Heritage Line The Jahan Cruise : Siem Reap – Saigon 8 Days

Day 1: Siem Reap – Steung Trang – Kampong Cham – Angkor Ban
Activities:Explore the Kampong Cham, join the cruise and enjoy leisure time on board

LOW WATER: Siem Reap – Steung Trang – Kampong Cham – Angkor Ban
Upon boarding, our crew will extend a warm welcome, guiding you to your staterooms and providing a briefing on the cabin’s facilities. After spending some time to settle in and explore the vessel, a welcome lunch buffet awaits, followed by a safety and welcome briefing in the lobby by our cruise director.

Default Morning Excursion (any ship): We leave the ship for a first excursion in the afternoon. By bus we explore the so called high-land of the Kampong Cham, which is an important trade and transportation hub but it still maintains scattered small hamlets around the outskirts where the community’s rhythm blends with the skilled hands of artisans. For instance, in Cheung Krok, locals craft various handmade items, whether it’s food, fashion, or other everyday goods. The nearby Bamboo bridge, which is erected seasonally, serves as more than just a passageway; it’s a gateway to the past.

HIGH WATER: Siem Reap – Kampong Laeang (Tonle River)
We greet our guests in the morning at our welcome lounge in Siem Reap. Kick back with a second coffee this morning before we depart on a short bus ride to the pier. we bid farewell to the iconic sights of Angkor and travel a short distance to the shore of Tonle Lake. A local boat brings you to the vessel and your luxurious “home” for the next several days.

As you have lunch, the vessel gently glides over Tonle Lake: the Tonle Sap (Sap means Lake in the Cambodian language) varies from 2,500 sqkm (965 sqmi) in size and 160 km (99 mi) in length during the dry season to an astonishing area of 16,000 sqkm (6,000 sqmi) and length of 250 km (160 mi) in the wet season. Let your soul float while the boat makes its way across the lake During an afternoon tea time you can get to know other travellers. Enjoy our time on the decks or get pampered by our therapists at the Spa.

Before dinner, our expert guide holds a presentation about the geography of the Mekong River and Tonle Lake. If you are in the mood, join in for the nightly cinema in the lounge before retiring to your room.
Meals:Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Heritage Line The Jahan Cruise

Day 2: Angkor Ban – Prek Bangkong – Kampong Laeang
Activities: Discover angkor ban tour, have the chance to meet monks during their morning class and engage in friendly conversations with the villagers, uncover the small village of Prek Bangkong, known for its silk weaving community, have chance to observe and learn about this intricate silk production process

LOW WATER: Angkor Ban – Prek Bangkong – Kampong Laeang
The morning Tai Chi session sets the mood for the day as we begin our tour of Angkor Ban.

Default Morning Excursion (any ship): This place includes a monastery with a delightful local village behind it. You’ll have the chance to meet monks during their morning class and engage in friendly conversations with the villagers. As we meander through the village, we’ll get as close as possible to the local way of life, collecting wonderful memories of Cambodia’s rustic lifestyle. This village is truly a gem to explore offering photographic and touching moments whilst interacting with the local community.

We are boarding our luxury ship again sailing now downstream again towards Phnom Penh. Before we arrive at Cambodia’s capital, we halt at a small silk weaving community.

Default Afternoon Excursion (any ship): 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. However, 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.

The rest of the day is a joyful sailing, passing the skyline of Phnom Penh and heading into the small Tonle River northbound. Enjoy your multi-course menu and the nightly entertaining evening cinema offered afterwards. We moor midstream in the Tonle river.

HIGH WATER: Kampong Laeang – Kampong Tralach – Kampong Cham (overnight sailing)
Default Morning Excursion (any ship): We are in the midst of the vast Tonle region, one of Cambodia’s amazing ecosystems. We will discover Kampong Laeang this morning, 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 locals, 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).
Back on the ship with lunch enjoyed and spectacular views on the Tonle River we sail south to Kampong Tralach. An afternoon tea is served at the bar before we continue with the afternoon excursion.

Default Afternoon Excursion (any ship): Once the ship stopped, we enjoy an exciting excursion to discover another part of rural Cambodian 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 have the opportunity to learn about a local NGO school and library project. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the nearby ancient 300-year-old temple and Buddha shrine.

We are sailing into the early evening offering some onboard entertainment with a fashion show. As we have to make some distance, the ship will sail overnight into the Mekong River.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Heritage Line The Jahan Cruise

Day 3: Kampong Laeang – Kampong Tralach – Phnom Penh
Activities: discover Kampong Laeang, travel the heart of rural Cambodian life on tuk-tuks, explore various locals, discover the art of pottery making, and visit a charming pre-Angkorian temple, have the opportunity to learn about a local NGO school and library project, visit the nearby ancient 300-year-old temple and Buddha shrine

LOW WATER: Kampong Laeang – Kampong Tralach – Phnom Penh
Default Morning Excursion (any ship): We are in the midst of the vast Tonle region, one of Cambodia’s amazing ecosystems. We will discover Kampong Laeang this morning, 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 locals, 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).

