RV Jayavarman Cruise 8D/7N

STYLE : Join Group

TRIP CODE : RVJC8D7N

Saigon - Mytho - Sadec - Chaudoc - Phnompenh - Tonle Sap Lake - Siem Reap. The majestic RV Jayavarman Cruise is considered the father in Heritage Line’s “family” of cruise ships. This vessel was named after Angkor’s most venerated king, who ruled from 1181 to 1218, and was a devout Buddhist. King Jayavarman oversaw the construction of some of the most famous temples in Angkor, including Ta Prohm, Preah Khan and the unforgettable Bayon. Inspired by the serenity and artistry associated with this great Khmer monarch, The Jayavarman’s design was also influenced by the French cruise liner Normandie, which launched in 1935.
RV Jayavarman Cruise 8D/7N

 

DAY 1: HO CHI MINH CITY - MY THO - CAI BE (L/D)

Bid farewell to the hustle and bustle of  Ho Chi Minh city as we travel 70 kilometers south by land to My Tho to embark your boutique ship. We will be served a refreshing welcome drink as the ship steadily glides along the Mekong. We will bathe in the fading sunset on the balcony followed by a briefing at the lounge. Later, a welcome dinner awaits us.When approaching Cai Be the ship drops anchor to moor midstream where the river is several kilometers wide. Including dinner.

Overnight on cruise in Cai Be.

 

DAY 2: CAI BE - SA DEC - TAN CHAU (B/L/D)
 

The day - in fact everyday - starts with an invigorating tai-chi lesson on the sundeck, just as the sun begins its gentle glow. Coffee and tea awaits the early bird.The day's tour starts with a visit to Cai Be's boisterous and colorful floating village on board a traditional sampan(a flat bottomed traditional Vietnamese wooden boat). During the languid ride, discover breathtaking landscapes along the river and quaff the rustic life on the Mekong Delta.The cruise will halt intermittently to allow us to observe how rice paste, rice cookies and coconut candies are made, along with the Longan fruit drying process. Back on board lunch is served and you have some time for yourself afterwards to either enjoy a true Vietnamese coffee at the bar or simply watch the life on the riverbank floating by.In the afternoon we cruise to Sa Dec. Upon arrival, we embark a traditional sampan* to tour Binh Thanh Island and its man-made canals. Here, every villager is involved in the process of making rattan mat and this give us the chance to interact with the old local people.Back on board you may like to pamper yourself with a spa treatment or take a dip in our pool on the sun deck. Our expert guides offer a presentation on the “Life on the Mekong Delta” as the ship continues sailing to Tan Chau-the boarder town to Cambodia. We moor mid-stream near Tan Chau.Dinner is served and afterwards you can join our evening cinema session (offered every night) featuring selected classic movies.

Overnight on cruise in Tan Chau.

 

DAY 3: TAN CHAU - PHNOM PENH (B/L/D)

Welcome to the fish sanctuary of Vietnam. Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the Indochine Dining Hall or in the quiet sanctuary of your balcony. Brace yourself for a short excursion in Chau Doc, a pleasant town near the Cambodian border with sizeable Chinese, Kinh and Khmer communities.Once arrived on-shore we hop on “xelois” to explore Tan Chau. A xelaoi is a local vehicle which is still used as taxi in this region. We stop at the colorful local market near one of the ancient temples. We board our local boats and cruise along floating houses to finally reach a floating fish farm. This region is the source of fish production to be sold all over the world and we can see closely how fish farmings works.Back on board our “home” we sail towards the Vietnamese-Cambodian border. Get ready for a fascinating and leisurely cruise through the deep Cambodia countryside towards Phnom Penh.The whole afternoon is at your own arrangements: massages, sun bed relaxations, private balcony kick-backs - forsooth the time to merge with the river.A culinary class if offered during the afternoon to sharpen your knowledge and skills on the local cuisine. Some may like to do a flying visit at the bridge - the captain always has a story to share about “his” river. “The Highway Blues” beckons as we float into a state of mild bliss and before you totally drift away join our afternoon high tea for some treats.Dinner is served before we arrive in the capital of Cambodia around 8 o’clock. The boat docks at the pier of Phnom Penh. You are free to go for your first exploration by yourself. (kindly inform our crew once you are leaving the ship on your own).

