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
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.



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.





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.





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.





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.





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.





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.





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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



Your Cruising Experience
Departure Dates
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
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