Mekong Luxury River Cruise

On arrival at the airport in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll meet your local guide who will assist with your transfer to your centrally-located hotel. The rest of the day is yours free to relax and begin your adjustment to the local time zone.

Head out of town with your guide to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels. Cu Chi is actually the name of the district that covers an extensive underground network of tunnels (approx. 200 km / 125 mi) dug initially by the Viet Minh, and later expanded by the Viet Cong. The tunnels contained hospitals, accommodations, and schools. They were used extensively for refuge and storage, and also as a military base for the Viet Cong close to Saigon. The 1968 Tet Offensive was launched from Cu Chi with surprising effect. A section of the tunnels has been widened to allow tourists to get a feel for what life underground must have been like.

After, return to Ho Chi Minh City where you spend the afternoon exploring Saigon’s historic landmarks, including the Reunification Palace and its striking modern architecture, the War Remnants Museum, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. This visit allows you to admire many French colonial buildings such as the main post office and the former Hotel de Ville (city hall). Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

In the evening, you’ll witness the AO cultural show, a unique art performance combining music and acrobatics. The performers use props including bamboo poles, baskets, and juggling balls in the choreography.

*Note the AO show is scheduled on specific days of the month only. If the show is not available during your travel dates, we will arrange a visit to the home of famous husband-wife musicians with a traditional music performance instead.

You’ll have some free time in the morning before your transfer to the pier in My Tho (45 mi) where you board the lovely Jahan boat for a luxurious cruise through the Mekong Delta and along the Mekong River to Cambodia. Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink and a briefing on the cruise. This will be followed by a delicious welcome dinner.

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.

Wake early to embrace the stunning dawn scenery, a time when the Delta’s inhabitants have already been active for hours. Energize yourself with a daily morning Tai Chi class before indulging in a lavish breakfast buffet. By local boat, you’ll gain access to the secluded island of Tan Phong, a small island situated in the midst of one of the expansive Mekong River tributaries flowing toward the nearby sea. During a visit to a local workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the production of rice paste, rice paper, rice cookies, and rice wine. The region here is abundant with palm trees, making the region renowned for its coconut candy production. While the vessel continues to sail upstream, take some leisure time for yourself or visit the bar to enjoy an authentic Vietnamese coffee, all while observing the riverbanks’ vibrant life passing by.

Relax and enjoy some time on your private balcony or at the bar as you continue your voyage upstream. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive at the Sa Dec region and anchor near one of the larger islands in the Mekong known as Binh Thanh. This island is home to several communities that sustain themselves by cultivating water hyacinths. Strolling through the village, you’ll gain profound insights into local life and witness the complete traditional mat-making process. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to meet a local elderly couple who have spent their entire lives on this island. They enjoy engaging in conversations with foreign visitors. Before dinner, join everyone in the lounge for a presentation about life on the Mekong Delta as the ship sails toward your mooring spot for the night in Tan Chau.

Begin the day with a hearty breakfast in the dining hall or the quiet sanctuary of your balcony. Get ready for a short excursion to Tan Chau by boarding “xelois” (the Vietnamese word for rickshaws). Your Xeloi driver leisurely navigates through a network of streets, allowing you to observe workshops, street vendors, shops, and the intriguing day-to-day activities of the locals. Your journey takes us to the local market, where you’ll mingle with residents as they go about their morning shopping routines. Continuing on, you’ll visit a Cao Dai temple and meet with one of the priests, who will enlighten you about the unique beliefs and spirit of Cao Dai. Your final destination is a fish farm that has been operated for many years by a local family, who make their livelihood from this distinctive business. Here, you’ll gain insight into the essential knowledge required to manage such a unique enterprise in this region. Return to the ship for lunch and some leisure time, or if you’d prefer, sharpen your culinary skills with a hands-on cooking lesson!

“The Highway Blues” beckons as you float into a state of mild bliss caused by the hypnotic murmur of the ship’s engine. By mid-afternoon, the cruise liner will make its way to the border for Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia.

Welcome to Phnom Penh, a city once renowned as the “Paris of the East.” Despite its rapid development, it has retained much of its rustic charm and elegance. Phnom Penh is a remarkable city with a history and culture that spans centuries, still palpable at every street corner. Your full-day sightseeing tour begins right after breakfast, allowing you to explore the city’s highlights. You’ll start with a cyclo ride, meandering through the town, and then visit historic places such as the palace and the silver pagoda. Your journey takes you to the “S21” prison, a poignant and dark chapter in Cambodia’s history during the Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s. Afterward, you’ll pause for a delightful lunch in town before continuing to visit one of the country’s most famous history museums, “Sosoro,” and concluding the tour with a stroll through the city’s French quarter, including the iconic and aptly named monument of Wat Phnom.

