Vietnam and Cambodia: Along The Mekong River, Including Angkor and Saigon
Sail through the heart of the countryside, exploring Vietnam and Cambodia along the Mekong River. Gain access to traditional villages as well as bustling cities for a panoramic and immersive experience of these two very different countries. Spend seven nights aboard The Jahan, an extraordinary riverboat that offers her 48 guests a level of luxury previously unavailable on the Mekong.
Highlights
• Sail the Mekong River in comfort on a seven-night journey aboard The Jahan riverboat
• Spend two days exploring the legendary religious sites of Angkor in the company of our experts and local guides
• Visit communities and learn the ways of life along the Mekong River, including subsistence fishing and small industries
• Explore Phnom Penh and Saigon, touring sites important to the cities’ 20th-century histories
• Enjoy special dining experiences, including a private dinner with traditional music and a dance performance at one of Angkor’s temples
Arrive in Siem Reap and settle into our outstanding Khmer style hotel, La Résidence d’Angkor, on the banks of the Siem Reap River, or the luxurious Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Resort with its French-colonial elegance and manicured gardens.
Rise early to watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat. This 12th-century Khmer temple, one of the world’s largest religious monuments, is adorned with elaborate bas-reliefs and sculptures. Ride a tuk-tuk, or motorized rickshaw, to the walled city of Angkor Thom. Discover the shrines of Ta Prohm and the temple of Banteay Srei. Visit a workshop where local youth are trained in age-old Khmer arts. Enjoy traditional Cambodian music and dance at a beautifully lit private dinner at one of Angkor’s temples. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on Day 2; breakfast and dinner are included on day 3.
Drive to the bustling town of Kampong Cham and embark The Jahan, our riverboat home for the next seven nights. Step out onto your balcony to watch as we set sail on a journey along the Mekong River.
At Wat Hanchey, see a variety of temples, including an eighth-century temple from the pre-Angkor Chenla period, or see the silk weaving village of Koh Dach. Continue to the village of Angkor Ban, with its traditional houses and friendly residents.
Visit a village where artisans make traditional pottery, and board local boats to see the clustered houses and shops that float in midstream. At Kampong Tralach, take an oxcart ride through rice paddies to a local school.
Explore the Cambodian capital by cyclo (bicycle taxi), and visit the Royal Palace and the National Museum of Cambodia. Learn about the reign of the Khmer Rouge on a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. This evening, enjoy an Apsara dance performance.
Take in views of everyday life along the river, attend talks by our experts, and join our chefs to learn how to cook regional dishes. Cross the border into Vietnam.
Chau Doc has one of Vietnam’s most interesting markets, with an astonishing variety of tropical fruits, vegetables and other goods. We continue to a floating market on the river and a fish farm, where we see fish being fed through trap doors in the floating platforms. In the afternoon, we continue sailing the Mekong.
Take a local boat to experience rural life in the Mekong Delta. See the floating market of Cai Be, step into a rice “factory” to watch rice-based candies being made, and cruise among floating markets and fish farms. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner aboard The Jahan.
Disembark in My Tho and visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, originally built in 1850. Then journey to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and, on arrival, visit the landmarks of Saigon including a visit to the Bitexco Tower, post office, and the Reunification Palace followed by lunch. Continue to the Park Hyatt Hotel to check in. Early this evening meet with a local expert on Vietnam’s modern development, and then enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
This morning visit the Cu Chi tunnel, part of a huge network of tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. If you wish, visit the War Remnants Museum, which gives a strong view of the war through the eyes of the Vietnamese. The rest of the afternoon and lunch are at leisure. In the evening we'll take in a performance of water puppetry—a distinctive Vietnamese folk art, practiced here for over 300 years. Dinner is at leisure. Depart Saigon on Day 13, arriving home the same day.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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SUPERIOR STATEROOM - (Category 01)
DELUXE STATEROOM - (Category 02)
SIGNATURE SUITE - (Category 03)
NOBLE SUITE
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Book now |
SUPERIOR STATEROOM - (Category 01)
DELUXE STATEROOM - (Category 02)
SIGNATURE SUITE - (Category 03)
NOBLE SUITE
|
Book now |
SUPERIOR STATEROOM - (Category 01)
DELUXE STATEROOM - (Category 02)
SIGNATURE SUITE - (Category 03)
NOBLE SUITE
Vessel Type: River Boat
Length: 70 metres
Passenger Capacity: 48 (in 24 cabins)
Built: 2011
Plying the slow, swirling waters of the Mekong, The Jahan is Heritage Line’s most romantic cruise liner. Considered the brother of The Jayavarman in Heritage Line’s “family” of cruise ships, this magnificent vessel was named after the Indian emperor Shah Jahan, who ruled the Mughal Empire from 1628 to 1658. A great patron of architecture and the arts, Shah Jahan oversaw the construction of many legendary sites, including India’s dazzling Red Fort, and the famed 777 gardens of Kashmir. This cultured monarch is a fitting namesake for The Jahan, which evokes the opulent vessels of British India. No expense has been spared in the interior or exterior decorations, which showcase the talents of local woodworkers, weavers and artists.
