Asia Ferries – Discover India, Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and Indonesia

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Ferry service to Thailand and Malaysia is available year-round, as the weather hardly changes. The only place where you should avoid the monsoon season is Ko Samui (November through about mid-December), otherwise your excursions will be very limited. The best time to visit Langkawi, Penang, and Kuala Lumpur is from December through February. For all of Thailand, it’s from mid-November through late March; in Singapore, from March through October; and in Hong Kong, from mid-October through late March. The best time to visit Vietnam is from November through April, and for India, from December through March. Indonesia has varied climatic conditions. Around Medan (East Sumatra), the best time is from January through March; for Jakarta, from April through November; for Manado, from May through October; and for Manokwari, from July through November. The best time to visit the Philippines is from January through March, and in Bali from May through September. In summary, the best time for a vacation in most parts of Asia is from November through April, though regional variations should be taken into account based on your specific itinerary.

Bangkok / Laem Chabang

The Port of Bangkok is located in Laem Chabang, about 100 km from the airport. Many Ferries dock simultaneously at this large industrial port. The terminal is located where large container ships are loaded and unloaded. Since the port is rather remote, there is no public transportation available. Taxis run between Bangkok and the port, as well as between the airport and the port. During rush hour, the trip can take anywhere from 1 hour to as long as 2.5 hours. In addition, unscrupulous taxi drivers often charge exorbitant prices. If you’re traveling independently and need to take a taxi, it’s therefore advisable to book a taxi company in advance.

Penang

In Penang, the ferries dock at Pettenham Pier, which is part of Georgetown. As the ferry pulls in, you can already admire the old colonial buildings at the harbor. There are two currency exchange offices in the harbor building. In Penang, you can pay with the Malaysian ringgit or, at a discount, with U.S. dollars. However, there are also several banks with ATMs right near the harbor. The Wi-Fi at the harbor is very slow. Since only buses and rickshaws chartered by the shipping company are allowed to enter the harbor grounds, local tour operators wait outside the harbor. They offer fixed prices for trips to tourist attractions. In Georgetown, the public bus system is very good, so you can reach many of the city’s sights directly by bus.

Kuala Lumpur /Port Klang

The Port Klang seaport in Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s largest and most important seaport. Buses run regularly from the port to the train station in downtown Kuala Lumpur, which is 60 km away. The trip takes 1–2 hours, partly due to four toll booths along the way. Inside the port building, you’ll find a taxi dispatch service with fixed rates, currency exchange offices, shops, and free Wi-Fi. From the train station, you can then continue your journey by taxi, public bus, or elevated train.

Singapore

The Marina Bay Cruise Center Singapore (MBCCS) is one of the largest ports in all of Asia. The “waves” on the roof give the impression that they’re moving. Ships dock directly in Singapore, and some dock right on the waterfront, making it easy to explore the city on your own from there. Covering more than 100 hectares, Gardens by the Bay is a nearby attraction. In Singapore, you can pay exclusively with Singapore dollars.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)/ Phu My

The port for Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is located far outside the city in Phu My. Most Ferries dock here. From Phu My, it takes just under 2 hours by car via QL 51 to reach downtown. Due to traffic jams near the city, the trip may take longer. There is no public transportation for this route. If you choose to take a taxi for the return trip, you should find a driver who can communicate with you in English. The industrial port in Phu My is enormous and can be difficult even for taxi drivers to navigate. Some Ferries dock at the nearby Ho Chi Minh City Passenger Ferry Port. Just 200 meters from the port, buses depart every 10 minutes from Bến Bạch Đằng to downtown. Take bus No. 3 to Thạnh Lộc (6 stops) and transfer to Line 150 at the Công Viên Lê Văn Tám stop, which is about 200 meters away.

Kochi (Cochin)

The port of Kochi (formerly known as Cochin) is located in southwestern India. It is situated on an island that is part of the city. Willington Island is located on Lake Vembanad. The ferry terminal is fully air-conditioned and modern. It’s called Samudrika. It’s 5 kilometers from here to the city center, so you’re better off taking a taxi. Taxis are available at the terminal and are very affordable. The fishermen’s nets, which can be seen as you enter the harbor, are definitely worth seeing.

Colombo

The Colombo ferry terminal is located in the heart of the commercial port. The commercial port is a major port with a long history. There are a few shops on the harbor grounds, but the harbor itself is designed to be rather functional. If you’d rather explore the city on your own, you can take one of the taxis waiting at the harbor. Be sure to negotiate the fare before setting off.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong Harbor is one of the most beautiful harbors in the world. It is located along the old runway, and the modern Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is well connected to public transportation. Victoria Harbor is the deepest container port in the world. Festivals are held regularly in this popular harbor, such as the regatta, Victoria Harbor Day, and the New Year’s Eve fireworks. Since the city begins right next to the harbor, you can enjoy the skyline of skyscrapers from the ship, especially at night. The Tsim Sha Tsui district is home to Hong Kong’s cultural center.

