Cambodia, Vietnam & the Mekong River

• Seven-night cruise from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City aboard Jayavarman, an exclusively chartered, deluxe small ship. This itinerary also includes 3 nights in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and 2 nights in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in deluxe accommodations.
• Meet with local artisans to see and learn about their traditional crafts; see local fish and vegetable farmers at work.
• Experience many types of transportation, from cyclo tours to rickshaws and tuk-tuks.
• Visit UNESCO World Heritage site Angkor in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
• Included meals | 4 receptions, 12 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 8 dinners.

Depart for Siem Reap, Cambodia. Please check your bags from your gateway city to your arrival city. Be sure to attach the provided Gohagan & Company luggage tags for each piece of luggage, including carry-ons.

NOTE:This is the January / March – Low Water Itinerary

Arrive at Siem Reap International Airport. Proceed through the immigration checkpoint to the baggage claim area and retrieve your luggage. After completing a customs screening, meet a Gohagan & Company representative.

Transfer to the deluxe Borei Angkor Resort & Spa and check in.

Settle in to your room and explore the area independently, if you wish. Make your own plans for lunch. The Gohagan Travel Hospitality Desk stands ready with dining and sightseeing suggestions.

This evening make your own plans for dinner.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast each morning at the hotel before departing for your excursion.

Explore Angkor Thom, a great walled city once home to 1 million people. Built in the late 12th century, Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Khmer Empire, which ended in the mid-15th century. The Bayon is the imposing temple in the center of the city. Its 54 towers feature carvings of more than 200 smiling faces. The bas-reliefs of epic battles are among the must-sees. Visit the surroundings of the complex, including the Baphuon, Elephant Terraces, Leper King Terrace and Royal Palace area.

Join the group for lunch at an authentic local restaurant.

Explore the haunting temples of Ta Prohm, where roots of massive strangler figs and other trees have overtaken the buildings. Built by the same king who directed the construction of Angkor Thom, this Buddhist monastery was once a powerful religious center serving 80,000 people. After centuries of human neglect, the jungle has claimed the temples, courtyards and paths.

This afternoon, visit Satcha, a Cambodian handicraft center supporting local artisans and preserving Cambodian culture. Stroll the lush grounds and watch the artisans at work. This is a great opportunity to purchase quality handcrafted products to take home.

This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special Welcome Cocktail and Cultural Dinner Show at the hotel.

Discover breathtaking Angkor Wat. Built in the 12th century, it is the largest religious monument in the world and the crown jewel of the Angkor Archaeological Park. Angkor Wat is the grandest of the temples that sit within the 155-square-mile park. Originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, the temple eventually became filled with Buddhist elements as the new religion spread through the empire. See the extensive gallery of bas-relief murals, one of the highlights of the temple.

This afternoon, make your own plans for lunch and dinner, and spend the afternoon exploring at your leisure. Visit the Gohagan Travel Hospitality Desk for dining and sightseeing recommendations.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the pier and embark the deluxe Jayavarman. The welcoming crew will guide you to your stateroom and provide a briefing on the cabin’s facilities. Settle in, unpack and explore the vessel. There will be a safety and welcome briefing, followed by lunch on board.

Alongside the vast Mekong River sits Cambodia’s sixth-largest city, Kampong Cham. Although it serves as an important trade and transportation hub, Kampong Cham is still true to its small-town roots; you may notice a quaint main street, small markets, and artisans and craftspeople working. Explore today with a motorcoach tour.

This evening, join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception and Dinner on board. Tonight the cinema will be open; take in the night’s offering.

Begin the day with a Tai Chi session and a delicious breakfast on board as the ship arrives in one of the many small villages we’ll be visiting, Angkor Ban.

We will travel to Angkor Ban by motorcoach. During a visit to the local monastery and its delightful village, meet monks during their morning class and engage in friendly conversations with the villagers. As we meander through the village, we'll experience the rustic lifestyle up close and enjoy a memorable and enjoyable opportunity to interact with local people.

We will travel to Angkor Ban by motorcoach. During a visit to the local monastery and its delightful village, meet monks during their morning class and engage in friendly conversations with the villagers. As we meander through the village, we'll experience the rustic lifestyle up close and enjoy a memorable and enjoyable opportunity to interact with local people.

