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

Morning

We welcome our guests at the Saigon lounge, where you can enjoy a leisurely second coffee as our staff gathers your boarding details.

Leaving the hustle of Saigon behind, we travel 70 kilometers south to My Tho, the starting point for our Mekong River journey. Once you've settled into your luxurious floating "home", step onto your balcony and witness the ship's captivating sail along the Mekong.

As the vessel glides upstream, savor a lunch buffet in the restaurant, learning about the mighty Mekong River, spanning 4,909 km and nurturing millions of lives across Asia.

Afternoon & Evening

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.

Let the nautical air whet your appetite with drinks in the open-air bar, where twilight bathes the Mekong Delta in a golden haze. 

If you need to relieve stress, put your feet up on the private balcony or indulge in the Apsara Spa during this cruising day.

Evening

As you enjoy a delightful dinner, the ship arrives in Cai Be, a historic town founded by Vietnam's last ruling family in the 19th century. 

For those seeking evening entertainment, the lounge offers a cinema showcasing classic movies and documentaries nightly.

Morning

Wake up early to enjoy the breathtaking dawn scenery, followed by our refreshing daily Tai Chi class. Afterward, indulge in a sumptuous breakfast buffet or opt for in-room service.

We then reach Cai Be, a picturesque market town acknowledged for its Catholic French cathedral as well as traditional crafts and food production. Let's observe the production of distinct products of the Mekong Delta, such as rice paper, rice cookies, rice wine, and coconut candies.

After the workshop, we reached 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 gave us a glimpse of the local day-to-day life. We stop at another family’s house, specializing in the weaving of water hyacinth plants into artistic crafts, all by hand.

While the time sails upstream, take time for yourself or savor a Vietnamese coffee at the bar, soaking in the riverside scenery.

Afternoon & Evening

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 Sa Dec, a charming riverside town in Dong Thap Province.

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.

Back on board, enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool on the sun deck. Then, the guide presents insights about the lifestyle in the Mekong Delta as the ship heads to the mooring spot near Gieng Island. We will dock beside the scenic riverbank.

Morning

After our morning Tai Chi session, we embark on an exploration revealing a vibrant kaleidoscope of the diverse activities bringing the Mekong Delta to life.

Gieng Island is perfect for strolling under the shade of mango groves shaping the island’s landscape. We will have a visit to a small incense workshop that introduces us to the process of crafting these fragrant sticks by hand.

Another highlight is a traditional boatbuilding workshop. Before departing, taste freshly picked mangoes in the courtyard of a century-old local home. A window into the rhythms of life on the Mekong - so simple, so joyful.

Afternoon

You can choose to join a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn a Vietnamese dish simple enough to recreate at home later. Or else, you can relax on board, whether indulging in massages, relaxing on the terrace deck or private balcony, or immersing yourself in the calming influence of the river. 

Evening

After a tranquil cruise, we arrive at Phnom Penh in the evening (docking mid-stream or at the pier).

Make the most of your time onboard with entertainment, socializing in public venues, or unwinding in the privacy of your cabin.

Morning

You will be welcomed to Phnom Penh. Despite rapid development, the city retains most of its historic attractions, showcasing centuries of remarkable antiquity and culture at every street corner.

Following breakfast, we will explore the city’s highlights. We’ll start with a cyclo ride, meandering through the town, and then visit historic places such as the Royal 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 ourselves in the Khmer culture.

Afternoon

This afternoon starts with a visit to a famous academy of arts and a school dedicated to preserving traditional arts. Let's observe young dancers training in the intricate Apsara dance and take the opportunity to learn some basic techniques on your own under guidance.

We will conclude the day tour with a stroll through the city’s French Quarter, including the iconic Wat Phnom temple. 

Evening 

Back on board, and 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.

Morning

Our cruiser embarks on a journey toward Kampong Tralach along the Tonle River. The narrow stretches of the river offer an intriguing view from the terrace, meandering through jungle-like landscapes.

Upon arrival, we encounter a warm welcome from smiling children and explore the area on traditional ox carts, a common means of transportation.

Afterward, we reach a small village where underprivileged children have the opportunity to receive education at the local NGO School and library project, or visit the ancient 300-year-old temple and Buddha shrine.

Lunch is served while the crew showcases traditional Khmer fashion. The versatile Cambodian scarf, known as the Krama, is highlighted, worn not only as a neck accessory but also in various practical ways.

Afternoon

We arrive at Kampong Laeang, 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 locales, discover the art of pottery making, and visit a charming pre-Angkorian temple. From a vantage point, we can enjoy panoramic views of the vast floodplains and lush rice fields (seasonal).

Evening

We return to the ship for the evening, relishing dinner amidst the tranquil countryside. You'll spend the night aboard the cruise.

Morning

This morning, we’ll enjoy an exciting excursion to discover another part of the rural Cambodian Kampong Tralach countryside. Our ox-pulled cart will transport us along the riverside and down winding back roads, flanked by picturesque rice paddies, until we arrive at a small village. Here, we will learn about another local NGO school and library project. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the nearby ancient temple and Buddha shrine.

Before lunch, a presentation about the Mekong and the Tonle River is offered as the ship sails downstream. Our expert guide enlightens us about the geography of the Mekong River and Tonle Lake, along with the unique attributes of the region. 

Afternoon

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.

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

As the sun sets, casting a golden hue over the surroundings, we gather on the riverbank for cocktails and dancing with the crew in this remote location.

Evening

Cruising onward, dinner is served, and the boat anchors for the night at the riverbank of Kampong Cham.

Morning

Following a lavish breakfast, we will explore the village of Angkor Ban, which features a monastery with an adjacent, enchanting local village. Meet monks during their morning class and engage in friendly conversations with the villagers. As we stroll through the village, we collect wonderful memories of Cambodia’s rustic lifestyle.

After that visit, we returned to the ship for lunch.

Afternoon & Evening

The whole afternoon is at your disposal to fully experience the river’s relaxing cadence. This time is perfect for massages, relaxation on a sunbed, or private balcony kick-backs.

You also may like to visit the bridge, as the captain always has a little story to share about “his” river. If you are curious to learn more about Khmer gastronomy, join a culinary workshop.

Afterward, the ship makes its final journey, mooring mid-river near Kampong Cham with some farewell and party vibes along the way.

Morning & Afternoon

The final morning starts with breakfast aboard our floating sanctuary and then the preparation process to disembark for a bus transfer to Siem Reap. The approximately 4.5-hour transfer, including a rest stop.

You will arrive in Siem Reap in the early afternoon. We hope you enjoyed this enthralling river excursion as much as our hardworking staff.