Departure
Date:
-
November
2009: 7, 21
-
December
2009: 5, 19
-
January
2010: 2, 16, 30
-
February:
13, 27
-
March 2010: 11, 24
-
July: 3, 17, 31
-
August: 14, 28
-
September: 11, 25
-
October: 9, 23
-
November: 6, 20
-
December: 4, 18
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.
Enjoy a cocktail reception at the Funnel Bar and
Lounge followed by a Welcome Dinner on the Sun Deck.
Drop anchor just outside of Cai Be for the night.
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.
Lunch will await you at Le Longanier, a superb
Indochinese villa located in a lush tropical garden by
the river, surrounded by fruit orchards. After lunch,
group 1 takes a stroll along the canals to experience
the local environment first hand while group 2
explores the edges of the canals on bicycle. After
touring the canals, head to the An Kiet ancient house
to have tea with the decendants of the former imperial
residents. Board The Jayavarman for a relaxing evening
cruise towards Chau Doc. Moor midstream overnight.
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.
By mid-afternoon, The Jayavarman casts off for the
border towards Phnom Penh.
Day 4:Phnom Penh
“Pearl of the East”
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
