Have questions? We're here.
Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

Pearl of the Orient

Phnom Penh to Saigon - Example 4 Day Cruise aboard Jayavarman
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Mekong River trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
On this 4-day river cruise aboard the Jayavarman from Phnom Penh to Saigon and discover the diverse cultures of Cambodia and Vietnam. During your trip, learn about the culture and heritage of the Lower Mekong River with visits to rural villages, historic pagodas, and colorful markets. Engage with locals and witness skilled artisans who create exquisite handicrafts and delicacies. Experience all this and more on this life-enriching cruise along the Mekong. 
Boat floating along the Mekong RiverLocal ArtisansKampong TralachRoyal Palace in Phnom PenhBoy on wooden fishing boatFloating village in Southeast AsiaBoat House in MekongRoyal Palace and Silver Pagoda
Highlights
  • Learn about the culture and life of the locals along the river with an expert guide
  • Cruise downstream along the Mighty Mekong River aboard a luxurious riverboat
  • Discover Phnom Penh, once named "Paris of the East."
  • Board local boats and head to a floating fish farm in Tan Chau.
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Phnom Penh | Embark | Tan Chau

  • Ship
  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Welcome to the fish sanctuary of Vietnam.

 After your morning Tai Chi session and a delightful breakfast, we embark on an exploration of this area, renowned primarily for its aquaculture. Upon disembarking, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant town life of Tan Chau by boarding "xelois" (the Vietnamese word for rickshaws). Your personal 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. Our journey takes us to the local market, where we mingle with residents as they go about their morning shopping routines. Continuing on, we visit a Cao Dai temple and meet with one of the priests, who enlightens us about the unique beliefs and spirit of Cao Dai. Our 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, we gain insight into the essential knowledge required to manage such a unique enterprise in this region.

After back onboard a siesta after lunch, our expert guides offer a presentation about life in the Mekong Delta as the ship continues to My An Hung near Sa Dec province. My An Hung Village is a wonderful example of a real local village in the Mekong Delta where time stood still. We receive wonderful insights into the private household of a local family and visit the seasonal vegetable fields to understand what the farmers is currently cultivating. A Vietnamese tea tasting at a local family’s house is accompanied by a presentation of a variety of fruits that are grown near-by, freshly cut from the tree. An artistic group performs displays the traditional dragon dance, whilst we can snack on the “vitamins bombs”.

Back onboard, the ship sails into the sunset towards our destination for the next day. A complimentary cocktail hour and snacks at the pool with music and dance vibes are offered to enjoy the blue hour before dinner is served.
 

Day 2: Tan Chau | My An Hung | Binh Thanh Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Welcome to the fish sanctuary of Vietnam. Once on shore, see Tan Chau’s vibrant town life. Hop on a xelois, which are local vehicles still used as taxis in this area. Your Xeloi driver will slowly navigate through the streets to observe all the workshops, houses, and shops while feeling the laid-back vibe of this place. Make a stop at the colorful local market near one of the town’s temples, interact with the vendors of this friendly town, and try your hand at bargaining with them.

To see what Tan Chau is famous for, board one of the local boats and head to a floating fish farm to get an exclusive look into the world’s largest inland aquaculture industry. This floating structure has netting hanging down into the water to enclose the fish, which are raised and fed daily. The specialties of this region are tilapia and the Basa catfish, or Pangasius, which are unique to the Mekong River basin and are rapidly gaining popularity in the international seafood market.

Back on board, and before lunch is served, you may take a dip in the pool. After the meal, the expert guides offer a presentation about life in the Mekong Delta as the ship continues to My An Hung, near Sa Dec province.

My An Hung Village in the Mekong Delta is a beautiful illustration of a genuine native village. Upon arrival, you will receive a remarkable insight into the private household of a local family and visit the seasonal vegetable fields to see what they are currently cultivating. Visit a local family's house for a Vietnamese tea tasting. Vietnamese tea is often bitter, so locals sweeten it with honey, a regional delicacy also produced by our hosts. The family will present a wide variety of fruits growing in the region and freshly cut from the tree. And as an artist group performs a traditional, artistic dragon dance, we snack on these vitamin bombs.

The sunsets and the light now bathe everything in a golden hue. The surrounding natural beauty is a perfect backdrop for a riverbank gathering with cocktails and dancing with the crew in this remote and secluded location.

Day 3: Binh Thanh Island | Tan Phong Island | My Tho

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Wake early to embrace the stunning dawn scenery, a time when the Delta's inhabitants have already been active for hours. Energize yourself with our daily morning Tai Chi class before indulging in a lavish breakfast buffet. By local boat, we head out to 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.

Afterward, the ship makes its final journey to My Tho, offering some little farewell party vibes along the way.

Day 4: My Tho | Saigon | Disembark | Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
Enjoy your last breakfast aboard your floating home. We disembark the ship after breakfast and take a bus transfer from My Tho to Saigon. It is only around 70 kilometers on the highway, and you arrive in Saigon by mid-morning.

Hope you enjoyed this fascinating river cruise, just as our crew does every single time. Moreover, take the enchanting memories and friendships along with you and share the stories of this amazing river - the Mighty Mekong.

Ship/Hotel

Jayavarman

Heritage Line - Mekong - Jayavarma - Cooking Class 2
Heritage Line - Mekong - Jayavarma - Barbecue on Board
Heritage Line - Mekong - Jayavarma - Cooking Class

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$1,150
Superior StateroomSuperior Stateroom
Select a Date
Superior Stateroom
Room Size: 20 sqm/215 sqft. (Double & Twin Beds) Located in the main deck, the Superior Staterooms feature a separate bathroom and large floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass doors that open onto a balcony.
Deluxe StateroomDeluxe Stateroom
Select a Date
Deluxe Stateroom
Room Size: 23 sqm/248 sqft (Double & Twin Beds) The Deluxe Stateroom comprise of a combined bed and living room, chairs, private balcony and a spacious bathroom. Warm tones, dark wood antique furniture, and handmade, rustic copper sinks in the bathrooms bring back the sensation of an awe-inspiring colonial era.
Signature SuiteSignature Suite
Select a Date
Signature Suites
Room Size: 27 sqm/290 sqft. (Double Beds) The Signatures Suites sit on the upper deck and in a quiet area at the front of the ship. Both are uniquely designed and have a king double bed, sofa, walk-in wardrobe, luxurious bathroom with shower, and a front-facing balconies. A butler takes care of these suites.
Included
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
  • 3 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Internet access (in limited areas)
  • Daily Group Shore-Excursions
  • All entrance fees as per program
  • All transfers as per itinerary by air-conditioned Vehicles
  • Welcome drink, brewed coffee, tea and mineral water
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Spa Treatments
  • Port taxes/fees
  • Passport or Visa fees

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.

Mekong River Travel Links

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By