The Journey

 

Day 1 - Wednesday: Phnom Penh - Cambodia:

(Most flights arrive in the evening where passengers will be met at the airport and taken to the ship for late check-in. Check-in available after 8:00pm – boat arrives into dock approximately 6:00pm). Boat will depart early the following morning.

 

Day 2 – Thursday – Border Crossing, Tan Chau - Vietnam:

The Jayavarman sets sail for a lazy day of cruising along the main Mekong Channel. As this is an international shipping route, you will witness large commercial ships plying this route. Enjoy a day of sightseeing and relaxing as we sail towards the Vietnamese border. In the afternoon, we arrive at the border for the requisite cross border paperwork. Bask in the glow of the afternoon sun on the sundeck or pamper yourselves at the spa. You will also have a chance to sharpen your culinary skills with our Kosher Cambodian and Vietnamese cuisine cooking class. The ship moors midstream, overnight in Tan Chau.

 

Tan Chau: If you see ladies walking around in shiny silk outfits, you’re probably in Tan Chau District. The signature silk is created with dyes made from the mac nua (Diospyros mollis) fruit, a kind of wood tree, and water. Lanh My A silk is made from only the best silk threads, and this is why it is glossy. The silk fabric must be dipped into the dyeing solution about 100 times to absorb the color completely, and prevent it from fading over time. The dyeing process takes about 40 days, and is considered the most important step of the production. The district, part of An Giang Province, is located in the southwestern part of the country and shares a border with the Cambodia to the northwest. The Hau Giang and Tien Giang branches of the Mekong are the dominant geographical features of the province. With the exception of the west, most of An Giang is fairly flat, and is crisscrossed by many canals and small rivers worth exploring. This terrain has led to An Giang being a significant agricultural center and a major part of Vietnam’s “Rice Bowl”.

 

Day 3 – Friday – Cai Be & Sa Dec - Vietnam:

Welcome to the fish sanctuary of Vietnam. When reaching the shore for our first excursion of the day brace yourself for a ride on local vehicles (driver led bicycle & carriage) called “xeloi” to explore Tan Chau, a pleasant town near the Cambodian border exploring the colorful local market, ancient temples, floating villages and rustic fish farms. Upon return from the morning excursion we will set off for My An Hung Village to reach shore access before Shabbat. The ship moors for Shabbat in My An Hung Village.

 

Cai Be: Cai Be is a picturesque, sleepy town in the Mekong Delta set near the juncture of three provinces (Tien Giang, Vinh Long and Ben Tre) adjacent to the Mekong. But that bucolic image is shattered every morning with the gatherings of hundreds of boats selling their wares in one of the most colorful floating markets in the Delta. Boats gather here to trade their local products, mainly fruit, creating a bustling atmosphere. Vendors display their products hanging from poles off the front of each vessel. Pull alongside and let the bargaining begin! Different from other big floating markets in the region, Cai Be is a retail market starting at dawn and ending around mid-day. Wander the streets of Cai Be and you’ll come across numerous small art galleries, sea-salt extraction plants, bee-keepers with natural honey for sale and the very popular coconut candy making stores.

 

Sa Dec: Sa Dec is a small, sleepy town in Dong Thap Province within the Mekong Delta. However, the town is noted for two significant events. The first, during the Vietnam War, saw Sa Dec as both an American Patrol Boat and Swift Boat base. Secondly, it also was the original setting for Marguerite Duras’ famous novel “The Lover.” There is a very busy, authentic market near the river and a number of architectural sites from the Colonial period, such as the old market, as well as numerous old mansions and merchant homes. Nguyen Hue, the riverside road, is the perfect setting for a stroll with its cafes and market stalls all overshadowed by the old French church. Before the nineteenth century, it was the capital of Dong Khau Dao Province, and it was known as one of the largest cities in the Mekong Delta. Today, this romantic and charming town still isn’t very touristy and is a true hidden gem in the Mekong Delta.

 

Day 4 - Shabbat – Anchored My An Hung – Binh Thanh - Vietnam:

Spend a memorable morning Shabbat on board. Our after lunch walking tour of My An Hung village begins as we walk past family homes, through vegetable gardens to see traditional boat building yards and canals. Continue with visits to the local market, a Buddhist Pagoda and a sampan workshop. Evening will include a performance of traditional Mekong music. Depart motzei Shabbos to Binh Thanh Island.

 

Day 5 – Sunday - Binh Thanh Vietnam – Border crossing – Phnom Penh - Cambodia:

This morning we embark on a traditional sampan to reach shore and tour Binh Thanh Island. Here, every villager is involved in the process of making rattan mats. We will finish the village tour with a Q&A session with the village elders – be ready with any questions you may have about Vietnamese history and culture. Back on board for lunch as we sail back for another border crossing on our way back to Cambodia. Spend a relaxing afternoon on board as we sail upriver where the staff will demonstrate and model various traditional Khmer costumes. The ship will dock over night in Phnom Penh.

