Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) Vietnam / Siem Reap Cambodia 12 days/11 nights. The ultimate luxury cruising and sightseeing experience!

Immerse yourself in the sight, sounds and colonial heritage on a pre-cruise walking tour of Saigon before boarding the Jayavarman, the epitome of Indochine chic.  No matter which cabin class you choose you will have your own private balcony from which you can view the scenery of life on the Mekong, from floating markets to riverside villages.

Your cruise ends in Siem Reap where you then have time to settle into life of dry land before a day tour o the stunning temples at the royal city of Angkor Thom, the lost city of Ta Phrom and the Khmer ruins of Angkor Wat.

The Jayavarman…a floating sanctuary of style and space

Inspired by the golden age cruise liner Normandie, "The Jayavarman" is a 20th century boutique style marvel marries avant-garde French colonial design with enchanting Indochine architecture to perfection.

‘The Jayavarman’ is Indochina's first of its kind boutique style river cruise liner and offers uncompromising luxury on 800 m² public space including 4 decks.

The guest accommodation consists of 27 expansive and carefully designed staterooms with floor to ceiling panoramic sliding glass doors onto a private French balcony offer privacy and matchless luxury.

Holiday Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive Saigon
Upon arrival at the airport, meet and transfer to your hotel. Early check in is not included and subject to hotel availability

Day 2  :  Saigon City Tour (B)
This morning we embark on a walking tour of Saigon's historic landmarks. Stroll down Rue Catinat of Graham Green's 'The Quiet American' for an insight into Saigon's colonial past. See The Opera House, a three-story classical theatre built to entertain the French colonists (outside visit) the former Hotel de Ville constructed for the French bureaucrats of Indochina in 1901, now The People's Committee building with no public access; The Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunningly massive red-brick edifice with twin spires, a clear reminder that French once ruled this city (open only 3-4pm everyday otherwise just an outside visit); The Central Post Office influenced by Renaissance architecture; and the former Presidential Palace, headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American war. We then drive to another district to visit Thien Hau temple built by the Cantonese congregation in the early 19th century to honour the goddess of the sea and protector of fishermen. The temple’s interior courtyard is worth seeing with its beautiful ceramic figurines and antiques shrouded in incense-smoke. It is always bustling here with worshippers from the local Chinese community. You have an opportunity to write out your wishes on a small red note, stick it on an incense coil and pray that your wishes will come true. Return to your hotel.

Day 3 :  Saigon - Cai Be (BLD)
Check out of your accommodation and transfer to the pier to board the Jayavarman. Bid farewell to the hustle and bustle of Saigon and settle into your cabin. The cruise meanders along busy waterways and past ports until you suddenly find yourself in the UNESCO listed Mangrove Biosphere Reserve of Can Gio which was destroyed during the Vietnam War by toxic chemicals. Amazingly, the 75 hectares of forest has come back to life through a reforestation program. Enjoy a cocktail reception at the Funnel Bar and Lounge followed by a Welcome Dinner on the Sun Deck. Drop anchor just outside of Cai Be for the night.

Day 4  :  Cai Be - Chau Doc (BLD)
Today’s tour starts with the visit of Cai Be’s colorful floating market. Cruise among local sampans which come from all the deltas provinces to sell fruit and vegetables. Proceed to Dong Hoa Hiep island located between Vinh Long and Cai Be. During the 40 minute river cruise of beautiful landscapes you will observe typical rural life along the Mekong Delta. These evergreen islands along the Mekong River still remain unknown to many people. Back on the sampans, you can observe the activity of the biggest rice stock market in Cai Be. Further stops will allow you to see traditional brick and tile factories and how locals use palm leaves for house construction. Cruise 20 minutes further to Phu An hamlet passing by Cai Be’s beautiful cathedral. Visit interesting home industry factories to see how rice paste, rice cookies and coco candies are made, along with the longan fruit drying process. Lunch will await you at Le Longanier, a superb Indochinese villa located in a lush tropical garden by the river, surrounded by fruit orchards. After lunch, group 1 takes a stroll along the canals to experience the local environment first hand while group 2 explores the edges of the canals by cycle. After touring the canals, head to the An Kiet ancient house to have tea with the descendants of the former imperial residents. Board the Jayavarman for a relaxing evening cruise towards Chau Doc. Moor midstream - overnight.

Day 5  :  Chau Doc - Border Crossing (BLD)
Welcome to the circus of fish. The early birds will be treated to Thai Chi lessons on the Sun Deck. Brace yourself for a boat excursion to the exciting floating villages and catfish farms where you witness masses of bassa fish being fed, take a shore excursion to the village of the local Muslim Cham community. Ride through this fascinating town of rich French colonial architecture and see its bustling market full of tropical fruits and displayed by women in cone shaped palm leaf hats. Observe beautiful textiles being woven on old wooden looms; a tradition that has been passed from generation to generation. By mid-afternoon, The Jayavarman casts off for the border towards Phnom Penh.

