Jayavarman Cruise Mekong

Jayavarman Cruise in Brief

About The Jayavarman

At the heart of the stunning Mekong Delta, Heritage Line's cruises provide a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural history of Vietnam as it flows alongside this magnificent river. Passengers aboard the Jayavarman can expect a journey filled with comfort and luxury. Named after King Jayavarman VII, who reigned from 1181 to 1218, this vessel offers a combination of tradition and modern amenities.

The Jayavarman features 27 elegantly designed cabins and spans approximately 58 meters in length. Guests can unwind in the onboard Jacuzzi situated on the sundeck and savor diverse culinary delights at the exquisite Indochine Dining Hall. Each cabin is equipped with tea kettles, slippers, binoculars, minibars, sofas, chairs, desks, and entertainment options such as TVs and DVD players to enhance the cruising experience.

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1: My Tho - Cai Be

Say goodbye to the fast pace of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) as we travel 70 kilometers south to My Tho to embark on your boutique ship. A refreshing welcome drink will greet us as we glide along the Mekong River. Enjoy the soft glow of sunset from the balcony, followed by a briefing at the lounge, culminating in a delectable welcome dinner. The ship anchors midstream as we approach Cai Be, where we'll spend the night.

Day 2: Cai Be - Sa Dec - Chau Doc

The day begins with a rejuvenating Tai Chi session on the sun deck, accompanied by freshly brewed coffee and tea. Our first destination is the vibrant and colorful Cai Be floating market, where we'll take a traditional sampan to experience the local culture.

As we drift along the river, we observe the charming landscapes and the local lifestyles of the Mekong Delta inhabitants. The cruise will pause to allow guests to witness the making of rice paste, rice cookies, and coconut candies, as well as the drying process of Longan fruit. After exploring the canal system, we visit a heritage house surrounded by fruit orchards before enjoying lunch onboard. In the afternoon, we'll cruise to Sa Dec and hop on a traditional sampan to explore Binh Thanh Island and its intricate canals.

The community here is engaged in transforming water hyacinths into natural fiber mats and rattan baskets. We then return to the ship for a serene evening cruise towards Chau Doc. This day includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with the ship anchoring overnight near Chau Doc.

Day 3: Chau Doc - Phnom Penh

Welcome to the fish sanctuary of Vietnam.

Your day starts with a hearty breakfast in the dining hall or on your private balcony. We’ll explore Chau Doc town, rich in cultural diversity with its Chinese, Kinh, and Khmer communities, and visit the lively local market near an ancient temple.

A boat excursion will take us to the floating villages and rustic catfish farms where we will learn about Basa fish breeding in the Mekong Delta. After lunch on board, we’ll set sail for Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia.

Relax on the ship, join our hands-on cooking classes, or enjoy a tour of the ship with our dedicated Cruise Director. We’ll gradually embrace the excitement of entering a new country as we navigate the waters. Today’s activities include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with an overnight stay near Phnom Penh.

Day 4: Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, once known as the Paris of the East, still retains much of its charm amid modern growth.

After breakfast, we will delve into Cambodia’s contemporary history with an informative lecture, followed by a city tour of this historical capital. Morning sightseeing includes visiting the stunning Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, and experiencing the craftsmanship at the National Museum. After a local lunch, we will visit the Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields, a poignant reminder of Cambodia’s traumatic history under the Khmer Rouge regime. Return to the ship and unwind on your balcony or enjoy the lounge before an exciting evening event. This evening, enjoy cocktails served on the sun deck followed by an enchanting Apsara dance performance.

Dine under the stars and experience the exquisite flavors of Khmer cuisine as traditional music fills the air. This magical evening includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and we'll spend the night in Phnom Penh.

Day 5: Phnom Penh - Kampong Cham

Before dawn, we depart Phnom Penh with an initial stop at the little-known Chong Koh silk weaving village. Afterwards, we’ll cruise past peaceful Mekong villages, vibrant river life, and watch fishermen at work. A visit to the rural village of Angkor Ban reveals a place where the past remains untouched by modern development, offering a genuine connection to rural Cambodian life.

Guests have the opportunity to engage with villagers and participate in daily activities before we head back to the ship to continue our journey towards Kampong Cham. The day includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and we will dock for an overnight stay in Kampong Cham.

Day 6: Kampong Cham - Wat Hanchey

Awakening early, we embark on a land journey to the historic pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Guests can choose to ride a motor-taxi or climb 291 steps to the temple situated atop a hill with breathtaking views of the river below.

Constructed in the 8th century, this temple exemplifies the architectural prowess of the Chenla Empire. Engaging with local monks adds to the experience. We’ll return to the ship for a traditional blessing ceremony conducted by local monks.

If conditions permit, we’ll embark on an adventure in zodiacs to explore the Mekong River and enjoy swimming in its tea-colored waters, followed by a visit to Wat Nokor, a temple that resides within the ruins of an ancient site. Our day continues with a visit to an orphanage, navigating across a fascinating bamboo bridge along the way. Today includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with an overnight cruise towards Kampong Chhnang.

Day 7: Kampong Chhnang

Before sunrise, the ship sets sail towards Kampong Chhnang, known as Cambodia's “water world.” This region features homes and businesses on stilts, perfectly situated to cope with the river's ebb and flow.

We will take a motorboat excursion to observe local pottery-making at the Aundaung Russey village, followed by an adventurous boat ride through wetlands and floating houses. Enjoy lunch on board while cruising through the scenic and narrow Tonle River. In the evening, indulge in an exquisite dinner and dance as our crew teaches you the traditional Cambodian dance. This day includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with an overnight stay in Kampong Chhnang.

Day 8: Tonle Sap - Siem Reap

The journey culminates as we cross Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Asia, renowned for its diverse birdlife.

The lake's size allows it to appear boundless, providing tranquility as we travel toward Siem Reap. Seasonal variations in water levels may necessitate adjustments to the itinerary.

Our Heritage Line cruise draws to a close in the city renowned for the famed Angkor temple complex. We bid farewell to the cruise, but the fond memories and friendships made during this journey will linger long after we’ve disembarked. We’ll cross Tonle Lake at dawn and disembark at the Siem Reap Port around 9:00 AM before transferring to your preferred destination in town. Breakfast is included.