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

The Tonle Sap (the Great Lake) is the beating heart of Cambodia, bringing life and prosperity to the nation. It has more fish than any other lake in the world and is home to an incredible variety of birds, including rare and endangered species.

At 12:00 pm (noon), we gather at the meeting point before a short transfer to the boutique ship. The ever-smiling crew welcomes us with genuine warmth and hospitality. A refreshing welcome drink awaits us, followed by a sumptuous lunch on board.

The afternoon is spent relaxing as the ship glides gently across the water. Dinner is served in the dining hall. Enjoy a spectacular experience on the sun deck as we bask in the glow of the moon and the radiance of the stars. The ship then moors for the night on the Great Lake.

Meals: L, D

Accommodation: Jayavarman Cruise

The day—in fact, every day—begins with an invigorating Tai Chi lesson on the sun deck, just as the sun begins its slow rise. Coffee and tea await the early risers. Before dawn, the ship sets sail across Tonle Sap Lake. As the ship is about to exit the lake, we witness spectacular marshlands stretching along the riverbanks of Kampong Chhnang Province.

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 enthusiastically waving at us from the banks.

After a short bus trip, we visit Aundaung Russey Village to see its Khmer-style pottery. We then embark on a truly marvelous motorboat excursion from Kampong Chhnang to explore the wetlands, floating houses, and fish farms in the region before reaching Kampong Cham in the evening. Further down the river, we take part in an ox-cart rally before being introduced to the Heritage Line pro bono literacy project. We stay overnight in Kampong Cham.

Meals: B, L, D

Accommodation: Jayavarman Cruise

We will wake up in the early hours of the morning, feeling energized and ready 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. Situated 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 even have the opportunity to engage in light-hearted conversations with some of the local monks. 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 a nearby riverbank, where we can swim in the tea-coloured Mekong River. This experience will undoubtedly be a highlight of our journey and a topic of conversation over dinner 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 need to navigate a rickety 2-kilometer bamboo bridge. Keeping our balance will be quite a challenge! We will stay overnight midstream near 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 preserved 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 exceptional Khmer craftsmanship at the National Museum.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we will visit the Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh. Be prepared for an emotionally moving experience as we reflect on the atrocities 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, followed by an enchanting Apsara dance performance. Experience the richness and beauty of Khmer culture through the soothing sounds of traditional music, the calming scent of incense, and a barbecue on the sun deck. Dining outdoors beneath the stars and moon is truly a memorable experience.

Meals: B, L, D

Accommodation: Jayavarman Cruise

Start the new day with a Tai Chi session on the sun deck, accompanied by freshly prepared tea and coffee.

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

The cruise liner then sets sail for a relaxing 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 head towards the Vietnamese border for the required cross-border paperwork. As the process may take some time, we can bask in the afternoon sunshine on the sun deck, indulge ourselves at the spa, or sharpen our culinary skills by joining Heritage Line's Cambodian and Vietnamese cooking class.

The ship moors midstream overnight in Tan Chau.

Note: Cruising to Tan Chau is subject to 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, aboard local vehicles known as “xeloi.” We will also visit the colorful local market near an ancient temple. Next, we head to the quay for a boat excursion to the floating villages and floating fish farms. We then return to the ship for lunch.

In the mid-afternoon, we set off for My An Hung Village. Passengers walk through the vegetable garden to the family home, where they can see the boat-building yard and canals. We will cross a monkey bridge and see seasonal vegetable fields. Then, we gather at the family home to enjoy honey tea accompanied by local delicacies and fresh fruit before returning to the ship. In the late afternoon, the ship sets sail for Sa Dec. We stay 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 congregation. During the leisurely boat ride, we discover breathtaking river landscapes and experience the traditional way of life in the Mekong Delta.

The lush islands along the Mekong River remain largely 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 head to 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 ship comes to an end as we make our 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 the 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