Jayavarman, Serenity Cruise Upstream ex Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

4 Night cruise sailing from Phnom Penh to Stueng Trang onboard The Jayavarman.

Detailed Itinerary:

NOTE: Itinerary shown is for the Low Water Period (approx mid November to late August). Cruises departing in the High Water Period (approx late August to mid November) operate a different itinerary. Please request details at time of enquiry/booking.

Day 1 Phnom Penh
Our staff offers a friendly welcome aboard in the earlier morning hours as you check-in into your luxurious “home” for the next few days.

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. Our full-day sightseeing tour begins right after breakfast, allowing us to explore the city's highlights. We'll start with a cyclo ride, meandering through the town and then visit historic places such as the palace and the silver pagoda. Our journey takes us to the "S21" prison, a poignant and dark chapter in Cambodia's history during the Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s. Afterward, we'll 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, we invite you to an engaging expert lecture in the lounge. To cap off this eventful day, we'll 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, savouring Phnom Penh's vibrant nightlife or taking in the lively river promenade.

Day 2 Phnom Penh – Koh Chen – Kampong Laeang – Kampong Tralach (Tonle River)
Before the sun peeks over the horizon, the cruiser sets sail, entering the Tonle River. The Tonle River is a natural wonder of Cambodia, and the scenery on both sides of the river is a true gem.

Default Morning Excursion (any ship): Our first stop is the island of Koh Chen, home to a renowned Silver Smith Village. Here, 400 families breathe life into silver, copper, and brass, crafting intricate art pieces and jewelry. A short stroll on the island reveals the fruits of their labour, including creations that once adorned Phnom Penh's Royal Palace, continuing to tell stories of exceptional craftsmanship.

As we sail upstream, lunch is served, and our crew showcases afterwards various traditional Khmer fashions worn by locals during special occasions.

Default Afternoon Excursion (any ship): We arrive at Kampong Laeang, situated just across from the famous pottery town of Kampong Chhnang. Once ashore, we embark on tuk-tuks to travel the heart of rural Cambodian life. During this excursion, we'll explore various locals, discover the art of pottery making, and visit a charming pre-Angkorian temple. From a vantage point, we can enjoy panoramic views of the vast floodplains and lush rice fields (seasonal).

We begin our journey downstream, sailing back towards Kampong Tralach, where we will anchor for the night.

Day 3 Kampong Tralach (Tonle River) - Prek Bangkong – Angkor Ban (Mekong River)

Default Morning Excursion (any ship): This morning, we'll enjoy an exciting excursion to discover another part of rural Cambodian Kampong Tralach countryside. Our ox-pulled cart will transport us along the riverside and down winding back roads, flanked by picturesque rice paddies, until we arrive at a small village. Here, we will have the opportunity to learn about the local NGO school and library project. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the nearby ancient 300-year-old temple and Buddha shrine.

A presentation about the Mekong and the Tonle River is offered as the ship sails downstream, passing Phnom Penh before entering the Mekong River.

Default Afternoon Excursion (any ship): 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. We will have the opportunity to closely observe and learn about this intricate silk production process. We conclude this excursion by visiting the heritage house of H.E. Sam-El, once a famous architect for the royal family.

The rest of the day is spent sailing up the Mekong to our overnight location. Enjoy a relaxing poolside sundowner cocktail hour with dance tunes before dinner and an evening cinema.

Day 4 Angkor Ban - Kampong Cham - Stueng Trang
The morning Tai Chi session sets the mood for the day as we begin our tour of Angkor Ban.

Default Morning Excursion (any ship): 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 we meander through the village, we'll 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.

We sail to Kampong Cham during lunchtime.

Default Afternoon Excursion (any ship): We are 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.

Afterward, the ship makes its final journey, mooring mid-river near Stueng Trang with some farewell and party vibes along the way.

Day 5 Stueng Trang - Siem Reap
Enjoy your final breakfast aboard our floating sanctuary. We disembark the ship and transfer by bus to Siem Reap, which takes approximately 4 hours. To keep you entertained during the journey, our guides will share interesting insights about Cambodia and the region we pass through. We hope you've enjoyed this captivating river cruise as much as our crew does every single time. Take the enchanting memories and friendships with you and share the stories of this amazing river - the Mighty Mekong.

You will arrive in Siem Reap in the early afternoon.

"The Jayavarman" - a floating sanctuary of style and space

Inspired by the golden age cruise liner Normandie, "The Jayavarman" is a 20th century boutique style marvel marries avant-garde French colonial design with enchanting Indochine architecture to perfection.

As the sun slowly sets...Step out on to your private balcony...sip on your drink and become part of the river life unfolding around you.

Start your day on the Mekong with Thai Chi lessons on the Sun Deck. Or bathe in the rays of dawn shining through your balcony as you lay in bed. A journey full of reverberating sights, colors and sounds awaits you.

Whether it is a refreshing sundowner drink at the lounge or a pampering time at the "Apsara" beauty salon, this is a time for reflection and relaxation.

When night falls, dancers perform and dinner is served. The ship changes hue at night and the staff emerge the following morning in their exquisite Cambodian traditional outfit.

Heritage Line was founded in 2008 and provides luxurious cruise journeys on the Mekong River between Vietnam and Cambodia. The company is la Swiss-Vietnamese Joint Venture and located in Saigon - now called Ho Chi Minh City.

As the sun slowly sets...Step out on to your private balcony...sip on your drink and become part of the river life unfolding around you.

Start your day on the Mekong with Thai Chi lessons on the Sun Deck. Or bathe in the rays of dawn shining through your balcony as you lay in bed. A journey full of reverberating sights, colors and sounds awaits you.

Whether it is a refreshing sundowner drink at the lounge or a pampering time at the "Apsara" beauty salon, this is a time for reflection and relaxation.

When night falls, dancers perform and dinner is served. The ship changes hue at night and the staff emerge the following morning in their exquisite Cambodian traditional outfit.