The majestic Jayavarman is considered the father in Heritage Line’s “family” of cruise ships. This vessel was named after Angkor’s most venerated king, who ruled from 1181 to 1218, and was a devout Buddhist. King Jayavarman oversaw the construction of some of the most famous temples in Angkor, including Ta Prohm, Preah Khan and the unforgettable Bayon.
Inspired by the serenity and artistry associated with this great Khmer monarch, The Jayavarman’s design was also influenced by the French cruise liner Normandie, which launched in 1935. Travelling the Mekong between My Tho [the commercial port near Ho Chi Minh City] and Siem Reap, Cambodia, the Jayavarman marries the art deco charm of 1930’s France with the romance of Indochina. Measuring 57.8 meters/190 feet from bow to stern, the Jayavarman holds 27 elegantly decorated cabins.
Plying the slow, swirling waters of the Mekong, The Jahan is Heritage Line’s most romantic cruise liner. Considered the brother of The Jayavarman in Heritage Line’s “family” of cruise ships, this magnificent vessel was named after the Indian emperor Shah Jahan, who ruled the Mughal Empire from 1628 to 1658. A great patron of architecture and the arts, Shah Jahan oversaw the construction of many legendary sites, including India’s dazzling Red Fort, and the famed 777 gardens of Kashmir. This cultured monarch is a fitting namesake for The Jahan, which evokes the opulent vessels of British India. No expense has been spared in the interior or exterior decorations, which showcase the talents of local woodworkers, weavers and artists.
Heritage Line extends a heartfelt welcome to our guests in Saigon at our welcome lounge. Enjoy a second coffee this morning before the transfer departs towards My Tho to embark on our vessel. Upon boarding, our crew will guide you to your staterooms providing a short briefing on the cabin’s facilities. After spending some time to settle in, lunch awaits in the ship’s restaurant, followed by a welcome & safety briefing in the lobby by our cruise director.
As the afternoon unfolds, sailing with the flow of the Mekong River, you can enjoy time on the deck. The cruise director invites to a little sunset event with canapés and prosecco, where one can socialise with other fellow passengers. After officially kicked off your journey, dinner is served. During the evening dining, the ship will likely reach Tan Phong Island area near Cai Be, where we anchor midstream. This is your first glimpse of the bustling area where we will begin our Mekong adventure on land tomorrow. If you like, join the evening cinema in the climatised indoor lounge later.
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 tasty breakfast buffet. By local boat, we first stop at Cai Be before heading out to Tan Phong, a smaller island in the middle of the huge Mekong River.
Default Morning Excursion (any ship): During the visit to a workshop in the town of Cai Be, guests have the opportunity to observe the production of distinct products of the Mekong Delta such as rice paper, rice cookies, rice wine and coconut candies. Get to know the very interesting manual processes involving manual labour and special production techniques. After the workshop, we reach Tan Phong Island to visit a local family and their fruit garden. The island showcases many kinds of tropical fruits to taste. A funny buggy ride through the island let us have a glimpse of the local day to day life as it unfolds. We stop at another family’s house. They specialize in the weaving of water hyacinth plants into artistic crafts – all by hand.
OPTIONAL MORNING EXCURSION:
Culinary (Ship ‘Jayavarman’ only): After a short buggy ride through lush fruit orchards, a local family welcomes you as a cooking apprentice to master the art of traditional Jackfruit Leaf Cakes. From picking fresh leaves and extracting their juice to shaping and steaming the cakes in their natural casings, you’ll experience every step of the process. And since the secret to great cuisine often lies in the sauce, you’ll also learn to prepare a perfect coconut dipping cream before savouring your creation with hot ginger tea.
Cycling (Ship ‘The Jahan’ only, 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 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 continue the ride to a tropical fruit farmer’s home for a tasting.
Relax and enjoy some time on your private balcony or at the bar as we continue our voyage upstream. In the afternoon, we arrive at the Sa Dec region and anchor near one of the larger islands in the Mekong known as Binh Thanh.
Default Afternoon Excursion (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 AFTERNOON EXCURSION:
Cycling (Ship ‘The Jahan’ only, 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.
Before dinner, join us in the lounge for a presentation about life on the Mekong Delta as the ship sails toward our mooring spot for the night near Gieng Island.
After our morning Tai Chi session and a delightful breakfast, we embark on an exploration revealing a vibrant kaleidoscope of the diverse activities bringing the Mekong Delta to life.
Default Morning Excursion (any ship): Gieng Island, also known locally as Mango Island, is perfect to stroll through under the shade of flourishing mango groves that shape the island’s landscape. A visit to a small incense workshop introduces us to the careful process of crafting these fragrance incense sticks by hand. Another local highlight is a traditional boat-building workshop, where generations of families assemble wooden vessels that are essential to life along the river. Before departing, we surely are going to taste some of these delicious and freshly picked mangoes with a local tea in the courtyard of a century-old local home. This is the moment when we all understand the rhythms and resilience of life on the Mekong – so simple, so joyful.
OPTIONAL MORNING EXCURSION:
Culinary (Ship ‘Jayavarman’ only): Conclude your morning excursion with a culinary twist: Prepare with a local family an authentic “Banh In”, a soft, sweet treat made from glutinous rice flour and sugar. Always served with jasmine tea, the ‘Banh In’ is popular during Vietnamese national festivals such as Tet.