Visit the house of Mr. B, who worked years ago as a young chef aboard the ship Jayavarman. When he married, he moved to his wife’s home village. Together with his household’s head chef (his wife!) and her mother, we prepare and cook a century-old soup recipe called Samlor Korko. This fish soup is made with many vegetables, spices, herbs and roasted rice, accompanied by a duck egg omelet.

At the confluence of the Tonle and Mekong Rivers lies the small village of Prek Bangkong, known for its silk-weaving community. Observe artisans and silk weavers, and learn about the intricate silk production process. This village was also the former residence of the royal family before they moved to the Royal Palace; visit the home of H.E. Sam-El, once a famous architect for the royal .

This evening, the ship sails to Kampong Laeang. Enjoy a delicious dinner on board.

Savor a delicious breakfast on board this morning.

Discover Kampong Laeang, a lovely floating village in the vast Tonle region, one of Cambodia’s amazing ecosystems. Board tuk-tuks (three-wheeled motorized vehicles) to travel the countryside and get an authentic look at rural Cambodian life. Approximately 70% of Cambodia's population lives in small, rural villages like this one, where farming is the sole source of income. Explore local markets, observe artisans working and visit a pre-Angkorian temple. Enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of the river and lush vegetation.

Become familiar with Cambodian cuisine and learn to prepare the famous Nom Kruak, a popular Cambodian street food. These savory coconut pancakes are made from rice and are often served with fish sauce.

Tuck into a delicious lunch on board while the ship sails for Kampong Tralach.

This afternoon, an ox-pulled cart will transport you down quiet, winding roads bordered by lush rice paddies and home to many fascinating birds. In a small village along the river, visit and learn about a local school and library project.

Return to the ship for a relaxing dinner on board. This evening, we sail for Phnom Penh, where the boat will moor with a view of the city.

Savor a delicious breakfast on board before disembarking for today’s excursion.

Welcome to Phnom Penh, a storied city located at the confluence of three rivers, with a history and culture that spans centuries. Despite its rapid development, it has retained much of its rustic charm and elegance. We will begin our exploration of Phnom Penh with a ride on a cyclo — a three-wheeled mode of transport popular with both tourists and locals. Visit historic places on the picturesque riverfront, such as the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. Our journey takes us to the S21 prison, which has been refashioned as the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a poignant representation of a dark chapter in Cambodia's history during the Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s. Afterward, we'll pause for an included lunch in town before stepping into one of the country's most famous history museums, Sosoro, where exhibits focus on the interconnection between history, economics and politics. Wrap up with a leisurely stroll through the city's French quarter, including the iconic pagoda-shaped Buddhist temple, Wat Phnom.

Return to the ship this evening and savor in a barbecue dinner eaten al fresco and accompanied by a classic Apsara dance performance. Afterward stay on board, or feel free to return to the city to check out Phnom Penh's vibrant nightlife or stroll along the river promenade.

Savor a tasty breakfast on board as the ship departs Phnom Penh and begins a full day of sailing toward Vietnam.

Today, enjoy a relaxing day spent at your leisure. Take in an informative lecture. Indulge in spa treatments or simply relax on deck or on your private balcony. Visit the bridge, where the captain may share a story about the mighty Mekong. Or join a culinary workshop to hone your knowledge about local cuisine.

Dig into a delicious lunch. This afternoon, we will cross the border and arrive in Tan Chau, Vietnam, a pleasant, slow-paced town with diverse Chinese, Kinh and Khmer communities. We will anchor this evening near the city with views of the riverbanks.

Enjoy another delectable dinner on board.

After our morning Tai Chi session and a delightful breakfast, disembark for today’s excursions.

This spirited town is known for its aquaculture, agriculture, vibrant markets and silk-weaving culture. As you ride in a xeloi (the Vietnamese word for rickshaw), your driver will deftly navigate the network of streets, allowing you to observe street vendors, shops, artisans working and the daily activities of the locals. Head to the market, where we mingle with residents as they go about their morning shopping routines. Visit a Cao Dai temple and meet with one of the priests, who enlightens us about the unique beliefs and spirit of Cao Dai. Finally, call at a fish farm that has been operated for many years by a local family, one of many in this region.

Savor a delicious lunch on board as the ship sails to My An Hung.

In this small, authentic village, visit a local family who runs a vegetable farm, and learn about farming life. As a local artistic group performs a traditional dragon dance, sample Vietnamese teas and freshly harvested tropical fruits.

Return to the ship and enjoy a delicious dinner on board.

Tuck into a tasty breakfast as the ship arrives at Binh Thanh Island.