Back on the ship with lunch enjoyed and spectacular views on the Tonle River we sail south to Kampong Tralach. An afternoon tea is served at the bar before we continue with the afternoon excursion.

Default Afternoon Excursion (any ship): Once the ship stopped, we enjoy an exciting excursion to discover another part of rural Cambodian 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 have the opportunity to learn about a local NGO school and library project. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the nearby ancient 300-year-old temple and Buddha shrine.
We sail some more miles down the Tonle river before reaching Phnom Penh where we moor our ship mid-stream with views on the skyline of this vibrant city.

HIGH WATER: Kampong Cham – Angkor Ban – Prek Bangkong – Phnom Penh

As you wake this morning, the scenery has changed completely.

Default Morning Excursion (any ship): We are in the vast Mekong River at the town of Kampong Cham which is an important trade and transportation hub, but it still maintains scattered small hamlets around the outskirts where the community’s rhythm blends with the skilled hands of artisans. For instance, in Cheung Kok, locals craft various handmade items, whether it’s food, fashion, or other everyday goods. The nearby Bamboo bridge, which is erected seasonally, serves as more than just a passageway; it’s a gateway to the past.

By bus we continue to Angkor Ban. This place includes a monastery with a delightful local village behind it. You’ll have the chance to meet monks during their morning class and engage in friendly conversations with the villagers. As we meander through the village, we’ll get as close as possible to the local way of life, collecting wonderful memories of Cambodia’s rustic lifestyle. This village is truly a gem to explore offering photographic and touching moments whilst interacting with the local community.
We are boarding our luxury ship again sailing now downstream again towards Phnom Penh. Before we arrive at Cambodia’s capital, we halt at a small silk weaving community.

Default Afternoon Excursion (any ship): 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. However, 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.

Just a short distance of sailing and we arrive in Phnom Penh, where the ship is mooring mid-stream with views on the city opposite.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Heritage Line The Jahan Cruise

Day 4: Phnom Penh
Activities:City tour around Phnom Penh, visit historic places such as the palace and the silver pagoda

Welcome to Phnom Penh – the once called Paris of the East. Despite its rapid development, it has retained a lot of its rustic charm and elegance. It is an amazing town with centuries of incredible history and culture which can still be felt at many street corners.

After breakfast we bid farewell to our passengers of the Serenity Cruise (3-nights).

We start with a full sight-seeing tour right after breakfast. By bus we visit the Killing Fields at the outside of the city and afterwards the centrally located prison “S21”. Both historic sites display the sad and cruel chapter of Khmer history when the Khmer Rouge ruled the country with terror and supression. Those places have not changed much since this horrific time back in the early seventies and it can be quite heartbreaking. Alternatively, you can explore the city in the morning by your own before re-joining the group.

We take lunch at a fine restaurant in town. Our exploration of Phnom Penh continues on the fascinating cultural heritage of Phnom Penh. The golden edifice of the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda and the exceptional Khmer crafts at the National Museum are our afternoon highlights. The day trip ends with a “cyclo” ride back to the ship through the bustling streets of downtown Phnom Penh.

Take some rest in your spacious cabin or join other fellow passengers at the bar for refreshing drinks before our captivating evening activities start.

In the early evening a barbecue dinner on the sun deck commences. The dinner is accompanied with an Apsara dance performance.

You have to witness the brilliance and richness of this dance along with the soothing sounds of the traditional music.
As the evening unwinds, enjoy your supper with a good glass of wine and marvel at the skyline of Phnom Penh, and the calming flow of the Tonle River.
Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Heritage Line The Jahan Cruise

Day 5: 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

After breakfast we gather at the lounge for a great lecture.
After breakfast we bid farewell to our passengers of the Serenity Cruise (4-nights).
At 8 o’clock we welcome our passengers of the Pearl of the Orient Cruise (3-nights).

The lounge is set up for a captivating lecture about Cambodian mordern history, held by a professor of the Royal University of Phnom Penh. Definitely a highlights of this cruise receiving knowledge first hand as our lecturer has studied the subject extensively and personally.

The whole afternoon is at your own arrangements. From now on, even the last passenger will turn on his cruise mode and hopefully experience the therapeutic influence that this mighty river radiates. It is time for massages, relaxation on the sun bed, and private balcony kick-backs – it’s time to merge with the river. Some may like to visit the bridge as the captain always has a little story to share about “his” river. Float into a state of mild bliss. Before totally drifting away, do not forget lunchtime around noon.

A culinary class is offered in the afternoon to sharpen your knowledge and skills on the local cuisine. Before slumbering in a nap, join our High Tea with coffee and snacks if you like to.

We reach 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.

Dinner will be served soon and you can join our evening cinema with another selected classic movie afterwards .

