The Jahan Cruise – Upstream 5 Days

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrive aboard your floating home in the early morning and settle into your comfortable accommodation. After breakfast, set out to explore Phnom Penh, a capital city whose former reputation as the “Paris of the East” reflects its historic architecture and enduring cultural character.

Begin with a traditional cyclo ride through the city's streets before visiting the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, two of Phnom Penh's most notable landmarks. Continue to S21, the former prison that stands as a sobering reminder of Cambodia's history under the Khmer Rouge regime during the 1970s.

Pause for lunch at a local restaurant before discovering another side of Khmer culture. Visit a renowned arts academy dedicated to preserving traditional Cambodian performing arts. Observe young dancers practising the graceful movements of Apsara dance and, with guidance, try learning some basic steps yourself.

Later, stroll through the city's French Quarter, where historic buildings offer a glimpse of Phnom Penh's colonial past, and visit Wat Phnom, one of the capital's best-known temples.

Return to the ship for a special presentation by Mr. Sum Rithy, who survived imprisonment at S21 and subsequently participated in the Khmer Rouge tribunal. His personal account provides an opportunity to learn about this difficult period in Cambodian history and engage in a discussion with a firsthand witness.

In the evening, enjoy an open-air barbecue and gala dinner accompanied by a traditional Apsara dance performance. Afterwards, you may explore Phnom Penh independently, perhaps taking a walk along the lively riverside promenade or visiting one of the city's cafés and bars.

Overnight on board in Phnom Penh.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The ship departs before sunrise and enters the Tonle River, where peaceful waterways and rural scenery offer a different perspective on Cambodia. Today's programme combines countryside encounters, traditional craftsmanship, and the distinctive landscapes of the Tonle region.

Morning Excursion: Kampong Tralach

Travel through the countryside in an ox-pulled cart, following riverside paths and quiet roads bordered by rice paddies. The ride leads to a small village where you can learn about a local NGO-supported school and library project.

Alternatively, visit a nearby historic temple, believed to be approximately 300 years old, together with its Buddha shrine.

Optional Afternoon Excursion

Culinary Experience – Jayavarman only

This excursion is not available during the afternoon programme on Day 2.

Cycling Excursion – Available on any ship at an additional cost

Explore the rural landscapes of the Tonle region by bicycle, passing through villages and open countryside. Along the route, discover the former royal site of Lungvek and the historic Jade Buddha Temple, dating to 1560. Observe local fishermen at work along the river and experience the unhurried rhythm of life in this part of Cambodia.

• Distance: Approximately 14 km

• Duration: Approximately 120 minutes

• Terrain: Flat concrete paths

Afternoon Excursion: Kampong Laeng

Enjoy lunch on board as the ship continues upstream. During the journey, the crew presents a showcase of traditional Khmer clothing worn for special occasions, offering insight into Cambodia's cultural traditions.

In the afternoon, visit Kampong Laeng, a rural settlement located across the river from Kampong Chhnang, a town well known for its pottery. Travel by tuk-tuk into the surrounding countryside to meet local residents and discover traditional pottery-making techniques.

The excursion also includes a visit to a pre-Angkorian temple, offering a glimpse into Cambodia's ancient religious heritage. Depending on the season, panoramic viewpoints reveal extensive floodplains and green rice fields stretching across the landscape.

Optional Afternoon Excursion

Culinary Experience – Available on Jayavarman only

Join a local household for a cooking demonstration featuring Nom Kruak, a popular Cambodian rice cake made with white or brown rice. Traditionally cooked on one side, this snack evolved into a version cooked on both sides and is commonly enjoyed before dinner.

Cycling Excursion – Available on any ship at an additional cost

Cycle through rice fields and traditional villages, discovering small local businesses involved in pottery production and palm sugar making. The relatively flat route offers an accessible way to observe rural life and Cambodia's traditional crafts.

• Distance: Approximately 17 km

• Duration: Approximately 90 minutes

• Terrain: Flat concrete paths

Return to the ship and continue sailing towards Kampong Luong, where the vessel anchors for the night.

Overnight on board near Kampong Luong.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning Excursion: Kampong Luong

Today's exploration begins in Kampong Luong, a village known for its silversmiths and metalworkers. Around 400 families work with silver, copper, and brass, producing jewellery and decorative objects through traditional techniques.

Take a walk through the community to observe the artisans at work and gain a better understanding of the skills passed down through generations.

