The Lost Civilization Downstream – Heritage Line – 26 Oct 2024 – Cruise Traveller

The Lost Civilization Downstream – Heritage Line

Cruise Line
Heritage Line
Ship
Jahan
Package Departs
26 Oct 2024
Other Dates
Package Duration
7 Nights
Embark Ship
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Disembark Ship
My Tho, South Vietnam
01 - Superior Stateroom 02 - Deluxe Staterooms 03 - Signature Stateroom SU - Suite
US $4,159
per person
US $4,896
per person
US $5,715
per person
US $6,615
per person

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.

This classic 7-Night Mekong River cruise named `The Lost Civilisation` combines places rarely visited with fantastic historical heritage sites. It offers a complete fluvial discovery of Vietnam and Cambodia along the Mekong with a combination of experiences one never will forget.
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The Lost Civilization Downstream Cruise only package includes:
– 7 night cruise aboard the luxurious The Jahan from Siem Reap to My Tho (Saigon)
– Sumptuous full-board dining
– Welcome drink, brewed coffee, tea and mineral water
– Complimentary beverage package includes soft drinks, juices, barista coffee at all times. Local beer and house wine (by glass) is complimentary during lunch and dinner times only
– Daily (group) shore-excursions & entrance fees
– Sightseeing and transfers during the cruise
– English speaking tour guiding on-and offshore
– Insightful Lectures & Presentations
– Diverse On-board Entertainment
– Passenger liability insurance
– Complimentary Wi-Fi on board (subject to cellular network signal)
– Complimentary usage of ship facilities (exclusive of spa treatments)
– Transfers from/to Heritage Line’s meeting point to/from the ship*
– River pilots, fuel & taxes
– Port charges USD$65 per person

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DISCOUNTS:
The fares shown here are full brochure fare. Please contact us for your best offer. All rates in USD Dollars.

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Exclusions:
– Crew and guide gratuities; visa fees; private transfers; personal expenses; other beverages than those stated under inclusions; medical services; spa treatments; port and anchorage fees; all other services or items not listed under inclusions.

Notes:
Low water season – approximate from January to middle of September.: The water level goes down and very low in Tonle Sap, so the Ships have to dock in Kampong Cham, where the embarkation and disembarkation will take place. It takes 4.5 hours for the coaches to transfer to the meeting point in Siem Reap (Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa).

For downstream (REP-SGN) – meet at 08:00am for the check-in formality.
For upstream (SGN-REP) the coaches will drop you off around 13:30pm at Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa.

High water season – approximate from middle of September to the end of December.: The Ship could cruise along in Tonle Sap and dock near Siem Reap pier. It just takes 45 minutes for our coaches to transfer to the meeting point (Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa). The embarkation and disembarkation of the Ship will take place near Siem Reap pier.

For downstream (REP-SGN) – meet at noon (12:00pm) at the meeting point for check in formality.
For upstream (SGN-REP) the coaches will drop you off around 10:00am at Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa.

Special Conditions

*Conditions Apply: All prices shown here are per person share twin (unless stated as single) in USD, based on best available cruise fare at time of publication (08Feb24). Some cabins may have obstructed views. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Travel agent service fees may apply. Special conditions apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Please note that the prices shown here are not shown in real time. While we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ from the prices in our booking system at time of reservation. Offer subject to availability at time of booking. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty.

Special Validity Dates

Special is valid from 08 Feb 2024 to 01 Dec 2024 or until sold out/withdrawn.

Cruise Itinerary

DateActivityArriveDepart
26 Oct 2024
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Transfer to Stueng Trang
26 Oct 2024
Stueng Trang, Cambodia
Embark
26 Oct 2024
Kampong Cham, Cambodia
26 Oct 2024
Angkor Ban, Cambodia
27 Oct 2024
Angkor Ban, Cambodia
27 Oct 2024
Kampong Leaeng, Cambodia
28 Oct 2024
Kampong Tralach, Cambodia
28 Oct 2024
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
29 Oct 2024
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
30 Oct 2024
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
30 Oct 2024
Tan Chau, Vietnam
31 Oct 2024
Tan Chau, Vietnam
31 Oct 2024
My An Hung, Vietnam
31 Oct 2024
Binh Thanh Island, Vietnam
01 Nov 2024
Tan Phong Island, Vietnam
01 Nov 2024
My Tho, South Vietnam
02 Nov 2024
My Tho, South Vietnam
Disembark Transfer to Saigon
02 Nov 2024
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam

All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.

Please select your preferred category and cabin configuration/price. Then scroll down and select Continue to provide your contact details and preference. Our cruise specialists will check availability and respond to you as soon as possible.

Category Twin Per Person     Single Per Person
01 - Superior Stateroom
   
02 - Deluxe Staterooms
   
03 - Signature Stateroom
   
SU - Suite
   

7 Night Cruise sailing from Stueng Trang to My Tho aboard The Jahan.

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 Siem Reap – Stueng Trang – Kampong Cham – Angkor Ban
Upon boarding, our crew will extend a warm welcome, guiding you to your staterooms and providing a briefing on the cabin’s facilities. After spending some time to settle in and explore the vessel, a welcome lunch buffet awaits, followed by a safety and welcome briefing in the lobby by our cruise director.

Default Morning Excursion (any ship): We leave the ship for a first excursion in the afternoon. By bus we explore the so called high-land of the 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.

