The Lost Civilisation
Boutique Mekong River Cruise with Heritage Line
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
NZD
$5,730
|
Days
8
|
Nights
7
|
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
NZD
$5,730
|
Days
8
|
Nights
7
|
Introduction
The mighty Mekong – a mysterious body of water flowing through six countries in Asia.
Giving love and life to millions, it received its fame by the legendary God King of ancient Cambodia, King Jayavarman VII, who linked hands with the waters of the Mekong to build the magnificent Angkor civilization.
This classic Mekong River cruise combines places rarely visited with fantastic historical heritage sites. It offers a complete fluvial discovery of Vietnam and Cambodia along the Mekong with a combination of experiences one never will forget. As you cruise through Vietnam’s rural heartland, you’ll observe places rarely visited as well as opulent World Heritage sites as you journey to Cambodia’s temple-strewn capital Phnom Penh. Enjoy excursions such as a bicycle ride through rice fields, sip homemade fruit liqueur in a pomello orchard and see quiet riverside temples. With so much to see, learn and ways to relax, you will feel pampered and invigorated!
The Mekong Delta is at the heart of Vietnamese life, as the people depend on it to irrigate their glistening rice paddies, fruit orchards and floating fish farms. Criss-crossed by a myriad of waterways, the best way to observe river life is by a boat.
The Jayavarman Named after the legendary Angkorian monarch, Heritage Line’s Jayavarman merges wonderful French-Colonial ambiance with Khmer art throughout its interiors. 27 elegant staterooms and suites, all with private balconies, are spread over two decks. Luxury public facilities include the Club 1930 Funnel Bar and the ship’s elevated sun deck with pool, both prime open-air venues to kick back with wonderful river views.
The Jahan Evoking the glory of former British-India, The Jahan cruises the lower Mekong River with 26 exquisitely designed staterooms and suites, all with large balconies. The ship offers all the luxurious facilities of a fine five-star resort throughout its three lavish passenger decks, of which the terrace deck offers guests a pool, two shaded sun lounger areas, open-air bar & lounge, spa, observatory lounge and elegant dining hall.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Saigon > My Tho > Cai Be
Bid farewell to the hustle and bustle of Saigon and travel 70km south by land to My Tho to board your ship and begin your cruise to Cai Be. After checking into your luxurious floating “home” for the coming days, your first inclination may be to step on your balcony to watch the ship set sail on its fascinating Mekong River voyage.
Day 2 : Cai Be > Sa Dec > Tan Chau
Wake up to Cai Be, a charming market town which is famous for its Catholic French church and the manufacturing of traditional crafts and food. The once enormous floating market of Cai Be gets smaller year by year since trading on the water is shifting towards modern markets. However, you can still see boat-to-boat trading of local goods, such as fruits and agricultural products. Learn about the age-old trading culture and how each boat has a special marker to let buyers know what goods they are selling.
By local boat, we sail along the green canal network and watch the farmers working in the fields. Go ashore to witness the making of rice paste, rice paper, rice cookies and rice wine. Cai Be’s surrounding areas are covered by palm trees, which is why the region is also famous for the production of coconut candy. While the vessel continues sailing upstream, you can enjoy time to yourself or head to the bar to and enjoy a true Vietnamese coffee as you watch the life on the riverbanks float by.
In the afternoon, the vessel reaches the area of Sa Dec and arrives at one of the larger islands in the vast stream of the Mekong, Binh Thanh Island. Several communities here make their living by growing water hyacinths. Visit a village where one of the local artisans demonstrates traditional mat making.
Back on board this evening, an expert guide offers a presentation on life on the Mekong Delta as the ship continues sailing to Tan Chau, a pleasant, slow-paced border town near the Cambodian border with a sizeable Chinese, Kinh and Khmer community.
Day 3 : Tan Chau > Phnom Penh
Visit the bustling local market, then journey to the quay for a boat excursion to floating villages, rustic catfish farms and the local Cham Muslim community village. This afternoon sail towards the Vietnamese-Cambodian border. Get ready for a fascinating and leisurely cruise through the deep Cambodian countryside towards Phnom Penh.