Shanghai

The Port of Shanghai is one of the world’s largest container ports. It is located in Pudong on Hangzhou Bay and consists of five port sections. In addition, there is the Yangshan deep-water port, which features the world’s first fully automated terminal, a free port, and three other river ports. On the Huangpu River, you’ll find the Shanghai International Cruise Terminals, and at No. 1 Baoyang Road in Baoshan, the Wusongkou International Terminal. Several million people visit Shanghai as tourists each year. You can take a taxi or use public transportation to get from the port to the Old City.

Mumbai

The international port in Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is growing in importance. This colourful and vibrant city is located on the west coast of India. There are exchange offices and small shops here. For the way to the city centre, a taxi is the safest (and also cheapest) way to get around, although it is only 2.5 km.

Phuket

Most ferries dock on Phuket’s west coast in Patong. Here, passengers are taken ashore by tender boats. The bus parking lot for excursions is about 1,200 meters from the tender pier. From there, you can reach Phuket Town or the beaches in the south of the island in about a 30-minute taxi ride. For excursions on Phuket, it’s best to choose one of the tours offered by the cruise line, even if they’re more expensive than those offered by local providers. The schedules of the tours offered by local providers usually don’t align with the time you have available.

Hanoi / Halong Bay

The port of Hanoi is called Hai Phong and is located about 100km southeast of Hanoi. The city is also called the city of red flowers because of the red flame trees lining the streets. Hai Phong is located in the middle of the Red River and is the fish transshipment port of Vietnam. Hai Phong has a beautiful old town and 16 rivers cross the city, which is still strongly influenced by colonialism. Very worth seeing is the Ha Long Bay, a breathtaking world natural heritage, where thousands of limestone rocks rise out of the water. It can be navigated by kayak or you can take part in an organized boat trip.

Langkawi

The Langkawi Islands, with their limestone cliffs, are very popular for day trips and boast stunning beaches. Although there is no public transportation available at the terminal, you can feel free to take one of the taxis waiting there. If you’re going on a tour through your tour operator, you’ll be picked up.

Brunei

The port of the small sultanate of Brunei is called Bandar Seri Begawan and is located in Muara. The sultanate is situated on the island of Borneo. Here, you’ll experience a blend of *One Thousand and One Nights* and modern flair.

Jakarta

Jakarta’s main modern port is Tanjung Priok. From there, you can reach Jakarta in about half an hour by car or in 1.5–2 hours by public transportation (take the M10 to Cempaka Mas, then the M2 from Cempaka Timur to Gimbur 1, followed by a 1.5-km walk). A trip to the old harbor is worth it by taxi (21 min) or as part of an organized tour, possibly combined with a visit to the old town, Kota Tua Jakarta. The trip is worth it because of the many colorful boats and the fish market. Here at the harbor, all work is still done by hand. However, if you take public transportation, the trip there alone would take at least 3.5 hours.

Bali

Ferries dock at Benoa Harbor in southeastern Bali. This is Bali’s most important harbor, serving both domestic and international shipping. At the entrance to the port, you can visit the water temple Pura Sakenan, one of the many temples in Bali. Pura Sakenan is said to be connected to the pilgrimage of the Buddhist saint Dang Hyang Nirartha and is also the site of the Galungan festival, which takes place every two years.

Manila

Manila is a city with a population of over a million and has a very large port. Manila is home to several Baroque churches that are designated as World Heritage Sites. The people here are especially friendly, and white magnolias are in bloom everywhere. A stroll through the port area is interesting because you can watch the colorful hustle and bustle. Manila’s Old City is about a 10-minute taxi ride away. It takes half an hour on foot; while you can take public transportation from Finance Road with just one transfer, you’ll first have to walk just under half an hour to the bus stop.

Grand Palace in Bangkok

From the port in Laem Chabang, it’s about a 2-hour taxi ride to the Grand Palace. The Grand Palace was once the residence of the royal family. It is home to the world’s most famous Emerald Buddha. Just a short walk away is the Golden Buddha at Wat Pho. It is a sanctuary and measures 15 by 46 meters.

