Destinations: Ho Chi Minh City - Cai Be - Chau Doc - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Jahan Cruise
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights

THE JAHAN – The Future of Personalized Mekong River Cruising.
We are excited to announce the existence of our first Flagship in the making, ‘The Jahan’.
The progress in the shipyard is spectacular. We expect to finish the steel framing just before the Tet Lunar New Year, one and a half months ahead of schedule.

The Jahan’s maiden voyage will occur on 29th October 2011. It will spearhead a new trend in luxury cruises – privatized excursions and personalized services featuring our unique The Jahan Shore-Ex Menu.

 

Brief Itinerary
UPSTREAM: SAI GON - SIEM REAP 8D/7N

Day 1: Saigon - Cai Be
Day 2: Cai Be - Chau Doc
Day 3: Chau Doc - Border crossing
Day 4: Phnom Penh
Day 5: Phnom Penh - Kampong Cham
Day 6: Kampong Cham - Wat Hanchey
Day 7: Kampong Cham - Kampong Chhnang - Tonle Sap
Day 8: Tonle Sap - Siem Reap

DOWN STREAM: SIEP REAP - SAIGON 8D/7N

Day 1: Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Lake
Day 2: Tonle Sap - Kampong Chhnang - Kampong Cham
Day 3: Kampong Cham - Wat Hanchey
Day 4: Phnom Penh
Day 5: Phnom Penh - border crossing
Day 6: Chau Doc - Cai Be
Day 7: Cai Be
Day 8: My Tho

Program Details:

THE LOST CIVILIZATION: Saigon - Siem Reap 8 Days/7 Nights upstream

Day 1: Saigon - My Tho

Bid farewell to the hustle and bustle of Saigon you will go to My Tho for embarkation. My Tho is 70km South of Saigon and located on the upper Mekong river in Vietnam. Enjoy a cocktail reception at the Funnel Bar and Lounge followed by a Welcome Dinner on the Sun Deck. Drop anchor just outside of My Tho for the night.

Day 2: Cai Be - Chau Doc

Starts with the cruise among local sampans coming from all provinces of the delta full of fruits and vegetables. Proceed to Dong Hoa Hiep island located between Vinh Long and Cai Be. During a 40 minute cruise, discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe the typical Mekong Delta rural life. These evergreen islands among the Mekong River still remain unknown to many people. Further stops will allow you to see traditional brick and tile factories and how locals use palm leaves for houses. After touring the canals, head to the Ba Duc ancient house to have know the descendants of the former imperial residents. Then you will observe the Cai Be’s colorful floating market from Caibe Princess boat.

Back on the sampans, cruise 20 minutes further to Phu An hamlet passing by Cai Be’s beautiful cathedral. Then, group 1 can stay on boat to go straight to the restaurant while group 2 explores the edges of the canals on bicycle. Lunch will await you at Le Longanier, a superb Indochinese villa located in a lush tropical garden by the river, surrounded by fruit orchards. After lunch the cruise will continue with the visit some interesting home factories to see how rice paste, rice cookies and coconut candies, are made, along with the longan fruit drying process.

Board The Jayavarman for a relaxing evening cruise towards Chau Doc. Moor midstream overnight.

Day 3: Chau Doc - border crossing

Welcome to the circus of fish. The early birds will be treated to Thai Chi lessons on the Sun Deck. Brace yourself for a short excursion by trycicle in about 30 minutes. After that you will have a short walk to visit the local market then go by coach to visit Lady Temple. She is the most famous Lady who brings strong spirit to the local in their daily life. Go back to the quay, you will start a boat excursion to the exciting floating villages and catfish farms witnessing masses of basa fish being fed, hand in hand with a shore excursion to the village of the local Muslim Cham community.

By mid-afternoon, The Jayavarman casts off for the border towards Phnom Penh.

Day 4: Phnom Penh

Off we go early in the morning to witness a truly indescribable scene while approaching Phnom Penh’s river promenade. After breakfast, embark on a city tour in this dynamic, historical capital of Cambodia which has retained its French colonial charm. Sightseeing in the morning will include the dazzling white and gold architecture of the Royal Palace, outstanding displays of Khmer crafts at the National Museum and the temple on a hill - Wat Phnom. After lunch in a local restaurant, examine the painful, heart wrenching reminders of Cambodia’s ugly past under the Khmer Rouge regime with an excursion to the Genocide museum to learn more about the Cambodian civil war. Introduction and onsite lecture by a local history professor.

Thereafter, to ease the nerves a variety of cocktails will be at your disposal, followed by Cambodia’s traditional Apsara dance performance. Experience the brilliance and richness of the culture, the soothing sounds of traditional music, the calming scent of incense sticks and a delicious Khmer food buffet.

Day 5: Phnom Penh - Kampong Cham

Depart before the break of dawn from Phnom Penh with a stop at the little known Chong Koh silk weaving village for a leisure walk. We cruise past the Mekong’s tranquil villages and mind blowing river life with scores of fishermen on duty.

