hand in hand with orang-utans

We were split into groups of six and went on local boats, called klotoks, to a reserve set aside for orang-utans and proboscis monkeys.

South-east Asia

Lessons in river life as the world floats by

Andrew Taylor Andrew Taylor gets an education in solo travel and the history of two countries while cruising mighty waterways of south-east Asia.

Malaysia

A find that's just divine

Barry Stone discoveres Borneo is a place where magic happens. Now the secret is out.

Borneo

The awe of the jungle

Adventure cruiser Roderick Eime strikes a balance between savagery and civility as he island-hops on an expedition ship.

South-East Asia

Afloat with the lover

On a cruise through Cambodia and Vietnam, Jewel Topsfield ponders a fictional affair and countries in recovery.

Asia

A case for the butler

Gary LaPersonne encounters tailored service and royalty on a six-star sailing from Singapore to Hong Kong.

Cruising

In a sea of silver service

Melissa Singer takes a gourmand's cruise on a boutique ship designed for a voyage of indulgence.

Burma

Sail the road to Mandalay

The Burmese don't want to be shunned, reasons Paul Sheehan, and their isolated nation is among his best travel experiences.

Vietnam

Flotillas in the mist

With dragon mythology and James Bond for company, Anthony Dennis cruises the ethereal landscape of Halong Bay, Vietnam, aboard its newest luxury junk.

Borneo

Jungle book revised

Leisa Tyler retraces the journey up the Rajang River of famed travel writer Redmond O'Hanlon.

The Philippines

Cruising with the lost boys

A secret lagoon is one of the jewels Ellie Fazan has discovered in the Palawan islands.

South East Asia

Whirlwind on the river

From tribal villages to neon prosperity, the Mekong crosses some stunning landscapes, writes John Borthwick.

Tips

Travel bargains in the downturn: from gloom to boom

Savvy travellers are finding destinations and holiday options that offer great value for tight budgets.

Cruising

I'll take the slow boat

Aboard a five-star yacht, Ute Junker discovers the greatest joy comes from doing nothing much at all.

World's top 10 river cruises

Forget airport hassles and cramped tour buses - a relaxing river cruise is the way to see the world. Here are the top 10.

Vietnam

All quiet in the dragon's lair

Steve McKenna leaves the crowds behind to enjoy the myths and magic of Halong Bay.