Travel from Saigon to Siem Reap on this seven-night cruise. Highlights include witnessing daily life in a tribal village, visiting beautiful monasteries, learning about the…
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Tailor-made Tour 10 days from £3795 per person
Places Visited: Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Cai Be, Tan Chau, Phnom Penh, Koh Chen, Kampong Cham, Wat Hanchey, Kampong Chhnang, Tonle Sap, Siem Reap
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 7-Night Mekong River cruise named “The Lost Civilisation” 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. Visit floating markets, learn about the fruit drying process, and enjoy traditional dance performances. Catfish farms, ancient temples, cooking classes, and Khmer crafts are just some of the highlights.
This is based on travelling onboard Heritage Line 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.
Alternatively, upgrade to 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.
Holiday Types
Cultural Holidays Family Holidays River Cruising Holidays
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
Ho Chi Minh City
On arrival you met by a TransIndus representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Known to most of the locals by its former name of Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities to visit in Vietnam. In fact, it's often referred to as the Paris of the Orient, with its Neoclassical buildings and wide boulevards harking back to the times the French were in power here.
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Day 2
Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Cai Be
This morning you will be transferred to the Heritage Line Saigon welcome lounge. Relax with a coffee whilst you check in before bidding farewell to the hustle and bustle of Saigon and travelling south towards My Tho to embark on your vessel. A lunch buffet is served onboard as your journey begins. As twilight bathes the Mekong Delta in a golden haze, take the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers with canapés and prosecco. During dinner, the ship will likely reach Tan Phong Island area near Cai Be, and anchor midstream. This is your first glimpse of the bustling area where you will begin your Mekong adventure on land tomorrow. Join for some late-night entertainment in the evening cinema, featuring interesting classic movies or thrilling documentaries.
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Day 3
Tan Phong Island, Binh Thanh Island, Tan Chau
The day - in fact everyday - starts with an invigorating Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck. After a lavish breakfast visit a workshop in the town of Cai Be, to observe the production of rice paper, rice cookies, rice wine and coconut candies, before taking a local boat 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. Visit a local family and their fruit garden and take a buggy ride through the island. In the afternoon cruise to Sa Dec. Upon arrival, you'll embark on a traditional sampan to tour Binh Thanh Island and its man-made canals. Here, every villager is involved in the process of growing and processing water hyacinths into natural fibre floor mats and rattan baskets. Before dinner, enjoy a presentation about life on the Mekong Delta as the ship sails toward its mooring spot for the night in Tan Chau.
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Day 4
Tan Chau, border crossing, Phnom Penh
Explore Tan Chau this morning by "xelois" (the Vietnamese word for rickshaws), observing workshops, street vendors, shops, and the intriguing day-to-day activities of the locals. Visit a local market. Continuing on, visit a Cao Dai temple and meet with one of the priests, who enlightens us about the unique beliefs and spirit of Cao Dai. The final destination is a fish farm. The remainder of the day is spent travelling upstream, crossing into Cambodia and heading towards Phnom Penh. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. You can opt for a spa treatment, relax on the sun deck, or unwind on your private balcony. As we pass under the bridge, the captain always has an interesting story to share about "his" river. Additionally, the kitchen team invites you to participate in a culinary workshop where you can learn about popular Vietnamese and Cambodian dishes. The boat docks at Phnom Penh, either mid-stream or at the pier.
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Day 5
Phnom Penh
Sightseeing of Phnom Penh this morning includes a cyclo ride, through the town visiting the palace and the silver pagoda, and the "S21" prison, a poignant and dark chapter in Cambodia's history during the Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s. After lunch in town continue to one of the country's most famous history museums, "Sosoro," before a leisurely stroll through the city's French quarter, including the iconic and aptly named monument of Wat Phnom. This evening, there will be an expert lecture in the lounge before an open-air barbecue and gala dinner accompanied by a classic Apsara dance performance. Afterward, feel free to explore the city at night, savouring Phnom Penh's vibrant nightlife or taking in the lively river promenade.
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Day 6
Phnom Penh, Kampong Laeang, Kampong Tralach
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. The 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 labour, including creations that once adorned Phnom Penh's Royal Palace, continuing to tell stories of exceptional craftsmanship. Enjoy lunch whilst cruising upstream before arriving in Kampong Laeang and embarking on tuk-tuks to travel the heart of rural Cambodian life. Discover the art of pottery making, and visit a charming pre-Angkorian temple. From a vantage point, enjoy panoramic views of the vast floodplains and lush rice fields. Once back onboard, your journey continues downstream, sailing towards Kampong Tralach where you'll anchor for the night.
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Day 7
Kampong Tralach, Prek Bangkong
This morning, enjoy an excursion to discover another part of rural Cambodian. Ox-pulled carts 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. Visit 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. Observe and learn about the intricate silk production process, and visit the heritage house of H.E. Sam-El, once a famous architect for the royal family. 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.
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Day 8
Angkor Ban, Kampong Cham, Stueng Trang
This morning take a tour of Angkor Ban, with its monastery and 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. Sail to Kampong Cham, an important trade and transportation hub, whilst enjoying lunch onboard. After visiting Kampong Cham, he ship makes its final journey, mooring mid-river near Stueng Trang
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Day 9
Stueng Trang, Siem Reap
Disembark the ship this morning and transfer by bus to Siem Reap, taking approximately 4 hours. To keep you entertained during the journey, our guides will share interesting insights about Cambodia and the region you pass through. After in Siem Reap in the afternoon where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
A provincial market town until the tourism explosion of the post-Pol Pot era, Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor. Over a million visitors pour through here each year and most stay in or around the town. The upside is a wide choice of quality hotels, restaurants and bars, as well as a plethora of shopping opportunities.
A few pockets of authentic Cambodian atmosphere also survive in the local fresh produce market, and numerous performances of Khmer Apsara dance, music and shadow puppetry are staged in the evenings. Visitors interested in traditional Cambodian arts and crafts may also visit workshops of the renowned Artisans Angkor company, which has spearheaded the revival of silk-making, stone and wood carving, lacquering and painting in the area.
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Day 10
Siem Reap, UK
Transfer to the airport for begin your journey home.
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Tailor-made Tour 10 days from £3795 per person
What's included
✓ 9 nights accommodation
✓ Full board on the cruise; Breakfast in Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap
✓ All internal transportation and transfers
✓ English-speaking guides
✓ Entrance fees to sites and monuments listed in tour itinerary
Places and Experiences in this tour
Gary
Flora
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