 

Day 6 – Monday - Phnom Penh - Cambodia:

Phnom Penh the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia is located at the confluence of three rivers-the Mekong, the Bassac and Tonle Sap. Once known as 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 Fields and the S21 Prison. Be prepared to be heart wrenched by this stark reminder of the genocide that transpired during Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge regime. After lunch we will visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda followed by viewing exceptionally beautiful Khmer art at the National Museum. Return to the ship by “cyclo” (a traditional driver led bike and carriage vehicle). Take a rest on your cabin balcony or the lounge and get prepared for an exciting evening. Before dinner we will be captivated by a comprehensive lecture on Cambodia’s modern history. BBQ dinner is served on the sundeck while enjoying a special traditional dance performance – Apsara. 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 stars and the moon as our companions.

 

Day 7 – Tuesday - Phnom Penh – Kampong Tralach - Kampong Chhnang - Cambodia:

Early morning we set sail towards Kampong Tralach and the Tonle River – an amazingly narrow river which glides through leafy swaths of the Southeast Asian jungle. We are greeted by cacophonous children who wave enthusiastically early in the morning when they bring their livestock for a bath in the meandering Tonle River. Visit the local schoolhouse and talk with the kids who are very eager to practice their English. We return to the boat through the village via ox carts. Back on board for lunch whilst cruising the narrow and meandering Tonle River. We approach Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia’s “water world” where everything is on stilts balanced on water rich soil. Next we take a van along the paddy fields to discover Khmer-styled pottery making and sugar palm processing at the Aundaung Russey village. Then, it is back to the riverbank for an adventurous excursion by small boat to the wetlands, floating houses and fish farms.

 

Kampong Tralach: Kampong Tralach is both the name of the district and its’ chief town and is located in the south east of Kampong Chhnang Province, in central Cambodia. The District shares a border with Kandal province to the south and Kampong Cham province to the east. Tonle Sap (Tonle River) runs on a north-south axis through the district. Kampong Tralach is the site of the former capital of Cambodia at Lovek. It was Cambodia's main city after the Siamese King Borommaracha II sacked Angkor in 1431. The new capital was located on the banks of the Tonle Sap River, halfway between Phnom Penh and the lower end of the Tonle Sap Lake. This new site was chosen to be more defensible than Angkor. The city became a wealthy trading center and attracted various Europeans traders and missionaries through the 16th and 17th centuries. One of the more popular attractions are the numerous ox carts rides available along the banks of the Mekong. These “Cambodian Limousines” carry visitors through small hamlets and into the countryside.

 

Kampong Chhnang: Kampong Chhnang is the capital city of Kampong Chhnang Province, in central Cambodia. It is located just west of the Tonle Sap River and is a noted port. The small city is connected to Phnom Penh by a national highway route and railway. Phnom Kong Rei is a landmark located north of the city across the Tonle Sap River. The economy of the area is dominated by rice production and many locals live on floating fishing villages during the high-water monsoon season.

 

Day 8 – Wednesday – Angkor Ban - Kampong Cham - Cambodia:

In the morning, we will tour the rural Angkor Ban village where time stands still. We are transported back a hundred years into an era unsullied by modernity. The houses here are truly rustic, made by hand and without any concrete. Back to the ship and continue to cruise towards Kampong Cham. At Kampong Cham children from the local OBT Project will perform for us onboard (Organization for Basic Training (OBT), a Cambodian Non-Governmental Organization that provides free-of-charge English, mathematics, traditional music and dance classes to the children from Chiro village to improve their chances of going on to higher education, increase their employment prospects and provide them with a safe environment to play and grow). After the performance we will visit Wat Nokor, a Wat (Buddhist monastery or temple) built within the ruins of an ancient temple. Overnight in Kampong Cham

 

Angkor Ban: Angkor Ban, a little village on the banks of the Mekong, one of the few not destroyed under the Khmer Rouge regime, and still retaining many of its venerable wooden houses. The rural village of Angkor Ban is a unique monument to tradition. Centurion wooden houses stand intact on stilts among the bustle of local agricultural life. The village is shaded with banana trees and is an excellent introduction to the Mekong banks and example of daily life with beautiful square-shaped houses on stilts and temples with its stunning display of colors.

 

Kampong Cham: The gateway to Eastern Cambodia, Kampong Cham is both the name of a province and the country’s third largest town. The province of Kampong Cham is located in the central lowlands of the country and straddles the Mekong River. “Kampong” means “the side of a river or any other body of water” with “Cham” referring to the Cham ethnicity of the Champa people. In a recent 2013 political move, the original province was divided, with all lands west of the Mekong remaining Kampong Cham and to the east renamed Tbong Khmum province.Kampong Cham city is a mix of the old and new, with a new temple being built in and around older ruins. The town itself is quaint and charming with its’ bustling early morning river scene and wide seaside boulevards. One of the principal highlights of the town is the King’s residence, which served as home for the ruling monarchs. You’ll find the people of Kampong Cham, as elsewhere in Cambodia, very friendly, courteous and open to engaging with tourists.