When guests aren’t relaxing in their luxurious cabins they can meet friends in the atmospheric East India Club; soak in the Jacuzzi on the Pool Deck; challenge a new friend to a game of chess in the Observatory Lounge; or enjoy a pampering massage in the Apsara Spa. With three decks, this vessel offers all the amenities of a fine resort, including comfortable in- and outdoor lounges, an outdoor bar, a small boutique, dining room, fitness equipment and a steam room, as well as an excellent spa. Stretching 70 meters/230 feet from bow to stern, The Jahan features 26 beautifully-designed cabins on two decks, each with its own private balcony.
Discover the bygone elegance of travel aboard the majestic Jahan. Just as Indian art and architecture influenced the Khmer and Cham cultures in the Mekong Delta, the stunning artistry of The Jahan will inspire you, as will the delta’s vibrant beauty.
THE RAJ OF INDIA
The boutique British-Indian lobby lounge is the perfect place to kick-back and grab a magazine from our library. WiFi is available as well. The tranquil atmosphere with white, crème and golden tones, wide sofas, comfy chairs, Indian lamps and the Old England styled reception are a throwback to the days of Colonial India.
VICEROY DINING HALL
The Jahan’s elegant Viceroy Dining Hall is located next to the bar on the Terrace Deck and offers al-fresco dining with free style seating. Ascetically designed, the Viceroy Hall is day light flooded with many high windows. The hall in azure side walls, white ceiling with golden borders and elegant finished chairs and tables shows its full royal shine in the evening when British styled luster bathes the room in decent light.
EAST INDIA CLUB
The East India Club is an open funnel bar and lounge which recreates a British-India feel with camel bone in-lays and a unique oriental lamp, replete with Sanskrit carvings, hanging down the middle of the bar. The East India Club is the perfect place to unwind and quaff a drink whilst savoring the splendors of the setting sun.
OBSERVATORY
The Observatory is an elegant, tasteful and welcoming Indian lounge with wide cozy styled diwans. It is the ideal place to “observe” life on the Mekong through the panoramic windows. Play the antique chess game or simply relax after spa whilst munching on some fruit snacks. The Observatory is also used for private functions – candle light dinners.
APSARA SPA
Enjoy exquisite romance and privacy as the Apsara Spa has two treatment rooms. With more than 20 different aroma oils to choose from as well as a variety of fine treatments, our packages are guaranteed to keep you coming back for more.
POOL DECK
The large pool – constructed with intricate Turkish Mosaic floor tiles is an oasis to refresh. Soak in the rays of the sun on restful sun beds. Then, jump into our splendid Jacuzzi and allow the bubbles to caress you.
GYM AND STEAM BATH
Burn away all those extra calories at our gym and steam bath. The bath is a marvelous way to relax with your partner in steamy privacy.
Inclusions
• Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
• Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
• Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff
• All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible.
• Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
• 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
• Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the NG Endurance, NG Resolution, NG Explorer, NG Orion, NG Endeavour II, NG Islander II, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, and The Jahan. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors, available for purchase.
• Beer and wine, spirits and cocktails on all 2024 departures aboard NG Venture, NG Quest, NG Sea Bird, and NG Sea Lion, and specialty cocktails with meals aboard Delfin ll, with super premium wines and liquors available for purchase.
• Crew gratuities aboard NG Endurance, NG Resolution, NG Explorer, NG Orion, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, Oberoi Philae, and The Jahan
• Free Wi-Fi aboard Lord of the Glens and The Jahan.
• Free Wi-Fi, up to one hour a day per person, aboard NG Islander II and NG Endeavour II
• Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
• Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
• The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic
• Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
• 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
• Complimentary Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic parka or jacket on select Arctic and Antarctic voyages
• Assistance by the onboard NG Photography Expert (NG Endurance, NG Explorer, NG Orion, NG Resolution) and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor (all ships)
• Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (all Lindblad-National Geographic ships except in Galapagos)
• Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Exclusions
• Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers
• Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
• Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
• Crew gratuities aboard NG Endeavour II, NG Islander II, NG Venture, NG Quest, NG Sea Bird, NG Sea Lion, and Delfin II
River Boat
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