Asia Shore Excursions
Ocean and river port tours across Japan, China, Southeast Asia, India and Sri Lanka.
Plan my Asia shore excursions »Plan the Best Asia Shore Excursions
Asia Shore Excursions is your guide to top-rated port tours across Asia. Whether you arrive by ocean cruise or by river ship, you can step off the gangway and make the most of your day with smart routing, expert guides and skip-the-line access where available. This guide covers high-value excursions in Japan and Korea, Hong Kong, China and Taiwan, Southeast Asia and the South Asia gateways, along with river ports on the Mekong, Yangtze, Irrawaddy and Ganges.
Use it to compare classic sightseeing routes, food and culture tours, beach and nature escapes, temple and heritage walks, and family-friendly adventures. You will also find planning tips on timing, traffic, distance to sights, mobility access and weather, so your day ashore runs smoothly.
Choose Your Region
Family, Food & Adventure Options
Choose hands-on cooking lessons, street-food walks with hygiene-smart vendors, cycling tours in flat historic districts, kayak or snorkeling add-ons in island ports, and nature walks with local naturalists. Private vans help families with car seats and flexible nap-time returns.
Private guide & driver
Custom pacing for your group, your interests and your ship’s all-aboard time.
Skip-the-line entries
Timed tickets where available at busy sights such as Kyoto’s temples and Bangkok’s Grand Palace.
Accessible routes
Minimal-stairs routes and suitable vehicles on request.
Ready to book your Asia shore excursions?
Enter your ship, dates, ports and interests. Specialists can map a custom day-by-day plan with pier pick-up, timed entries where possible and a prompt return to your ship.
Request a custom shore plan »Why Book with the Experts at the Official Cruise Directory
They are true experts: they know all the tricks and have all the tools. They will save you time, they will often save you money, and they will never charge you for their services.
Asia Shore Excursions — FAQ
Should I book shore excursions through the cruise line or independently?
Cruise-line tours guarantee the ship will wait if the tour runs late. Independent and private tours can cost less, run in smaller groups and follow your own pace — but build in a generous buffer, especially in ports far from the city such as Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Tianjin (Beijing) and Shanghai.
How far are Asian cruise ports from the main sights?
It varies widely. Singapore, Hong Kong and Osaka are close to the action; Bangkok is about two hours or more from Laem Chabang each way, Beijing roughly three hours from Tianjin, and Ho Chi Minh City about two hours from Phu My. Check your port before choosing a tour.
What is the best time for an Asia cruise?
Japan is best in spring and fall; Southeast Asia from November to March; India and Sri Lanka from December to March; and the Yangtze from April to June and September to October.
Do I need a visa for shore excursions in Asia?
Rules differ by country and passport and change often. Some countries waive visas for cruise passengers on organized tours; others require a visa in advance. Your cruise line will tell you what applies — always confirm before you sail.