National Park Mu Ko Ang Thong near Ko Samui

This tour is offered as a standard option in Ko Samui. Furthermore, only licensed tour operators are permitted to enter the national park. The trip takes you about 28 km by speedboat to the 42 islands of the national park. Most of the islands are very small and uninhabited. 82% of the national park consists of water. From a lookout point on Koh Wua Talab (Island of the Sleeping Cow), you’ll have a wonderful view of the archipelago. This island, along with Mae Koh (Mother Island), is a frequent stop on the tour. Mae Koh has an inland saltwater lake. With a little luck, you can spot interesting wildlife such as langurs, crab-eating macaques, dolphins, or whales. This excursion cannot be booked during the monsoon season, which runs from about November 1 through December 15.

Penang Hill on the island of Penang in Malaysia

Penang Hill is 830 meters high. From the summit, you have a wonderful view of the mainland and the town of George Town below the hill. A funicular takes you up the mountain in two stages. You can reach the lower station by taking bus 201 or 204 in about 1.5 hours, or by taxi in half an hour. You should arrive as early as possible to avoid long wait times when buying tickets. However, you can also hike to the summit on a jungle trek that takes several hours.

Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary near Kuala Lumpur

This day trip takes you to a sanctuary for Asian elephants. The sanctuary became necessary as the animals’ habitat was increasingly lost due to extensive urban development. The sanctuary recreates the elephants’ natural habitat. They are cared for here until they have regained enough strength to be released back into the wild. Comfortable shoes and swimwear are essential, and you should bring a change of clothes in case you get soaked. Here, you can enjoy a bath together with young elephants. The number of daily visitors is limited.

Mount Faber Park and/or Sentosa Island near Singapore

You can reach Mount Faber Park by cable car. The Singapore Cable Car station is located right near Harbourfront. It’s on the 15th floor of Tower 2. During the ride, the cable car takes you right over the ships in the harbor up to a height of 105 meters on Mount Faber. Another cable car runs to Sentosa Island and back. Mount Faber features 56 hectares of rainforest where you can hike and relax before the cable car takes you back. Sentosa is an amusement island with an aquarium, 4-D theaters, a water park, a butterfly park, a theme park, and more.

The lagoons of the backwaters near Kochi

The backwaters are a vast network of waterways that stretch across an area of 1,900 square kilometers from Kochi to Kollam in the south. In addition to 44 rivers and 1,500 km of waterways and natural canals, there are also 29 lakes and lagoons here. The ecosystem used to be even larger, but it is now heavily influenced by human activity. The crocodiles that once lived here have been wiped out. Nevertheless, a trip to the mangrove forests, palm groves, and rice terraces is well worth it. Houseboat tours are offered from Kochi, traveling through the canals all the way to Alappuzha. The trips take between 6 and 7 hours. Guided tours are available for groups of up to 4 people.

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara in Sri Lanka

This Buddhist temple is located on the banks of the Kelani River, just about ten kilometers from Colombo. It is said to have been consecrated by the Buddha himself around 500 B.C. The famous murals and the golden Buddha statue are well worth seeing. The Picture Hall displays magnificent paintings depicting historical scenes, including scenes from the life of the Buddha. This important Buddhist shrine is situated in the middle of a four-hectare complex. You may only enter the courtyard without head coverings and barefoot. By car, you can reach the temple complex in just under half an hour via the A1 and Biyagama Road/B214. You can also reach the complex by any public bus that goes to the Kelaniya stop on Biyagama Road. Festivals are held at the complex every full moon night, with a particularly large celebration taking place annually in January. A procession, folk songs, and drum music commemorate Buddha’s visit some 2,500 years ago.

Shanghai Tower

The Shanghai Tower is a particularly popular attraction throughout the country. Even from below you will find the 632 m high tower impressive. In the 118. On the second floor is the observation deck with a unique view over the city. If possible, you should order the ticket in advance. The World Financial Center, the Oriental Pearl Tower with its revolving restaurant and the Jinmao Tower are nearby landmarks and easy to see from above.

City tour Mumbai

The multicultural city has a lot to offer: Remnants of the colonial era such as the Victoria Terminus railway station, modern skyscrapers and traditional markets complement each other. The first destination is usually the Gateway of India triumphal arch, a landmark of the city. It stands directly opposite the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Dhobi Ghat is a washhouse that has existed like this for 150 years, arguably the largest in the world. And you shouldn’t miss the Crawford Market either. It is a traditional market that has a lot of exotic things for Europeans to discover.

Thai Cookery School of Phuket

As part of an organized outing, you can take part in a Thai cooking class. First, you’ll head to the market, where you’ll learn about and purchase traditional ingredients. At the cooking school, you’ll learn how to prepare Thai dishes from a chef. He’ll help you put together a 5-course meal. Afterward, you’ll get to eat what you’ve made, and you’ll also receive a certificate. The class lasts 4 hours.

Which shipping companies offer Ferries to Asia?

There are many shipping companies that offer Ferries to Asia.

What is the climate in Asia?

