Top 10 Most Stunning Rivers in the World

After all it is these rivers that create opportunities for your ideal holidays.
March 28, 2022 | 07:32

If you are willing to look past the mainstream and dive deeper into the underrated destinations, you will find these stunning blue gems are lined with tremendous treasures for the intrepid traveller. Rivers around the world, no matter how outlandish and beautiful, they are stil highly under-promoted – which means you might well be the first of your friends to cruise their waters!

The Yangtze, China

Photo: Petrex GmbH
Photo: Petrex GmbH

There is a common saying in China, “If you haven’t been up the Yangtze, then you haven’t been anywhere”.

This beautiful river is also claimed to be the most interesting river in the world, with great historical, cultural and economically significance for China.

It is the third largest river in the world which flows across eleven provinces and cities along with a wide range of tourist attractions and amazing scenery on the sides.

The Mekong, Southeast Asia

Photo Exploring Mekong
This is one of the larges rivers in Asia. Photo Exploring Mekong

The Mekong river flows through six countries including China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam before flowing into the East Sea.

The beauty of this river has been attracting people for ages – earlier it used to be creative folks looking for inspiration and now-a-days it is the tourists who want a piece of Mekong memory and hence book the Mekong delta cruises.

Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, are some of the popular stops along this gorgeous river.

The Douro, Portugal

This part of Portugal is one of the most underrated destinations in Europe.

Photo: CNN
Photo: CNN

The tourist masses stay away but this is definitely a good thing.

The river meanders through the city of Porto into the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, passing through unspoilt and outstanding beautiful scenery on the way.

Expect steep terraced vineyards, postcard-pretty villages and tranquil almond orchards. Definitely one for the vinophiles.

The Seine, France

Top 10 Most Stunning Rivers in the World
Photo: GoodFon

There are plenty of enjoyable river cruises in France but one of the most romantic has to be the Seine which flows through Northern France.

To see the river in style, explore Paris and then hop on a luxury boat to follow in the path of Claude Monet and discover France’s Norman countryside.

Here you will find the historic Normandy beaches, the medieval architecture of Rouen and the gorgeous gardens of Giverny, which features in Monet’s most famous painting.

The Thames, UK

If speed is your opium, you can opt for high speed rides on the Thames. Thames river flows through central London and gives a stunning background to most of the city attractions. Enjoy starring in your on spy movie and ride the waves of London's iconic river!

Top 10 Most Stunning Rivers in the World
Photo: Marador Network

Every day you can find one or the other event going on or next to the river so this is not only a great sightseeing spot but also helps balance your tourist activities, so that you can take a break by the river after a busy day.

Also, along the river you will find a line of world-class restaurants to cater to all kinds of palette.

The Rhine, Europe

Top 10 Most Stunning Rivers in the World
Photo: Viator

When set drive holidays in Europe, many cannot resist the temptation of the most picturesque river of Europe. The Rhine flows through the total of six countries – Austria, Germany, France, Liechtenstein, Netherlands and Switzerland.

This river eventually empties itself in the North Sea in the Netherlands.

Thanks to its beautiful waterways there are numerous cruise companies offering various kinds of cruises to showcase the beauty and history lined up on the banks of river Rhine.

The Volga, Russia

The breathtaking Volga is the largest river in Europe. the bewitching views of this Russian river will hypnotize you.

Photo: Vortex Mag
Photo: Vortex Mag

Volga is so big that one-third of the Russian population – 50 million people – live in its basin.

Rising from the Valdai Hills northwest of Moscow, the river flows down as an arc for more than 3500 Kms before emptying itself in the Caspian Sea.

Volga is huge and a storehouse of wildlife. This destination is known for its natural beauty and diversity of landscape.

The Amazon, South America

Top 10 Most Stunning Rivers in the World
Photo: India Today

Amazon is the largest river in the world, yet tourists often hesitate to visit a destination so wild, vast and mysterious.

There are a lot of things to explore, maybe too many things, which needs a long planned vacation.

Some of the best things you can do: white-water rafting, trek through the jungle, or glide through the canopy which is an experience of a lifetime. Staying at an eco-lodge near the Amazon is also a treat itself.

The Danube, Europe

Top 10 Most Stunning Rivers in the World
Photo: Tour Radar

The stunning Danube is celebrated as one of Europe’s greatest rivers. Come to see its beauty for yourself why this European river has been an inspiration for music, novels and poems

Along the riversides are rolling hillsides, lush vineyards and medieval castles.

Centuries-old towns along the banks of this beauty add to the allure of Danube, which flows through nine European countries.

The Ganges, India

Every year, tourists and pilgrims flock to Varanasi, a sacred Hindu city on the banks of the Ganges River. Here, they can experience the "holy dip" - a dip in the Ganges River can make you sin free.

Top 10 Most Stunning Rivers in the World

Photo: Get About Asia

Although much of a mere religious belief, this attracts curious tourists to experience the unique cultural trait at least once in their lives.

Originating from the western Himalayas, the river gives a great scenic view till it reaches the Bay of Bengal.

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