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Serenity Cruise (Downstream)

Serenity Cruise (Downstream)

SCDHL
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Description

The best of rural Cambodia offers green landscapes, ancient temples and smiling faces – all off the beaten track. 4 nights Phnom Penh – Siem Reap (or vice versa), 3 nights cruise is also available.

Vietnam and Cambodia play the role of muse to any artist. There is so much to inspire. Whether it’s the steam and aroma wafting from a street stall in Vietnam, being tenderly stirred by an elderly woman in a conical hat, who has done so for decades on the same corner. Or, the breathtaking, slightly intimidating presence of Angkor Wat and the unbelievable feats of men and incredible stories of an ancient time; this region is rich in interest.

The food, scenery, architecture and culture of this region inspire at every turn, and looks back at you through the smiles of its people.

*Upstream and Downstream itineraries available – this indicates the direction the ship will travel. Downstream means from Siem Reap to Saigon. Upstream is the opposite direction from Saigon to Siem Reap.

*A $120 surcharge applies for New Year’s Eve & Christmas departures.

Trip Name
Serenity Cruise (Downstream)
Days
5
Overview
Vessel Type:  River Boat Length:  60 metres Passenger Capacity:  54 (in 27 cabins) Built: 2009 The majestic Jayavarman is considered the father in Heritage Line’s “family” of cruise ships. This vessel was named after Angkor’s most venerated king, a devout Buddhist who ruled from 1181 to 1218. King Jayavarman oversaw the construction of some of the most famous temples in Angkor, including Ta Prohm, Preah Khan and the unforgettable Bayon. Inspired by the serenity and artistry associated with this great Khmer monarch, Jayavarman’s design was also influenced by the French cruise liner Normandie, which launched in 1935. Travelling the Mekong between My Tho , the entry gate to the Mekong Delta, and Siem Reap, Cambodia, Jayavarman marries the art deco charm of 1930’s France with the romance of Indochina. Measuring 57.8 meters/190 feet from bow to stern, Jayavarman holds 27 elegantly decorated cabins. Thanks to its intricate woodcarvings, Khmer bas-reliefs and Vietnamese lacquer paintings, this impressive cruise ship resembles a floating art gallery. Wherever they look, guests are reminded of the local arts and culture. With three-and-a-half decks, Jayavarman is as spacious as it is beautiful. Guests can admire Khmer artifacts in the Henry Mouhot Lounge, mingle in the Club 1930 Bar, dine in the elegant Indochine Dining Hall, and recharge with spa treatments in the Apsara Spa. A Jacuzzi pool is located on the top sun deck, which offers spectacular views of the passing delta. Along with its peaceful beauty, the Mekong Delta is known for its friendly locals. The crew members of Jayavarman are no exception. From the moment they board, guests are made to feel at home. Offering exceptional service, comfort and style, Jayavarman is a name to remember. This beautiful vessel is an unforgettable means of exploring some of the finest scenery in Asia. “HENRY MOUHOT” LOBBY LOUNGE Named after the French archeologist who discovered the Angkor temple complex, the Henry Mouhot Lounge is the perfect place to curl up with a book or an e-book as. It is wifi connected. The lounge also hosts the boutique shop and the reception. The Lounge has a decidedly scholarly air about it – dark furniture with harmonious Asian fabrics, a fine smell of teak wood; white ceiling and rose-painted walls together with a bunch of stunning Khmer artifacts bring back memories of the past French Colonial era. “CLUB 1930” FUNNEL BAR & LOUNGE Be transported back to 30s and 40s in our Club 1930 Bar and Funnel Lounge. The bar has a warm classical feel and the lounge is spacious and airy. Observe the passing landscape from your dark-wood colonial styled and cushion filled chaise longue or sink in your comfy cane chair for a quick snooze. INDOCHINE DINING HALL It is difficult not to be wowed by the Indochine Dining Hall. Your breakfast spread – gargantuan and delectable – is lit by the early morning rays of the sun. The hall is natural lighting during day and romantic with its antique ceiling lights in the evening. It offers free style seating and food is served via buffet or set menu THE APSARA BEAUTY AND WELLNESS SPA The spa is tucked away in a quiet area at the front of the ship on the main deck. The room is designed to accommodate two guests at the same time. Selected Asian spa treatments are available ranging from relaxing foot massage up to East Western fusions.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1: Siem Reap – Kampong Cham – 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 lakes in the world and is a home to an incredible variety of birds, including rare – and endangered – feathered life.At noon, we gather at the meeting point followed by a transfer to the boutique Ship. The ever-smiling crew welcomes us with unbridled warmth. A refreshing welcome drink awaits us followed by a buffet lunch on the Ship.Then, it is a relaxing afternoon as the Ship glides along the water. Dinner is served 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.Lunch and dinner are included. The Ship will anchor midstream on the Tonle Sap river.
