A cruise ship sails on the Mekong river; (top) cruise boats and ferries make for a pretty picture on the mighty Yangtze

Rivers, they say, are the witnesses to civilisation. Along their banks empires rise, thrive and fall. But they’re not mere mute witnesses: they contribute immensely to life along the banks and the cultural, social and economic life of the civilisations that grow alongside.

So, what better way to experience the traditions of some of Asia’s oldest and most vibrant cultures than a trip down their most important rivers? There are a number of companies operating cruises down these rivers, and though they may not be able to replicate the luxury of a huge ocean liner, they make up in other ways.

Yangtze river cruises, China

The river valley of the Yangtze, China’s lifeline, is truly spectacular. The world’s third longest river flows for 3,400 miles through China, from the Tibetan Highlands to the East China Sea.

The scenery boasts of deep gorges, misty mountains and serene lagoons. Most river cruises traverse the most breathtaking section of the river between Chongqing and Wuhan. This includes the famous towering Three Gorges as well as the twelve misty ‘fairy peaks’ of the dramatic Wu Xia Gorge.

The five-day cruises are mostly available as part of China tour packages. These include shore excursions at small ports along the way, allowing a fascinating glimpse into rural China. The nine-night cruises also begin at Chongqing and the best bits are the journey through the Three Gorges, including the 4,000-ft tall Quatang Gorge.

The cruise ends at Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province. For more contact: Yangtze Cruises (www. yangtzecruises.com); Discover Yangtze (www.discoveryangtze.com/index.htm); Travel China Guide (www.travelchinaguide.com/river/index.htm)

Mekong river cruises

The longest and one of the most important rivers in South-East Asia, historically, culturally and economically, the Mekong connects Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and Yunnan in China. Cruises along this river typically begin at Ho Chi Minh city in Vietnam and end in Angkor in Cambodia.

Cruises on the Upper Mekong begin typically at the My Tho port of the Mekong delta near Saigon, and meander lazily through the delta, stopping at Cai Be, the French colonial village of Chau Doc. Then, it’s on to Phnom Penh ? a charming town with colonial architecture and the spectacular Silver Pagoda ? and Kratie. One of the journey’s highlights is towards the end when boats are changed to sail through the Tonle river and then on to Tonle Sap, a huge lake famed for bird sightings. The cruise docks at Angkor, home to the famous Angkor Wat.

There are variations of this cruise, with some that make the journey via Kampong Cham, home to many famous wats or temples. For more, contact: Mekong Travel company (www.mekong-travel.com/cruises/pnh-rep.htm); River Cruise Tours (www.rivercruisetours.com/asia/mekongriver.htm.

Irrawaddy river cruises

The Irrawaddy is more than just Burma’s (or Myanmar’s) most important river ? like the Ganga in India, it’s a way of life. It divides the country into two almost equal halves, and life in the Irrawady valley is colourful, exotic and unchanging.

A good cruise along the Irrawaddy should combine the best of tropical scenic beauty with an interesting study of Burmese social life and culture. A visit to the main historical, economic and cultural centres is a must, along with places off the beaten track ? small towns and villages that are part of the rich river economy and thrive with local industry and activity. Among the highlights on the way, are the lush teak plantations near Prome to colonial Thayetmyo, the Italian forts at Minhla and the Gwechaungthe monasteries at Sale, as well as the countryside around Pagan. Most cruises end at Mandalay. For details contact: Myanmar River Cruises (www.myanmar-rivercruises.com/); Golden Pagoda Travels (www.goldenpagodatravel.com/cruises.htm); Pandaw Cruises (www.pandaw.com/)

River Kwai, Thailand

David Lean’s film immortalised this river on celluloid, but it is a little known fact that the River Kwai today is a tourist hotspot. In spite of being close to Bangkok, the area along the river’s banks retains a rustic charm.

There are actually two river Kwais: the Kwai Noi and the Kwai Yai. Both rivers flow down from the lakes in the Burma border region. The two rivers join in a confluence at Kanchanaburi.

