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

Morning

Our friendly staff welcomes guests at the welcome lounge in Ho Chi Minh City. While savoring a cup of coffee, staff members collect necessary information from the guests.

At noon, a comfortable bus awaits to transport guests from the meeting lounge to My Tho Pier, where they will board the elegant Heritage Line Jayavarman. The ride would be approximately 70 kilometers.

Upon boarding, you are ushered to your luxurious cabins. Stepping onto your private balconies, you can let your soul be free in the breathtaking landscape as the ship gracefully navigates the heart of the Mekong River.

Start your magnificent river cruise on board.

A delectable lunch buffet awaits, providing guests with a delightful culinary experience.

Afternoon

Afternoon activity on our cruise will be enjoying an afternoon tea at the airy bar, perfect for watching the sunset, mingling with fellow travelers, and forging new friendships. 

For ultimate relaxation, indulge in a rejuvenating Apsara Spa session or enjoy the tranquility on your private balcony. This moment on Heritage Line Jayavarman promises a serene escape, allowing you to unwind and enjoy moments of peace and bliss.

Evening

Enjoy a delicious dinner in the sophisticated Indochine dining hall while docking at Cai Be, a picturesque town in Tien Giang province.

Thereupon, treat yourself to an entertaining evening full of classic movies and interesting documentaries as the cinema is in the lounge.

Morning

A charming sunrise welcomes all the guests, as well as a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck, followed by a rich breakfast buffet.

We'll reach Cai Be - a quaint market town well known for its French Catholic church. Here, you'll expand your sights to see bustling trading scenes. Traversing the green canals, we take the sampan to visit a local factory where we will be informed about the outstanding traditional process of producing goods such as paste, paper, cookies, and wine from rice. 

After the workshop, we continue to Tan Phong Island, where a welcoming local family invites us into their fruit garden. The island is abundant with a variety of tropical fruits, which we’ll have the chance to sample fresh from the source.

A lighthearted buggy ride takes us through the island’s charming lanes, offering glimpses of everyday rural life. Along the way, we pause at another household, where artisans skillfully weave water hyacinth plants into intricate, handmade crafts.

After our excursion, we'll return to the cruise for lunch and enjoy the rest of the time with an authentic Vietnamese coffee from the cruise bar.

Afternoon

We arrive at Sa Dec, a charming riverside town in Dong Thap Province. This town reveals 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.

Evening

After finishing an afternoon excursion, we'll be back on board for a pool-dipping session. In the evening, our expert guide offers a presentation on life on the Mekong Delta as the ship continues sailing to Gieng Island. 

The ship moors near the town to have a view over the riverbanks and to stay overnight on board.

Stop by the scenic villages in the Mekong Delta region

Morning

After our morning Tai Chi practice, we set out to uncover the colorful mosaic of life along the Mekong Delta.

On Gieng Island, shaded mango groves shape the peaceful scenery, making it perfect for a leisurely walk. We stop at a small incense workshop, where artisans demonstrate the delicate craft of rolling these fragrant sticks by hand.

Another stop introduces us to a traditional boatbuilding workshop, where time-honored techniques are still preserved. Before leaving the island, we are invited into the courtyard of a century-old home to taste freshly harvested mangoes, an authentic glimpse into the Mekong’s simple yet joyful way of life.

Afternoon

After a delightful lunch, we continue to Phnom Penh. You are invited to join a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn a Vietnamese dish simple enough to recreate at home later. 

Dusk is the leisurely time for you to get away for relaxation and enjoyment. Feel free to either treat yourself to a spa or massage session, bask in the serene ambiance of the terrace deck, or unwind on the private balcony.

Evening

Upon reaching the pier in Phnom Penh, passengers will enjoy a delightful dinner on board. Following the meal, a variety of engaging onboard activities are suggested for you. 

Lastly, you can retire to the comfort of your cabin and cherish the tranquil ambiance of the cruise as you prepare for the adventures that await the next day.

Morning

Welcome to Phnom Penh, known as the Paris of Indochina, a city that effortlessly blends modernity with rustic charm and elegance. 

After breakfast, we set out to discover the city’s highlights. The journey begins with a leisurely cyclo ride through the lively streets, followed by visits to iconic landmarks including the Royal Palace and the glittering Silver Pagoda.

A happy kid enjoys the moments at Cambodia's Royal Palace.

The next place you visit is the S21 detention center. These significant historical sites stand as poignant reminders of Cambodia's harrowing past, under the oppressive rule of the Khmer Rouge, marked by tyranny and persecution. 

Following this eye-opening round trip, take some time to explore the city at your own pace, immersing yourself in its vibrant atmosphere. 

Later, reunite with the group for a delicious lunch at one of Phnom Penh's top restaurants, savoring both the flavors of the cuisine and the company you're keeping.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, we visit a renowned academy of arts, home to a school devoted to safeguarding Cambodia’s traditional heritage. Watch young dancers perfect the graceful movements of the Apsara dance and even try a few basic steps under their guidance.

