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Day 1: Siem Reap – Stueng Trang – Kampong Cham – Angkor Ban
Day 2: Angkor Ban – Prek Bangkong – Kampong Laeang
Day 3: Kampong Laeang – Kampong Tralach – Phnom Penh
Day 4: Phnom Penh
Day 5: Phnom Penh – Border Crossing – Tan Chau
Day 6: Tan Chau – My An Hung – Binh Thanh Island
Day 7: Binh Thanh Island – Tan Phong Island – My Tho
Day 8: My Tho – Saigon
**Operate during High Water Season: Approximately mid of November – end of August (subject to water level)
Operating cruise: Heritage Line The Jahan & Jayavarman
- Day 1: Visit to the highlands of Kampong Cham, where you’ll discover local artisans and the historic Bamboo Bridge. As the sun sets, sail towards Angkor Ban, enjoying a welcome event with canapés and prosecco
- Day 2: Explore the charming village of Angkor Ban. Engage with monks and locals, capturing the essence of Cambodian village life. In the afternoon, visit the silk-weaving community of Prek Bangkong and the heritage house of H.E. Sam-El
- Day 3: Discover the rural beauty of Kampong Laeang, Kampong Tralach, exploring local NGOs, schools, and ancient temples
- Day 4: Visit the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, and the poignant S21 prison. After lunch, visit the Sosoro Museum
- Day 5: Relax and unwind as you sail towards Vietnam. Cross the border into Vietnam and arrive in Tan Chau by evening
- Day 6: Explore Tan Chau’s vibrant town life, visiting local markets, a Cao Dai temple, and a family-run fish farm. In the afternoon, visit My An Hung Village
- Day 7: Visit Binh Thanh Island and in the afternoon, discover the local crafts and fruit gardens of Tan Phong Island
- Day 8: Enjoy your final breakfast on board before disembarking. A bus transfer will take you to Saigon
- Accommodation in selected cruise
- English-speaking tour guiding on-and offshore
- Transfers during the cruise; transfers between meeting points and the ship and vice versa
- Meals as mentioned in the program; welcome drink, brewed coffee, tea, and mineral water; complimentary beverage package
- Passenger liability insurance
- Internet on the ship (subject to cellular network signal)
- Crew and guide gratuities
- VISA fees
- Private transfers
- Personal expenses
- Other beverages than those stated under inclusions
- Medical services
- Spa treatments
- Port and anchorage fees
- Optional excursion (as stated in the itinerary)
- All other services or items not listed under inclusions
- Welcome Lounge in Siem Reap: Koulen Hotel – Mondul II Village, Oknha Oum-Chhay St, Krong Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia
- Pier Location for Embarkation:
- Stueng Trang Pier (Mekong River): 1 Stueng Trang, Cambodia (in low water)
- Phnom Krom Pier (Siem Reap): Tonle Lake (15 km outside Siem Reap, approx. transfer time 0.75hr) (in low water)
- Disembarkation:
- Pier Location: My Tho Pier – No. 8, 30/4 Street, Ward 1, My Tho City, Tien Giang Province, Vietnam (70 km away from Saigon, transfer time ~2hrs)
- Welcome Lounge in Saigon: Renaissance Riverside Hotel – 15 Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Upon boarding, our crew will extend a warm welcome, guiding you to your staterooms and providing a briefing on the cabin’s facilities. After spending some time to settle in and explore the vessel, a welcome lunch buffet awaits, followed by a safety and welcome briefing in the lobby by our cruise director.
Default Afternoon Excursion (any ship): We leave the ship for a first excursion in the afternoon. By bus, we explore the so called highland of the Kampong Cham, which is an important trade and transportation hub but it still maintains scattered small hamlets around the outskirts where the community’s rhythm blends with the skilled hands of artisans. For instance, in Cheung Krok, locals craft various handmade items, whether it’s food, fashion, or other everyday goods. The nearby Bamboo bridge, which is erected seasonally, serves as more than just a passageway; it’s a gateway to the past.
OPTIONAL AFTERNOON EXCURSION:
Culinary (Ship ‘Jayavarman’ only): Not available
Cycling (Ship ‘The Jahan’ only with extra cost): We start the outing with a little tuk-tuk ride to the hilltop of Wat Hanchey. We have a look at this small charming temple complex and the view down to the river before we paddle our way on small roads through the Cambodian countryside including the visit of a cashew nut farm on the way.
