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The beautiful Vinh Trang temple near My Tho

Mekong River - Upstream - High water

Saigon - Siem Reap - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard The Jahan
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Embark on an 8-day river cruise aboard The Jahan, an elegant British-Indian colonial-style riverboat, and explore the Mekong River during the high water season, from Saigon to Siem Reap. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and diverse cultures of the Mekong Delta as you visit charming rural villages, ancient pagodas, and vibrant markets. Connect with the friendly locals and witness their skilled artisans creating handicrafts and delicacies. Observe the locals living in the Delta and selling their goods at the floating markets, featuring a wide range of items such as fish, coconut candy, tropical fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Relax and enjoy the laidback atmosphere on this Mekong cruise, offering a memorable experience.
Phnom Penh Golden TempleBoat House in MekongFlower farms in Sa Dec, VietnamExploring Mekong Delta in Ben TreHarvesting rice in VietnamThe Vinh Trang Temple in My ThoKampong TralachFloating Market in Cai BeFloating Villages in MekongThe beautiful Vinh Trang temple near My Tho
Highlights
  • Cruise along the Mighty Mekong River during the high water season
  • Explore Cai Be's floating market for local specialties and products
  • Gain insight into riverine culture and lifestyle with a knowledgeable guide
  • Visit the "Paris of the East", Phnom Penh
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Saigon | My Tho | Embark | Tan Phong Island (Cai Be)

Upon arrival, receive a welcome greeting in the lounge in Saigon. Kick back with a second coffee as the staff collects your details for the boarding. Bid a fond farewell to the hustle and bustle of Saigon and travel 70 kilometers south over land towards My Tho to embark on our vessel. After checking into your luxurious floating “home” for the next several days, your first inclination may be to step on your balcony to watch the ship set sail on its fascinating Mekong River voyage.

A lunch buffet is served as the vessel glides upstream. At twilight, the Mekong Delta glows in golden light—an ideal time to connect with fellow travelers and enjoy the official welcome, complete with canapés and prosecco.

By dinner, the ship is likely anchored near Tan Phong Island by Cai Be, offering a first look at the vibrant region to be explored on land the following day. The evening continues with late-night entertainment in the cinema, featuring classic films or engaging documentaries.

Day 2: Tan Phong Island | Binh Thanh Island | Tan Chau

Wake early to embrace the stunning dawn scenery, a time when the Delta's inhabitants have already been active for hours. Energize yourself with your daily morning Tai Chi class before indulging in a lavish breakfast buffet. By local boat, you gain access 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.

During a visit to a workshop in the town of Cai Be, you have the opportunity to observe the production of rice paper, rice cookies, rice wine and coconut candies. This is a very interesting manual process involving manual labor and special production technics. After the workshop you head to Tan Phong Island, a smaller island in the middle of the vast Mekong. You are visiting a local family and their fruit garden offering you various kind of tropical fruits to taste. A buggy ride through the island let you have a glimpse of the local day to day life as it unfolds. You stop at another family’s house. They are specialized in weaving of water hyacinth plants into artistic crafts by hand.

Optional Morning Excursion (Extra Cost):
This cycling tour offers a ride over the scenic Tan Phong Island. Cycle along well-maintained and flat concrete paths winding through orchards of rambutan, longan, and jackfruit. You stop and visit a local family business producing charming handicrafts from water hyacinths. The tour continues for 3 km along a canal to a local temple for a refreshing break under a banyan tree before continuing the ride to a tropical fruit farmer's home for a tasting.
Distance: 12km / Duration: approx. 90 min / Terrain: flat on concrete path

Relax and enjoy some time on your private balcony or at the bar as you continue your voyage upstream. In the afternoon, you arrive at the Sa Dec region and anchor near 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.

Optional Afternoon Excursion (Extra Cost):
Once on the shore, the cycling discovery around the island begins with interesting stops at scenic backstreets, rice paddies, and some island’s distinctive houses offering great photo opportunities. The cycling tour leads to the village of Long Ta, which is famous for its scarf weaving. You return to the pier taking the tender boat back to the mother ship.
Distance: 7 km / Duration: approx. 60 min / Terrain: flat on concrete path

Before dinner, join the lounge for a presentation about life on the Mekong Delta as the ship sails toward the mooring spot for the night in Tan Chau.

Day 3: Tan Chau | Border Crossing | Phnom Penh

After your morning Tai Chi session and a delightful breakfast, embark on an exploration of this area, renowned primarily for its aquaculture.

Upon disembarking, immerse yourselves 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. Your journey takes you to the local market, where you  mingle with residents as they go about their morning shopping routines. Continuing on, visit a Cao Dai temple and meet with one of the priests, who enlightens you about the unique beliefs and spirit of Cao Dai. Your 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, gain insight into the essential knowledge required to manage such a unique enterprise in this region.

