Heritage Line Jayavarman Cruise


A Floating Art Gallery

Jayavarman is the father of Heritage Line’s unique ship collection and named after the most renowned Cambodian monarch, King Jayavarman VII, who was known for his tranquility and love for artistic creations. He created some of the most famous temples of the lost Angkorian civilization.

Jayavarman serves as a floating art gallery with fine objects d’art exposed all over the vessel. Lavish woodcarvings, Khmer bas-reliefs, and delicate lacquer paintings showcase skillful local artisanry and traditions. All are paired with a charismatic French-colonial design theme and pleasant Art-Deco accents. The cruiser features 27 rooms, individually themed and elegantly decorated, evoking memories of a glorious heritage. Jayavarman is a home that melts savoir-vivre with enjoyable lifestyle luxury. The warm and embracing atmosphere invites to feel at home from the first step aboard.

The ship plies the lower Mekong between Vietnam & Cambodia on various itineraries.

Allow us to paint – in your mind’s eye – a picture of timeless colonial romance on board The Jayavarman while cruising along the Mekong River. From your cabin, you step out onto your private balcony, sipping a cocktail made of local fruits you just dis-covered in an orchard during a Mekong Delta excursion. As the sun gently sets, the countryside casts its golden silhouette on the river. You realize that you’ve never been in a place this peaceful before and enjoy the tranquility which is only occasionally punctuated by a child’s raucous laughter ringing from a nearby river village. Darkness descends. Friendly waiters serve you at your private table who, by now, have become your friends. They may be a tad shy but proud to put on display their traditional attire. After a comfy night’s sleep, Tai Chi lessons await on the sun deck, ready to connect you to the energy that is so plentiful in this spiritual corner of the world.

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(Provisional off-season schedule: 30 April 2023 - 8 July 2023)
Heritage Line Jayavarman Cruise
Heritage Line Jayavarman Cruise

About This Cruise

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.

The best of rural Cambodia plus an in depth historical insight of Phnom Penh is offered with this 4-Night itinerary named "Serenity Cruise". See the unseen, discover ancient pre-Angkorian temples, relish the cordial smiles of the local people, be fascinated by the arts and crafts and immerse yourself in the astonishing Tonle’s riverine landscapes and eco-system.

Low water period is approx. from mid-November to mid-August.

Map

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Detailed Itinerary

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  1. Day 1: Phnom Penh.

    The Jayavarman offers a friendly welcome aboard and offers you some refreshments as you settle into your luxurious "home" for the next few days.

    Have a lunch at a well-renowned restaurant in town and experience the elegant air Phnom Penh’s top addresses are known for. Your exploration of Phnom Penh continues with the cultural highlights of the city’s heritage. The golden edifice of the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda and the exceptional Khmer crafts at the National Museum top the list of the city’s must-sees. The day trip ends with a “cyclo” ride along the bustling streets of downtown Phnom Penh and back to the ship.

    In the early evening, the lounge is set up for an eye- and ear-catching lecture about modern Cambodian history, held by our friend and local expert, Mr Jean-Michel, professor from the Royal University of Phnom Penh. Receiving first-hand knowledge from our lecturer who has studied the subject extensively and in-person is a highlight of this cruise.

    Take some rest or join fellow passengers at the bar for refreshing drinks. Today's evening is a special one: you are invited to a wonderful open air gala featuring a barbecue dinner feast. The dinner is accompanied by a classic Apsara dance performance along with other folklore dances.

    As the evening unwinds, enjoy your supper with a good glass of wine and marvel at the skyline of Phnom Penh and the calming flow of the Tonle River.

  2. Day 2: Phnom Penh – Kampong Tralach – Kampong Chhnang (Tonle).

    Before the sun peeks over the horizon, the cruiser sets sail towards Kampong Tralach on the Tonle River. This part of the Tonle River is quite interesting to watch from the terrace as the river at certain points is very narrow. The boat glides through leafy swaths of this jungle-like landscape.

    Reach Kampong Tralach, where laughing children wave enthusiastically at your arrival and traditional ox carts are still a common means of transportation. An ox-powered vehicle takes you on a journey along the riverside and through back roads lined with rice-paddy fields until you arrive at a tiny village. Beginning a few short years ago, local underprivileged children have had the opportunity to receive an education at the “Green School”, a local project supported by the cruise company. The students, who are dressed in green shirts, are always happy to meet the cruise's guests every week as the principal gives an introduction to the students and the school.

    While the cruise sails upstream, lunch is served and afterwards the crew displays a variety of traditional Khmer fashion locals wear on special occasions. Conversely, the Cambodian scarf, the Krama, is a garment worn by people of all ages and walks of life not just around the neck, but also as a bandanna, facemask, belt, swimwear, and even as a hammock to carry children.

    Later in the day, the ship cruises along the narrow Tonle River towards the most fascinating cruising spot in Cambodia, Kampong Chhnang’s “water world”, where everything is balanced on sticks in water-rich soil. Take a local boat to the shore and hop on a mini bus to reach a nearby, unique rural village to explore the village’s specialties – Khmer style pottery and the process of making of palm sugar from the Cambodian “skor t’not” palm tree.

    Drive back to the shore where your local boat starts an exploration of nearby floating villages. Although you are in the heartland of Cambodia, the residents of these floating villages are actually of Vietnamese descent who were expelled by the Khmer Rouge and soon returned after the ruling party was overthrown in 1979. No longer having land to settle on, they have since lived “on the water”.