Visit Wat Nokor, a wat built within the ruins of an ancient temple that holds a timeless story. Then, travel to the Cheung Kok Ecotourism Village, a small village developed with support from Assistance Médiation Internationale (AMICA). Travelers can visit the village and take part in activities to experience village life. Profits from tourism go towards re-investment into long-term projects.

Day 6: Kampong Cham - Wat Hanchey

Wake up in the wee hours of the morning, truly energized to embark on a journey upriver to the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Located at the top of a hill overlooking the river, it offers some of the best views in Cambodia. Dating from the 8th century, these ancient structures do justice to the architecture of the Chenla Empire which predated the glories of the mighty Angkor. Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding well organized rice paddy plains, as well as a travelers blessing performed by the local monks.

Day 7: Kampong Cham - Kampong Chhnang - Tonle Sap

Before the sun rises, The Jayavarman sets sail to Kampong Chhnang via Prek K’dam along the meandering Tonle Sap River, which narrows through leafy swaths of the South East Asian jungle. Take a walk through Kampong Louang, one of the last silversmith villages, to see the entire community involved in making various silver items to sell. Get back aboard The Jayavarman to eat lunch while cruising towards Kampong Chhnang.

After lunch, take a motorboat excursion from Kampong Chhnang to see the wetlands, floating houses and fish farms in the region. Make a stop at a Heritage Line sponsored floating school to interact with the children and teach them some English!

This is the day to truly experience rural Khmer life. In the evening, a mouth watering Farewell Dinner will be served on the Sun Deck.

Day 8: Tonle Sap - Siem Reap

This great lake dominates Cambodia and is over 150 km in length. The birdlife is profuse and from the middle of the lake one cannot even see the shores. Witness stillness and tranquility on the way to Siem Reap.

The water level varies a great deal according to the time of the year and the amount of rainfall recorded. Thus, changes may occur for the different seasons.

High Water Program (approx. between July and December)

Cross the Tonle Sap Lake at dawn and 11:00 disembark at Siem Reap Port for onward coach transfer to the hotel by 12:00 pm
Low Water Program (approx. between December and June)

Cruise early morning to Prek K’dam where you will disembark The Jayavarman after breakfast. Board a coach at 9:00am which will take you to see a pre-Angorian temple on your way to Siem Reap. A packed lunch and refreshments will be available along the way. Arrive in Siem Reap early afternoon.

THE LOST CIVILIZATION Siem Reap - Saigon (8 Days/7 Nights downstream)

Day 1: Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Lake

Tonle Sap Lake is the heart of Cambodia. It is filled with more fish than any other lake, and surrounded by vast numbers of rare birds. The water level varies a great deal according to the time of the year and the amount of rainfall recorded. Thus, changes may occur for the different seasons. We will start our journey in either high water or low water.

High water program (approx. between July and middle of December)

At 11:00 AM gather at the meeting point and transfer to The Jayavarman, where the crew is looking forward to embracing our guests. Welcome cocktail and lunch on the cruise liner. The Jayavarman sets sail towards the little known stilt village of Kampong Phluk. Climb aboard small rowing boats and let the local children take you on a tour of this flooded forest.

Welcome dinner on the Sun Deck. Mooring and overnight on the lake.

Low water program (approx. between middle of December and June)

At 8 AM, gather at the meeting point and transfer by coach to Prek K'Dam on the Tonle Sap River. Enjoy snacks and cold drinks on the way with a brief stop at Kampong Thom, one of the first settlements in the pre-Angkorian period.

Embarkation in Prek K'Dam and welcome cocktail early afternoon. The Jayavarman sets sail upstream towards Kampong Chhnang and the great Tonle Sap Lake. We wind our way through the jungle and as the river narrows, it makes you feel at peace with yourself and the community. Later that evening meet your fellow passengers on board for Welcome Dinner on the Sun Deck.

Day 2: Tonle Sap - Kampong Chhnang - Kampong Cham

High water program

Before the sun rises, The Jayavarman sets sail to cross the Tonle Sap Lake. As the ship is about to exit the lake, the marshlands exhibit spectacular scenery along the river banks of Kampong Chhnang province. We take a truly wonderful motorboat excursion from Kampong Chhnang to see the wetlands, floating houses and fish farms in the region. Join in on a humanitarian project lead by World Bank Illiteracy projects when we make a stop at a Heritage Line sponsored floating school to interact with the children and teach them some English!

The afternoon cruise will follow the meandering Tonle Sap River, which narrows through leafy swaths of the South East Asian Jungle touching Phnom Penh. In the late afternoon we enter the upper Mekong River bound to Kampong Cham to stop for a walk through a rural village.

