Itinerary Overview
This exciting journey will take you take you from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap or vv to discover SERENITY CRUISE along the Mekong River. Besides that, you will also enjoy the beautiful landscapes along the river and observe the typical Mekong Delta rural life on the Jayavarman Cruise 5 days.
Detailed Itinerary
- Phnom Penh - Siem Reap Itinerary
- Siem Reap - Saigon Itinerary
DAY 1: Phnom Penh
Welome to Phnom Penh the once called Paris of the East. Despite its rapid development, it has retained a lot of its rustic charm and elegance. It is an amazing town to bespeak centuries of incredible history and culture which can still be felt at many street corners.
After breakfast we bid farewell to our passenger of the Pearl of the Orient Cruise (3-nights).
At the same time we welcome around 8 o’clock our passengers of the Serenity Cruise (4-nights).
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. Those places have merely changed much since the horrific time back in the early seventies and so it can be heart wrenching. There is the alternative to explore the city during the morning by your own pace individually before re-joining the group.
Lunch we take in a nice restaurant in town. Our exploration of Phnom Penh focuses afterwards on the fascinating cultural heritage of Phnom Penh. The golden edifice of the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda and the exceptional Khmer crafts at the National Museum are the afternoon highlights. 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:
It begins with a variety of cocktails served on the sun deck or at the open bar. We move to the lounge which is set up for a captivating lecture about Cambodian mordern history, held by a professor of the Royal University of Phnom Penh. Definitely among the highlights of this cruise to receive knowledge out of first hand as our lecturer had a private relation to the former King of Cambodia and many other high ranking politician.
After the lecture a feast of barbecue dinner on the sun deck commences. The dinner is accompanied by an Apsara dance performance. You have to witness the brilliance and richness of this dance along with the soothing sounds of traditional music.
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.
- Meals: Lunch/Dinner
- Accommodation: Jayavarman Cruise
DAY 2: PHNOM PENH – KAMPONG CHAM (MEKONG)
We depart before the break of dawn from Phnom Penh towards the small Angkor Ban village up the Mekong River. Wake up to the gentle cruise motion and get ready for breakfast in the dining room.
The Angkor Ban village is famous for it´s 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 the 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 (the project is funded by an NGO). Those children here are always excited to show their skills in music and art and will bath you in smiles upon your applause. We continue the 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 a 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.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Accommodation: Jayavarman Cruise
DAY 3: KAMPONG CHAM (MEKONG) – KAMPONG CHHNANG (TONLE)
We sail downstream the Mekong during breakfast time 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 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”.
After lunch a Monks’ blessing ceremony on board will deliver spirits and wishes for our health and prosperity for all.
The cruiser continues its journey, passing the confluence of Mekong and Tonle River towards Kampong Tralach. Gliding through leafy swaths of this jungle-like landscape we reach Kampong Tralach. Cacophonous children waive enthusiastically while bringing their livestock for a bath in the meandering river. Live to see all this life - which is so much different than ours - by a local ox cart ride.
The boat find its anchor spot later in the Tonle River near Kampong Chhnang allowing you to observe the interesting and close-by life on shore until dinner is served in the restaurant.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Accommodation: Jayavarman Cruise
DAY 4: KAMPONG CHHNANG – TONLE LAKE
Wake up early to witness this spectacular water-world in the break of down. Our moring Tai Chi class has the perfect backdrop today. Breakfast buffet is served in the restaurant.
We are now at Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia’s “water world”, where everything is on sticks balanced on water rich soil. This is the most fascinating cruise part in Cambodia.
We take a local boat to the shore. With mini buses we head to a rural village nearby and go on a walking tour. Our guides introduce the village specialities – Khmer style pottery and the making of palm sugar. Definitely you should bring home some. 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 and meandering Tonle, towards the Great Tonle Lake. The river opens up to a vast “sea” - known as 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 for a farewell event. Enjoy your dinner and some dance and music afterwards together with the crew.
The boat moors mid-like near Siem Reap.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Accommodation: Jayavarman Cruise
DAY 5: SIEM REAP - tonle lake DISEMBARKATION
After breakfast we bid farewell to our passengers of the Serenity Cruise (4-nights).
