Heritage Line Jayavarman Cruise Downstream 8 days: Siem Reap - Saigon

Morning

Guests will be greeted by the staff the moment they step on board. Next, the cruise crew will guide you to the staterooms and give everyone a brief about the cruise's facilities. 

Lunchtime comes after passengers finish exploring the accommodation and settle in. After that, a safety and welcome briefing in the lobby will be provided by our cruise director.

Afternoon

We start our trip in the afternoon. Firstly, we come to visit Kampong Cham - an important trade and transportation hub of the North of Cambodia. 

There, we might pay a visit to Cheung Krok, which is famous for its various handmade items crafted by the locals. 

The nearby Bamboo bridge is the next spot we visit. The speciality of this bridge is it is re-erected seasonally and only can be seen in low water periods. 

Evening

We return to the ship at sundown time before the cruise gradually sails towards Angkor Ban and moor overnight there.

There will be a welcome event at the bar, offering canapés and prosecco as well as opportunities to interact with fellow travellers on board. 

After dinner, you can join the entertaining activities which is the evening cinema, featuring either an intriguing classic movie or a captivating documentary.

Morning

The day begins with a Tai Chi session, setting a serene tone as we commence our exploration of Angkor Ban. 

This location encompasses a monastery and a charming local village nestled behind it. Guests will have the opportunity to interact with monks during their morning class and engage in amiable conversations with the villagers. 

As we wander through the village, we aim to immerse ourselves in the authentic local lifestyle, capturing delightful memories of Cambodia's rustic charm.

On Jayaavarman ship’s schedule, we will have a special culinary themed excursion. We come to the chef’s house to prepare and cook a century-old soup recipe called “Samlor Korko”.

Concluding the morning schedule, all passengers settle back on the ship as we start making our way towards Phnom Penh. 

Afternoon

Prior to reaching Cambodia's capital, we make a stop at a small silk-weaving community situated at the confluence of the Tonle and Mekong Rivers - Prek Bangkong.

So, for today, the real highlights are when the skilled silk weavers who carefully made silk from start to finish. Guests will have the opportunity to closely observe and learn about this fascinating silk production process.

Today’s excursion concludes by visiting the heritage house of H.E. Sam-El - a well-known former architect for the royal family.

Evening

The remainder of the day unfolds with pleasant sailing, passing the Phnom Penh skyline and navigating into the small Tonle River heading northbound. 

Indulge in a multi-course menu and enjoy the evening entertainment offered in our onboard cinema. 

We will anchor midstream in the Tonle River, concluding the day's delightful journey.

Morning

We find ourselves amidst the expansive Tonle region, a remarkable ecosystem in Cambodia. 

This morning, our exploration takes us to Kampong Laeang, located opposite the renowned pottery town of Kampong Chhnang. 

Upon disembarking, we hop on the famous tuk-tuks to delve into the heart of rural Cambodian life. This adventure includes encounters with locals, a glimpse into the art of pottery making, and a visit to a captivating pre-Angkorian temple. 

Depending on the season, we might have a chance to take in sweeping views of the extensive floodplains and verdant rice fields from our vantage point.

Get to know how to prepare together the regional famous snack called “Nom Kruak” through a culinary class (optional). This dish is a kind of cake made from white or brown rice and usually served as a pre-dinner snack.

Returning to the ship after a satisfying lunch and scenic views of the Tonle River, we head south to Kampong Tralach. 

Afternoon

An afternoon tea is served at the bar before we proceed with the afternoon excursion into another facet of the rural Cambodian countryside. 

Our ox-pulled cart transports us along the riverside and through winding back roads, bordered by picturesque rice paddies, leading us to a quaint village. Here, we can learn about a local NGO school and library project.

Otherwise, you can opt to visit the nearby ancient 300-year-old temple and Buddha shrine if preferred.

Evening

We continue our journey down the Tonle River and eventually reach Phnom Penh.

This is where we anchor our ship mid-stream, providing captivating views of the vibrant city skyline for a relaxing night.

Morning

Our comprehensive day of the 'Paris of the East' Phnom Penh exploration kicks off post-breakfast, allowing us to discover the captivating city steeped in centuries of history and culture. 

Beginning with a leisurely cyclo ride, we weave through the streets before visiting the significant Royal Palace - a complex of buildings which is a former residence of the King of Cambodia. 