Default Afternoon Excursion (any ship): As the sun sets, we are back on board sailing with the flow of the Mekong River towards Angkor Ban for the overnight mooring. Meet a bit closer with your fellow travellers during a welcome event at the bar with canapés and prosecco with the Mekong shores providing a perfect backdrop to it. After dinner, we are opening the evening cinema, featuring either an intriguing classic movie or a captivating documentary.

Day 2 Angkor Ban – Prek Bangkong – Kampong Laeang
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 are boarding our luxury ship again sailing now downstream again towards Phnom Penh. Before we arrive at Cambodia’s capital, we halt at a small silk weaving community.

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 a joyful sailing, passing the skyline of Phnom Penh and heading into the small Tonle River northbound. Enjoy your multi-course menu and the nightly entertaining evening cinema offered afterwards. We moor midstream in the Tonle river.

Day 3 Kampong Laeang – Kampong Tralach – Phnom Penh
Default Morning Excursion (any ship): We are in the midst of the vast Tonle region, one of Cambodia’s amazing ecosystems. We will discover Kampong Laeang this morning, 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).

Back on the ship with lunch enjoyed and spectacular views on the Tonle River we sail south to Kampong Tralach. An afternoon tea is served at the bar before we continue with the afternoon excursion.

Default Afternoon Excursion (any ship): Once the ship stopped, we enjoy an exciting excursion to discover another part of rural Cambodian 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 a local NGO school and library project. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the nearby ancient 300-year-old temple and Buddha shrine.

We sail some more miles down the Tonle river before reaching Phnom Penh where we moor our ship mid-stream with views on the skyline of this vibrant city.

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.

Default Morning Excursion (any ship): 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 5 Phnom Penh – Border Crossing – Tan Chau
After your breakfast and before we continue our cruise southbound on the Mekong towards Vietnam, the lounge is set up for an eye- and ear-catching lecture from a special outside expert.

Once the ship departed, the rest of the morning and the whole afternoon is at your own disposal. It is time to switch into cruise mode and hopefully experiences the relaxing cadence this mighty river emanates. The afternoon is perfect for massages, relaxation on a terrace deck sunbed or private balcony kick-backs. Conjure up a spell to merge with the river and float into a state of mild bliss. You also may like to visit the bridge, as the captain always has a little story to share about “his” river. Or, if you are curious to learn more about Khmer gastronomy, join a culinary workshop to sharpen your knowledge about local cuisine.

As you sip drinks and nibble on treats during afternoon tea, we approach the border and finally arrive in Vietnam. From here it is just a short distance to Tan Chau, a pleasant, slow-paced border town with a sizeable Chinese, Kinh and Khmer community. We moor near the city with views on the riverbanks.

Day 6 Tan Chau – My An Hung – Binh Thanh Island
Welcome to the fish sanctuary of Vietnam. After our morning Tai Chi session and a delightful breakfast, we embark on an exploration of this area, renowned primarily for its aquaculture.

Default Morning Excursion (any ship): 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.

Default Afternoon Excursion (any ship): 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 sun set 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 7 Binh Thanh Island – Tan Phong Island – My Tho
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.

Default Morning Excursions (any ship): 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.

Default Afternoon Excursion (any ship): During a visit to a workshop in the town of Cai Be, we’ll 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 labour and special production technics. After the workshop we are heading to Tan Phong Island, a smaller island in the middle of the vast Mekong. We are visiting a local family and their fruit garden offering us various kind of tropical fruits to taste. A buggy ride through the island let us have a glimpse of the local day to day life as it unfolds. We stop at another family’s house. They are specialized in weaving of water hyacinth plants into artistic crafts by hand.

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

Day 8 My Tho – Saigon
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 kilometres on the highway, and you arrive in Saigon by mid-morning.

We 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.

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 a fitness center, steam rooms, a range of dining venues and an excellent spa. Stretching 70 meters 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.

Ship Profile & Stats

  • Length: 72 metres
  • Tonnage: 1400
  • Maiden Voyage: 2011
  • Passenger Capacity (dbl): 52
  • Crew Nationality: Cambodian & Vietnamese
  • Ship Registration: Vietnam

Ship Amenities

  • Individually Controlled Air Conditioning
  • Mini Bar
  • Hair Dryer
  • IPod Entertainment System
  • Tea & Coffee Making Facilities
  • Refrigerator
  • In-room Safe

Ship Facilities

  • Lobby Lounge
  • Boutique
  • Wifi Library with Laptops, Ipods, DVD Players, Infomedia Kiosk
  • Funnel Bar
  • Aspara Spa
  • Dining Room
  • Plunge Pool
  • Sun Deck
  • Observatory
  • Gym and Steam Bath

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.

Select the Cabin to view detail.

* Unless otherwise noted all pricing is on a per person twin share basis. All prices based on cash payment - credit card fees may apply. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Special conditions may apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Any pricing not in Australian Dollars will be converted on the day of payment into the relevant currency based on our daily rate of exchange. Please note that many of the prices shown on this website are not shown in real time. Whilst we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ slightly from the live prices in our booking system. All pricing and offers are subject to availability at time of booking. Whilst all information is correct at the time of publication, offers are subject to change. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty. Please submit any data errors/omissions you may notice on this site.

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