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The Jahan Cruise – Upstream 4 Days

tour fromVietnam & Cambodia
The Jahan Cruise – Upstream 4 Days The Jahan Cruise – Upstream 4 Days The Jahan Cruise – Upstream 4 Days 51
  • Destinations Destinations: Ho Chi Minh City - Cai Be - Sa Dec - My Tho - Tan Chau - Phnom Penh
  • Guide Guide: English speaking
  • Launched in Launched in: 2011
  • Cabins Cabins: 26
  • Star Rating Star Rating: 5-Star
  • Cruise Operator Cruise Operator: Heritage Line

The Jahan Cruise – 4 Days/3 Nights Journey: Saigon to Phnom Penh

Embark on an enchanting journey along the Lower Mekong aboard The Jahan, where the timeless charm of river life meets the elegance of a luxury boutique cruise. Sailing from Southern Vietnam to Cambodia, this 4-day, 3-night voyage reveals the Mekong Delta's remarkable diversity, from bustling riverside markets and lush tropical orchards to tranquil villages where traditional crafts and generations-old customs remain part of everyday life.

As the vessel travels through the intricate waterways of the Delta, discover the region's rich agricultural heritage, meet local artisans, and gain insight into the traditions that shape life along the river. Explore the fruit gardens of Tan Phong Island, uncover the colonial and cultural influences of Sa Dec, and experience the distinctive craftsmanship of Gieng Island, known for its mango groves, incense-making, and traditional boatbuilding. Along the way, enjoy authentic cultural encounters, regional culinary experiences, and peaceful moments on board as the landscapes gradually transition from Vietnam into Cambodia.

Combining enriching shore excursions with elegant onboard accommodation, attentive hospitality, and scenic river cruising, The Jahan offers a distinctive way to discover the Mekong beyond the usual tourist routes. From sunset gatherings and gourmet dining to traditional workshops and the fascinating journey across the international border, every day brings a new perspective on the people, culture, and natural beauty of this legendary river. The voyage concludes in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's historic capital, leaving you with lasting memories of an extraordinary journey through the heart of the Mekong.

The Jahan Cruise – Upstream 4 Days route map

The Jahan Cruise – Upstream 4 Days
Click to enlarge

The Jahan Cruise – Upstream 4 Days Itinerary

Lunch & Dinner

Your journey begins at the Heritage Line welcome lounge in Saigon, where you can relax with a coffee before transferring to My Tho to board The Jahan.

Upon arrival, the crew will escort you to your stateroom and introduce you to the cabin facilities. After settling in, enjoy lunch in the ship's restaurant, followed by a welcome and safety briefing led by the cruise director.

As the vessel sails along the Mekong River, spend the afternoon relaxing on deck and watching the scenery unfold along the riverbanks. Later, join a sunset gathering featuring canapés and prosecco, providing a pleasant opportunity to meet fellow travellers.

Dinner is served on board as the ship approaches the Tan Phong Island area near Cai Be, where it will anchor midstream for the night. In the evening, you may also enjoy a film screening in the air-conditioned indoor lounge.

Overnight on board near Tan Phong Island.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Start the morning with a Tai Chi session before enjoying a generous breakfast buffet. Today combines traditional craftsmanship, tropical gardens, and the cultural heritage of the Mekong Delta.

Morning excursion: Cai Be and Tan Phong Island

Travel by local boat to explore the Cai Be area. Visit a traditional workshop to observe the production of rice paper, rice cookies, rice wine, and coconut candies, discovering the hands-on techniques behind these local specialities.

Continue to Tan Phong Island to visit a local family and their fruit garden, where you can sample seasonal tropical fruits. A buggy ride offers a glimpse into everyday island life before you visit another family specialising in handmade crafts woven from water hyacinth.

Optional morning activities

  • Culinary experience – Jayavarman only: Join a local family for a hands-on workshop making traditional jackfruit leaf cakes. Learn how to prepare the leaves, shape and steam the cakes, and make coconut dipping cream before enjoying your creation with hot ginger tea.