Wandering around, we will encounter the Silver Pagoda which is located on the South side of the palace complex. 

Next, we visit the S21 prison. This place stands as testament for a somber and significant chapter in Cambodia's history during the Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s.

Afternoon

Following a delightful lunch in town, our journey continues to the renowned museum Sosoro. This place provides a unique perspective on money, economics and politics of the nation through history.

We conclude the tour with a leisurely stroll through the French Quarter and the iconic Wat Phnom monument.

Evening 

As evening descends, we invite you to an enlightening expert lecture in the lounge. 

To cap off this eventful day, the cruise will prepare an open-air barbecue and exciting gala dinner accompanied by a classic Apsara dance performance. 

Following the festivities, feel free to explore the city at night, immersing yourself in Phnom Penh's vibrant nightlife or enjoying a relaxing atmosphere along the river.

Morning

After enjoying your breakfast, the lounge is arranged for a captivating lecture by a special expert. After that, the cruise departs to the South of Mekong towards Vietnam.

Once the ship sets sail, the remainder of the morning and the entire afternoon are yours to savor. It's an opportune time to transition into cruise mode and immerse yourself in the soothing rhythm of this majestic river. 

Afternoon

The afternoon offers ideal moments for indulging in massages, lounging on the terrace deck sunbed, or relaxing on your private balcony. 

Alternatively, you may choose to visit the bridge, where the captain always has an interesting story to share about 'his' river. 

For those intrigued by Khmer gastronomy, consider joining a culinary workshop to enhance your understanding of local cuisine.

While sipping drinks and nibbling on treats during afternoon tea, we approach the border and eventually reach Vietnam. 

From this point, it's a short distance to Tan Chau, a charming, unhurried border town with a significant Chinese, Kinh, and Khmer community. 

Evening

We dock near the city with picturesque views of the riverbanks.

Morning

Following our morning Tai Chi session and a delightful breakfast, we set out to explore Gieng Island, also known locally as Mango Island, which is perfect for strolling 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 fragrant 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.

Afternoon

After returning on board and enjoying a siesta post-lunch, our expert guides present a talk about life in the Mekong Delta as the ship continues to My An Hung near Sa Dec province.

Delving into My An Hung Village, which can be considered a pristine example of a traditional village in the Mekong Delta, we will definitely gain valuable insights into the daily life of the locals and understand the cultivation practices through exploring seasonal vegetable fields.

A Vietnamese tea tasting at a local family's home is complemented by a showcase of various fruits freshly harvested nearby. An artistic group performs a traditional dragon dance while we savor these 'vitamin bombs.'

Evening

Back on board, the ship sails into the sunset towards our destination for the next day. A complimentary cocktail hour by the pool, featuring music and dance vibes, provides a delightful experience during the blue hour before dinner is served.

Morning

Rise early to embrace the breathtaking dawn scenery, a time when the Delta's residents are already active. Rejuvenate with our daily morning Tai Chi class before savoring a sumptuous breakfast buffet. 

We reach the charming Sa Dec Town, a graceful blend of colonial elegance and everyday Mekong life. Begin with a walk through the lively central market, where an abundance of fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies reflects the region’s rich agricultural rhythm.

The cultural layers deepen with a visit to the historic home of Huynh Thuy Le, closely tied to Marguerite Duras’ The Lover. Stepping inside offers a glimpse into a narrative that has left its mark on both literature and the town itself.

The journey continues to Kien An Cung Pagoda, a century-old temple of Chinese heritage. With its ornate details and tranquil riverside setting, it provides a peaceful contrast to the town’s lively streets before returning on board.

Afternoon

Embark on a visit to a local workshop in Cai Be and witness the process of making rice products and coconut candies. 

After the workshop, we are heading to Tan Phong Island, where we will visit a local family and their fruit garden offering various kinds of tropical fruits to taste.

A buggy ride through the island let us have a glimpse of the local day-to-day life as it unfolded. We continue to stop at another family’s house. They specialize in weaving water hyacinth plants into artistic crafts by hand.

For optional activities, 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.

Evening

Afterward, the cruise concludes its final journey to My Tho, creating a festive atmosphere for a little farewell party along the way.

Morning

Last breakfast will be served in the dining room. 

Following breakfast, we disembark the ship to transfer on a bus transfer from My Tho to Saigon. The journey is approximately 70 kilometers on the highway, with arrival in Saigon expected by mid-morning.