    Once you are back on board, relax until dinner is served and take in the beautiful countryside and its gentle evening sounds.

  3. Day 3: Tonle River - Koh Oknha Tey - Kampong Cham (Mekong).

    In the early morning, the cruise sails from the lower Tonle River towards the Mekong passing their confluence at Phnom Penh.  You will arrive at the island of Koh Oknha Tey, which lies in the middle of the Mekong and owes its fame to manufacturing high-class silk products. Go sightseeing along the island’s roads a bit by tuk tuk before arriving at the village’s workshops and witnessing the curious process of making silk, starting from a tiny silkworm larva to cocoon, then dyeing, spinning and weaving the fibres into high-quality Cambodian silk.

    Before lunch, your expert guide holds a presentation about the geography of the Mekong River and Tonle Lake along with the unique attributes of the area. Afterwards, a monks’ blessing ceremony delivers spirits and wishes for health and prosperity for all.

    The ship sails towards the small Angkor Ban village up in the Mekong River. The village is famous for its unspoiled community and beautiful, traditional houses. It feels like being transported back a hundred years, into an era unaffected by modernity where villagers are characterized by their unbridled warmth.

    The sun sets and the light now bathes 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, secluded location.

    Continue cruising while dinner is served and the boat finds its overnight spot at the riverbank of Kampong Cham.

  4. Day 4: Kampong Cham (Mekong).

    After a sumptuous breakfast, leave the ship for enchanting pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey (7th century). Formerly built to honor the Hindu god, Hirahara, the complex is now a Buddhist temple, a testament to the country’s past and present religious beliefs. This small complex sits on a hilltop with breath-taking views over the Mekong. Many young, novice monks live on the compound of Wat Hanchey, and you will have the chance to observe a bit of their daily lives: eating simple meals, praying, studying, or hanging out and making conversation while in their saffron-coloured robes.

    After returning to the ship and partaking in lunch, you'll stop at the tranquil monastery of Wat Nokor. Although not massive in comparison to the vast complexes of Angkor Wat, Wat Nokor is the largest of its kind in Kampong Cham Province and is distinctive from other temples with its black sandstone walls. Here, you might have the chance to engage in light banter with some of the sociable monks living in the area.

    As it is low water season, you may be fortunate enough to visit a nearby spectacle only present during the Mekong’s dry months (December to May). The Koh Paen Bamboo Bridge connects the mainland with Koh Paen Island and is re-built by the local community every November when water levels drop.

    Cruise further up the Mekong to visit a local school and learn more about the education of the young Cambodian generation. Children from the Organization for Basic Training (OBT) are provided a free, supplemental education in English, maths, and the arts, and they are always excited to show their skills in music and dance. Shower the young performers with applause and in return, you are bestowed upon with the most genuine and happy Cambodian smiles.

  5. Day 5: Kampong Cham (Mekong) - Siem Reap.

    Enjoy your last breakfast on board your floating sanctuary. Disembark the ship for a transfer by bus to the drop off point in Siem Reap.

    Kampong Cham is an important trade and transportation hub. The highway connecting the town and the capital of Phnom Penh is among the best maintained in Cambodia, and the country’s first bridge across the Mekong (Kizuna Bridge) was built here in 2001.

    The transfer takes approximately 4.5 hours including rest stop. To keep you entertained during the ride, your expert guide will share interesting insights about Cambodia and the region you journey through. Snacks are provided during the trip. You will arrive in Siem Reap in the early afternoon.

    We 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.

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Total Cabin(s)

#Cabin 1

Cabins

  • Full Side River View
  • 20m2
  • Non-Smoking
  • Shower
  • Private Balcony
  • 1 Queen Size Bed or 2 Single Beds

Single Cabin

  • Single Cabin
  • Double Cabin
Contact
  • Full Side River View
  • 23m2
  • Non-Smoking
  • Shower
  • Private Balcony
  • 1 Queen Size Bed or 2 Single Beds

Single Cabin

  • Single Cabin
  • Double Cabin
Contact
  • Full Side River View
  • 27m2
  • Non-Smoking
  • Shower
  • Private Balcony
  • 1 King Size Bed or 2 Single Beds

Single Cabin

  • Single Cabin
  • Double Cabin
Contact
Cabins

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Our Offers

    Price Includes

    • Accommodation.
    • Daily (group) shore-excursions & entrance fees.
    • Sightseeing and transfers during the cruise.
    • Transfers from/to the cruise's meeting point to/from the ship.
    • English speaking tour guiding on-and offshore.
    • Entertainment/activities during the cruise as mentioned in the program.
    • Meals as mentioned in the program.
    • Welcome drink.
    • Complimentary beverage package.
    • Passenger liability insurance.
    • Internet on the ship (subject to cellular network signal).
    • Complimentary usage of ship facilities (exclusive of spa treatments).
    • Port or anchorage fees.
    • River pilots.
    • Fuel & taxes.

    Price Excludes

    • Crew and guide gratuities.
    • Visa fees.
    • Private transfers (book separately).
    • Personal expenses.
    • Other beverages than those stated under inclusion.
    • Medical services.
    • Spa treatments.
    • Port and anchorage fees.
    • All other services or items not listed under inclusions.


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