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Pearl of the Orient (Upstream)

Pearl of the Orient (Upstream)

POUHL
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Description

3 nights Saigon – Phnom Penh (or vice versa). A four-day cruise for cruise aficionados with less time on their hands connecting the Pearl of the Orient with the Paris of the East.

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
Pearl of the Orient (Upstream)
Days
4
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: Ho Chi Minh City – My Tho – Cai Be
Bid farewell to the hustle and bustle of Saigon as we travel 70 kilometers south by land to My Tho to embark your boutique Ship. We will be served refreshing drinks and light lunch as the Ship steadily glides along the Mekong. We will bathe in the fading sunset on the balcony followed by a briefing at the lounge. Later, a welcome dinner awaits us.When approaching Cai Be, the Ship drops anchor midstream. Light lunch, afternoon tea and dinner are included. Overnight in Cai Be.
Day 2 - Day 2: Cai Be – Sa Dec – Tan Chau
Everyday, our journey starts with an invigorating Tai Chi lesson on the Sundeck just as the sun begins its gentle glow. Coffee and tea awaits the early bird.The day-tour starts with a visit to Cai Be’s boisterous and colorful floating market on a traditional sampan (a flat bottomed traditional Vietnamese wooden boat). During the ride, discover breathtaking landscapes along the river and quaff the rustic life on the Mekong Delta. The cruise will halt intermittently to allow us to observe how rice paste, rice paper, rice cookies, rice pop, rice wine and coconut candies are made, enjoy local life along the canals on the way back to the Ship for lunch.In the afternoon, we cruise to Sa Dec. Upon arrival, we embark a traditional sampan to tour Binh Thanh Island to visit an untouchable village. Here, every villager is involved in the process of making rattan mat and this give us the chance to interact with the old local people. We then board the Ship for a tranquil evening cruise towards Tan Chau.Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. The Ship will moor midstream overnight near Tan Chau.
Day 3 - Day 3: Tan Chau – Border crossing – Phnom Penh
Welcome to the fish sanctuary of Vietnam. Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the Dining Hall of your balcony. Brace yourself for a short excursion in Tan Chau, a pleasant town near the Cambodian border with sizeable Chinese, Kinh and Khmer community.Firstly, the journey takes you to the “evergreen” islands where you will be thrilled to learn the life of the locals.The inhabitants of these islands live on houses poised on high stilts – a centuries-old tradition in this part of the Mekong Delta.We stop to visit a fish farm located in the Tan Chau canal – this farm consists of floating houses and the villagers make their living by cultivating fish. You continue by boat to Tan Chau pier, disembark here and stroll around this colorful local market with lots of regional products. You return to the cruise Ship after your market visit.Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Overnight we anchor midstream near Phnom Penh.
Day 4 - Day 4: Phnom Penh
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 5 - *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 6 - *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 7 - 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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