 

Day 9 – Thursday - Wat Hanchey – cruise ends, disembarkation, transfer to Seim Reap (extension) - Cambodia:

Morning checkout and disembarkation - but we are not done yet – on our way by coach to Siem Reap we will visit the 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 of the Mekong River 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 that predates the mighty Angkor temple complex. We will get to engage in light banter with some of the monks in the area before our bus transfer to the drop off point in Siem Reap arriving in the late afternoon (tour extension or airport drop off). Those taking the tour extension will spend 3-nights and Shabbat at the world famous Raffles Grand Hotel. Late afternoon we will experience a private sunset balloon ride over the famous Angkor Wat Temple for stunning views and the perfect photo op.

 

 

Post Tour Extension Seim Reap Cambodia

 

Day 9 -  Thursday - Seim Reap Cambodia:

Afternoon check in at the world famous Raffles Grand Hotel then late afternoon we will experience a private sunset balloon ride over the famous Angkor Wat Temple for stunning views and the perfect photo op before retuning to the hotel for dinner and evening entertainment.

 

Seim Reap (extension): Siem Reap, which literally means the “Defeat of Siam”, is the most prosperous region of contemporary Cambodia. Its close proximity to the Angkor Wat temple complex has turned the city into one of the world’s premier travel destinations. More than one million travelers visit Siem Reap every year to explore over a thousand years of Khmer heritage built near Tonle Sap Lake, the foundation of the economic power of the ancient Cambodian empire. The primary attraction for visitors to Siem Reap is the Angkor Wat and the Angkor Temple Region, which blankets more than 300km of northwestern Cambodia. The Angkor Temple Complex has been designated a UN Heritage Site and consists of hundreds of structures from the 9th to the 14th century that tell the story of the rise and fall of the Khmer empire. These vast collections of historical structures are decorated with intricately carved, priceless Khmer artwork that provide an archaeological and a pictorial history of an empire that ruled much of southeast Asia for five centuries. Structures range from partially renovated temples, pagodas and imperial residences to recently discovered ruins which are virtual untouched for the last 500 years. No photo can do justice to the Khmer temples of the Angkor complex. Lists of adjectives can’t either: Stunning, humbling, awe inspiring, spiritual or magical, all of these words are inadequate to describe the succession of unforgettable experiences awaiting you.

 

Day 10 – Friday – Seim Reap (extension) - Cambodia:

Today we continue with a full day tour of the Angkor Temple Complex including visits to Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple and Angkor Wat, return to our luxury hotel for Shabbat.

 

Day 11 – Shabbat – Seim Reap (extension) Cambodia:

Shabbat in Seim Reap, experience a relaxing Shabbat at the world famous Raffles Grand Hotel, followed by an evening drive into town for last minute shopping at the famous outdoor markets.

 

Day 12 – Sunday – Depart or Hanoi Vietnam (extension):

Morning checkout and departure home or continue your tour extension to Hanoi.

 

 

Post Tour Extension Hanoi Vietnam

 

Day 12 – Sunday  – Hanoi - Vietnam (extension):

Morning checkout and flight to Hanoi. Transfer to hotel, then afternoon guided orientation walk in the charming Hanoi Old Quarter.

 

Day 13 – Monday – Hanoi - Vietnam: Full day city tour

Morning tour to discover Hanoi, a peaceful city filled with beautiful trees and lakes, and a thousand years of history and culture. We will get our first impression of the city by authentic “Cyclo” ride from your hotel through Hanoi’s Old Quarter – where we can experience the real daily life activities of local people in the oldest area of Hanoi. Ride by the French Quarter along wide, green typical French boulevards (why this city so called “Paris of the East”) before taking a walk to Ngoc Ha village; an oasis in the middle of the city, and example of typical community village life in the Red River Delta. Next we visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Presidential Garden, House on Stilts and One Pillar Pagoda. The day ends with a visit to the Temple of Literature - the center of culture of Hanoi that worship Literature and Confucius – the only subject for students to study in the feudal system only a hundred years ago.

 

Day 14 – Tuesday – Hanoi, Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, Bich Dong - Vietnam

This morning we head out of town to Hoa Lu, the sight of the third capital of Vietnam during 10th and 11th century. After visiting the two remaining temples of the Dinh and Le King, we drive to Tam Coc, know as Halong Bay in land. Here we embark on a peaceful cruise on a local sampan along the Ngo Dong River. Admire the great scenery while the sampan paddles along green rice field and formations of stunning limestone mountains and caves. Last we take a short drive to visit the beautiful mountain of Bich Dong with its three ancient pagodas and beautiful cave. Take in the panoramic view of the beautiful valley below with its rice fields and limestone mountain formations before returning back to Hanoi in the late afternoon and farewell dinner.

 

Day 15 – Wednesday – Hanoi Depart - Vietnam Transfer to airport