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

 

DAY 4: PHNOM PENH (B/L/D)

Phnom Penh was once the Paris of the East. Despite its rapid development, it has retained a lot of its rustic charm and elegance.We start with a full sight-seeing tour right after breakfast. By bus we visit the Killing Fields at the outskirts of the city and after the centrally located prison “S21”. Both historic sites display the sad and cruel chapter of Khmer history when once the Khmer Rouge ruled the country with terror and supression.Lunch we take in a nice restaurant in town. Our exploration of Phnom Penh focuses afterwards on the fascinating cultural heritage of Phnom Penh like the golden edifice of the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda and the exceptional Khmer crafts at the National Museum. 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 some refreshing drinks before our capturing evening activities start:We move to the lounge which is set up for a captivating lecture about Cambodian modern history, held by a professor of the Royal University of Phnom Penh.After the lecture a feast of barbecue dinner on the sun deck commences. The dinner is accompanied by an Apsara dance performance.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.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

 

DAY 5: PHNOM PENH - KAMPONG CHAM/KAMPONGCHHNANG (B/L/D)

High Water Cruise Phom Penh - Kampong Cham 

We depart before the break of dawn from Phnom Penh towards the small Angkor Ban village on the Mekong River. Wake up to the gentle cruise motion and get ready for breakfast in the dining hall. The Angkor Ban village is famous for its unspoiled community and beautiful, traditional houses. It feels like being transported back a hundred years into an era unaffected by modernity. Villagers characterize an unbridled warmth. Back on board our staff is keen to show you a variety of traditional Khmer fashion. Lunch is served after this performance. We cruise further up the Mekong to visit a local school to understand more about the education of the young Cambodian generation (NGO project). The children here are always excited to show their skills in music and art and will bathe you in smiles upon your applause. We continue to travel by road to the enchanting pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey (7th century). This small complex sits on a hill top right on the shore with breath-taking views on the Mekong. Another temple on the way is the tiny, colorful monastery of Wat Nokor. Here we might get the chance to engage in light banter with some of the monks living in the area. Relax back on board until dinner is served. The boat moors mid-river near Kampong Cham.

Low Water Cruise Phnom Penh - Kampong Chhnang

Before the sun peeks over the horizon, the cruiser sets sail towards Kampong Tralach on the Tonle River – an amazingly narrow river. Gently gliding through leafy swaths of this jungle-like landscape we reach Kampong Tralach. Breakfast is served before we anchor and get ready for our first Tonle discovery. We will stop at the “Green School” which is partly supported by Heritage Line. See all the river life, which is so different than ours - by a local ox cart ride. Back on board our staff is keen on showing you a variety of traditional Khmer fashion. Lunch is served afterwards.The ship cruises along the narrow Tonle River towards Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia’s “water world”, where everything is on sticks and balanced on water-rich soil. Then we take mini buses to a rural village nearby for a walking tour. Our guides introduce you to the village specialties – Khmer style pottery and the making of palm sugar. Before returning to the boat we explore the floating villages and wetlands of the region.Relax back on board until dinner is served. The boat moors mid-river in the Tonle area.

Overnight in Kampong Cham.

 

DAY 6: PHNOM PENH - KAMPONG CHHNANG/TONLE RIVER - KAMPONG CHAM (B/L/D)

High Water Cruise Kampong Cham - Kampong Chhnang

We sail downstream on the Mekong and stop at the Island of Koh Oknha Tey. This spot in the middle of the Mekong owns its fame for the manufacturing of high class silk products. By tuk tuk we explore the island with its workshops and learn how silk is processed from its source, provided by little silkworms, to a fi nal top quality product made of original Cambodian silk.Before lunch our expert guides offer a presentation about “Geography of the Mekong and Tonle Sap”. Afterwards a Monks’ blessing ceremony on board delivers spirits and wishes for our health and prosperity for all.The ship continues its journey, passing by the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Rivers towards Kampong Tralach. We will stop at the “Green School” which is partly supported by Heritage Line. See all this life, which is so different than ours - by a local ox cart ride.The boat finds its anchor spot in the Tonle River near Kampong Chhnang allowing you to observe the close-by river life until dinner is served in the dining hall.

Low Water Cruise Tonle river - Kampong

Cham In the early morning during breakfast we sail from the lower Tonle River towards the Mekong passing their confluence at Phnom Penh. We arrive at the island of Koh Oknha Tey. This spot in the middle of the Mekong owns its fame for the manufacturing of high class silk products.By tuk tuk we explore the island with its workshops and learn how silk is processed from its source, provided by little silkworm, to a final top quality product made of original Cambodian silk.Before lunch our expert guides offer a presentation about “Geography of the Mekong and Tonle Sap”. Afterwards a Monks’ blessing ceremony on board delivers spirits and wishes for our health and prosperity for all.The ship sails towards the small Angkor Ban village up in the Mekong River. The Angkor Ban village is famous for its unspoiled community and beautiful, traditional houses. It feels like being transported back a hundred years ago into an era unaffected by modernity. Villagers are characterized by their unbridled warmth.We continue cruising for a while until dinner is served. The boat finds its overnight spot at the riverbank of Kampong Cham.

