Jayavarman Cruise 8 days Siem Reap - Saigon (Jan - Mid Sep)

At 8:00 am, we gather at the meeting point and transfer to Kampong Cham on the Mekong River. We can enjoy snacks and cold drinks along the journey. We make a brief stop at Skon, known as Spiderville for its fried spiders, a local delicacy. In the early afternoon, we embark on the ship in Kampong Cham and enjoy a welcome drink.

Later that evening, we meet our fellow passengers and attend a briefing in the Lounge to prepare for our upcoming journey together. This is followed by a welcome dinner in the Dining Hall. Overnight in Kampong Cham.

Meals: B, D

Accommodation: Jayavarman Cruise

We will wake up in the early hours of the morning, feeling energized to embark on a land journey to the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Travelers can either take a motor-taxi or climb the 291 steps to the top. Located on a hill overlooking the river, the temple offers one of the most breathtaking views in Cambodia. Built in the 8th century, this ancient structure, together with a larger and newer addition, showcases the superb architecture of the Chenla Empire, which predates the mighty Angkor temple complex. We will also have the opportunity to engage in light-hearted conversations with some of the monks in the area. We will then return to the ship to witness a blessing ceremony performed by local monks dressed in orange robes.

When the tide allows, we will enjoy a surprise excursion in our Zodiacs (inflatable boats) to the nearby riverbank, where we can swim in the tea-coloured Mekong River. This will undoubtedly be an experience to remember and a highlight of dinner conversations in the weeks to come. We will then cruise towards Kampong Cham to visit Wat Nokor, a wat built within the ruins of an ancient temple steeped in history. On the way back to the ship, we will visit an orphanage. Along the way, we will cross a rickety 2-kilometre bamboo bridge, putting our sense of balance to the test!

Meals: B, L, D

Accommodation: Jayavarman Cruise

Kampong Chhnang is a busy rural port town with bustling markets and boisterous children who wave and greet us as we arrive by ship. We will take a short bus trip to visit Aundaung Russey village, known for its Khmer-style pottery. This will be followed by a rugged motorboat excursion into the wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Of particular interest are the great fish traps, some half a kilometre long, which catch enormous quantities of fish after each monsoon rain as fish migrate from the receding lake towards the Tonle Sap River.

The afternoon cruise continues with a leisurely journey along the Tonle Sap, which narrows as it winds through leafy stretches of Southeast Asian jungle. Here, the river becomes very narrow, and we are greeted by children waving enthusiastically at us from the banks.

We then return to the ship for lunch while cruising along the narrow, winding Tonle Sap River. We will continue towards Prek K'dam, where we will take a walk through the silversmith village of Koh Chen, where the entire community is involved in making various silver items for sale.

Dinner awaits us in the Dining Hall as the ship cruises towards Phnom Penh.

Meals: B, L, D

Accommodation: Jayavarman Cruise

Phnom Penh was once known as the Paris of the East. Despite its rapid development, the city has retained much of its rustic charm and elegance. After breakfast, we will attend a comprehensive lecture on Cambodia's modern history. This will be followed by a city tour of Cambodia's dynamic and historic capital, which has managed to preserve much of its French colonial charm. Morning sightseeing will include visits to the dazzling white-and-gold Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, as well as an opportunity to admire exceptionally beautiful Khmer craftsmanship at the National Museum.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we will visit the Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields. Be prepared to be deeply moved by these stark reminders of the genocide that took place during the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia.

We will return to the ship after our museum visits. Take some time to relax on your cabin balcony or in the lounge before getting ready for an exciting evening event. The evening begins with a selection of cocktails served on the sun deck. Take a seat and enjoy an Apsara dance performance, immersing yourself in the richness of Khmer culture through the soothing sounds of traditional music, the calming scent of incense, and a barbecue on the sun deck. It is truly a marvellous experience to dine outdoors under the stars and m

Meals: B, L, D

Accommodation: Jayavarman Cruise

Start the new day with Tai Chi on the sun deck, with fresh tea and coffee ready to be served.

At 9:00 am, we will attend a comprehensive lecture on Cambodia's modern history.

The cruise liner then sets sail for a leisurely day of cruising along the main Mekong channel. As this is an international shipping route, you will witness large commercial ships navigating these waters. Lunch will be served on board.

Later in the afternoon, we set off towards the Vietnamese border for the necessary cross-border formalities. As the process tends to take some time, we can bask in the afternoon sun on the sun deck, pamper ourselves at the Spa, or sharpen our culinary skills by joining Heritage Line's Cambodian and Vietnamese cooking class.

The ship will moor midstream overnight in Tan Chau.

Note: Cruising to Tan Chau depends on water conditions.

Meals: B, L, D

Accommodation: Jayavarman Cruise

Welcome to the fish sanctuary of Vietnam. Begin your day with a hearty breakfast in the Dining Hall or in the peaceful surroundings of your balcony. Get ready to explore Tan Chau, a pleasant town near the Cambodian border, in local vehicles known as “xe loi.” We will also visit the colorful local market near an ancient temple. This will be followed by a trip to the quay, where we will board a boat for an excursion to the floating villages and floating fish farms.

We will then return to the ship for lunch.

In the mid-afternoon, we will set off for My An Hung Village. Passengers will walk through a vegetable garden to a family home, where they will see a boat-building yard and canals. We will cross a monkey bridge and see seasonal vegetable fields. We will then gather at the family home to enjoy tea with honey, local delicacies, and fresh fruit before returning to the ship. In the late afternoon, the ship will set off for Sa Dec. Overnight in Sa Dec.

Meals: B, L, D

Accommodation: Jayavarman Cruise

In the morning, we embark on a traditional sampan* to explore Binh Thanh Island and its man-made canals. Here, every villager is involved in growing and processing water hyacinths into natural-fibre floor mats and rattan baskets.

After lunch on board, the ship arrives in Cai Be. The tour begins with a visit to Cai Be's lively and colorful floating market, where traders gather in a bustling crowd. During the leisurely boat ride, we discover breathtaking riverside landscapes and experience the rustic charm of life in the Mekong Delta.

The evergreen islands along the Mekong River remain unknown to many visitors. The cruise will stop at various points to allow us to observe how rice paste, rice cookies, and coconut candies are made, as well as the process of drying longan fruit. After exploring the canals, we visit an ancient house surrounded by fruit orchards before returning to the ship for dinner.

We then enjoy a tranquil evening cruise towards My Tho. A wonderful farewell party awaits us on board.

Meals: B, L, D

Accommodation: Jayavarman Cruise

Our cruise aboard this magnificent vessel comes to an end as the ship makes its way to My Tho, approximately 70 km south of Saigon, on the upper Mekong River in Vietnam. We bid farewell to the ship as our journey comes to a close. However, the memories and friendships made on board will linger long after the journey ends.

We disembark at around 8:30 am and transfer to the bustling city of Saigon. Drop-off is at the meeting point in Saigon.

Meals: B

Accommodation: N/A