Blue Water Holidays
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01756 706500 +44 1756 706500
Blue Water Holidays - ABTA - ATOL - CLIA
01756 706500
+44 1756 706500

Blue Water Holidays Blog

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Exploring the rivers of Asia

Weds 3rd Dec 2014

Asia has a lot to offer, from ancient cities to ornate pagodas and breathtaking natural wonders. There is so much to see but we’ve handpicked our top three sights along four fascinating rivers; the Mekong, Yangtze, Irrawaddy and Ganges.

For a limited time only, the second passenger flies free on a selection of superb cruise and land tours to Asia!

Vietnam and Cambodia: The Mekong

1. Angkor Wat

Located in Angkor Archaeological Park, Angkor Wat is one of the most famous temples in the world. It was constructed in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II and dedicated to Vishnu, a Hindu deity.

2. Ho Chi Minh City

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City was originally a small trading port of the Khmer kingdom. Today it is a thriving city and home to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a fascinating network of underground tunnels which hid the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

3. Phnom Penh

Cambodia’s capital is bursting with fascinating sights, from the magnificent Silver Pagoda with its many gold Buddha statues to the infamous Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture.

Mekong river cruise and land tour from just £2270pp! Includes return flights from the UK and overseas transfers.

China: The Yangtze

1. Forbidden City

Located in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City is the largest palace complex in the world and a World Heritage-listed site. It was the former imperial palace and was home to many Chinese emperors over the years.

2. Terracotta Warriors

Thousands of life-sized terracotta infantrymen, chariots and horses guard the tomb of the first Quin Emperor in Xi’an. The army was discovered by local farmers in 1974 who were digging a well.

3. Three Gorges

Admire breathtaking scenery as you cruise the dramatic Qutang Gorge, picturesque Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge, the longest of the three gorges. Along the Daning River, a tributary of the Yangtze are the Lesser Three Gorges; Longmen, Bawu and Ducui.

Yangzte river cruise and land tour from just £2795pp! Includes return flights from the UK and overseas transfers.

Explore the Mekong Bagan temples Giant Panda, China Taj Mahal, India Angkor Wat, Cambodia One legged fisherman, Burma Terracotta Warriors, China Spices of India Vietnamese farmer Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon Forbidden City, Beijing

Burma: The Irrawaddy

1. Bagan Archaelogical Zone

With remains of over 2,000 Buddhist temples and pagodas, the Bagan Archaeological Zone is breathtaking. Highlights include the magnificent Shwezigon Pagoda, the impressive Tharabar Gate and the spectacular Gubyaukgyi Temple with its fascinating frescoes depicting scenes of Buddha’s life.

2. Shwedagon pagoda

Widely regarded as one of the most magnificent temples in the world, the Shwedagon Pagoda with its golden-domed stupas is located in the heart of Yangon. It is the most sacred Buddhist site in Burma.

3. Mandalay

The former Royal capital of Burma boasts impressive temples and pagodas, including the bronze Mahamuni Buddha which is covered in a layer of gold leaf and the magnificent Shwenandaw Monastery filled with wood carvings. Nearby is Amarapura, home to the U Bein Bridge, the world’s longest teak bridge.

Irrawaddy river cruise and land tour from just £3495pp! Includes return flights from the UK and overseas transfers.

India: The Ganges

1. Taj Mahal

Located in Agra, the iconic Taj Mahal is considered the jewel of Muslim art in India. Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, his third wife, this famous landmark was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

2. Golden Triangle

Encompassing the fascinating cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, the Golden Triangle is popular with tourists.

The Indian capital of Delhi is a city of contrasts, Old Delhi with its narrow lanes and magnificent mosques and New Delhi with its modern buildings.

Agra is home to the famous Taj Mahal and the impressive Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan. Highlights include the grand City Palace and Amber Fort, built in red sandstone.

3. Ghats of Varanasi

Varanasi is famous for its ghats, a series of steps leading down to the holy River Ganges. They are used for bathing, washing clothes and religious ceremonies. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to observe traditional ways of life.

Ganges river cruise and land tour from just £5595pp! Includes return flights from the UK and overseas transfers.

Blue Water Holidays Blog