Heritage Line Jayavarman Cruise Downstream 8 days: Siem Reap - Saigon

Guests are welcomed at the Siem Reap lounge in the morning, where they can enjoy coffee before a short bus transfer to the pier. From there, a local boat will transport travelers to the Heritage Line Jayavarman, their luxurious floating home. Lunch is served as the vessel begins its graceful journey across Tonle Lake, offering an initial taste of the serene Cambodian waterways. The afternoon provides a perfect opportunity to mingle with other passengers during afternoon tea, relax on the outer decks, or enjoy a pampering session at the onboard spa.

As evening approaches, an expert guide will deliver an informative presentation on the geography of the Mekong River and Tonle Lake, setting the stage for the adventures ahead. Guests may also choose to unwind with a nightly cinema session in the lounge before retiring for the evening. The ship will navigate overnight into the Tonle River.

This morning finds the cruise in the expansive Tonle region, a vital ecosystem within Cambodia. The day’s exploration begins with a visit to Kampong Laeang, situated opposite the renowned pottery town of Kampong Chhnang. Disembarking, guests board tuk-tuks to delve into the heart of rural Cambodian life. The excursion includes traversing various locales, observing the intricate process of pottery making, and visiting a charming pre-Angkorian temple. Seasonal conditions may also offer panoramic views of the vast rice fields.

An optional culinary demonstration allows guests to learn how to prepare "Nom Kruak," a Cambodian rice cake, perfect as a pre-dinner snack. After returning to the ship for a satisfying lunch and enjoying the scenic Tonle River views, the vessel sails south towards Kampong Tralach. Afternoon tea is served at the bar before another rural Cambodian excursion. The ship will sail overnight into the Mekong River.

Waking up on the majestic Mekong River, guests find themselves in Kampong Cham, a significant trading and transportation hub. The morning includes a visit to the outskirts, where small hamlets retain their traditional charm. In Cheung Kok, locals demonstrate their skill in crafting various handmade items, from food to fashion. The nearby Bamboo Bridge, rebuilt seasonally, offers a glimpse into the past. The journey continues by bus to Angkor Ban, where a monastery and a delightful local village provide opportunities to interact with monks and experience Cambodian rural life.

Following the morning’s exploration, guests reboard the ship and sail downstream towards Phnom Penh. A special culinary session is offered, led by a former Jayavarman chef, where participants learn to prepare "Samlor Korko," a traditional century-old soup recipe. Before reaching Cambodia's capital, a stop is made at Prek Bangkong, a small silk-weaving community nestled at the confluence of the Tonle and Mekong Rivers. Here, guests can observe the intricate silk production process and visit the heritage house of H.E. Sam-El, a renowned former architect for the royal family. The ship arrives in Phnom Penh by evening, mooring mid-stream with city views.

Day four is dedicated to exploring Phnom Penh, often referred to as the 'Paris of the East,' a city rich in history and culture. After breakfast, a comprehensive sightseeing tour begins with a leisurely cyclo ride through the city streets. The first major stop is the Royal Palace, a grand complex that served as the former residence of Cambodian kings. Within its grounds, guests will admire beautiful gardens and visit the famous Silver Pagoda, named for its floor adorned with five tonnes of gleaming silver.

The journey continues to the S21 prison, a poignant site that bears witness to a somber chapter of Cambodia's history during the Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s. Following a delightful lunch in town, the exploration proceeds to the Sosoro museum, which offers unique perspectives on the nation's financial, economic, and political history. The tour concludes with a stroll through the French Quarter and a visit to the iconic Wat Phnom monument. In the evening, an engaging expert lecture is offered in the lounge. The day culminates with an open-air barbecue and gala dinner, accompanied by a classic Apsara dance performance, with options to explore Phnom Penh's nightlife or enjoy the riverside ambiance.

After breakfast, and before the cruise resumes its southbound journey on the Mekong towards Vietnam, guests are invited to a captivating lecture in the lounge by an external expert. Once the ship sets sail, the rest of the morning and the entire afternoon are dedicated to embracing the relaxed rhythm of the mighty river. This is an ideal time to fully transition into cruise mode, perhaps enjoying a soothing massage, lounging on a sunbed on the terrace deck, or simply relaxing on a private balcony while observing the passing scenery.

Alternatively, guests may visit the bridge, where the captain shares intriguing stories about the river. For those interested in Khmer gastronomy, a culinary workshop offers insights into local cuisine. As afternoon tea is served, the cruise approaches the border between Cambodia and Vietnam. From this point, the ship continues sailing deeper into the bustling Mekong Delta, eventually mooring near Gieng Island for the night.

The day commences with a refreshing Tai Chi session followed by breakfast. The first excursion is to Gieng Island, affectionately known as Mango Island, where guests can stroll through lush mango groves. A visit to a small incense workshop reveals the meticulous handcrafting process of fragrant sticks, while a traditional boat-building workshop showcases generations-old techniques for assembling wooden vessels vital to river life. Before leaving, freshly picked mangoes are sampled with local tea in the courtyard of a century-old home, offering a glimpse into the resilient rhythm of Mekong Delta life.

After reboarding and a post-lunch siesta, expert guides present a talk on life in the Mekong Delta as the ship sails to My An Hung, near Sa Dec province. My An Hung Village, a pristine example of a traditional Delta community, offers insights into local daily life and cultivation practices through exploring seasonal vegetable fields. A Vietnamese tea tasting at a local family’s home is paired with a showcase of various fresh fruits. An artistic group performs a traditional dragon dance while guests savor these treats. In the evening, the ship sails into the sunset, with a complimentary cocktail hour and snacks by the pool, accompanied by music and dance, before dinner.

Guests are encouraged to rise early to witness the captivating dawn scenery, a time when the Delta’s residents are already active. After a morning Tai Chi class and a sumptuous breakfast buffet, a local boat transports guests to Sa Dec, a charming riverside town in Dong Thap Province. The town gracefully combines colonial heritage with the rhythms of daily Mekong life. The tour begins with a stroll through the bustling central market, brimming with fresh produce, seafood, and local specialties, reflecting the region’s agricultural richness.

The cultural experience deepens with a visit to the historic house of Huynh Thuy Le, famously associated with Marguerite Duras’ novel "The Lover," offering insight into a story integral to the town’s identity. The excursion concludes at Kien An Cung Pagoda, a century-old Chinese temple known for its intricate architecture and serene riverside setting, providing a peaceful contrast to Sa Dec’s vibrant streets before returning to the cruise. In the afternoon, a visit to a Cai Be local workshop allows guests to observe the making of various rice products and coconut candies. The ship then proceeds to Tan Phong Island, where guests visit a local family for a fruit tasting from their garden. A buggy ride offers a glimpse into daily island life, followed by a stop at another family’s home specializing in weaving water hyacinth into artistic crafts. Optional activities include learning about Mekong Delta fruits and an interactive cooking experience with local dishes. The ship embarks on its final journey to My Tho, hosting a farewell party along the way.

The final morning begins with a farewell breakfast served in the dining room. Following breakfast, guests disembark the ship in My Tho and transfer by bus to Saigon. The journey covers approximately 70 kilometers on the highway, with an expected arrival in Saigon by mid-morning, concluding this enriching Mekong River adventure.