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

Morning 

We warmly welcome our guests this morning at our Siem Reap lounge. Take a moment to relax before we set off on a short bus ride to the pier.

Leaving behind the legendary wonders of Angkor, we journey a short distance to the shores of Tonle Lake. From here, a local boat will transfer you to your luxurious floating home for the days ahead.

As lunch is served, the vessel begins its gentle crossing of the vast Tonle Lake. Known locally as Tonle Sap (“Sap” meaning lake in Khmer), this remarkable body of water transforms dramatically with the seasons. Sit back and let your spirit drift as the boat glides across this immense and ever-changing lake.

Afternoon

During afternoon tea, mingle with fellow travellers and enjoy time out on deck, or treat yourself to a soothing session with our spa therapists.

Before dinner, our expert guide will share an insightful presentation on the geography of the Mekong River and Tonle Lake. Later, if you’re in the mood, settle into the lounge for the nightly cinema before retreating to your stateroom for a restful night.

Morning

This morning’s adventure takes us to Kampong Laeang, a village nestled just across from the renowned pottery town of Kampong Chhnang.

Once ashore, tuk-tuks carry us through the heart of rural Cambodian life. Along the way, we meet local artisans, observe the traditional craft of pottery making, and visit a charming pre-Angkorian temple. From a scenic vantage point, sweeping views of endless floodplains and seasonal rice fields open up before us.

Back aboard the ship, enjoy lunch paired with spectacular Tonle River scenery as we continue southward toward Kampong Tralach.

Afternoon & Evening

Afternoon tea is served in the bar before we set out on our next excursion. An ox-pulled cart carries us along the riverside and through winding lanes bordered by postcard-perfect rice paddies.

We eventually reach a small village where we learn about a meaningful NGO school and library project. Alternatively, guests may opt to visit a nearby 300-year-old temple and Buddha shrine.

As evening approaches, the ship offers lively onboard entertainment, including a fashion show. Later, we sail further downstream, covering more distance as the Mekong River embraces us through the night.

Morning

As dawn breaks, we are now gliding along the mighty Mekong River, approaching Kampong Cham, an important hub for trade and transportation that still preserves its rural soul in the small hamlets scattered on its outskirts.

Here, the community’s rhythm blends seamlessly with the artistry of local crafts. In Cheung Kok village, residents create a variety of handmade goods, from food and textiles to everyday essentials, keeping traditions alive. Nearby, the seasonal Bamboo Bridge rises once again, serving as a crossing and a living symbol of Cambodia’s past.

From here, we continue by bus to Angkor Ban, home to a monastery and a charming local village nestled behind it. Guests will have the rare chance to meet monks during their morning class and engage in warm conversations with villagers.

As we wander through the narrow lanes, we step into the heart of Cambodia’s rustic lifestyle, collecting treasured memories and capturing wonderful photographs. 

Afternoon & Evening

Back aboard our luxury vessel, we sail downstream toward Phnom Penh. We pause at Prek Bangkong, a small village at the confluence of the Tonle and Mekong Rivers, renowned for its silk-weaving tradition.

Once the residence of the Royal family before they moved to the palace, this hamlet is now best known for its artisans who craft silk entirely by hand, from the very first stage to the final, delicate fabric. We’ll witness this intricate process up close before concluding our visit at the heritage home of H.E. Sam-El, a celebrated architect of the royal family.

After a short sail, the skyline of Phnom Penh appears before us. Our ship moors midstream, offering sweeping views across the water toward this vibrant city.

Morning

Welcome to Phnom Penh, the lively capital city of Cambodia. After a delicious breakfast, we embark on a full-day sightseeing adventure to delve into the heart of the city. 

Our exploration kicks off with a leisurely cyclo ride, allowing us to meander through the streets and soak in the local atmosphere.

We will then head to the historical tapestry of Phnom Penh, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Palace and the Silver Pagoda. These architectural gems resonate with the grandeur of Cambodia's past. 

Our journey continues to the haunting S21 prison, a poignant reminder of the dark chapter in Cambodia's history during the Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s.

We pause for a delightful lunch in the heart of the city, savoring the flavors of Cambodian cuisine. 

Afternoon & Evening

This afternoon begins with a visit to a renowned arts academy and a school devoted to safeguarding Cambodia’s cultural heritage. Watch as young performers practice the graceful and complex movements of the Apsara dance, and even try out a few steps yourself under expert guidance.

The day comes to a close with a relaxed walk through the city’s charming French Quarter, ending at the landmark Wat Phnom temple.