There are options for 4-day and 7-day cruises along the Kwai Noi. The upstream cruise begins at Kanchanaburi, where the famous bridge of Lean’s film forms one of the main attractions, and ends at Bangkok, taking in the towns of Ban Kao, Sai Yok and Ban Hin Dad on the way. The downstream one proceeds in the opposite direction. The 7-day cruise proceeds at a more leisurely pace, taking in a few more Thai cities. For more contact: Cruise Asia (www.cruiseasia.net/index.cfm?menuid=6); Mekong Travel company (www.mekong-travel.com/kwaipandaw.htm).

Overnight river cruise from Bangkok

For those looking for a short cruise when in Thailand, this is the ideal option. It’s also the best way to experience the Thai way of life, as the cruise is conducted on traditional mekhalas or Thai rice barges. These cruise along the Chao Phraya river, beginning at Bangkok and ending at the ancient city of Ayuthaya, the former capital of Siam. This was a thriving centre for trade and commerce as well as culture before it was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. Ruins in the city are a reminder of its past glory.

Chao Phraya is also known as the River of Kings, and not for nothing, for along its banks the Siamese civilisation flourished. Shore excursions include Wat Kai Tia, a Thai temple set in a tranquil village and Bang-Pa-In where there’s a royal summer palace. Most cruises last two days. For details contact: Hotel Thailand cruises (www.hotelthailand. com/tour/bangkok/tour24); Ly Nava Dinner cruises (www.loynava.com); Bangkok River Cruises (www.bangkok. com/river-cruises)

My favourite holiday

Debajyoti Mishra,
music composer

My work has taken me to so many different places, both in India and abroad, but whenever, I think of my favourite holiday of all time, it’s Digha that comes to mind. I was barely 20 then, and had just completed my first independent musical arrangement. So, to celebrate, my friend Soumitra Ghosh — now a well-known photographer — and I, decided to head for the sun and sands of Digha.

We met up with other friends there and checked into a hotel, changing several along the way, to find one that suited our budget. But, living as we were, splurging and ordering like kings, within a few days we ran out of money! That trip also happened to be the first time I’d taken my violin along — and it proved to be a godsend. Before I knew it, we’d started a hat collection while I played — and at the end of it, we’d collected a good Rs 3,500 — a huge sum 22 years ago! Our problems solved, we stayed on in Digha for a total of 11 days — a week more than actually planned. What’s more, hotel owners actually heard my playing and invited me to perform and stay on at their establishments. What a time we had! In fact, I don’t think I’ll ever get to experience a holiday quite as carefree as that one.

Route map

If you love to shop till you drop, Dubai may be the place for you. It is after all the time of the year again for the Dubai Shopping Festival (January 4 to February 4). Sachinam Holidays in Mumbai has a Rs 33,333 four-day, three-night package on offer for those who wish to take in the sights of Dubai and sample the shopping fest. For it’s not just shopping that Dubai has on offer. The package includes a desert safari with dinner, a dhow cruise with dinner and a city tour with lunch. For the shopping freaks, there is a tour of the Global Village exhibition organised by the festival authorities. The package cost includes accommodation, return airfare (from Mumbai) with taxes, airport transfers and visas. For more, contact: Sachinam Holiday, 24A Panchratna, Opera House, Mumbai 400 004, phone: 23684251-36.

Looking for a great getaway without going too far? Then why not check into ITC’s Sonar Bangla right here in the city? Why, you ask? For 100 per cent unadulterated relaxation courtesy its world-class spa. The Spa Weekend packages here are very popular, where for Rs 9,999 you get a double executive room, free breakfasts and access to the spa, which otherwise is closed to outsiders. Of course, you do have to pay for treatments here but there’s a 20 per cent discount on food and beverages. If you think Rs 9,999 is a tad steep, remember the usual rate for a double room at Sonar Bangla is Rs 9,500. For more, call: 2345 4545.