PEARL OF THE ORIENT

Saigon - Phnom Penh (4 Days/3 Nights upstream)

Day 1: Saigon - Cai Be

"The Sea of Mangroves"

Bid farewell to the hustle and bustle of Saigon while settling into your cabin. The ship will begin by meandering along busy ports and waterways. Soon after, the change is abrupt and you'll find yourself 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 has come back to life through a reforestation.

Day 2: Cai Be - Chau Doc

"Vietnamese inventiveness"

Today's tour starts with the visit of Cai Be's colorful floating market. Cruise among local sampans coming from all provinces of the delta full of fruits and vegetables. Proceed to Dong Hoa Hiep island located between Vinh Long and Cai Be. During a 40 minute cruise, discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe the typical Mekong Delta rural life. These evergreen islands among the Mekong River still remain unknown to many people.

Back on the sampans, we will lead to you to observe the activity of the biggest rice stock market in Cai Be. Further stops will allow you to see traditional brick and tile factories and how locals use palm leaves for houses. Cruise 20 minutes further to Phu An hamlet passing by Cai Be's beautiful cathedral. Visit some interesting home factories to see how rice paste, rice cookies and coco candies, are made, along with the longan fruit drying process.

Day 3: Chau Doc- border crossing

"Taste of aqua cultural life"

Welcome to the circus of fish. The early birds will be treated to Thai Chi lessons on the Sun Deck. Brace yourself for a boat excursion to the exciting floating villages and catfish farms witnessing masses 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 beautiful textiles being woven on old wooden looms; a tradition that has been passed from generation to generation.

Off we go early in the morning to witness a truly indescribable scene while approaching Phnom Penh's river promenade. Sadly, after breakfast, it is time to disembark the cruise and transfer to the hotel at 10:00AM

Phnom Penh - Saigon (4 Days/3 Nights)

Day 1: Phnom Penh - border crossing

Board The Jayavarman at 8:00. The Jayavarman then casts off for a day of cruising the main Mekong Channel. This is pretty much an international shipping route. Psyche yourself up for Pre-K Touch, a lively jungle village. After that, visit well laid out fruit orchards.

Late afternoon we set off to the Vietnamese border for the usual formalities, which in this part of the world takes a bit of time. During the afternoon cruise, take the time to relax on the Sun Deck, get a massage in the Spa, or take part in Heritage Line's Vietnamese cooking class. In the evening enjoy a welcome cocktail in the Funnel Bar and Lounge.

Day 2: Chau Doc - Cai Be

"Taste of aqua cultural life"

Welcome to the circus of fish. Brace yourself for a boat excursion to the exciting floating villages and catfish farms witnessing masses of Bassa fish being fed, hand in hand with a shore excursion to the village of the local Muslim Cham community. Stroll through a silk waving village and observe beautiful textiles being woven on old wooden looms; a tradition that has been passed from generation to generation.

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.

Day 3: Cai Be

"Vietnamese inventiveness"

Today's tour starts with the visit of Cai Be's colorful floating market on board a traditional sampan, the Cai Be Princess. Cruise among local sampans coming from all provinces of the delta full of fruits and vegetables. During a 40 minute cruise, discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe the typical Mekong Delta rural life. Further stops will allow you to see traditional brick and tile factories and how locals use palm leaves for houses. Cruise 20 minutes further to Phu An hamlet passing by Cai Bes beautiful gothic cathedral. Visit some interesting home factories to see how rice paste, rice cookies and coco candies, are made, along with the longan fruit drying process.