As the sun sets, we are back on board sailing with the flow of the Mekong River towards Angkor Ban for the overnight mooring. Meet a bit closer with your fellow travelers during a welcome event at the bar with canapés and prosecco with the Mekong shores providing a perfect backdrop to it. After dinner, we are opening the evening cinema, featuring either an intriguing classic movie or a captivating documentary.
Meals: Lunch, dinner
The morning Tai Chi session sets the mood for the day as we begin our tour of Angkor Ban.
Default Morning Excursion (any ship): This place includes a monastery with a delightful local village behind it. You’ll have the chance to meet monks during their morning class and engage in friendly conversations with the villagers. As we meander through the village, we’ll get as close as possible to the local way of life, collecting wonderful memories of Cambodia’s rustic lifestyle. This village is truly a gem to explore offering photographic and touching moments whilst interacting with the local community.
OPTIONAL MORNING EXCURSION:
Culinary (Ship ‘Jayavarman’ only): Today, the culinary-themed excursion is offering a nice highlight. In addition to the visit of the Angkor Ban village (see default excursion) the group is going to visit the house of Mr B. who used to work years ago as a young chef aboard the ship Jayavarman. When he got married, he moved to his wife’s home village. Together with his “mom-in-law” and the “chef” in the household (his wife), we prepare and cook a century-old soup recipe called “Samlor Korko”. The soup is kind of a fish soup made with many vegetables, spices, herbs, and roasted rice, accompanied with a duck egg omelette.
Cycling (Ship ‘The Jahan’ only with extra cost): Today’s journey with our cycling tour, starts with a tranquil monk meeting that sets the tone for the day. As you cycle through verdant seasonal vegetable fields, picturesque old local houses dot the landscape, offering glimpses into Cambodia’s heritage. Witness skilled blacksmiths at work to understand more about traditional craftsmanship. Conclude your adventure with a delightful pause, sipping on ice-cold local beer or indulging in the refreshing taste of freshly pressed sugar cane juice.
We are boarding our luxury ship again sailing now downstream again towards Phnom Penh. Before we arrive at Cambodia’s capital, we halt at a small silk weaving community.
Default Afternoon Excursion (any ship): At the confluence of the Tonle and Mekong Rivers lies the small village of Prek Bangkong, known for its silk-weaving community. This village was also the former residence of the Royal family before they moved to the Royal Palace. However, the real stars in this area today are the silk weavers and artisans who craft silk from the very beginning. We will have the opportunity to closely observe and learn about this intricate silk production process. We conclude this excursion by visiting the heritage house of H.E. Sam-El, once a famous architect for the royal family.
OPTIONAL AFTERNOON EXCURSION:
Culinary (Ship ‘Jayavarman’ only): Not available
Cycling (Ship ‘The Jahan’ only with extra cost): Our cycling tour today takes us to the wonderful former royal palace of “Lavea Em” (1601-1618). Pedal at ease through picturesque landscapes, punctuated by captivating stops at historic pagodas, vibrant silk weaving workshops, and bustling local markets. Indulge in a delightful tea break at the residence of H.E. Sam-El, adding a touch of elegance to your cycling adventure.
The rest of the day is a joyful sailing, passing the skyline of Phnom Penh and heading into the small Tonle River northbound. Enjoy your multi-course menu and the nightly entertaining evening cinema offered afterward. We moor midstream in the Tonle River.
Default Morning Excursion (any ship): We are in the midst of the vast Tonle region, one of Cambodia’s amazing ecosystems. We will discover Kampong Laeang this morning, situated just across from the famous pottery town of Kampong Chhnang. Once ashore, we embark on tuk-tuks to travel the heart of rural Cambodian life. During this excursion, we’ll explore various locals, discover the art of pottery making, and visit a charming pre-Angkorian temple. From a vantage point, we can enjoy panoramic views of the vast floodplains and lush rice fields (seasonal).
OPTIONAL MORNING EXCURSION:
Culinary (Ship ‘Jayavarman’ only): The culinary-themed excursion offers in addition to the default cultural excursion the possibility to participate in a cooking demonstration. Get to know how to prepare together the quite famous snack called “Nom Kruak” which is a kind of cake made from white or brown rice. Originally cooked only one side, the Khmer invented Nom Kruak and cooked it on both sides. This dish is a tasty pre-dinner snack often consumed by locals.
Cycling (Ship ‘The Jahan’ only with extra cost): Upon disembarking, we hop on our bikes to embark on our local Khmer discovery. Our journey leads us through rice paddy fields and quaint villages where small businesses produce pottery or palm sugar. With flat terrain and mesmerizing rural landscapes, the pedal is easy-going, offering a captivating glimpse into local life unfolding before our eyes.