You’ll then return to the ship where you’ll take a rest on your cabin balcony or in the lounge and prepare for an exciting evening event, which begins with a variety of cocktails served on the sundeck followed by a delightful Apsara dance performance. Experience the brilliance and richness of this culture, the soothing sounds of traditional music, the calming scent of incense sticks and a barbeque on the sundeck. This is a truly marvelous experience, dining in the open with the stars and the moon as your companions. Afterward, feel free to explore the city at night, savoring Phnom Penh’s vibrant nightlife or taking in the lively river promenade.

LOW WATER SEASON SCHEDULE (Mid-November to End-August):  Before the sun peeks over the horizon, the cruiser sets sail, entering the Tonle River. The Tonle River is a natural wonder of Cambodia, and the scenery on both sides of the river is a true gem. Your first stop is the island of Koh Chen, home to a renowned Silver Smith Village. Here, 400 families breathe life into silver, copper, and brass, crafting intricate art pieces and jewelry. A short stroll on the island reveals the fruits of their labor, including creations that once adorned Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, continuing to tell stories of exceptional craftsmanship. As you sail upstream, lunch is served, and the crew showcases afterward various traditional Khmer fashions worn by locals during special occasions. Arrive at Kampong Laeang, situated just across from the famous pottery town of Kampong Chhnang. Once ashore, embark on tuk-tuks to travel the heart of rural Cambodian life. During this excursion, you’ll explore various local shops, discover the art of pottery making, and visit a charming pre-Angkorian temple. From a vantage point, you can enjoy panoramic views of the vast floodplains and lush rice fields (seasonal). Then begin your journey downstream, sailing back towards Kampong Tralach where you’ll anchor for the night.

HIGH WATER SEASON SCHEDULE (End-August to Mid-November): You are leaving Phnom Penh early to make your way to Angkor Ban. The morning Tai Chi session sets the mood for the day as you begin your tour of Angkor Ban. This place includes a monastery with a delightful local village behind it. You’ll have the chance to meet monks during their morning class and engage in friendly conversations with the villagers. As you meander through the village, you’ll get as close as possible to the local way of life, collecting wonderful memories of Cambodia’s rustic lifestyle. As you continue to sail upstream and before lunchtime, the crew showcases various traditional Khmer fashions worn by locals during special occasions. Reach Kampong Cham which is an important trade and transportation hub but it still maintains scattered small hamlets around the outskirts where the community’s rhythm blends with the skilled hands of artisans. For instance, in Cheung Kok, locals craft various handmade items, whether it’s food, fashion, or other everyday goods. The nearby Bamboo bridge, which is erected seasonally, serves as more than just a passageway; it’s a gateway to the past. Once back onboard, the ship turns around sailing down the Mekong River again to reach your overnight mooring place Prek Bangkong later in the evening.

LOW WATER SEASON SCHEDULE: This morning, you’ll enjoy an exciting excursion to discover another part of rural Cambodian countryside. Your ox-pulled cart will transport you along the riverside and down winding back roads, flanked by picturesque rice paddies, until you arrive at a small village. Here, you will have the opportunity to learn about the local NGO school and library project. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the nearby ancient 300-year-old temple and Buddha shrine. A presentation about the Mekong and the Tonle River is offered as the ship sails downstream, passing Phnom Penh before entering the Mekong River. At the confluence of the Tonle and Mekong Rivers lies the small village of Prek Bangkong, known for its silk weaving community. This village was also the former residence of the Royal family before they moved to the Royal Palace. However, the real stars in this area today are the silk weavers, artisans who craft silk from the very beginning. You will have the opportunity to closely observe and learn about this intricate silk production process. The rest of the day is spent sailing up the Mekong to your overnight location. Enjoy a relaxing poolside sundowner cocktail hour with dance tunes before dinner and an evening cinema.

HIGH WATER SEASON SCHEDULE: Early birds are welcome to join the daily Tai Chi on the open deck again. At the confluence of the Tonle and Mekong Rivers lies the small village of Prek Bangkong, known for its silk-weaving community. This village was also the former residence of the Royal family before they moved to the Royal Palace. However, the real stars in this area today are the silk weavers, and artisans who craft silk from the very beginning. You will have the opportunity to closely observe and learn about this intricate silk production process. As you continue to sail upstream into the Tonle River and before lunchtime, your guide offers a presentation about the geography of the Mekong and the Tonle Rivers. In the afternoon, you will enjoy an exciting excursion to discover another part of the rural Cambodian countryside. Your ox-pulled cart will transport you along the riverside and down winding back roads, flanked by picturesque rice paddies until we arrive at a small village. Here, you will have the opportunity to learn about a local NGO school and library project. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the nearby ancient 300-year-old temple and Buddha shrine. Join a happy hour time at the bar whilst you sail into the sunset and moor later near Kampong Laeang. After dinner, the nightly cinema has another classic film on display.