Low water program

Kampong Chhnang is a busy rural port town with bustling markets and lots of children to greet us on our way around. We will take a wonderful motor boat excursion into the wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Here a stunning variety of birdlife may be seen and of considerable interest are the great fish traps, some half a kilometer long, which net a huge tonnage of fish after each monsoon as the fish migrate from the falling lake into the Tonle Sap River. Make a stop at a Heritage Line sponsored floating school to interact with the children and teach them some English!

The afternoon cruise will follow the meandering Tonle Sap River, which narrows through leafy swaths of the South East Asian Jungle.

Day 3: Kampong Cham - Wat Hanchey

Wake up in the wee hours of the morning, truly energized to embark on a journey upriver to the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Located at the top of a hill overlooking the river, it offers some of the best views in Cambodia. Dating from the 8th century, these ancient structures do justice to the architecture of the Chenla Empire which predated the glories of the mighty Angkor. Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding well organized rice paddy plains, as well as a travelers blessing performed by the local monks.

After lunch and a short cruise downstream we drop anchor at the shores of Kampong Cham. Visit Wat Nokor, a wat built within the ruins of an ancient temple that holds a timeless story. Then, travel to the Cheung Kok Ecotourism Village, a small village developed with support from Assistance Mediation Internationale (AMICA). Travelers can visit the village and take part in activities to experience village life. Profits from tourism go towards re-investment into long-term projects. Back on board The Jayavarman sets sail towards the capital Phnom Penh.

Day 4: Phnom Penh

Get up early in the morning to witness a truly indescribable scene while approaching Phnom Penh's river promenade. After breakfast, embark on a city tour in this dynamic, historical capital of Cambodia which has retained its French colonial charm. Sightseeing in the morning will include the dazzling white and gold architecture of the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, outstanding displays of Khmer crafts at the National Museum and the temple of a hill - Wat Phnom.

After lunch in a local restaurant, examine the painful, heart wrenching reminders of Cambodia's ugly past under the Khmer Rouge regime with an excursion to the Genocide museum to learn more about the Cambodian civil war. Introduction and onsite lecture by a local history professor.

Thereafter, to ease the nerves a variety of cocktails will be at your disposal, followed by Cambodia's traditional and opulent Apsara dance performance. Experience the brilliance and richness of the culture, the soothing sounds of traditional music, the calming scent of incense stick and a delicious Khmer food buffet.

Day 5: Phnom Penh - border crossing

Wake up to the sun rising over the Mekong for Thai Chi on the Sun Deck. The Jayavarman then casts off for a day of cruising the main Mekong Channel. This is pretty much an international shipping route. Psyche yourself up for Pre-K Touch, a lively jungle village. After that, visit well laid out fruit orchards.

Late afternoon we set off to the Vietnamese border for the usual formalities, which in this part of the world takes a bit of time. During the afternoon cruise, take the time to relax on the Sun Deck, get a massage in the Spa, or take part in Heritage Line's Vietnamese cooking class.

The ship moors midstream overnight.

Day 6: Chau Doc - Cai Be

Welcome to the circus of fish. The early birds will be treated to Thai Chi lessons on the Sun Deck. Brace yourself for a short excursion by trycicle in about 30 minutes. After that you will have a short walk to visit the local market then go by coach to visit Lady Temple. She is the most famous Lady who brings strong spirit to the local in their daily life. Go back to the quay, you will start a boat excursion to the exciting floating villages and catfish farms witnessing masses of basa fish being fed, hand in hand with a shore excursion to the village of the local Muslim Cham community.

By late-afternoon, The Jayavarman casts off, heading towards Cai Be.

Day 7: Cai Be

Starts with the cruise among local sampans coming from all provinces of the delta full of fruits and vegetables. Proceed to Dong Hoa Hiep island located between Vinh Long and Cai Be. During a 40 minute cruise, discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe the typical Mekong Delta rural life. These evergreen islands among the Mekong River still remain unknown to many people. Further stops will allow you to see traditional brick and tile factories and how locals use palm leaves for houses. After touring the canals, head to the Ba Duc ancient house to have know the descendants of the former imperial residents. Then you will observe the Cai Be’s colorful floating market from Caibe Princess boat.

Back on the sampans, cruise 20 minutes further to Phu An hamlet passing by Cai Be’s beautiful cathedral. Then, group 1 can stay on boat to go straight to the restaurant while group 2 explores the edges of the canals on bicycle. Lunch will await you at Le Longanier, a superb Indochinese villa located in a lush tropical garden by the river, surrounded by fruit orchards. After lunch the cruise will continue with the visit some interesting home factories to see how rice paste, rice cookies and coconut candies, are made, along with the longan fruit drying process.

Board The Jayavarman for a relaxing evening cruise with a Farewell Dinner on the Sun Deck while heading towards My Tho.

Day 8: My Tho

Your cruise with The Jayavarman comes to a close as the ship winds its way to My Tho which is located 70km South of Saigon on the upper Mekong river in Vietnam.

Disembark at around 9:00am and continue your journey in the buzzing city of Saigon.