fbpx

Peregrine Travel Centre

Serenity Cruise (Upstream)

Serenity Cruise (Upstream)

SCUHL
Call for Price

Book Now Request a callback
Email Us Print

Description

The best of rural Cambodia offers green landscapes, ancient temples and smiling faces – all off the beaten track. 4 nights Phnom Penh – Siem Reap (or vice versa), 3 nights cruise is also available.

Vietnam and Cambodia play the role of muse to any artist. There is so much to inspire. Whether it’s the steam and aroma wafting from a street stall in Vietnam, being tenderly stirred by an elderly woman in a conical hat, who has done so for decades on the same corner. Or, the breathtaking, slightly intimidating presence of Angkor Wat and the unbelievable feats of men and incredible stories of an ancient time; this region is rich in interest.

The food, scenery, architecture and culture of this region inspire at every turn, and looks back at you through the smiles of its people.

*Upstream and Downstream itineraries available – this indicates the direction the ship will travel. Downstream means from Siem Reap to Saigon. Upstream is the opposite direction from Saigon to Siem Reap.

*A $120 surcharge applies for New Year’s Eve & Christmas departures.

Trip Name
Serenity Cruise (Upstream)
Days
5
Overview
Vessel Type:  River Boat Length:  60 metres Passenger Capacity:  54 (in 27 cabins) Built: 2009 The majestic Jayavarman is considered the father in Heritage Line’s “family” of cruise ships. This vessel was named after Angkor’s most venerated king, a devout Buddhist who ruled from 1181 to 1218. King Jayavarman oversaw the construction of some of the most famous temples in Angkor, including Ta Prohm, Preah Khan and the unforgettable Bayon. Inspired by the serenity and artistry associated with this great Khmer monarch, Jayavarman’s design was also influenced by the French cruise liner Normandie, which launched in 1935. Travelling the Mekong between My Tho , the entry gate to the Mekong Delta, and Siem Reap, Cambodia, Jayavarman marries the art deco charm of 1930’s France with the romance of Indochina. Measuring 57.8 meters/190 feet from bow to stern, Jayavarman holds 27 elegantly decorated cabins. Thanks to its intricate woodcarvings, Khmer bas-reliefs and Vietnamese lacquer paintings, this impressive cruise ship resembles a floating art gallery. Wherever they look, guests are reminded of the local arts and culture. With three-and-a-half decks, Jayavarman is as spacious as it is beautiful. Guests can admire Khmer artifacts in the Henry Mouhot Lounge, mingle in the Club 1930 Bar, dine in the elegant Indochine Dining Hall, and recharge with spa treatments in the Apsara Spa. A Jacuzzi pool is located on the top sun deck, which offers spectacular views of the passing delta. Along with its peaceful beauty, the Mekong Delta is known for its friendly locals. The crew members of Jayavarman are no exception. From the moment they board, guests are made to feel at home. Offering exceptional service, comfort and style, Jayavarman is a name to remember. This beautiful vessel is an unforgettable means of exploring some of the finest scenery in Asia. “HENRY MOUHOT” LOBBY LOUNGE Named after the French archeologist who discovered the Angkor temple complex, the Henry Mouhot Lounge is the perfect place to curl up with a book or an e-book as. It is wifi connected. The lounge also hosts the boutique shop and the reception. The Lounge has a decidedly scholarly air about it – dark furniture with harmonious Asian fabrics, a fine smell of teak wood; white ceiling and rose-painted walls together with a bunch of stunning Khmer artifacts bring back memories of the past French Colonial era. “CLUB 1930” FUNNEL BAR & LOUNGE Be transported back to 30s and 40s in our Club 1930 Bar and Funnel Lounge. The bar has a warm classical feel and the lounge is spacious and airy. Observe the passing landscape from your dark-wood colonial styled and cushion filled chaise longue or sink in your comfy cane chair for a quick snooze. INDOCHINE DINING HALL It is difficult not to be wowed by the Indochine Dining Hall. Your breakfast spread – gargantuan and delectable – is lit by the early morning rays of the sun. The hall is natural lighting during day and romantic with its antique ceiling lights in the evening. It offers free style seating and food is served via buffet or set menu THE APSARA BEAUTY AND WELLNESS SPA The spa is tucked away in a quiet area at the front of the ship on the main deck. The room is designed to accommodate two guests at the same time. Selected Asian spa treatments are available ranging from relaxing foot massage up to East Western fusions.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1: Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh was once the Paris of the East. Despite its rapid development, it has retained a lot of its rustic charm and elegance. Sightseeing in the morning will include the Killing Field outside town. Be prepared to be heart wrenched by this stark reminder of the genocide that transpired during Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge regime.Before lunch at a local restaurant, we will visit the Genocide Museum, see the dazzling white and gold edifice of the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, and witness exceptionally beautiful Khmer craft at the National Museum.We go back to the Ship by “cyclo” – traditional vehicle after our museum visit. Take a rest on your cabin balcony or the lounge and get prepared for an exciting evening event. The evening starts with a variety of cocktails served on the Sundeck. In late afternoon, we will be captivated by a comprehensive lecture on Cambodia’s modern history. BBQ dinner is served right after the lecture. Take a seat and enjoy the Apsara dance performance. Experience the brilliance and richness of this culture, the soothing sounds of traditional music, the calming scent of incense sticks and a barbeque on the sun deck. It is indeed a truly marvelous experience, dining in the open with the moon and the starts as our companions.Lunch and dinner are included. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 2 - Day 2: Phnom Penh – Angkor Ban – Kampong Cham