     

  • Cycling excursion – available on any ship at an additional cost: Cycle approximately 12 km along flat concrete paths through orchards of rambutan, longan, and jackfruit. Visit a family handicraft workshop, continue along a canal to a local temple, and finish with a tropical fruit tasting. Duration: approximately 90 minutes.

     

Return to the ship and enjoy some leisure time on your private balcony or at the bar as the vessel continues upstream.

Afternoon excursion: Sa Dec

Arrive in Sa Dec, a charming riverside town in Dong Thap Province where colonial architecture and traditional Mekong Delta life exist side by side.

Begin with a walk through the lively central market, where local vendors sell fresh produce, seafood, and regional delicacies. Continue to Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House, a historic French-Chinese residence associated with the love story behind Marguerite Duras' novel The Lover.

The visit concludes at Kien An Cung Pagoda, a century-old temple of Chinese heritage distinguished by its ornate architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

Optional afternoon cycling excursion – available at an additional cost: Explore Sa Dec by bicycle, visiting the local market and Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House before continuing to Sa Dec Flower Village. Stop at family-run gardens to learn about traditional flower cultivation, enjoy a refreshing drink at the Pink House, and finish at Cao Dai Holy See. Duration: approximately 90 minutes, covering around 15 km on flat concrete paths.

Before dinner, join a presentation in the lounge about life in the Mekong Delta as the ship sails towards its overnight mooring near Gieng Island.

Overnight on board near Gieng Island.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Begin the morning with Tai Chi followed by breakfast on board before heading ashore to discover the distinctive traditions of Gieng Island, also known locally as Mango Island.

Walk beneath flourishing mango groves and visit a small incense workshop to observe how fragrant incense sticks are made by hand. Continue to a traditional boatbuilding workshop, where local craftspeople preserve the skills used to construct wooden boats essential to life along the river.

Before returning to the ship, visit a century-old local home to sample freshly picked mangoes accompanied by local tea.

Optional morning activities

  • Culinary experience – Jayavarman only: Prepare Banh In, a traditional Vietnamese sweet made from glutinous rice flour and sugar, with a local family. The cakes are typically enjoyed with jasmine tea, particularly during Vietnamese festivals such as Tet.

     

  • Cycling excursion – available on any ship at an additional cost: Ride approximately 15 km along the island's flat paths, passing mango farms and fruit gardens. Along the way, discover local life and stop at traditional incense-making and boatbuilding workshops. Duration: approximately 90 minutes.

     

Return to The Jahan for lunch as the vessel continues towards the Cambodia border. In the afternoon, join a hands-on cooking class to learn how to prepare a Vietnamese dish that you can recreate at home.

Alternatively, relax on deck and watch the river scenery pass by, or enjoy a spa treatment at an additional cost.

After crossing into Cambodia, continue sailing overnight towards Phnom Penh.

Overnight on board while sailing towards Cambodia.

Breakfast

Arrive in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, a city with a fascinating blend of historic character, cultural heritage, and modern development. Once known as the Paris of the East, Phnom Penh retains traces of its elegant past alongside the energy of contemporary Cambodian life.

Enjoy your final breakfast on board before disembarking The Jahan. Take with you the memories of the Mekong's riverside communities, traditional crafts, and scenic waterways as your cruise journey comes to an end.

End of the cruise in Phnom Penh.

Important notes

  • The jackfruit leaf cake and Banh In culinary experiences are available only aboard Jayavarman.
  • Cycling excursions are optional and incur an additional charge.
  • The spa treatment mentioned on Day 3 is not included in the standard cruise programme and may incur an additional cost.