LOW WATER SEASON SCHEDULE: The morning Tai Chi session sets the mood for the day as you begin your tour of Angkor Ban. This place includes a monastery with a delightful local village behind it. You’ll have the chance to meet monks during their morning class and engage in friendly conversations with the villagers. As you meander through the village, you’ll get as close as possible to the local way of life, collecting wonderful memories of Cambodia’s rustic lifestyle. Then, sail to Kampong Cham during lunchtime. Kampong Cham is an important trade and transportation hub, but it still maintains scattered small hamlets around the outskirts where the community’s rhythm blends with the skilled hands of artisans. For instance, in Cheung Kok, locals craft various handmade items, whether it’s food, fashion, or other everyday goods. The nearby Bamboo bridge, which is erected seasonally, serves as more than just a passageway; it’s a gateway to the past. Afterward, the ship makes its final journey, mooring mid-river near Kampong Cham with some farewell and party vibes along the way.

HIGH WATER SEASON SCHEDULE: You are in the midst of the vast Tonle region, one of Cambodia’s amazing ecosystems. Discover Kampong Laeang this morning, situated just across from the famous pottery town of Kampong Chhnang. Once ashore, you’ll embark on tuk-tuks to travel the heart of rural Cambodian life. During this excursion, you’ll explore various locals, discover the art of pottery making, and visit a charming pre-Angkorian temple. From a vantage point, you can enjoy panoramic views of the vast floodplains and lush rice fields (seasonal). Back on board, the ship enters now the vast Tonle Lake. During the whole afternoon, accompanied by some onboard entertainment, you can enjoy the ocean-like views until you reach your mooring spot mid-lake at the doorstep of Siem Reap. End this day of sailing with a farewell dinner and party vibes.

LOW WATER SEASON SCHEDULE: Enjoy your final breakfast aboard our floating sanctuary. You’ll disembark the ship and transfer by bus to Siem Reap, which takes approximately 4 hours. To keep you entertained during the journey, our guides will share interesting insights about Cambodia and the region we pass through. Take the enchanting memories and friendships with you and share the stories of this amazing river – the Mighty Mekong. You will arrive in Siem Reap in the early afternoon.

HIGH WATER SEASON SCHEDULE: Enjoy your last breakfast on board your floating sanctuary. The Tonle Sap (The Great Lake) is the flowing heart of Cambodia, giving love and life to millions of people. This rich ecosystem and UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve 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.  Prepare to disembark the ship and take a local boat to the shore, passing a vast floating community. You’ll arrive at the Siem Reap pier and brought to the drop off point in the city center.

NOTE: Water levels vary according to the time of year and amount of rainfall. Minor changes to the itinerary may occur during different times of the year or due to weather conditions.

Your guide will meet you at the hotel and take you out on a tour to discover the famous temple of Angkor Wat. This temple was dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu by King Suryavarman II in the 12th century. It illustrates some of the most beautiful examples of Khmer and Hindu art and features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, running along the outer gallery walls and narrating stories from Hindu mythology.

Continue on by private vehicle (or even cow-cart) to a remote, rarely-visited and untouched temple where a picnic lunch is set up. After lunch, relax under the trees with a soothing foot massage before heading out for the afternoon’s activities.

Your afternoon excursions include the ancient Ta Prohm Monastery “Jungle Temple,” where immense roots have taken hold of the stones. Here you’ll find some beautifully sculpted Devatas and an atmosphere that is unique and completely befitting to this temple. Return to the hotel where the rest of the afternoon is yours.

In the morning, you’ll visit the 10th-century temple, Banteay Srei, “the jewel of Khmer art.” This small pink sandstone temple, also known as “the Citadel of Women,” contains some remarkable carved lintels in very good condition.

Continue on with a visit to the Preah Khan Temple, built by Jayavarman VII in 1191 to honor his father. Of the same era is Neak Pean, an artificial island known as the “entwined serpents.” The large central basin is linked to four smaller ones, representing the four great rivers emerging from the earth’s four cardinal points. Of particular interest is the superb statue of Balaha, which represents the legendary savior of shipwrecked boats.

In the afternoon, visit the great city of Angkor Thom, beginning at the southern gate’s famous Bayon temple, built in the 12th century and dedicated to Buddhism. Bayon comprises 54 gigantic towers featuring 216 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara. Next, visit the 1150-foot long Elephant Terrace, used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and a base for the King’s grand audience hall, followed by the 12th-century Terrace of the Leper King, which represents many of the city’s most admired Apsara sculptures.

Return to the hotel for your overnight.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Or, perhaps add on a few days relaxing on the beach at Sihanoukville or one of Thailand’s many beautiful beaches. Check-out time from the hotel is 12:00 pm.