We will depart before the break of dawn from Phnom Penh with a stop at the little known Silk island community. We will then return to the Ship and pass by the Mekong’s tranquil villages, exhilarating river life and sun-hardened fishermen on their shift boats.We will tour the rural Angkor Ban village where time stand still. We are transported back a hundred years into an era unaffected by modernity. The houses here are truly rustic, made by hand and without any concrete. But most of all, we feel overwhelmed by the unbridled warmth of the villagers.Travelers can take part in the daily activities of the villagers to experience village life first hand. Then, we are back to the Ship to cruise towards Kampong Cham.Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Overnight in Kampong Cham.
Day 3 - Day 3: Kampong Cham – Wat Hanchey
We will wake up in the early morning, truly energized to embark on a land journey to the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Travelers either take a motor-taxi or climb 303 steps to the top. Located at the top of a hill overlooking the river, it offers one of the most breath-taking views in Cambodia. Built in the 8th century, this ancient structure, together with a bigger and newer addition underscores the superb architecture of the Chenla Empire which predates the mighty Angkor temple complex. We even get to engage in light banter with some of the monks in the area. We will return to the Ship to witness a blessing ceremony performed by orange-clad local monks. Lunch on board.We will then cruise towards Kampong Cham to visit Wat Nokor, a Wat built within the ruins of an ancient temple which holds a timeless story. Visit OBT project of Heritage Line and organization for Basic Training.Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Overnight in Kampong Cham.
Day 4 - Day 4: Kampong Cham – Kampong Chhnang
Before the sun peeks over the horizon, the cruiser sets sail towards Kampong Chhnang on the Tonle River – an amazingly narrow river – which glides through leafy swaths of the Southeast Asian jungle. We are greeted by cacophonous children who waive enthusiastically early in the morning when they bring their livestock for a bath in the meandering Tonle River.Then we approach Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia’s “Water World” where everything is on stilts balanced on water rich soil– it’s an awesome sight whilst practicing Tai Chi on the deck.Here we take a minivan to see the Khmer-styled pottery at the Aundaung Russey village. Then, it is back to the river for an adventurous motorboat excursion to the wetlands, floating houses and fish farms in the region. The village has no electricity and has around 600 inhabitants.We then return to the Ship for lunch while cruising the narrow and meandering Tonle Sap River.Your floating sanctuary will then cruise gently, in the afternoon, along the narrow and meandering Tonle Sap Lake. In the evening, a sumptuous spread will be served. And for the big entertainment – bring along your dance shoes and learn to jiggle the Cambodian way with our staff doubling up as dance instructors. (If you can’t dance, do not fret. Neither can our staff)Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Overnight in the middle of Tonle Sap Lake.
Day 5 - Day 5: Tonle Sap – Seam Reap
The Tonle Sap (The Great Lake) is the flowing heart of Cambodia, giving love and life to this nation. The Tonle Sap has more fish than any other lake in the world and is home to an incredible variety of birds, including rare – and endangered – feathered life. This great lake dominates Cambodia and is the largest freshwater lake in Asia with abundant birdlife. This lake is so wide that one cannot see its shores from the middle of the lake.Enjoy the stillness of the water and the quiet tranquility on the way to Siem Reap. The water level varies a great deal according to the time of the year and the amount of rainfall recorded. Thus, minor changes to the itinerary may occur during different seasons.Our Heritage Line cruise liner comes to an end as we reach this city of the fabled Angkor temple complex. We bid farewell to the cruise as our journey comes to an end. But the memories and the friendships made on board linger on for a lot longer.We will cross the Tonle Lake at dawn and at 09:00am, we will disembark at the Siem Reap Port for onward coach transfer to the drop off point in town.Breakfast is included.
Day 6 - *High water season
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) we will 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. High water season is approximate from middle of September to the end of December. High water and low water season just make itinerary timing schedule changeable in Siem Reap, there will be no changes at other destinations.
Day 7 - *Low water season
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 our coaches to transfer to the meeting point in Siem Reap (Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa). For downstream (REP-SGN) we will 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. Low water season is approximate from January to middle of September.
Day 8 - Please Note:
This itinerary is based on High Water Season. Although it is our intention to operate the itinerary as detailed proposal, we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that might occur. It may be necessary to make some changes as a result of climatic conditions, alterations to cruise schedules or other operational factors.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Explore the age-old ways of life supported by Mekong river
    • Ride bicycles through the rice fields
    • Sip homemade fruit liqueur in a pomello orchard

Map

Related products

Recent Blog Posts

Browse Trips in

Cambodia
More of activity:
Asia Cruises