Optional Morning Excursion (Extra Cost):
By tender, you reach the shores of a small island in the Mekong River near Tan Chau. The island’s flat terrain makes this ride pleasurable and easy along lush green paths with many mango farms. Enjoy the local life and visit nice fruit gardens. You stop at a small market for a little break and chit chat with local vendors. Continue your cycling tour with some exciting sightseeing on the way: A frog farm and a workshop specialised in weaving high-quality mats.
Distance: 12 km / Duration: approx. 90 min / Terrain: flat on concrete path

Continuing your journey, you ascend the river for the remainder of the day, crossing into Cambodia and heading towards Phnom Penh. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. It's time to embrace the soothing rhythm of this river and fully immerse yourself in the "cruise mode." You can opt for a spa treatment, relax on the sun deck, or unwind on your private balcony. As you 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.
 

Day 4: Phnom Penh

Welcome to Phnom Penh, a city once renowned as the "Paris of the East." Despite its rapid development, it has retained much of its rustic charm and elegance. Phnom Penh is a remarkable city with a history and culture that spans centuries, still palpable at every street corner.

Full-day sightseeing tour begins right after breakfast, allowing you to explore the city's highlights. Start with a cyclo ride, meandering through the town and then visit historic places such as the palace and the silver pagoda. Your journey takes you to the "S21" prison, a poignant and dark chapter in Cambodia's history during the Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s. Afterward, you pause for a delightful lunch in town before continuing to visit one of the country's most famous history museums, "Sosoro," and concluding the tour with a leisurely stroll through the city's French quarter, including the iconic and aptly named monument of Wat Phnom.

In the evening, have an engaging expert lecture in the lounge. To cap off this eventful day, indulge in a delightful open-air barbecue and gala dinner accompanied by a classic Apsara dance performance. Afterward, feel free to explore the city at night, savoring Phnom Penh's vibrant nightlife or taking in the lively river promenade.

Day 5: Phnom Penh | Angkor Ban | Kampong Cham (Mekong) | Prek Bangkong

Leave Phnom Penh early to make our way to Angkor Ban. The morning Tai Chi session sets the mood for the day as you begin your tour of Angkor Ban.

This place includes a monastery with a 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. As you meander through the village, get as close as possible to the local way of life, collecting wonderful memories of Cambodia's rustic lifestyle. This village is truly a gem to explore offering photographic and touching moments whilst interacting with the local community.

Optional Morning Excursion (Extra Cost):
Today’s journey with the cycling tour, starts with a tranquil monk meeting that sets the tone for the day. As you cycle through verdant seasonal vegetable fields, picturesque old local houses dot the landscape, offering glimpses into Cambodia's heritage. Witness skilled blacksmiths at work to understand the more about traditional craftsmanship. Conclude your adventure with a delightful pause, sipping on ice-cold local beer or indulging in the refreshing taste of freshly pressed sugar cane juice.
Distance: 10 km / Duration: approx. 120 min / Terrain: flat on concrete path

As you continue to sail upstream and prior to lunchtime, the crew showcases afterwards various traditional Khmer fashions worn by locals during special occasions.

In the vast Mekong River at the town of Kampong Cham which is an important trade and transportation hub but it still maintains scattered small hamlets around the outskirts where the community's rhythm blends with the skilled hands of artisans. For instance, in Cheung Krok, locals craft various handmade items, whether it's food, fashion, or other everyday goods. The nearby Bamboo bridge, which is erected seasonally, serves as more than just a passageway; it's a gateway to the past.

Optional Afternoon Excursion (Extra Cost):
Embark on an appealing cycling adventure from the quaint town of Kampong Cham to the idyllic island of Koh Pen and get a sensation of the enchanting rhythms of Khmer life as you pedal through vibrant vegetable fields and verdant tobacco plantations. Along the road you can see the daily routines of local farmers, artisans or Khmer bee master passionately raising honey bees to make a living. The journey along scenic paved and unpaved roads is another venture to know more about life in the Cambodia's natural countryside.
Distance: 16 km / Duration: approx. 120 min / Terrain: flat on concrete path

Once back onboard, the ship turns arounds sailing down the Mekong River again to reach the overnight mooring place Prek Bangkong later in the evening.

Day 6: Prek Bangkong | Kampong Tralach | Kampong Laeang (Tonle)

Early birds are welcome to join the daily Tai Chi on the open deck again.

At the confluence of the Tonle and Mekong Rivers lies 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. However, the real stars in this area today are the silk weavers, artisans who craft silk from the very beginning. Have the opportunity to closely observe and learn about this intricate silk production process. Conclude this excursion by visiting the heritage house of H.E. Sam-El, once a famous architect for the royal family.