Inclusions

  • Accommodation on board the cruise
  • Daily group shore excursions and entrance fees
  • Optional culinary excursion, available only on cruises aboard Jayavarman
  • Sightseeing and transfers during the cruise
  • Transfers between designated meeting points and the ship, and vice versa (please refer to the embarkation guide for details)
  • English-speaking tour guides on board and during shore excursions
  • Entertainment and activities as listed in the cruise programme
  • Meals as specified in the programme
  • Welcome drink, brewed coffee, tea, and mineral water
  • Complimentary beverage package, including soft drinks, bottled juices, tea, brewed coffee, and barista coffee at all times, plus local beer and house wine by the glass during lunch and dinner only
  • Passenger liability insurance
  • Internet access on board, subject to cellular network coverage
  • Complimentary use of onboard facilities, excluding spa treatments
  • River pilots and fuel
  • Taxes

Exclusions

  • Gratuities for the crew and tour guides
  • Visa fees
  • Private transfers
  • Personal expenses
  • Beverages other than those specified under Inclusions
  • Medical services
  • Spa treatments
  • Port and anchorage fees
  • Optional cycling excursions, available only on cruises aboard The Jahan
  • Any other services or items not explicitly listed under Inclusions

The Jahan Cruise – Upstream 4 Days Cabins

The Jahan offers an exceptional collection of staterooms and suites inspired by the elegance of the British Raj era, bringing together the refined traditions of British colonial design and the rich artistic heritage of India. Each accommodation features distinctive decorative details, carefully selected furnishings, and generous living spaces, creating a romantic and luxurious retreat while cruising along the Lower Mekong.

Superior Stateroom

Located on the main deck, the Superior Staterooms combine understated elegance with a bright and spacious layout. Floor-to-ceiling windows illuminate the separate lounge area, while cream-coloured walls, white wooden furnishings, and warm orange-red accents create a welcoming atmosphere. Every stateroom features a private balcony, a walk-in shower, and an antique-style vanity.

Superior Stateroom

  • Area: 30 m²

  • Location: Main Deck

  • Bedding: Double or Twin

  • Highlights: Private Balcony, Separate Lounge Area, Floor-to-Ceiling Windows, Walk-in Shower

Deluxe Stateroom

Situated on the upper deck, the Deluxe Staterooms showcase warm orange tones and hand-painted decorations inspired by Indian artistry. Natural wood furnishings and a distinctive four-poster bed add character, while panoramic windows fill the bedroom and corner lounge with natural light. A private balcony provides an inviting space to enjoy the passing river scenery.

Deluxe Stateroom

  • Area: 30 m²

  • Location: Upper Deck

  • Bedding: Double or Twin

  • Highlights: Private Balcony, Four-Poster Bed, Panoramic Windows, Corner Lounge

Signature Suite

The Signature Suites feature a dignified atmosphere defined by cream-white walls, handcrafted indigo-blue Indian motifs, and traditional wooden furnishings. Four-poster beds serve as a striking centrepiece, complemented by a solid wood treasure chest at the foot of the bed. The design evokes the romance of historic seafaring journeys while offering a comfortable and distinctive onboard retreat.

The Assam and Nilgiri Suites are located at the front of the upper deck, while the Darjeeling and Ceylon Suites occupy the forward section of the main deck.

Signature Suite

  • Area: 32–36 m²

  • Location: Main Deck or Upper Deck

  • Bedding: Double

  • Highlights: Four-Poster Bed, Handcrafted Indian Decorations, Traditional Wooden Furnishings

Noble Suite

The two individually designed Noble Suites occupy a prime position at the front of the upper deck, offering an exclusive stay that reflects the character and heritage of The Jahan. Each suite has its own distinctive theme: the Taj Suite celebrates Indian-inspired design with furnishings sourced from India, while the Lord Byron Suite draws on the timeless sophistication of British colonial style.

Both suites feature a separate living room, a comfortable sofa corner, a king-size bed facing the expansive private balcony, and a spacious bathroom. The Lord Byron Suite also features an outdoor Jacuzzi, providing an indulgent setting to relax while enjoying the Mekong River scenery.

Noble Suite

  • Area: 51 m²

  • Location: Upper Deck, Forward Section

  • Bedding: King Size

  • Highlights: Separate Living Room, Spacious Private Balcony, Large Bathroom, Distinctive Interior Design, Outdoor Jacuzzi in the Lord Byron Suite