Heritage Line Jayavarman Cruise : Phnom Penh – Saigon 4 Days

Day 1: Phnom Penh – Tan Chau
Activities:Cruise along Mekong Channel, set off to Vietnamese border for the requisite cross border paperwork, optional activities can be made

Welcome on board with Heritage Line for your Mekong River adventure. After you have checked in, we invite you to come to the lobby lounge for your safety briefing.

Once the ship departed, the rest of the morning and the whole afternoon is at your own disposal. It is time to switch into cruise mode and hopefully experiences the relaxing cadence this mighty river emanates. The afternoon is perfect for massages, relaxation on a terrace deck sunbed or private balcony kick-backs. Conjure up a spell to merge with the river and float into a state of mild bliss. You also may like to visit the bridge, as the captain always has a little story to share about “his” river. Or, if you are curious to learn more about Khmer gastronomy, join a culinary workshop to sharpen your knowledge about local cuisine.

As you sip drinks and nibble on treats during afternoon tea, we approach the border and finally arrive in Vietnam. From here it is just a short distance to Tan Chau, a pleasant, slow-paced border town with a sizeable Chinese, Kinh and Khmer community. We moor near the city with views on the riverbanks.

Meals:Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Heritage Line Jayavarman Cruise

Day 2: Tan Chau – My An Hung – Binh Thanh Island
Activities:Land in Tan Chau, visit local market, Cao Dai temple, leave for My An Hung village, visit the seasonal vegetable fields to understand what the farmers is currently cultivating

Welcome to the fish sanctuary of Vietnam.

Default Excursion (any ship): After our morning Tai Chi session and a delightful breakfast, we embark on an exploration of this area, renowned primarily for its aquaculture. Upon disembarking, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant town life of Tan Chau by boarding “xelois” (the Vietnamese word for rickshaws). Your personal xeloi driver leisurely navigates through a network of streets, allowing you to observe workshops, street vendors, shops, and the intriguing day-to-day activities of the locals. Our journey takes us to the local market, where we mingle with residents as they go about their morning shopping routines. Continuing on, we visit a Cao Dai temple and meet with one of the priests, who enlightens us about the unique beliefs and spirit of Cao Dai. Our final destination is a fish farm that has been operated for many years by a local family, who make their livelihood from this distinctive business. Here, we gain insight into the essential knowledge required to manage such a unique enterprise in this region.

OPTIONAL MORNING EXCURSION:

Culinary (Ship ‘Jayavarman’ only): Once on-shore, we walk five minutes to the nearby market. Join our guide in selecting and buying fresh ingredients for the upcoming cooking session. We take cyclos for a charming ride through town to the local Cao Dai temple. During a quick visit you get to know some insight into this particular religion as well as the special dietary practices of Cao Dai followers. We head to the temple kitchen for an hands-on cooking class, preparing special dietary dishes in an interactive and culturally enriching experience together with the local kitchen team.

Default Excursion (any ship): After back onboard a siesta after lunch, our expert guides offer a presentation about life in the Mekong Delta as the ship continues to My An Hung near Sa Dec province. My An Hung Village is a wonderful example of a real local village in the Mekong Delta where time stood still. We receive wonderful insights into the private household of a local family and visit the seasonal vegetable fields to understand what the farmers is currently cultivating. A Vietnamese tea tasting at a local family’s house is accompanied by a presentation of a variety of fruits that are grown near-by, freshly cut from the tree. An artistic group performs displays the traditional dragon dance, whilst we can snack on the “vitamins bombs”.

Back onboard, the ship sails into the sun set towards our destination for the next day. A complimentary cocktail hour and snacks at the pool with music and dance vibes are offered to enjoy the blue hour before dinner is served.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Heritage Line Jayavarman Cruise

Day 3: Binh Thanh Island – My Tho
Activities:Sampan to Binh Thanh Island, gain profound insights into local life and witness the complete traditional mat-making process

Wake early to embrace the stunning dawn scenery, a time when the Delta’s inhabitants have already been active for hours. Energize yourself with our daily morning Tai Chi class before indulging in a lavish breakfast buffet. By local boat, we head out to one of the larger islands in the Mekong known as Binh Thanh. This island is home to several communities that sustain themselves by cultivating water hyacinths. Strolling through the village, you’ll gain profound insights into local life and witness the complete traditional mat-making process. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to meet a local elderly couple who have spent their entire lives on this island. They enjoy engaging in conversations with foreign visitors.

Afterward, the ship makes its final journey to My Tho, offering some little farewell party vibes along the way.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Heritage Line Jayavarman Cruise

Day 4: My Tho – Saigon
Activities:Land in My Tho, farewell to the cruise, join the madding crowd of Saigon

Enjoy your last breakfast aboard your floating home. We disembark the ship after breakfast and take a bus transfer from My Tho to Saigon. It is only around 70 kilometres on the highway, and you arrive in Saigon by mid-morning.

We hope you enjoyed this fascinating river cruise, just as our crew does every single time. Moreover, take the enchanting memories and friendships along with you and share the stories of this amazing river – the Mighty Mekong.

Dining: Breakfast

IMPORTANT NOTES:
The culinary tours are complimentary and do not need to be booked in advance. The guests can choose on the ground whether they like to join cultural default tour or the food outing, both to be conducted as group tours.

The culinary tours depend on the number of clients booked on board. If very little choose this option, the tour will be not operated. Minimum: 6pax