Overnight in Kampong Cham.

 

DAY 7: PHNOM PENH - TONLE LAKE/KAMPONG CHAM (B/L/D)

High Water Cruise Kampong Chhnang - Tonle lake

Our morning Tai Chi class has the perfect scenery today. Breakfast is served in the dining hall.We are now at Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia’s “water world”, where everything is on sticks balanced on water-rich soil. This is perhaps the most fascinating cruising spot in Cambodia.We take a local boat to the shore. With mini buses we head to a rural village nearby for a walking tour. Our guides introduce you to the village specialities – Khmer style pottery and the making of palm sugar. Before returning to the boat we explore the local floating villages and wetlands of the region.Back on board lunch is served as your floating sanctuary cruises gently along the narrow Tonle River, towards the Great Tonle Sap Lake. The river opens up to a vast “sea”, the biggest fresh water lake in Asia. This lake can only be crossed during high water season (approx. from end-July to mid-November). Let your soul float and your eyes wander while the boat makes its way towards Siem Reap.In the afternoon we serve a High Tea at the bar and as the sun sets, our crew invites you to their farewell event. Enjoy some dancing and music together with the crew before dinner is served.The boat moors mid-lake near Siem Reap.

Low Water Cruiise Kampong Cham

After breakfast by bus we visit the enchanting pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey, built in the 7th century. This small complex sits on a hill top right on the shore with breath taking views over the Mekong. We return to the ship for lunch and some relaxation. In the afternoon we head to the tiny, colorful monastery of Wat Nokor. Here we might get the chance to engage in light banter with some of the monks living in the area. As it is low water season we are able to see a bamboo bridge which connects the mainland with the island. We continue our journey and visit a local school to understand more about the education of the young Cambodian generation (NGO project). The children here are always excited to show their skills in music and art and will bathe you in smiles upon your applause.As the sun sets, our crew invites for a farewell event. Enjoy some dancing and music together with the crew before dinner is served.The boat moors at the riverbank of Kampong Cham.

Overnight in Kampong Cham.

 

DAY 8: TONLE SAP - SIEM RIEP/KAMPONG CHAM - SIEM RIEP (B)

High Water Cruise Tonle Sap - Siem Reap

The Tonle Sap (The Great Lake) is the flowing heart of Cambodia, giving love and life to millions of people. It has more fish than any other lake in the world and is home to an incredible variety of birds, including rare and endangered feathered life.Our Heritage Line cruise comes to end. We prepare to disembark the ship and take a local boat to the shore, passing vast floating  an community. Around nine o’clock, we arrive at the Siem Reap pier and bring you to the drop off point in the city center.We hope that you enjoyed this fascinating river just as our crew does every single time.

Low Water Cruise Kampong Cham - Siem Reap

Enjoy your last breakfast on board our floating sanctuary. We disembark the ship for a transfer by bus to the drop off point in Siem Reap.The transfer takes about 4.5 hours. Snacks are provided during the trip. You will arrive in Siem Reap in the early afternoon.We hope that you enjoyed this fascinating river just as our crew does every single time.

 

ROOM CATEGORIES LOW SEASON
(PER PERSON IN US $)
HIGH SEASON
(PER PERSON IN US $)
Superior 1698 USD 1698 USD
Deluxe 1698 USD 1698 USD
Signature 1698 USD 1698 USD

 

INCLUDE:

  • Transport/ transfer as tour described
  • Welcome drink
  • Tai Chi Chi classes and onboard entertainment
  • Meals mentioned (B=Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
  • Entrance fees
  • English speaking guide.

 

EXCLUDE: Drinks, Personal expenses, Phnom Penh port tax per passenger of 65 USD,Crew gratuities (8 USD per passenger/day are recommended), Cambodian Visa (available on Upstream cruise only/37 USD)., etc.

PEAK SEASON SURCHARGE

  • + 20%: Lunar New Year’s Eve, the 1st  and 2nd day of Lunar New Year.

 

CHILD POLICY:

  • Child under 5 years old: 50% charge
  • Child from 5 - 12 years old: 75% charge
  • Children from 12 years old up full price charge.

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