The Tonle Sap (The Great Lake) is the flowing heart of Cambodia, giving love and life to millions of people. It has more fishes than any other lake in the world and is home to an incredible variety of birds, including rare – and endangered – feathered life. Free for personal activities.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: N/A
DAY 1: SIEM REAP - KAMPONG CHHNANG
The Tonle Sap (The Great Lake) is the flowing heart of Cambodia, giving love and life to this nation. The Tonle Sap 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.
At 12 pm (noon), we gather at the meeting point followed by a quick transfer to the boutique ship. The ever-smiling crew welcomes us with unbridled warmth. A refreshing welcome drink awaits us followed by a sumptuous lunch on the ship.
Then, it is a lazy afternoon as the ship glides along the water. Dinner is at Dining Hall. Enjoy a spectacular experience on the sun-deck as we bathe in the glow of the moon and the radiance of the stars.
The ship then moors overnight on The Great Lake.
- Meals: Lunch/Dinner
- Accommodation: Jayavarman Cruise
DAY 2: KAMPONG CHHNANG - KAMPONG CHAM
The day in fact everyday - starts with an invigorating Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck, just as the sun begins its slow rise. Coffee and tea awaits the early bird. Before dawn, the ship sets sail across the Tonle Sap Lake. As the ship is about to exit the lake, we see spectacular marshlands floating along the river banks of Kampong Chhnang province.
The afternoon cruise continues with a languid meander along the Tonle Sap, which narrows through leafy swaths of the Southeast Asian jungle. Here, the river is very narrow and we are greeted by kids waving enthusiastically at us from the banks.
Follow a short bus trip to the see the Khmer-styled pottery at the Aundaung Russey village. We then embark on a truly marvelous motorboat excursion from Kampong Chhnang to see the wetlands, floating houses and fish farms in the region before reaching Kampong Cham in the evening.Further down the river we take part in an ox cart rally before being introduced to the Heritage Line pro bono literacy projec. (www.cambodialiteracyproject.com).
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Accommodation: Jayavarman Cruise
DAY 3: KAMGPONG CHAM - WAT HANCHEY
We will wake up in the small hours of the morning, truly energized to embark on a land journey to the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Travelers either take a motor-taxi or climb the 291 steps to the top. Located at the top of a hill overlooking the river, it offers one of the most breath-taking views in Cambodia. Built in the 8th century, this ancient structure, together with a bigger and newer addition underscores the superb architecture of the Chenla Empire which predates the mighty Angkor temple complex. We even get to engage in light banter with some of the monks in the area. We will return to the ship to witness a blessing ceremony performed by orange-clad local monks.
When the tide allows, we will enjoy a surprise sojourn in our zodiacs (inflatable boats) to the nearby bank to swim in the tea-coloured Mekong river, an experience that will, no doubt, dominate dinner conversations in the weeks to come.
We will then cruise towards Kampong Cham to visit Wat Nokor, a wat built within the ruins of an ancient temple which holds a timeless story. On the way back to the ship, we will visit an orphanage. Along the way, we will have to maneuver a 2-kilometer rickety bamboo bridge. Our sense of balance lies in the balance!
Overnight midstream near Phnom Penh.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Accommodation: Jayavarman Cruise
DAY 4: PHNOM PENH
Phnom Penh was once the Paris of the East. Despite its rapid development, it has retained a lot of its rustic charm and elegance. After breakfast, we will be captivated by a comprehensive lecture on Cambodia's modern history. This will be followed by a city tour of this dynamic, historical capital city of Cambodia which has managed to preserve huge slices of its French colonial allure. Sightseeing in the morning will include visiting the dazzling white and gold edifice of the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, and witnessing exceptionally beautiful Khmer craft at the National Museum.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we will visit the Genocide museum and the Killing Field in town. Be prepared to be heart wrenched by this stark reminder of the genocide that transpired during Cambodia's Khmer Rouge regime. We go back to the ship after our museum visit. Take a rest on your cabin balcony or the lounge and get prepared for any exciting evening event. The evening starts with a variety of cocktail served on the sun deck. Take a seat and enjoy the following 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. It is indeed a truly marvelous experience, dining in the open with the stars and the moon as our companions.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Accommodation: Jayavarman Cruise
Important Notes:
- PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. WE WILL KEEP YOU UPDATED BEFORE DEPARTURE
Cabin & Rates
Roomtypes | Rates (US$/person) |
Tour Price/person
Important information
What's included ?
