The Lost Civilisation Mekong River Cruise • Freedom Destinations

The Lost Civilisation

8 day Mekong River Cruise – from £2169

With flights from £3039

Cruise along the mighty Mekong River on an 8 day journey through the heart of Cambodia and Vietnam, showcasing scenic river landscapes, and bustling local life along the Mekong River.

Highlights:
  • Travel aboard the stylish riverboat Jayavarman or Jahan
  • Visit the floating villages of Kampong Chhnang
  • Enjoy a ride in an ox-cart to visit a nearby school
  • Discover the tragic history of the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng
  • Enjoy a boat ride to Binh Thanh Island and visit to Cai Be floating market

Your Itinerary

Expand All
Jayavarman Riverboat, Lost Civilisation, Cambodia

Day 1 – Siem Reap

Transfer by coach from Siem Reap to Kampong Cham where your luxury river boat will be…

Transfer by coach from Siem Reap to Kampong Cham where your luxury river boat will be waiting for the beginning of your seven night cruise.

The Jayavarman combines French-colonial elegance with Cambodian charm. All 27 rooms all have en suite facilities and a private balcony, whilst guests can enjoy a range of onboard facilities including a plunge pool on the sundeck and a panoramic lounge.

Alternatively upgrade to the Jahan which has has an opulent British-Indian style with 26 rooms that offer an extra 10sq/m of space over the Jayavarmin. Guests can enjoy similar facilities onboard both boats.

This afternoon children from a local village will show off their music and dance skills on board, before a road trip to Wat Hanchey. Built in the 7th century, the temple predates Angkor and there is the opportunity to climb the steps for magnificent views.

Enjoy views of traditional river life as you cruise down the Mekong River. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner in the ship’s IndoChina Restaurant.

    Dinner
Jayavarman Riverboat, Lost Civilisation, Cambodia
Kampong Chhnang province, Cambodia

Day 2 – Kampong Cham & Oknha Tey

This morning you may like to try some Tai Chi on the sun deck as the…

This morning you may like to try some Tai Chi on the sun deck as the ship sails towards the village of Angkor Ban where the locals live in traditional houses and pursue a lifestyle largely untouched by the modern world. Back on board there is a monks blessing ceremony wishing for health and prosperity.

After lunch, sail to Oknha Tey which is an island in the middle of the Mekong River and renowned for its high class silk products. Explore the island by tuk tuk visiting a workshops to learn everything about silk; from how it is produced by worms, to the final luxury product.

Some further cruising takes you to the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Rivers, before dropping anchor near Kampong Chhnang for the night.

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Kampong Chhnang province, Cambodia
Kampong Tralach, Cambodia

Day 3 – Kampong Chhnang & Tralach

Embark at the bustling rural port of Kampong Chhnang for a small boat adventure of the…

Embark at the bustling rural port of Kampong Chhnang for a small boat adventure of the wetlands including a visit a floating village.

Back on the Jayavarman, cruise along the meandering Tonle River with a stop at Kampong Tralach to experience local transportation in an ox-cart. Your two wheeled vehicle takes you through back roads lined with rice paddies to a local school where the teacher will explain how the school runs.

Continue to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital where the ship moors for the night. You may like to explore by yourself after dinner and stroll along the promenade watching the locals go about their daily life.

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Kampong Tralach, Cambodia
Silver Pagoda, Phnom Penh

Day 4 – Phnom Penh

A day exploring Phnom Penh with a visit to the opulent Royal Palace and the impressive…

A day exploring Phnom Penh with a visit to the opulent Royal Palace and the impressive Silver Pagoda. Enjoy a cyclo ride through the streets and join the excursion to the infamous Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum where millions suffered at the hands of the Khmer Rouge.

This evening there is an open air gala featuring a barbeque feast, followed by a classic Apsara dance performance.

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Silver Pagoda, Phnom Penh
Tan Chau, Mekong River Delta, Vietnam

Day 5 – Mekong River

Enjoy a relaxing day on board as you head towards the Vietnamese border. Perhaps take in…

Enjoy a relaxing day on board as you head towards the Vietnamese border. Perhaps take in a fruit-carving demonstration by the ship’s chefs, or simply enjoy the ever changing river scenery. Arrive in the Vietnamese town of Tan Chau where the ship moors overnight.

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Tan Chau, Mekong River Delta, Vietnam
Heritage Line's Jayavarman, Mekong Delta

Day 6 – Tan Chau

After breakfast, venture ashore at Tan Chau to explore the vibrant town by xeloi, a local…

After breakfast, venture ashore at Tan Chau to explore the vibrant town by xeloi, a local form of taxi. Your driver will navigate through the streets to observe workshops, houses and shops before stopping at the market. Then board a boat to see the floating fish farm for which Tan Chau is famous for with its large nets suspended into the water.

Later visit My An Hung Village and walk through a family’s farm to their house for tea. Back on board there is time to relax and socialise with your fellow passengers as you sail for Sa Dec.

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Heritage Line's Jayavarman, Mekong Delta
Floating Market, Mekong River, Vietnam

Day 7 – Cai Be

This morning take a boat ride to Binh Thanh Island where you can interact with the…

This morning take a boat ride to Binh Thanh Island where you can interact with the local villagers who produce a variety of rattan goods.

After lunch, visit the town of Cai Be, known for its floating market where you will see boats laden with fresh fruit and vegetables. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner as you head towards your final destination.

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Floating Market, Mekong River, Vietnam
Saigon Skyline, Vietnam

Day 8 – Mekong Delta

Today disembark The Jayavarman at the Mekong river-port city of My Thao and travel by coach…

Today disembark The Jayavarman at the Mekong river-port city of My Thao and travel by coach to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Speak to your Travel Consultant about adding a few nights in this bustling city to discover its many attractions.

