Get a firsthand look at the intriguing cultures of Southeast Asia on a Mekong River cruise. Ships sail through Cambodia and Vietnam on a route lined by bustling cities, rural villages, floating markets and temples. Some itineraries include hotel stays and touring in Laos and Thailand as well.

French colonial architecture fills Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, where guests visit the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum. Another highlight is jungle-shrouded Angkor Wat, an expansive complex of ornate stone structures and beehive towers built in the early 12th century.

In Vietnam, see the colorful port of Cai Be. Sightseeing tours in Ho Chi Minh City visit sites associated with the Vietnam War, such as the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels, underground channels used as hideouts by the Viet Cong.

If you choose an itinerary that spends time in Bangkok, you'll likely see the famous Emerald Buddha and Reclining Buddha, housed in ornate temples. While in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Laos, guests visit the 1904 Royal Palace Museum and attend silk-weaving and paper-making demonstrations.

Well-planned itineraries incorporate the top tourist sites, but they also leave guests with a deeper understanding of the local culture and people. Cruises are easy to budget, too, as so much is included in one price that you pay up front, including riverboat accommodations, hotel stays, many meals and activities ashore.