As you continue to sail upstream into the Tonle River and prior to lunchtime, the guide offers a presentation about the geography of the Mekong and the Tonle Rivers.

In the afternoon, enjoy an exciting excursion to discover another part of rural Cambodian Kampong Tralach countryside. Your ox-pulled cart transports you along the riverside and down winding back roads, flanked by picturesque rice paddies, until you arrive at a small village. Here, you have the opportunity to learn about a local NGO school and library project. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the nearby ancient 300-year-old temple and Buddha shrine.

Join a happy hour time at the bar while you sail into the sunset. Moor later near Kampong Laeang. After dinner, the nightly cinema has another classic film on display.

Day 7: Kampong Chhnang | Tonle Lake

In the midst of the vast Tonle region, one of Cambodia’s amazing ecosystems. Discover Kampong Laeang this morning, situated just across from the famous pottery town of Kampong Chhnang. Once ashore, embark on tuk-tuks to travel the heart of rural Cambodian life. During this excursion, explore various locals, discover the art of pottery making, and visit a charming pre-Angkorian temple. From a vantage point, you can enjoy panoramic views of the vast floodplains and lush rice fields (seasonal).

Optional Morning Excursion (Extra Cost): 
Upon disembarking, hop on your bike to embark on your local Khmer discovery. Your journey leads you through rice paddy fields and quaint villages where small businesses produce pottery or palm sugar. With flat terrain and mesmerizing rural landscapes, the pedal is easy-going, offering a captivating glimpse into local life unfolding before your eyes.
Distance: 17 km / Duration: approx. 90 min / Terrain: flat on concrete path

Back on board, the ship enters now the vast Tonle Lake. During the whole afternoon, accompanied by some onboard entertainment, enjoy the ocean-like views until you reach the mooring spot mid-lake at the doorstep of Siem Reap. End this day of sailing with a farewell dinner and party vibes.

Day 8: Tonle Lake | Siem Reap | Disembark | Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
Enjoy your last breakfast on board your floating sanctuary.

The Tonle Sap (The Great Lake) is the flowing heart of Cambodia, giving love and life to millions of people. This rich ecosystem and UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve 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.

Here, your Heritage Line cruise comes to an end this morning. Prepare to disembark the ship and take a local boat to the shore, passing a vast floating community. Arrive at the Siem Reap pier and bring you to the drop off point in the city centre.

Hope you enjoyed this fascinating river cruise, just as the 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.

Please Note:
Itinerary and program are subject to change and are operated as advertised on public website or collateral at the time of boarding
Optional tours and program are subject to change and are operated as advertised on public website or collateral at the time of boarding

Ship/Hotel

The Jahan

The Jahan
The Jahan
The Jahan Lobby and Lounge

Dates & Prices

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  • Aug 23, 2025from $2,741
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Per person starting at
$2,741
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
The Jahan - Superior Stateroom
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Superior Staterooms
Room Size: 30 sqm/323 sqft (8 double beds and 4 twins) Located in the main deck and all have private balconies. It comes with air conditioning, an espresso machine, a minibar, and a hot water kettle. The spacious rooms are designed gracefully with hand-painted wall-to-ceiling decors and a private balcony for relaxing. The in-cabin bathroom has an out-sized shower.
The Jahan - Deluxe Stateroom
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Deluxe Stateroom
Room Size: 30 sqm/323 sqft (6 double beds and 2 twins) Located in the upper deck, the stateroom features interconnected cabins ideal for families and groups of friends. Each cabin comes with multiple features from a luggage rack, in-room safe, music and cabin system, inhouse phone, a sun hat, and desk and chairs.
The Jahan - Signature Suite
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Signature Suites
Room Size: 36 sqm/388 sqft (2 doubles with 32 sqm and 2 doubles with 36 sqm) Located in the upper deck area, while two more are based at the very front of the main deck.
The Jahan - Taj Noble Suites
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Noble Suite
Room Size: 51 sqm/549 sqft. The majestic suites are individually designed and situated at a prime location at the front part of the upper deck. Guests can enjoy these spacious suites that feature a private balcony with a jacuzzi as they enjoy the beautiful scenery. The room comes with butler service for all the guests' needs. The stylish private bathrooms include bathrobes and a hairdryer.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 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
  • Complimentary beverage package includes soft drinks, juices, and barista coffee at all times. Local beer and house wine (by glass) are complimentary during lunch and dinner times only
  • English speaking tour guiding on-and offshore
  • Complimentary usage of ship facilities (exclusive of spa treatments)
  • Internet on the ship (subject to cellular network signal)
  • River pilots
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
  • Private Transfers
  • Medical services
  • Optional cycling excursion (offer for cruises with ship ‘The Jahan’ only)

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
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