Cycling (Ship ‘The Jahan’ only, extra cost): The island’s flat terrain makes this ride so pleasurable and easy along lush green paths with many mango farms. Enjoy local Mekong Delta life at its best, left and right with locals waving friendly. We ride along many fruit gardens and there is always something to stop and see on the way, like a traditional incense workshop or a local boat-building workshop.
Default Afternoon Excursion (any ship): After lunch, board a traditional sampan toward Evergreen Island, a fertile pocket of the delta known for its small-scale farms and seasonal crops. Upon arrival, spend time with a local farming family and gain insight into their daily routine. You’re invited to step into the shoes of your hosts and share in their daily work. Depending on the season, you will help prepare seedlings, plant new crops, or assist with the harvest; a rare opportunity to share the delta daily life from the inside. Much of what’s grown here is later used by our onboard chef, tying your culinary experience onboard directly to the land.
After having discovered Mekong delta’s bustling rhythm, we head towards the border. Once in Cambodia, an overnight sail takes us to the country’s capital.
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 immerse within the Khmer culture. This afternoon starts with a visit of a famous academy of arts and a school dedicated to preserve traditional arts. Observe young dancers training in the intricate Apsara dance and take the opportunity to learn some basic techniques on your own under guidance. Conclude the day with a leisurely stroll through the city’s French Quarter, including the iconic Wat Phnom temple.
Back on board, join a captivating testimony held in the lounge of the ship. Having endured the S21 imprisonment and later taking an active part in the Khmer Rouge tribunal, Mr. Sum Rithy continues to bear witness to a difficult chapter of Cambodia’s history. Guests have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to talk, question and discuss a living witness of this dark Cambodian era. To cap off this eventful day, guests can indulge in a delightful open-air barbecue and gala dinner accompanied by a classic Apsara dance performance. Afterward, feel free to explore the city and its nightlife on your own, with its lively river promenade and colourful bars and cafes.
Before the sun peeks over the horizon, the cruiser sets sail, entering the Tonle River. The Tonle River is a natural wonder of Cambodia, and the scenery on both sides of the river is a true gem.
Default Morning Excursion (any ship): Discover the rural Cambodian countryside of Kampong Tralach. Journey along picturesque rice paddies aboard an ox-pulled cart, reaching a small village where you can learn about a local NGO school and library project or visit the ancient 300-year-old temple and Buddha shrine.
OPTIONAL AFTERNOON EXCURSION:
Cycling (Ship ‘The Jahan’ only, 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.
As we sail upstream, lunch is served, and our crew showcases afterwards various traditional Khmer fashions worn by locals during special occasions.
Default Afternoon Excursion (any ship): We are in the midst of the expansive Tonle region, one of Cambodia’s amazing ecosystems. The tour this morning leads to Kampong Laeang, an unknown hamlet 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, amazing panoramic views of the vast floodplains and lush rice fields (seasonal) can be enjoyed.
OPTIONAL AFTERNOON EXCURSION:
Culinary (Ship ‘Jayavarman’ only): The culinary-themed excursion offers the possibility to participate in a cooking demonstration at a local household in the village. Together with the locals, guests prepare the quite famous snack called “Nom Kruak” which is a kind of cake made from white or brown rice. Originally cooked only on 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, 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.
With everyone back on board, we offer a funny but also interesting fashion show to our guests about local Cambodian attire.
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, 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:
Cycling (Ship ‘The Jahan’ only, 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.
Early risers may like to join the daily offered Tai Chi session on the sun deck before breakfast. Today’s morning excursion let us explore the village of Angkor Ban.
Default Morning Excursion (any ship): Angkor Ban features a monastery with an adjacent, enchanting local village. You’ll have the chance to meet monks during their morning class and engage in friendly conversations with the villagers. As we stroll through the village, we understand the local way of life in various aspects, collecting wonderful memories of Cambodia’s rustic lifestyle. The village offers great photographic moments whilst interacting with the local community.
OPTIONAL MORNING EXCURSION:
Culinary (Ship ‘Jayavarman’ only): In addition to a shorter visit to the Angkor Ban village, the culinary excursion group extends their excursion to pass by the house of Mr B, who used to work as a young chef aboard the ship ‘Jayavarman’. After 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 by a duck egg omelette.
Cycling (Ship ‘The Jahan’ only, extra cost): Today’s cycling tour journey 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.
Enjoy your final breakfast aboard our floating sanctuary. We disembark the ship and transfer by bus to Siem Reap, which takes approximately 4 hours. To keep you entertained during the journey, our guides will share interesting insights about Cambodia and the region we pass through. We hope you’ve enjoyed this captivating river cruise as much as our crew does every single time. Take the enchanting memories and friendships with you and share the stories of this amazing river – the Mighty Mekong.
You will arrive in Siem Reap in the early afternoon.
Prices are in USD, per person.
This tour can be customized to fit your own demands. Best price and value guaranteed!
| Hotel / Group | 2 guests |
|---|---|
| 769 |
– There may be cancellation fees charged by suppliers (hotels, airlines…) once these bookings are made and paid. These fee shall by paid by travelers.
– These are maximum cancellation fees to be flexible applied:
Are you interested in this tour or would you like to customize your own trip?
Call our local experts: +84 98 939 1076