Day 4 : Phnom Penh
Despite Phnom Penh’s 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. Your tour includes its Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and National Museum. Also visit the Genocide Museum and Killing Fields. Both historic sites display the sad and cruel chapter of the country’s history when the Khmer Rouge ruled Cambodia with terror and oppression. Alternatively, you may explore the city on your own in the morning before re-joining the group.
Day 5 : Phnom Penh > Kampong Chhnang
Sailing towards Kampong Tralach on the Tonle River you can watch from the terrace as the river at certain points is very narrow. The boat glides through leafy swaths of this jungle-like landscape. We reach Kampong Tralach, where laughing children wave enthusiastically at our arrival and traditional ox carts are still a common means of transportation. Our ox-powered vehicle takes us on a journey along the riverside and through back roads lined with rice-paddy fields until we arrive at a tiny village. Beginning a few short years ago, local underprivileged children have had the opportunity to receive an education at the “Green School”, a local project supported by Heritage Line. The students, who are dressed in green shirts, are always happy to meet us every week as the principal gives an introduction to the students and the school.
We then sail to the “water world” of Kampong Chhnang, where everything is balanced on sticks in water-rich soil. We take a local boat to the shore and hop on a mini bus to reach a nearby, unique rural village to explore the village’s specialties – Khmer style pottery and the process of making of palm sugar.
Back on board, relax until dinner is served and take in the beautiful countryside and its gentle evening sounds.
Day 6 : Tonle River > Koh Oknha Tey > Kampong Cham
Sailing towards the Mekong we arrive at the island of Koh Oknha Tey, which owes its fame to its high-class silk products. Go ashore to witness the curious process of making silk, starting from a tiny silkworm larva to cocoon, then dyeing, spinning and weaving the fibres into high-quality Cambodian silk.
Sail on along the Mekong River to Kampong Cham.
Day 7 : Kampong Cham
Today visit the enchanting pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey (7th century). Formerly built to honor the Hindu god, Hirahara, the complex is now a Buddhist temple, with breath-taking views over the Mekong. Observe the young, novice monks go about their daily lives: eating simple meals, praying, studying, or hanging out and making conversation while in their saffron-coloured robes.
After lunch, we stop at the tranquil monastery of Wat Nokor, then we cruise further up the Mekong to visit a local school and learn more about the education of the young Cambodian generation.
Day 8 : Kampong Cham > Siem Reap
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Siem Reap.
Need Help?
Pricing
Pricing (per person), NZD
TYPE |
TWIN from |
SINGLE from |
EXTRA from |
---|---|---|---|
2024 – The Jahan |
|||
Oct – Dec |
|||
Superior |
NZ$6,825 |
||
Deluxe |
NZ$8,055 |
||
2024 – The Jayavarman |
|||
Oct – Dec |
|||
Superior |
NZ$5,730 |
||
Deluxe |
NZ$6,760 |
||
2024 – The Jahan
Oct – Dec
Superior
Twin: from $6825
Deluxe
Twin: from $8055
2024 – The Jayavarman
Oct – Dec
Superior
Twin: from $5730
Deluxe
Twin: from $6760
Departs
2024 |
Jahan, Saigon to Siem Reap: 19 Oct; 2, 16, 30 Nov; 14, 28 Dec |
Jahan, Siem Reap to Saigon: 26 Oct; 9, 23 Nov; 7, 21 Dec |
Jayavarman, Saigon to Siem Reap: 26 Oct; 9, 23 Nov; 7, 21 Dec |
Jayavarman, Siem Reap to Saigon: 19 Oct; 2, 16, 30 Nov; 14, 28 Dec |
Included
• 7 nights’ onboard accommodation
• All meals whilst on board
• Daily shore excursions with an English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees and transport
• Drinking water all day
• Coffee and tea with breakfast
• Taxes and fuel
• Transfers in Saigon and Siem Reap
Not Included
• Gratuities for crew and guides
• Medical services
• Spa treatments
• Port fees (US$65 per person) additional
Gratuity
• Suggested amount is US$5 per person per day
Important Notes
• Pricing is subject to change without notice, due to currency fluctuations
• Peak season surcharge applicable for all cruises falling over Christmas or New Years Eve
• Prices for suites are available on request
• Last minute itinerary changes may be necessary as a result of climatic conditions, alterations to cruise schedules or other operational factors
Please refer to World Journeys terms & conditions
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