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Heritage Line The Jahan Cruise

Day 6: Tan Chau – My An Hung – Sa Dec
Activities:Land in Tan Chau, visit local market, trip to the quay, drop by floating market and catfish farms, leave for My An Hung village, explore boat building technique and admire scenery aroundge, set off for Sa Dec

Welcome to the fish sanctuary of Vietnam. Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the dining hall or in the quiet privacy of your balcony.

Brace yourself for a tour around Tan Chau, a pleasant, slow-paced town near the Cambodian border with a sizeable Chinese, Kinh and Khmer community. Once arrived on-shore we hop on “xelois” to explore Tan Chau. A “xeloi” is a local vehicle which is still used as a taxi in this region. We slowly move around the streets to see all the workshops, houses and domiciles. Get to feel the laid- back vibes of this place. We stop at the colorful, local market near one of the town’s temples. This is the best time to interact with the vendors of this friendly town and make your own bargain experience.

We board our local boats and cruise along floating houses until we finally reach a floating fish farm. This region is the source of a fish production that is sold all over the world. We get an exclusive insight in how fish farming works.
Back on board before lunch is served, you may like to pamper yourself with some spa treatments or take a dip into the pool on the sun deck. Our expert guides offer a presentation on the “Life on the Mekong Delta” as the ship continues to My An Hung near the Sa Dec province. Before we arrive mingle with fellow passengers and share some stories.

We will set off for the My An Hung Village. In the village we receive wonderful insights into the private household of a local family. We are allowed to visit their vegetable garden and access the seasonal vegetable fields via crossing a monkey bridge. We are also invited to their house for a Vietnamese tea tasting. Vietnamese tea is often bitter and locals sweeten it with honey. The honey is produced by the family, a true delicacy in this region. We are offered fruits – juicy, fresh, and right from the tree. A local artist group performs a typical traditional dragon dance while we munch on those natural “vitamins bombs”.

As the sun sets and the light bathes everything golden, we settle on a riverbank gathering with cocktails to recap the day.
Back on the ship we cruise downstream the Mekong. Refresh yourself and get ready for dinner. The ship moors mid-river near Sa Dec.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Heritage Line The Jahan Cruise

Day 7: Binh Thanh Island – Cai Be – My Tho
Activities:Sampan to Binh Thanh Island, arrive in Cai Be, explore floating market, stunning landscapes along the Mekong, cruise to My Tho

During the breakfast time we arrive at the island of Binh Thanh.

We embark a traditional sampan and tour towards Binh Thanh Island. This island is one of the larger ones in the vast stream of the Mekong. Some communities have settled here and make their living by growing water hyazinths. We visit exclusively one of those untouched areas. By wandering through the village we get a deep understanding of the native life. But moreover we can follow the whole process of ratt making. You can even try yourself the weaving which is still done manually. We will meet also an old local people who shares with us their story on this island and they are happy for any chit-chat with you.

Back on board lunch is served and you have some time afterwards for yourself in your preferred cruise mode.

In the early afternoon we arrive in Cai Be. Cai Be is a charming small town, famous for its Catholic French church and manufacturing of traditional crafts and food products. The floating market of Cai Be is getting smaller every year, since trading on the water is shifting more and more into modern central markets. We can still see some boat to boat trading of local goods, such as fruits and agricultural products.

Our guide explains the particularities of this long lasting dealing cutlture. Each boat has a special marker to let buyers know what goods they are selling. We go on-shore to visit a workshop where we learn about and observe how rice paste, rice paper, rice cookies or rice wine is manufactured. Cai Be and its surrounding areas are covered by palmtrees and hence the region is also famous for the production of coconut candies. The city is crossed by and many water canals. With our local boat we continue to cruise through the lush and green canel network and can observe farmers working in the fields.

As the sun sets, our crew invites you to a farewell event. Before dinner, you can enjoy dances and music together with the crew.
The ships moors at My Tho.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Heritage Line The Jahan Cruise

Day 8: My Tho – Saigon
Activities:Land in My Tho, farewell to the cruise, join the madding crowd of Saigon

Enjoy your last breakfast aboard our floating home.

We will disembark the ship after the breakfast and take a bus transfer from My Tho to the drop off point in Saigon. It is only around 70 kilometers on the high way. You arrive in Saigon in mid-mornings.

We hope that you enjoyed this fascinating river same as our crew does every single time. Moreover we wish that you will take plenty of memories and friendships along with you that will linger with your stories of this amazing river – the Mighty Mekong.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
Optional tour must be pre-booked as an add-on module to the cruise booking (7-, 4-, or 3-Nights) with surcharge. This surcharge will be paid on board by your own account.
All the cycling excursions replace the default group excursion and are only available with cruise bookings aboard the ship Heritage Line The Jahan.

High Water program will be applied for departure dates from August to late Oct. Other departure dates are applied Low Water program. However, the water level can be changed at the last minutes and this is out of our control. We will inform you about the program some days prior to departure date.
Meals:Breakfast