Based on the travel sources such as Frommer’s and Fodor’s, and the research by travel blogger John Giuffo, we came up with the list of ten rivers in the world that beg to be visited at least once in a lifetime.
Mekong River, Cambodia and Vietnam
Meandering through Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand, the Mekong is one of the world’s most verdant and important rivers, providing a cultural lifeline to all of the countries it touches. From the impressive ancient temples of Angkor Wat, to the crowded and vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong is a wonderful river which repays explorations by boat cruise. “You get a little bit of city life, a little bit of country, and obviously, the temples,” says Sarna.
Río Futaleufú, Chile and Argentina
The tiny, picturesque town of Futaleufú in Chile provides access to the river that bears its name, promising a waterway experience that rivals any in the world for its beauty and drama. Fed by a glacial runoff, the cold, clear blue waters of the river are a popular locale for heart-quickening tours by white water raft or kayak.
“It winds through lush forests and moody valleys from Argentina to Chile, providing all the beauty of the Andes and the Chilean and Argentine lakes districts of northern Patagonia,” says Kealy.
Cano Cristales River, Northern Colombia
A psychedelic swirl of improbability, the Cano Cristales is sometimes called “the world’s most beautiful river,” and with good reason: It is the host to a dizzying array of colours that result from pockets of algae that bloom during the height of summer. Aquamarines push up against eddies of red and fingers of yellow cut through pockets of bright green in this river in Northern Colombia. At less than 100 kilometers long, and rarely more than 20 meters wide, this compact slice of river offers a kaleidoscope of otherworldly experiences – but it is not easy to get to: you’ll need to fly from Villavicencio to Macarena, then take a boat and cut through unmarked trails in order to find this jungle jewel of a river.
Zambezi River, Zambia and Mozambique
The Zambezi flows 2,700 kilometers through six African countries before it spills into the Indian Ocean, allowing for a large array of ways to explore the riverside life and beauty of Africa. Although it is the fourth-largest river in Africa, it’s most popular spot by far is Victoria Falls, the world’s largest waterfalls, and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Nearly a million people visit the falls every year to witness the awe-inspiring volume of water that cascades over 354 feet to the bottom at its deepest point, or to swim dizzyingly close to the edge at a naturally-safe swimming spot called “Devil’s Pool,” a popular location to take photo shopped-looking pictures of daredevil wading.
Yangtze River, China
The Yangtze is the longest river in Asia, providing a striking array of opportunities to explore Chinese life and the culture that sprouts along its banks. This is another river on which it pays to travel by boat cruise. Many of the cruises tend to be shorter than a week, but are guaranteed to provide access to some of the best rural Chinese experiences you can find..
“You see the Three Gorges Dam construction site, the gorgeous scenery and mountains, and the impressive pagodas along the river banks,” says Heidi Sarna, a Former’s contributor. “With all the changes going on, it will be a completely different place in ten years, so see it now.”
Hanalei River, Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai is the only island in Hawaii that has navigable rivers, and the Hanalei is the best of the bunch. “You can kayak past taro fields and green mountains, under one lane bridges, and finally out into Hanalei Bay, which is the prettiest place I've ever seen,” says Feodor’s Editor Kelly Kealy.
Designated an American Heritage River in 1997, the Hanalei is only 15 miles long, but packs a Hawaiian punch of beauty into its short span before emptying into Hanalei Bay.
Danube River, Central Europe
The Danube cuts and abuts ten nations in Central Europe, from the Black Forest in Germany down to the Black Sea in Romania. Along the way, it winds through medieval towns, towering castles, and historic sites that rival some of the world’s best river experiences. Take a riverboat cruise lasting anywhere from a few hours to two weeks to explore some of the best the river has to offer and take advantage of the daily excursions that allow you to dig deeper into the history and culture of one of Europe’s most important rivers.
Hudson River, New York
From the base where barges full of fireworks fuel the nation’s most popular Fourth of July display, to the upper reaches, which provided settlers access to some of New York’s most important economic destinations, the Hudson River is beautiful throughout. There are vistas of steel and concrete canyons which give way to verdant, high banks that have inspired painters and authors for generations. One of the earliest American rivers to attract visitors, the Hudson retains its popularity mainly on the strength of its stunning beauty, from the Adirondacks to the Financial District.
Kenai River, Alaska
If sport fishing is your thing, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more fertile or impressive destination for your angling. Located in the lush, rugged wilderness of southern Alaska, the Kenai is known for its abundant stocks of North Pacific Salmon, which can range anywhere between 50 and 85 pounds. Imperial mountains frame idyllic backdrops of Alaskan nature as you kayak down rapids or drop a line into the river, hoping to hook one or thirty large salmon – a haul you’ll be boasting about to your friends for a long time.
Spree River, Germany
The Spree runs 400 kilometers through Germany and the northern Czech Republic, but it’s the section of the river that cuts through Berlin that is the most popular and impressive. Take a boat tour to experience some of the city’s most impressive architecture, from the so-called museum island, to the Reichstag. “The architecture – old and new and sometimes both – is always reflected off the water, and the people-watching is amazing,” says Kealy. It’s also a joy to explore by riverside, but the view of the city from the water is unlike any other, and is a guaranteed way to spend an unforgettable day in Berlin.
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