By local boat, we head out to one of the larger islands in the Mekong known as Binh Thanh. This island is home to many farms and several communities that sustain themselves by cultivating water hyacinths. Strolling through the village, meet and chat with locals, and witness the traditional mat-making process.

Delight in lunch on board as the ship sails to Cai Be.

The Mekong River Delta town of Cai Be and its surrounding villages are bustling market hubs. During a visit to a workshop in the town, observe and learn about the production of rice paper, rice cookies, rice wine and coconut candies. Manual labor is combined with special techniques in these fascinating processes.

Next, head to Tan Phong Island, a small island in the middle of the vast river. On a buggy ride, get a glimpse of daily local life. Visit a workshop to see skilled workers weaving dried water hyacinths, which grow all over the river delta, into artistic crafts. The water hyacinths are widely present in waterways, where this invasive species can rapidly grow and form dense mats, often creating problems with water flow and navigation. Locals in the region have found ways to utilize the plant by harvesting it to create handicrafts such as baskets and mats, providing a source of income and also helping to clean the rivers. Next, visit a family that owns a large fruit orchard, who will talk about growing these tropical treats and offer us a tasting. Engage in an interactive cooking experience with them, preparing some local dishes together.

Join your fellow travelers for a Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner on board the ship this evening.

This morning, enjoy your last breakfast aboard your floating home. After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer by motorcoach to Ho Chi Minh City. Your luggage will be transferred to our hotel, the Park Hyatt Saigon, where you will check in later in the afternoon.

Embark on a walking tour to see the city’s historic landmarks, including: the Saigon Opera House; the Continental Hotel, a majestic specimen of French architecture and former home of authors W. Somerset Maugham and Graham Greene; City Hall; the Rex Hotel, an important gathering place during the Vietnam war and now; and the Norte Dame Cathedral, the tallest building in the city when it was completed in 1880. Step inside the cool tiled interior of the Central Post Office, decorated with carvings of philosophers and wrought-iron columns painted green; send a postcard to loved ones from this historic post office.

During our tour, we will dine as a group in a local restaurant. We will also take a rest at a local café and enjoy a glass of Vietnamese iced coffee.

This afternoon, board a private open-air coach for a panoramic drive to enjoy beautiful views of Ho Chi Minh City from above. Hop off the bus at the Saigon Opera House and take a short walk back to our hotel, the deluxe Park Hyatt Saigon.

Spend this evening exploring and dining on your own. The Gohagan Travel Hospitality Desk stands ready with dining and sightseeing suggestions.

Savor a delicious breakfast at the hotel before embarking on today’s excursion.

Traveler’s Choice | Choose one of the following included excursions. (Please make your selection on the Reservation Form that follows.)

• Market Visit and Vietnamese Cooking Class. Vietnam, with its abundance of tropical fruits, fresh vegetables and herbs — not to mention the distinctive, delicious cuisine they inspire — is a food-lovers’ paradise. Head to Ben Thanh Market, one of the city’s most famous landmarks, built in 1914 by the French. Here, meet a local chef, our tutor for today’s forays into Vietnamese cooking. At the market, browse the wares displayed in the hundreds of stalls and choose the ingredients for our menu. Learn about the wide array of fresh ingredients as we go. Afterward, head to the cooking studio, where the chef will demonstrate the techniques needed to create a three-course menu of mouthwatering dishes. In this hands-on class, help prepare the menu, and then savor the delicious results! You will be given a recipe booklet containing all the information needed to replicate these authentic dishes at home.
• Cu Chi Tunnels Excursion. Elaborate underground tunnel complexes — said to range as far as 125 miles — have been used by the Vietnamese for centuries. The tunnels were a key part of guerilla warfare during the Vietnam War and were dug by local people using shovels. The tunnel systems are surprisingly complex, incorporating living quarters, kitchens, storage areas, an armory and a clinic within the network. These passageways are intentionally narrow, so that larger American soldiers during the war, for example, found them difficult to access. They were often booby-trapped. Explore and learn about the tunnel system in the town of Cu Chi.

Today, lunch on your own, and explore Ho Chi Minh City independently, if you wish. Visit the Gohagan Travel Hospitality Desk in the hotel for suggestions.

Join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Reception this evening. Then enjoy dinner on your own or with new friends you’ve made on this adventure!

Following breakfast, transfer from the hotel to the Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport for your return flight home.

Itinerary may vary depending on departure date.