Back on the ship with lunch enjoyed and spectacular views of the Tonle River we sail south to Kampong Tralach. An afternoon tea is served at the bar before we continue with the afternoon excursion.
Default Afternoon Excursion (any ship): Once the ship stops, we enjoy an exciting excursion to discover another part of the rural Cambodian countryside. Our ox-pulled cart will transport us along the riverside and down winding back roads, flanked by picturesque rice paddies until we arrive at a small village. Here, we will have the opportunity to learn about a local NGO school and library project. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the nearby ancient 300-year-old temple and Buddha shrine.
OPTIONAL AFTERNOON EXCURSION:
Culinary (Ship ‘Jayavarman’ only): Not available
Cycling (Ship ‘The Jahan’ only with extra cost): Experience another day in the heartland of Cambodia with our biking tour through the picturesque Tonle Region. Pedal through captivating landscapes, encountering treasures like the former royal palace of ‘Lungvek’ and the venerable Buddha Jade Temple (1560), and just enjoy the timeless rhythms of local life as you witness skilled fishermen casting their nets in the tranquil waters of the Tonle.
We sail some more miles down the Tonle River before reaching Phnom Penh where we moor our ship mid-stream with views of the skyline of this vibrant city.
Welcome to Phnom Penh, a city once renowned as the “Paris of the East.” Despite its rapid development, it has retained much of its rustic charm and elegance. Phnom Penh is a remarkable city with a history and culture that spans centuries, still palpable at every street corner.
Our full-day sightseeing tour begins right after breakfast, allowing us to explore the city’s highlights. We’ll start with a cyclo ride, meandering through the town and then visit historic places such as the palace and the silver pagoda. Our journey takes us to the “S21” prison, a poignant and dark chapter in Cambodia’s history during the Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s. Afterward, we’ll pause for a delightful lunch in town before continuing to visit one of the country’s most famous history museums, “Sosoro,” and concluding the tour with a leisurely stroll through the city’s French quarter, including the iconic and aptly named monument of Wat Phnom.
In the evening, we invite you to an engaging expert lecture in the lounge. To cap off this eventful day, we’ll indulge in a delightful open-air barbecue and gala dinner accompanied by a classic Apsara dance performance. Afterward, feel free to explore the city at night, savoring Phnom Penh’s vibrant nightlife or taking in the lively river promenade.
Once the ship departs, the rest of the morning and the whole afternoon is at your own disposal. It is time to switch into cruise mode and hopefully experience the relaxing cadence this mighty river emanates. The afternoon is perfect for massages, relaxation on a terrace deck sunbed, or private balcony kickbacks. Conjure up a spell to merge with the river and float into a state of mild bliss. You also may like to visit the bridge, as the captain always has a little story to share about “his” river. Or, if you are curious to learn more about Khmer gastronomy, join a culinary workshop to sharpen your knowledge about local cuisine.
As you sip drinks and nibble on treats during afternoon tea, we approach the border and finally arrive in Vietnam. From here it is just a short distance to Tan Chau, a pleasant, slow-paced border town with a sizeable Chinese, Kinh, and Khmer community. We moor near the city with views of the riverbanks.
Welcome to the fish sanctuary of Vietnam. After our morning Tai Chi session and a delightful breakfast, we embark on an exploration of this area, renowned primarily for its aquaculture.
Default Morning Excursion (any ship): Upon disembarking, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant town life of Tan Chau by boarding “Xe Loi” (the Vietnamese word for rickshaws). Your personal Xe Loi driver leisurely navigates through a network of streets, allowing you to observe workshops, street vendors, shops, and the intriguing day-to-day activities of the locals. Our journey takes us to the local market, where we mingle with residents as they go about their morning shopping routines. Continuing on, we visit a Cao Dai temple and meet with one of the priests, who enlightens us about the unique beliefs and spirit of Cao Dai. Our final destination is a fish farm that has been operated for many years by a local family, who make their livelihood from this distinctive business. Here, we gain insight into the essential knowledge required to manage such a unique enterprise in this region.
OPTIONAL MORNING EXCURSION:
Culinary (Ship ‘Jayavarman’ only): Once onshore, we walk five minutes to the nearby market. Join our guide in selecting and buying fresh ingredients for the upcoming cooking session. We take cyclos for a charming ride through town to the local Cao Dai temple. During a quick visit, you get to gain some insight into this particular religion as well as the special dietary practices of Cao Dai followers. We head to the temple kitchen for a hands-on cooking class, preparing special dietary dishes in an interactive and culturally enriching experience together with the local kitchen team.