Day 2 - Day 2: Kampong Chhnang – Kampong Tralach –Kampong Cham
Everyday, our journey will start with an invigorating Tai Chi lesson at the sun deck just as the sun begins its slow rise. Coffee and tea awaits the early bird. Before dawn, the Ship sets sail across the Tonle River, we see spectacular marshlands floating along the river banks of the Kampong Chhnang province.The afternoon cruise continues with a languid meander along the Tonle Sap River. Here, the river is so narrow that we can be greeted by kids waving enthusiastically at us from the banks.Follow a short bus trip to the see the Khmer-styled pottery. We then embark 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 in the afternoon before being introduced to the Heritage Line pro bono “literacy project”.Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Overnight in Kampong Cham.
Day 3 - Day 3: Kampong Cham – Wat Hanchey
We will wake up in the early morning after an overnight cruising, truly energized to embark on a land journey to the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Travelers can either take a motor-taxi or climb 303 steps to the top. Located at the top of a hill overlooking the river, the temple 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.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.Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Overnight midstream near Phnom Penh.
Day 4 - 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. Sightseeing in the morning will include the Killing Field. Be prepared to be heart wrenched by this stark reminder of the genocide that transpired during Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge regime, then visit S21 Genocide Museum.After lunch at a local restaurant, we will visit the dazzling white and gold edifice of the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, and witnessing exceptionally beautiful Khmer craft at the National Museum.We go back to the Ship by “cyclo” – traditional vehicles after our museum visit. Take a rest on your cabin balcony or the lounge and get prepared for an exciting evening event. The evening starts with a variety of cocktails served on the sun deck, BBQ dinner is serving right after that. 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 sun deck. It is indeed a truly marvelous experience, dining in the open air.Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 5 - Day 5: Phnom Penh – Border crossing – Tan Chau
Your journey with the floating sanctuary has come to an end, but will not be forgotten. Disembark after breakfast and head into the city of Phnom Penh to further discover its culture and history.Breakfast is included.
Day 6 - *High water season
The Ship could cruise along in Tonle Sap and dock near Siem Reap pier. It just takes 45 minutes for our coaches to transfer to the meeting point (Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa). The embarkation and disembarkation of the Ship will take place near Siem Reap pier. For downstream (REP-SGN) we will meet at noon (12:00pm) at the meeting point for check in formality. For upstream (SGN-REP) the coaches will drop you off around 10:00am at Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa. High water season is approximate from middle of September to the end of December. High water and low water season just make itinerary timing schedule changeable in Siem Reap, there will be no changes at other destinations.
Day 7 - *Low water season
The water level goes down and very low in Tonle Sap, so the Ships have to dock in Kampong Cham, where the embarkation and disembarkation will take place. It takes 4.5 hours for our coaches to transfer to the meeting point in Siem Reap (Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa). For downstream (REP-SGN) we will meet at 08:00am for the check-in formality. For upstream (SGN-REP) the coaches will drop you off around 13:30pm at Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa. Low water season is approximate from January to middle of September.
Day 8 - Please Note:
This itinerary is based on High Water Season. Although it is our intention to operate the itinerary as detailed proposal, we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that might occur. It may be necessary to make some changes as a result of climatic conditions, alterations to cruise schedules or other operational factors.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Explore the age-old ways of life supported by Mekong river
    • Ride bicycles through the rice fields
    • Sip homemade fruit liqueur in a pomello orchard

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