Jayavarman Mekong Cruise

Jayavarman Mekong Cruise Overview

The classic Mekong River Cruise between My Tho and Siem Reap, Cambodia on the Jayavarman marries the art deco charm of 1930’s France with the romance of Indochina. The Lost Civilisation combines places rarely visited with opulent world heritage sites

The Lost Civilisation: a cruise on the Mekong with Jayavarman

The classic Mekong River Cruise between My Tho and Siem Reap, Cambodia on the Jayavarman marries the art deco charm of 1930’s France with the romance of Indochina. The Lost Civilisation combines places rarely visited with opulent world heritage sites.

Best time for a Mekong River Cruise is during the winter from November through February when the weather is cooler.

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh - My Tho - Cai Be

Travel 70 kilometres south by vehicle to My Tho to embark your boutique Ship. Refreshing drinks and light lunch will be served as the Ship steadily glides along the Mekong. Bathe in the fading sunset on the balcony followed by a briefing at the lounge. Later, a welcome dinner awaits.

On the approach to Cai Be, the Ship drops anchor midstream. Overnight in Cai Be

Day 2: Cai Be - Sa Dec - Tan Chau

Morning Tai Chi lesson on the Sundeck.

Visit Cai Be’s boisterous and colourful floating market on a traditional sampan.

The cruise will halt intermittently to allow you to observe how rice paste, rice paper, rice cookies, rice pop, rice wine and coconut candies are made. Enjoy local life along the canals on the way back to the Ship for lunch.

In the afternoon, cruise to Sa Dec. Upon arrival, embark a traditional sampan to tour Binh Thanh Island to visit an untouchable village. The Ship will moor midstream overnight near Tan Chau.

Day 3: Tan Chau - Border crossing - Phnom Penh

Brace yourself for a short excursion in Tan Chau, a pleasant town near the Cambodian border with sizeable Chinese, Kinh and Khmer community. Firstly, the journey takes you to the “evergreen” islands where you will be thrilled to learn the life of the locals. Stop to visit a fish farm located in the Tan Chau canal. Continue by boat to Tan Chau pier, disembark here and stroll around this colourful local market with lots of regional products.

Overnight anchor midstream near Phnom Penh

Day 4: Phnom Penh

Sightseeing in the morning will include the Killing Fields.

Visit the Genocide Museum, see the dazzling white and gold edifice of the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, and witness exceptionally beautiful Khmer craft at the National Museum. Return to the Ship by “cyclo” – traditional vehicle after your museum visit.

The evening starts with a comprehensive lecture on Cambodia’s modern history. BBQ dinner is served after the lecture, followed by an Apsara dance performance.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 5: Phnom Penh - Angkor Ban - Kampong Cham

Depart before the break of dawn from Phnom Penh with a stop at the little known Silk island community. Return to the Ship and pass by the Mekong’s tranquil villages, exhilarating river life and sun-hardened fishermen on their shift boats.

Tour the rural Angkor Ban village where time stands still. The houses here are truly rustic, made by hand and without any concrete. You can take part in the daily activities of the villagers to experience village life. Then, back to the Ship to cruise towards Kampong Cham.

Overnight in Kampong Cham.

Day 6: Kampong Cham - Wat Hanchey

Wake up in the early morning, to embark on a land journey to the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Take a motor-taxi or climb 303 steps to the top. Return to the Ship to witness a blessing ceremony performed by orange-clad local monks. Lunch on board.

Cruise towards Kampong Cham to visit Wat Nokor, a Wat built within the ruins of an ancient temple which holds a timeless story. Visit OBT project of Heritage Line and organisation for Basic Training.

Overnight in Kampong Cham.

Day 7: Kampong Cham - Kampong Chhnang

Approach Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia’s “Water World” where everything is on stilts balanced on water rich soil. It’s an awesome sight whilst practising Tai Chi on the deck.

Take a minivan to see the Khmer-styled pottery at the Aundaung Russey village. Then, it is back to the river for an adventurous motorboat excursion to the wetlands, floating houses and fish farms in the region. The village has no electricity and has around 600 inhabitants.

Return to the Ship for lunch while cruising the narrow and meandering Tonle Sap River.

In the evening, a sumptuous spread will be served. And for the big entertainment - bring along your dance shoes and learn to jiggle the Cambodian way with the staff doubling up as dance instructors

Day 8: Tonle Sap - Siem Reap

The Tonle Sap (The Great Lake) is the flowing heart of Cambodia, giving love and life to this nation.

Enjoy the stillness of the water and the quiet 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, minor changes to the itinerary may occur during different seasons.

Your cruise comes to an end as you reach this city of the fabled Angkor temple complex.

Cross the Tonle Lake at dawn and at 09:00 am, disembark at the Siem Reap Port for onward coach transfer to the drop off point in town.