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DAY 1: SAIGON – CAN THO
“The
Sea of
Mangroves”
Embarkation 11:00 AM ; Departure: 12:30 PM
Bid farewell to the hustle and bustle of
Ho Chi Minh City while comfortably
settling in your cabin when meandering along the busy ports and
waterways. Soon after, the change is abrupt and you’ll find
your-self in the UNESCO listed Mangrove Biosphere Reserve of Can
Gio which had been destroyed during the Vietnam War by toxic
chemicals. Amazingly, the 75 hectares of forest was restored
through re-a forestation in no time. Cocktail reception at the
funnel bar & lounge.
DAY 2: CAN THO – THAN CHAU
“Vietnamese inventiveness”
See “Cai
Rang”- Asia’s largest and most
impressive floating market whilst shipping your favorite latte
on the breakfast deck. Wooden poles at the front of each boat
display wares for sale, such as jackfruit, sugar cane, morning
glory stems or even freshly baked baguettes.Take
a small
boat to see the market up close and continue navigating the
narrow canals. Watch as local workers fire their brick kilns,
make coconut candy and rice paper by hand. Listen to the fruit
orchard owner’s explanation while tasting the various fruits
plugged from the trees. A lunch picnic in one of the fruit
orchards will be presented by the Jayavarman crew. The
Jayavarman sets sail for a cruise towards Chau Doc along the
traffic of sand and rice barges in a scenery portraying smoking
kilns of brick factories, fruit drying homes and rice paddy
fields. A stop at the historical My Hoa Island with its unique
rattan houses will mark the end of an eventful day of
excursions.
DAY 3: CHAU DOC – border crossing –
PHNOM PENH
“Taste of aqua cultural life”
Welcome to the circus of fish. The early birds will be treated
to Thai Chi lessons. Brace yourself for a boat excursion to the
exciting floating villages and catfish farms witnessing tons and
tons of bassa fish being fed, hand in hand with a shore
excursion to the village of the local Muslim Cham community.
Take a ride through this fascinating town of rich
French-colonial architecture and see its bustling market flooded
with tropical fruits in full display by women in cone shaped
palm leaf hats. Observe a skill passed on from one generation to
another. That is, beautiful traditional textiles being woven on
old wooden looms.
By mid - afternoon, the Jayavarman casts off for the border
towards Phnom Penh.
DAY 4: PHNOM PENH
“Pearl of the East”
Off we go early in the morning to witness a truly indescribable
scenery while approaching Phnom Penh’s river promenade. After
breakfast, embark on a city tour in this dynamic, historical
capital of Cambodia which has retained its French colonial
charm. Sightseeing in the morning, will include the dazzling
white and gold architecture of the Royal Palace, outstanding
displays of Khmer crafts at the National Museum and the temple
on a hill - Wat Phnom. After lunch in a local restaurant,
examine the painful, heart wrenching reminders of Cambodia’s
ugly past under the Khmer Rouge regime with an excursion to the
infamous “Killing Fields”, the former detention, torture and
execution centers during the Cambodian civil war. Introduction
and onsite lecture by a local history professor. Thereafter, to
ease the nerves: a variety of cocktails will be at your
disposal, followed by Cambodia’s traditional Apsara dance
performance. Experience the brilliance and richness of the
culture, the soothing sounds of traditional music, the freshness
of incense sticks and a delicious Khmer food eastern
buffet.
DAY 5: PHNOM PENH – KAMPONG CHAM “Monks and hilltops”
Depart before the break of dawn from Phnom Penh with a stop at
the little known Chong Koh silk weaving village for a leisure
walk. We cruise past the Mekong’s timeless villages and mind
blowing river life with scores of fishermen on duty. Visit the
pagoda of the mountain “Man”, Phnom Pros. Thereafter, the
mountain “Woman”, Phnom Strey - truly, rural Cambodia at its
best. After lunch, our cruise continues towards Peam Chi Kang
Village visiting the mysterious monastery and school. Feel free
to explore this peaceful and friendly community.
DAY 6: KAMPONG CHAM – WAT HANCHEY “Cambodia’s province and
the wetlands”
Wake up in the wee hours of the morning, truly energized to
embark on a journey upriver to the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat
Hanchey. Located at the top of a hill overlooking the river, it
offers some of the best views in Cambodia. Dating from the 8th
century, these ancient structures do justice to the architecture
of the Chenla Empire which predated the glories of the mighty
Angkor. Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding well
organized rice paddy plains.
DAY 7: KAMPONG CHAM – KAMPONG CHNANG – TONLE SAP “Water world”
Before the sun rises, set sail to Kampong Chnang via Kampong
Tralach along the meandering Tonle Sap River, which narrows
through leafy swaths of the South East Asian Jungle. Visit
various pagodas and humanitarian projects sponsored by Heritage
Line. A motorboat excursion in Kampong Chnang, the
wetlands and floating houses of the great Tonle Sap Lake.
Experience the rich tapestry of rural Khmer life. In the
evening, a mouth watering farewell dinner will be served at the
sun deck.
DAY 8: TONLE SAP – SIEM REAP
This
great lake dominates Cambodia and is over 150 km in length. The
birdlife is profuse and from the middle of the lake one cannot
even see the shores. Witness stillness and tranquility on the
way to Siem Reap. Disembarkation and transfer to the hotel:
11:00 noon.
The water level varies a great deal according to the time of the
year and the amount of rainfall recorded. Thus, changes may
occur for the different seasons.
1. High Water Program
Approximately between July and November. Cross the Tonle Sap
lake at dawn and 11:00 disembark at Siem Reap Port for onward
coach transfer to the hotel by 12:00 pm
2. Low Water Program
Approximately between December and June. Coach transfer at 07:00
from Udong to the Hotel, stopping at Kampong Thom. Packed Lunch
and refreshment are provided. Arrive by 12:00 pm
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