The day concludes with a leisurely walk through the city’s French Quarter, ending at the iconic Wat Phnom temple.

Evening 

The relaxing period featured an open-air gala dinner set against the mesmerizing river, where guests enjoyed a sumptuous BBQ feast with delectable flavors from around the world while an Apsara dance performance filled the air, transporting guests into the realm of ancient traditions. 

Surrounded by the river's elegant beauty, guests can enjoy the romantic ambiance and discover new depths of appreciation for Cambodia's raw beauty. 

Morning

At the crack of dawn, we embark on a leisurely cruise along the meandering Tonle River en route to Kampong Tralach. Should you awaken early, you'll be treated to the mesmerizing allure and enigmatic charm of this particular stretch of the river.

Our next adventure involves a visit to a nearby village, and the mode of transportation is the well-known ox-cart. As you approach the village, a sense of tranquility envelops you, providing a serene backdrop to explore. 

We might stop over at "NGO School", which plays a pivotal role in supporting education for the underprivileged students of this village. Delve into the heartwarming opportunity to connect with the delightful local children, or visit the ancient 300-year-old temple and Buddha shrine.

Following this enriching experience, we return to the boat for a delectable lunch, all while our skilled crew showcases a vibrant array of traditional Khmer attire worn by locals during special occasions.

Adorable students at NGO School

Afternoon & Evening

We arrive at Kampong Laeang, a riverside village located opposite the well-known pottery town of Kampong Chhnang.

From here, a tuk-tuk ride takes us into the heart of the countryside, where we can watch artisans skillfully shaping pottery and step inside a charming pre-Angkorian temple. A nearby vantage point offers sweeping views of the floodplains and rice fields, which are especially striking during the season.

Returning to the ship one more time, we embark on a journey to appreciate the distinctive lifestyle of the locals living on the water. 

Let's relish dinner amidst the tranquil countryside, then have free time. You'll spend the night aboard the cruise.

Morning

Our journey begins at Kampong Luang, a village famed for its skilled silversmiths. Around 400 families here dedicate their craft to shaping silver, copper, and brass into intricate works of art. The excursion continues to Wat Prang, the Royal Buddhist Temple, a revered place that invites reflection on the king’s legacy while blending history with deep spiritual meaning.

Before lunch, a detailed presentation about the Mekong and Tonle Rivers is prepared to enlighten all the guests. Following this informative session is a monk's blessing ceremony, where prayers are offered for the well-being and happiness of all.

Afternoon

At the meeting point of the Tonle and Mekong Rivers lies Prek Bangkong, a village celebrated for its long-standing silk-weaving tradition. Once home to Cambodia’s Royal family before their move to the Royal Palace, it now thrives as a hub of skilled artisans who create silk entirely by hand.

Visit the silk-weaving village in Prek Bangkong.

Here, you’ll witness each step of the intricate weaving process up close. The excursion concludes with a visit to the heritage home of H.E. Sam-El, a distinguished architect who once served the royal family.

As the sun begins its descent, seize the opportunity to indulge in the perfect ambiance for savoring cocktails and dancing with the crew in this splendid and secluded locale.

Evening

Docking for the night along the riverbank of Kampong Cham, we will relish a delightful meal and spend the night comfortably aboard the ship.

Morning

This morning’s excursion takes us to the village of Angkor Ban, home to a peaceful monastery and a charming local community. Here, you may meet monks during their morning lessons and share warm exchanges with the villagers.

Later, join a leisurely walk through the village, which offers an authentic glimpse into Cambodia’s timeless rural lifestyle, leaving you with lasting impressions of its rustic charm.

Afterward, we will return to the ship for a refreshing lunch.

Afternoon & Evening

The afternoon is entirely yours to enjoy the gentle rhythm of the river. Take the opportunity to indulge in a soothing massage, lounge on a sunbed, or simply unwind on your private balcony.

For those interested, a visit to the bridge can be rewarding, as the captain often shares fascinating stories about life on “his” river. Alternatively, you may join a culinary workshop to discover the secrets of Khmer cuisine.

As evening approaches, the ship makes its final journey and moors mid-river near Kampong Cham, where farewell moments are celebrated in a festive and cheerful atmosphere.

Morning

Appreciate the final culinary delight aboard our cruise, relishing your last meal as wonder at the breathtaking vistas of the Mighty Mekong River one last time.

Bid farewell to the dedicated cruise team as we transit to the next leg of our journey, a bus ride to our drop-off point in Siem Reap.

Enter a roughly 4.5-hour journey, punctuated by a rest stop that provides both respite and an opportunity to absorb the insights shared by our knowledgeable local guides. As you traverse the scenic route, indulge in a snack, enhancing your travel experience with the flavors of Cambodia.

Afternoon

We'll arrive in Siem Reap, the enchanting Kingdom of Cambodia, marking the conclusion of our adventure. As our remarkable river excursion concludes, we hope that you have already carried with you many enchanting memories along the majestic Mekong River.