Price Includes
Tour Inclusions
- Vietnam visa approval letter
- Mekong 5 days package by Jayavarman cruise
- Local English speaking guides
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Entrance fees for sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary
- Port tax and services charge
Price Excludes
- Vietnam and Cambodia Visa stamping fee
- Meals and services other than those noted in the itinerary
- Laundry, telephone calls, and personal expenditures
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, boat crew, and personal, non-itinerary services
Children Rates
- Free of charge for children below 5 years old, in parents' room and using existing bedding.
- Baby cots are available.
- Children above 5 years old must occupy a separate bed and pay full rate (Single or double occupancy).
Terms and Conditions
Payment Terms
- 20% of booking value is required upon confirmation.
- Balance payment is due 100 days prior to departure
Cancellation Terms
For cancellations of bookings, the following charges will apply- prior 180 days to embarkation date: 10%
- 180 – 121 days prior embarkation date: 20%
- 120 – 91 days prior embarkation date: 255% or max. 500 USD per person
- 90 – 61 days prior embarkation date: 60%
- 60 – 31 days prior embarkation date: 85%
- 30 days – embarkation date: 100%
Departures
Jayavarman Cruise Departures for 2020
Itineraries | 2020 | ||||||||||
Jan | Feb | Mar | April | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
The Lost Civilization | |||||||||||
SGN - REP | 4,18 | 1,15,29 | 14,28 | 11,25 | n/a | 11,25 | 8,22 | 5,19 | 3,17,31 | 14,28 | 12,26 |
REP - SGN | 11,25 | 8,22 | 7,21 | 4,18 | n/a | 4,18 | 1,15,29 | 12,26 | 10,24 | 7,21 | 5,19 |
Serenity Cruise | |||||||||||
PNH - REP | 7,21 | 4,18 | 3,17,31 | 14,28 | n/a | 14,28 | 11,25 | 8,22 | 6,20 | 3,17 | 1,15,29 |
REP - PNH | 11,25 | 8,22 | 7,21 | 4,18 | n/a | 4,18 | 1,15,29 | 12,26 | 10,24 | 7,21 | 5,19 |
Pearl of the Orient | |||||||||||
SGN - PNH | 4,18 | 1,15,29 | 14,28 | 11,25 | n/a | 11,25 | 8,22 | 5,19 | 3,17,31 | 14,28 | 12,26 |
PNH - SGN | 1 | 12 | 25 | 8,22 | n/a | 22 | 5,19 | 2,16 | 14 | 25 | 9,23 |
Jayavarman Cruise Departures for 2021
Itineraries | 2021 | ||||||||
Mar | April | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
The Lost Civilization | |||||||||
SGN - REP | 2,16,30 | 13 | 22 | 6,20 | 3,17,31 | 14,28 | 12,26 | 9,23 | 7,21 |
REP - SGN | 9,23 | 6,20 | 15,29 | 13,27 | 10,24 | 7,21 | 5,19 | 2,16,30 | 14,28 |
Serenity Cruise | |||||||||
PNH - REP | 5,19 | 2,16 | 9,23 | 6,20 | 3,17 | 1,15 | 12,26 | 10,24 | |
REP - PNH | 9,23 | 6,20 | 15,29 | 13,27 | 10,24 | 7,21 | 5,19 | 2,16,30 | 14,28 |
Pearl of the Orient | |||||||||
SGN - PNH | 2,16,30 | 13 | 22 | 6,20 | 3,17,31 | 14,28 | 12,26 | 9,23 | 7,21 |
PNH - SGN | 13,27 | 10,24 | 17,31 | 14,28 | 11,25 | 9,23 | 6,20 | 4,18 |
- SGN: Saigon; REP: Siem Reap; PNH: Phnom Penh
Rates/Departures
Customer Reviews
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