    Breakfast
Saigon Skyline, Vietnam

Your Itinerary

Day 1

|

Siem Reap

Transfer by coach from Siem Reap to Kampong Cham where your luxury river boat will be waiting for the beginning of your seven night cruise.

The Jayavarman combines French-colonial elegance with Cambodian charm. All 27 rooms all have en suite facilities and a private balcony, whilst guests can enjoy a range of onboard facilities including a plunge pool on the sundeck and a panoramic lounge.

Alternatively upgrade to the Jahan which has has an opulent British-Indian style with 26 rooms that offer an extra 10sq/m of space over the Jayavarmin. Guests can enjoy similar facilities onboard both boats.

This afternoon children from a local village will show off their music and dance skills on board, before a road trip to Wat Hanchey. Built in the 7th century, the temple predates Angkor and there is the opportunity to climb the steps for magnificent views.

Enjoy views of traditional river life as you cruise down the Mekong River. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner in the ship’s IndoChina Restaurant.

    Dinner
Jayavarman Riverboat, Lost Civilisation, Cambodia

Day 2

|

Kampong Cham & Oknha Tey

This morning you may like to try some Tai Chi on the sun deck as the ship sails towards the village of Angkor Ban where the locals live in traditional houses and pursue a lifestyle largely untouched by the modern world. Back on board there is a monks blessing ceremony wishing for health and prosperity.

After lunch, sail to Oknha Tey which is an island in the middle of the Mekong River and renowned for its high class silk products. Explore the island by tuk tuk visiting a workshops to learn everything about silk; from how it is produced by worms, to the final luxury product.

Some further cruising takes you to the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Rivers, before dropping anchor near Kampong Chhnang for the night.

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Kampong Chhnang province, Cambodia

Day 3

|

Kampong Chhnang & Tralach

Embark at the bustling rural port of Kampong Chhnang for a small boat adventure of the wetlands including a visit a floating village.

Back on the Jayavarman, cruise along the meandering Tonle River with a stop at Kampong Tralach to experience local transportation in an ox-cart. Your two wheeled vehicle takes you through back roads lined with rice paddies to a local school where the teacher will explain how the school runs.

Continue to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital where the ship moors for the night. You may like to explore by yourself after dinner and stroll along the promenade watching the locals go about their daily life.

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Kampong Tralach, Cambodia

Day 4

|

Phnom Penh

A day exploring Phnom Penh with a visit to the opulent Royal Palace and the impressive Silver Pagoda. Enjoy a cyclo ride through the streets and join the excursion to the infamous Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum where millions suffered at the hands of the Khmer Rouge.

This evening there is an open air gala featuring a barbeque feast, followed by a classic Apsara dance performance.

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Silver Pagoda, Phnom Penh

Day 5

|

Mekong River

Enjoy a relaxing day on board as you head towards the Vietnamese border. Perhaps take in a fruit-carving demonstration by the ship’s chefs, or simply enjoy the ever changing river scenery. Arrive in the Vietnamese town of Tan Chau where the ship moors overnight.

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Tan Chau, Mekong River Delta, Vietnam

Day 6

|

Tan Chau

After breakfast, venture ashore at Tan Chau to explore the vibrant town by xeloi, a local form of taxi. Your driver will navigate through the streets to observe workshops, houses and shops before stopping at the market. Then board a boat to see the floating fish farm for which Tan Chau is famous for with its large nets suspended into the water.

Later visit My An Hung Village and walk through a family’s farm to their house for tea. Back on board there is time to relax and socialise with your fellow passengers as you sail for Sa Dec.

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Heritage Line's Jayavarman, Mekong Delta

Day 7

|

Cai Be

This morning take a boat ride to Binh Thanh Island where you can interact with the local villagers who produce a variety of rattan goods.

After lunch, visit the town of Cai Be, known for its floating market where you will see boats laden with fresh fruit and vegetables. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner as you head towards your final destination.

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Floating Market, Mekong River, Vietnam

Day 8

|

Mekong Delta

Today disembark The Jayavarman at the Mekong river-port city of My Thao and travel by coach to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Speak to your Travel Consultant about adding a few nights in this bustling city to discover its many attractions.

    Breakfast
Saigon Skyline, Vietnam

Your Cruising Experience

En suite air-conditioned cabin with private balcony
All meals
Transfers to pier
On-shore excursions
English speaking tour guide

Departure Dates

Check for departure dates that suit you:

2023-12-16

2023-12-30

2024-01-13

2024-01-27

2024-02-10

2024-02-24

2024-03-23

2024-04-06

2024-04-20

2024-07-13

2024-07-27

2024-08-10

2024-08-24

2024-09-07

2024-09-21

2024-10-05

2024-10-19

2024-11-02

2024-11-16

2024-11-30

2024-12-14

2024-12-28

Dates reflect the Jayarvarmin boat going from Siem Reap to Saigon. Other dates available in reverse direction and on the Jahan – please call for details.

Flights & More

With FREEDOM, you can book your The Lost Civilisation mekong river cruise and flights together, as an ATOL protected package. Our Travel Experts can find the best priced Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for you.

Next Steps

Please get in touch with our Asia Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.

The Lost Civilisation

8 day Mekong River Cruise – from £2169

With flights from £3039

Itinerary on days 1 and 2 may vary due to water levels.

All prices are per person, based on two people sharing a cabin, and include meals where shown. Seasonal variations may apply, please call Freedom Destinations for more information and availability

Map

The Lost Civilization, Mekong River Cruise, Route map