Day 6  :  Phnom Penh (BLD)
Departing early in the morning we witness a truly indescribable scene as we approach Phnom Penh’s river promenade. After breakfast, embark on a city tour in this dynamic, historical capital of Cambodia which has retained its French colonial charm. Sightseeing in the morning will include the dazzling white and gold architecture of the Royal Palace, outstanding displays of Khmer crafts at the National Museum and the temple on a hill - Wat Phnom. After lunch in a local restaurant, examine the painful, heart wrenching reminders of Cambodia’s ugly past under the Khmer Rouge regime with an excursion to the Genocide museum to learn more about the Cambodian civil war. Introduction and onsite lecture by a local history professor.In the evening a welcome relief with the serving of a variety of cocktails, followed by Cambodia’s traditional Apsara dance performance. Experience the brilliance and richness of the culture, the soothing sounds of traditional music, the calming scent of incense sticks and a delicious Khmer food buffet.

Day 7  :  Phnom Penh - Kampong Cham (BLD)
Depart Phnom Penh before the break of dawn with a stop at the little known Chong Koh silk weaving village for a leisurly walk. We cruise past the Mekong’s tranquil villages and mind blowing river life with scores of fishermen on duty. Visit Wat Nokor, a wat built within the ruins of an ancient temple that holds a timeless story. Then, travel to the Cheung Kok Ecotourism Village, a small village developed with support from Assistance Médiation Internationale (AMICA). Travellers can visit the village and take part in activities to experience village life. Profits from tourism go towards re-investment into long-term projects.

Day 8  :  Kampong Cham - Wat Hanchey (BLD)
Wake up in the wee hours of the morning, as we embark on a journey upriver to the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Located at the top of a hill overlooking the river, it offers some of the best views in Cambodia. Dating from the 8th century, these ancient structures do justice to the architecture of the Chenla Empire which predated the glories of the mighty Angkor. Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding well organized rice paddy plains, as well as a travelers blessing performed by the local monks.

Day 9  :  Kampong Cham - Kampong Chhnang - Tonle Sap (BLD)
Before the sun rises, The Jayavarman sets sail to Kampong Chhnang via Prek K’dam along the meandering Tonle Sap River, which narrows through leafy swaths of the South East Asian jungle. Take a walk through Kampong Louang, one of the last silversmith villages, to see the entire community involved in making various silver items to sell. Re-board The Jayavarman to enjoy lunch while cruising towards Kampong Chhnang. After lunch, take a motorboat excursion from Kampong Chhnang to see the wetlands, floating houses and fish farms in the region. Make a stop at a Heritage Line sponsored floating school to interact with the children and teach them some English! This is a day to truly experience rural Khmer life. In the evening, a mouth watering farewell dinner will be served on the Sun Deck.

Day 10  :  Tonle Sap - Siem Reap (BL)
This great onal Sap Lake dominates Cambodia and is over 150 km in length. The birdlife is profuse and from the middle of the lake one cannot even see the shores. Witness the tranquillity on the way to Siem Reap. The water level varies a great deal according to the time of the year and the amount of rainfall recorded. Thus, changes may occur during different seasons. High Water Program (approx. between July and December) Cross the Tonle Sap Lake at dawn and 11:00 disembark at Siem Reap Port for onward coach transfer to the hotel by 12:00 pm Low Water Program (approx. between December and June) Cruise early morning to Prek K’dam where you will disembark The Jayavarman after breakfast. Board a coach at 9:00am which will take you to see a pre-Angorian temple on your way to Siem Reap. A packed lunch and refreshments will be available along the way. Arrive in Siem Reap early afternoon. After settling into your hotel you are free to explore the sights of Siem Reap.

Day 11  :  Siem Reap Temples (B)
This morning we begin our exploration of the stunning temples of the royal city of Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital of the Khmer empire. At first glance, it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but a closer look reveals enigmatic faces looking in every direction. Visit the Terrace of the Elephants that served as a platform from which King Jayavarman VII could view his victorious returning army and the Terrace of the Leper King with its perfect carvings winding along a narrow passage way. Continue your tour to the exotic 'lost city' of Ta Prohm, a jungle-clad temple overgrown with trees, whose magnificent roots embrace the temple’s huge stone blocks. In the afternoon, visit the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most impressive temple ruins constructed between 9th and 13th centuries. The temple still has literally hundreds of fine carvings of Apsara and Hindu mythology. Stroll around the massive hallways to discover small shrines still in use today by the local people. You have the option to stay here to see Angkor Wat at sunset – it remains enigmatic in twilight. Return back to your hotel for the night.

Day 12  :  Depart Siem Reap (B)
Transfer to airport for your onward flights. Late check out is not included and subject to hotel availability.

DEPARTURE DATES

Minimum two sailings per month. Please contact us for dates and availability

PRICE   USD$

INCLUSIONS
11 x Breakfast 8 x Lunch 7 x Dinner Cruise: All excursions including entrance fees, transportation, tour guide services (English speaking), taxes, fuel, pilots, portdues, full board, welcome and farewell dinner, mineral water, coffee and tea during breakfast. Saigon & Siem Reap: All excursions and entrance fees according to the itinerary, sightseeing with English speaking private guide, private transfers and transport, meals as specified (drinks are not included, water and towels on sightseeing days.