Continue to Wat Prang, a royal Buddhist temple that offers a peaceful setting to reflect on Cambodia's religious traditions and royal history. During the visit, learn about the daily routines and spiritual practices of the monks and other members of the temple community.

Back on board, enjoy a light-hearted presentation showcasing traditional Cambodian clothing and the distinctive styles associated with different occasions.

Afternoon Excursion: Prek Bangkong

After lunch, explore Prek Bangkong, a village situated near the meeting point of the Tonle and Mekong rivers. The community is particularly known for its silk-weaving traditions and its historical connection with Cambodia's royal family, who once resided in the area before moving to the Royal Palace.

Meet local weavers and observe the different stages of silk production, gaining an appreciation for the patience and craftsmanship involved in transforming silk into finished textiles.

The excursion concludes with a visit to the heritage residence of H.E. Sam-El, a historic house associated with a former architect who worked for the royal family.

Optional Afternoon Excursion

Culinary Experience – Jayavarman only

This excursion is not available on Day 3.

Cycling Excursion – Available on any ship at an additional cost

Discover the countryside around Lavea Em, the site of a former royal palace dating from 1601–1618. Cycle along quiet, flat roads through rural landscapes, stopping at historic pagodas, silk-weaving workshops, and local markets.

The excursion also includes a tea break at the residence of H.E. Sam-El, providing another opportunity to appreciate the area's heritage.

• Distance: Approximately 14 km

• Duration: Approximately 120 minutes

• Terrain: Flat concrete paths

After returning to the ship, enjoy a leisurely afternoon sailing along the Mekong towards Angkor Ban. As evening approaches, unwind with a poolside sundowner cocktail hour accompanied by music before dinner. An onboard cinema screening provides a relaxing end to the day.

Overnight on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early risers may join the morning Tai Chi session on the sundeck before breakfast. Today's excursion introduces you to Angkor Ban, a traditional Cambodian village known for its monastery, historic wooden houses, and close-knit community.

Morning Excursion: Angkor Ban Village

Visit the local monastery and, where possible, meet monks during their morning lessons. Continue through the village to encounter residents and learn about their daily routines, customs, and traditional way of life.

Walking through the community offers opportunities to see local homes and experience the quieter side of Cambodia, while interactions with villagers provide insight into the traditions that continue to shape rural life.

Optional Morning Excursion

Culinary Experience – Available on Jayavarman only

In addition to a shorter visit to Angkor Ban, join a local family for a hands-on cooking experience at the home of Mr. B, a former young chef aboard the Jayavarman.

Since getting married, Mr. B has settled in his wife's home village. Together with his mother-in-law and wife, who cooks for the household, prepare Samlor Korko, a traditional Cambodian soup made with fish, vegetables, herbs, spices, and roasted rice. The meal is accompanied by a duck egg omelette.

Cycling Excursion – Available on any ship at an additional cost

Begin the morning with an encounter with local monks before cycling through seasonal vegetable fields and countryside dotted with traditional houses. Stop to observe local blacksmiths at work and discover techniques used in traditional metalworking.

Conclude the ride with a refreshing break featuring a cold local beer or freshly pressed sugarcane juice.

• Distance: Approximately 10 km

• Duration: Approximately 120 minutes

• Terrain: Flat concrete paths

Afternoon: Leisure Cruising to Kampong Cham

Enjoy lunch on board as the ship sails towards Kampong Cham. The remainder of the afternoon is free for relaxation during your final full day on the Mekong.

Spend time on a sun lounger on the terrace deck, enjoy the onboard pool, or treat yourself to a massage or spa treatment. You may also visit the bridge to hear the captain share stories about navigating the river.

For those interested in Cambodian cuisine, an onboard culinary workshop offers another opportunity to discover local ingredients and cooking traditions.

There is no optional afternoon shore excursion scheduled for this day.

Later, the ship makes its final journey towards Kampong Cham, where it anchors mid-river. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and farewell celebrations as the cruise draws to a close.

Overnight on board near Kampong Cham.

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy your final breakfast on board before disembarking in Kampong Cham. A bus transfer then takes you to Siem Reap, with the journey lasting approximately four hours.

During the drive, your guides share information about Cambodia and the regions along the route, offering additional context for the landscapes and communities you pass.

Arrive in Siem Reap in the early afternoon, bringing your 5-day, 4-night Mekong River journey to an end. Take with you memories of Cambodia's riverside villages, traditional crafts, historic sites, and the people who welcomed you along the way.

End of the cruise.