Southeast Asia generally has a warm subtropical to tropical climate. Thailand has average temperatures above 26 degrees Celsius year-round. On Koh Samui, the monsoon season runs from November through December 15. In Bangkok, it rains on at least 12 days a month from May through November (18 days in September), and from June through September, the sun doesn’t shine as long as usual. On Koh Samui, temperatures reach 30 degrees Celsius almost every day, accompanied by high humidity. Malaysia also has a warm, humid tropical rainforest climate year-round. During the rainy season, downpours are usually short and heavy, and flooding can occur. After just a few hours, however, the sun dries everything out again. Around Kuala Lumpur, the heaviest rainfall occurs mainly in March/April and October through December; around Penang, it’s the months of April/May and September/October. Singapore has a humid tropical climate year-round. Most rainfall here occurs in November and December. In northern Vietnam (Hanoi), winters are dry but cooler, while in the south, the dry season extends from November through May, though the south already has a consistently warm and humid tropical climate. In India, the monsoon has a particularly strong influence on the weather. From May through September, the heavy monsoon rains are particularly intense, and humidity rises noticeably even in the south. In Sri Lanka, too, the climate is shaped by the monsoons from the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean and is tropical and humid. The Philippines experience a southwest monsoon with a risk of typhoons from July through October; on the southern Indonesian islands, the rainy season runs from October through April, while in the north it tends to occur in May.

What clothes should I take with me?

Although your destinations in Asia are primarily in the tropics, a warm jacket is still important for evenings spent at the railing. Rain gear is also absolutely essential—even if your trip doesn’t take place during the rainy season. Ideally, it should also be windproof. For shore excursions, you’ll definitely need sturdy footwear. If you plan to go hiking in the rainforest, you’ll need ankle-high hiking boots (waterproof) and long pants. For the tropics, light, loose-fitting clothing—preferably in light colors (dark clothing absorbs more heat from the sun)—is recommended. The breeze can blow right through it, helping you tolerate the heat better. Swimwear is essential, as is summer clothing. Not all cruise lines enforce dress codes strictly, but to be on the safe side, you should check before your trip. Some cruise lines require dresses and suits for dinner or evening shows. You can easily have your laundry done on board, so you don’t have to pack too much. In case a suitcase goes missing after the flight, it’s best to split everything between two suitcases (shared with your partner), and you should pack your most essential items in your carry-on just to be safe.

Is it possible and advisable to travel to Asia with a baby or toddler?

These days, all large, modern ferries have medical care on board. It is therefore entirely possible to bring a baby or toddler along. You should check with a tropical medicine institute beforehand to find out which precautions or vaccinations are advisable and necessary for your child.

Which excursions are recommended in Asia?

All cruise lines offer a wide variety of shore excursions at every port of call, from which you can choose the tour that’s right for you. Excursions to wildlife reserves, national parks with exotic natural scenery, temple complexes, and city tours are very popular. You should always wear sturdy shoes and bring rain gear, as the weather can be unpredictable.

Can I organize excursions in Asia myself?

In Asia, the distances to the single sightseeings or from the harbour to the cities are partly very long. In addition, there are imponderables such as sudden inspections or weather problems that make it difficult or impossible to return on time. As long as you can do everything on foot or short distances by bus or taxi, self-organized trips are perfectly okay.

Is the sea state in the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Thailand, East and South China Sea very strong?

Modern Ferries in Asia are designed so that they won’t capsize, and you generally won’t notice rough seas very much inside the ship. Stabilizers reduce the ship’s violent movements, especially on large Ferries. Nevertheless, very rough seas during monsoon winds can be quite unpleasant, and if you’re prone to seasickness, you should bring medication from home. Medical assistance is also available on board if needed.

Do I need a passport or is an identity card sufficient for the trip to Asia?

For travel to Asia, you always need a valid passport that must remain valid for at least 6 months after your planned return. If you are unable to continue your journey by Ferry due to illness or other circumstances, the passport is essential in any case. Depending on the length of your stay, a visa may also be required, and you cannot obtain one without a passport. Children of all ages must have their own passport. As a precaution, you should carry copies of your identification and travel documents with you. If you rely on medication, you’ll also need an import permit from the local health authority. You’ll need a visa to enter China and India. You can apply for and pay for the Indian visa online. Please check with your tour operator in advance to find out the exact requirements.

Asia is a travel destination that promises to be especially appealing to you as a vacationer. On a cruise, you’ll experience a wide variety of countries in a single vacation and discover different cultures as well as unique natural beauty. When visiting particularly large cities, try not to draw attention to yourself right away. In some places, the crime rate is very high, and anyone carrying valuables or a lot of cash is more likely to attract the attention of criminal gangs.