We invite you to partake in an enlightening expert lecture in the lounge before having a delightful open-air barbecue and gala dinner with a classic Apsara dance performance. Immerse yourself in this traditional Cambodian art form. 

After dinner, the night is yours to explore and embrace the vibrant nightlife of Phnom Penh. Take a stroll along the lively river promenade, soaking in the atmosphere and discovering the city's hidden gems.

Morning

Before we part ways with Phnom Penh, gather in the ship’s lounge for a moving testimony. Mr. Sum Rithy, who survived the harrowing imprisonment of S21 and later played a role in the Khmer Rouge tribunal, shares his personal story.

This rare encounter offers guests the invaluable opportunity to hear, ask questions, and reflect with someone who lived through one of Cambodia’s darkest chapters.

Once the ship sets sail, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Embrace the gentle rhythm of the river, perfect for unwinding in the spa, stretching out on the terrace deck, or retreating to the quiet comfort of your private balcony.

You may also like to visit the bridge, where the captain often shares fascinating tales about “his” river, or take part in a hands-on culinary workshop with our head chef to discover the flavors of Khmer cuisine.

As the afternoon drifts on, tea is served with light refreshments while we approach the border crossing into Vietnam. From here, our journey continues deeper into the vibrant Mekong Delta, where we anchor near Gieng Island for the night.

Morning

The day begins with a refreshing Tai Chi session on deck, followed by a hearty breakfast to prepare us for the adventures ahead. Today reveals a colorful mosaic of Mekong Delta life, full of traditions and simple joys.

Our first stop is Gieng Island, or Mango Island as it is affectionately known. Wandering beneath the lush canopy of mango trees, we discover the island’s charm. At a small incense workshop, we watch the patient, skilled process of rolling these aromatic sticks by hand.

Nearby, we step into a traditional boat-building workshop where generations of craftsmen have perfected the art of shaping sturdy wooden vessels, which are lifelines for families living along the river.

Before leaving, we gather in the courtyard of a century-old home to enjoy freshly picked mangoes paired with fragrant tea, a humble yet heartwarming taste of the Delta’s generosity. 

Afternoon & Evening

After lunch and a restful break onboard, our expert guide gives an insightful talk about daily life in the Delta as we sail onward to My An Hung in Sa Dec province.

We are welcomed into a local family’s home, where we glimpse authentic village life and walk through seasonal vegetable gardens to see what is being cultivated.

A tea-tasting session follows, complemented by a display of freshly harvested fruits: sweet, juicy, and cut straight from the tree. To round out the visit, a talented troupe entertains us with a lively traditional dragon dance, while we sample these fruits.

Returning to the ship, we drift into the golden glow of sunset. A festive cocktail hour with alfresco bites, live music, and dancing sets the mood as the river shimmers in twilight, before dinner is served onboard.

Morning

Rise early to embrace the magical light of dawn and waken your body with our daily Tai Chi session before enjoying a sumptuous breakfast buffet.

Sa Dec offers a captivating blend of colonial heritage and authentic Mekong Delta life. We will wander through the bustling central market, where colorful displays of fresh produce, seafood, and local specialties showcase the region’s agricultural abundance.

Later, continue to the historic residence of Huynh Thuy Le, best known for its connection to Marguerite Duras’ The Lover. The beautifully preserved house provides insight into a story that has become part of the town’s cultural legacy.

We then get to Kien An Cung Pagoda, a century-old Chinese temple renowned for its intricate architecture and serene atmosphere. Nestled along the riverside, it offers a tranquil retreat from the vibrant energy of the town before returning to the ship.

Afternoon & Evening

Travel to Cai Be, where we step inside a workshop to witness the creation of rice paper, rice cookies, rice wine, and coconut candies. Watching these products come to life through skilled manual techniques is both impressive and memorable.

From here, we travel to Tan Phong Island, a smaller isle in the heart of the Mekong. At a welcoming family home, we are invited to taste an array of tropical fruits fresh from their orchard.

A leisurely buggy ride across the island reveals scenes of everyday local life. We pause at another household where artisans handcraft beautiful products from dried water hyacinth plants, carrying on a tradition passed through generations.

Back on board, the ship begins its final passage toward My Tho. As the day draws to a close, we celebrate with a cheerful farewell gathering, savoring the last moments of our Mekong journey.

Savor your last breakfast aboard your floating home. After breakfast, we disembark the ship and transition to a bus transfer from My Tho to Saigon. The journey spans approximately 70 kilometers on the highway, ensuring a mid-morning arrival in Saigon.