Cycling (Ship ‘The Jahan’ only with extra cost): By tender, we reach the shores of a small island in the Mekong River near Tan Chau. The island’s flat terrain will make this ride pleasurable and easy along lush green paths with many mango farms. Enjoy the local life left and ride and the many nice fruit gardens. We stop at a small market for a little break an chit-chat with local vendors. We continue our cycling tour with some exciting sightseeing on the way: A frog farm and a workshop specialized in weaving high-quality mats.
After being back onboard a siesta after lunch, our expert guides offer a presentation about life in the Mekong Delta as the ship continues to My An Hung near Sa Dec province.
Default Afternoon Excursion (any ship): My An Hung Village is a wonderful example of a real local village in the Mekong Delta where time stood still. We receive wonderful insights into the private household of a local family and visit the seasonal vegetable fields to understand what the farmers is currently cultivating. A Vietnamese tea tasting at a local family’s house is accompanied by a presentation of a variety of fruits that are grown nearby, freshly cut from the tree. An artistic group performs displays the traditional dragon dance, whilst we can snack on the “vitamins bombs”.
Back onboard, the ship sails into the sun set towards our destination for the next day. A complimentary cocktail hour and snacks at the pool with music and dance vibes are offered to enjoy the blue hour before dinner is served.
Wake early to embrace the stunning dawn scenery, a time when the Delta’s inhabitants have already been active for hours. Energize yourself with our daily morning Tai Chi class before indulging in a lavish breakfast buffet. By local boat, we head out to one of the larger islands in the Mekong known as Binh Thanh.
Default Morning Excursions (any ship): This island is home to several communities that sustain themselves by cultivating water hyacinths. Strolling through the village, you’ll gain profound insights into local life and witness the complete traditional mat-making process. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to meet a local elderly couple who have spent their entire lives on this island. They enjoy engaging in conversations with foreign visitors.
OPTIONAL MORNING EXCURSION:
Culinary (Ship ‘Jayavarman’ only): Not available
Cycling (Ship ‘The Jahan’ only with extra cost): Once on the shore, the cycling discovery around the island begins with interesting stops at scenic backstreets, rice paddies, and some island’s distinctive houses offering great photo opportunities. The cycling tour leads to the village of Long Ta, which is famous for its scarf weaving. We return to the pier taking our tender boat back to the mother ship.
Default Afternoon Excursion (any ship): During a visit to a workshop in the town of Cai Be, we’ll have the opportunity to observe the production of rice paper, rice cookies, rice wine, and coconut candies. This is a very interesting manual process involving manual labor and special production techniques. After the workshop, we are heading to Tan Phong Island, a smaller island in the middle of the vast Mekong. We are visiting a local family and their fruit garden offering us various kinds of tropical fruits to taste. A buggy ride through the island lets us have a glimpse of the local day-to-day life as it unfolds. We stop at another family’s house. They are specialized in weaving of water hyacinth plants into artistic crafts by hand.
OPTIONAL AFTERNOON EXCURSION:
Culinary (Ship ‘Jayavarman’ only): Via tender, we head towards Tan Phong Island to visit a workshop where we can see skilled workers weaving dried water hyacinths into artistic crafts. We explore some parts of the local island life during a 15-minute motorized buggy ride along small pathways, eventually stopping at a house of a local family to visit their orchard. Get to know various kinds of fruits the Mekong Delta has to offer and engage in an interactive cooking experience with the local family preparing some local dishes together.
Cycling (Ship ‘The Jahan’ only with extra cost): This cycling tour offers a ride over the scenic Tan Phong Island. Cycle along well-maintained and flat concrete paths winding through orchards of rambutan, longan, and jackfruit. We stop and visit a local business family business producing charming handicrafts from water hyacinths. The tour continues for 3 km along a canal to a local temple for a refreshing break under a banyan tree before continuing the ride to a tropical fruit farmer’s home for a tasting.
Afterward, the ship makes its final journey to My Tho, offering some little farewell party vibes along the way.
Enjoy your last breakfast aboard your floating home. We disembark the ship after breakfast and take a bus transfer from My Tho to Saigon. It is only around 70 kilometers on the highway, and you arrive in Saigon by mid-morning.
We hope you enjoyed this fascinating river cruise, just as our crew does every single time. Moreover, take the enchanting memories and friendships along with you and share the stories of this amazing river – the Mighty Mekong.
