Overview
INCLUDED in our Tour Cost:
- Fully Escorted from New Zealand by a Maher Tour Leader
- International Economy Flights (upgrade available)
- Superior-grade Hotel Accommodation
- Air-conditioned Transport
- Exceptional Meals
- Entrance Fees & Gratuity Tips
Uncover the timeless beauty and rich cultures of Vietnam and Cambodia on this unforgettable journey. Wander the bustling streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, marvel at the ancient grandeur of Angkor Wat, and experience the vibrant markets and tranquil temples along the way. The centrepiece of our adventure is a luxurious 7-night cruise along the legendary Mekong River, drifting through lush landscapes, charming villages, and floating markets. With immersive excursions, authentic cuisine, and expert guides, this journey promises a perfect blend of discovery and relaxation.
Vietnam
A land of natural beauty and stunning landscapes, of bustling energy and wonderful culinary delights, and especially a land of warm and welcoming people.
- Hanoi, the nation’s capital, a mixture of colonial charm and city hustle and bustle
- Cruise magical Halong Bay for 2 nights – simply stunning
- Hoi An, river port and shoppers’ paradise
- Saigon, the commercial heart reflecting its French heritage
Cambodia
Ancient wonders and serene landscapes, of vibrant culture and rich traditions, and above all, a land of kind-hearted and resilient people.
- A land of contrasts with a history that is spiritually uplifting and thought provoking. Peace now reigns in this magical kingdom
- Siem Reap and its riverside setting
- The Temples of Angkor Wat, a spectacular blend of symbolism and symmetry where earth reaches for the heavens
- Phnom Penh, the chaotic yet inspirational capital, the political and economic hub of the country
- Learn about the infamous Khmer Rouge
7 Night Mekong River Cruise “The Jahan”
- First boutique-style river cruise ship for the Mekong (built in 2011)
- Distinctive British Colonial design throughout the ship
- All spacious cabins with en-suite private balcony and the finest amenities
- Excellent on-board facilities including pool and spa
- Finest cuisine and entertainment afloat on the Mekong
- Private shore excursions included along with outstanding service
Accommodation
While the itinerary is full of daily highlights, just as important is your comfort on tour which is why we have selected an excellent range of First-Class hotels, as good as you will find anywhere. To complement the accommodation, many meals (at least 2 each day) have been included. Most of these will be enjoyed at local restaurants to allow you to enjoy not just the fine cuisine but also the local surroundings.
Itinerary
Monday 03 August Home – Singapore
Time this morning for connecting flights before an early afternoon departure for Singapore. Arrival time is early evening and overnight hotel accommodation has been reserved at the airport.
Tuesday 04 August Singapore – Hanoi (D)
This morning, we join the flight to Hanoi. On arrival we are met by our local hosts and transferred to our hotel for a 3-night stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure until we go to dinner at KOTO restaurant, specially set up to train the under-privileged youth of Hanoi in restaurant skills.
Wednesday 05 August Hanoi (B.L.D)
Today, we start our sightseeing tour with a visit to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a complex of historic buildings associated with the history of Vietnam. We pass by Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh read out the declaration of the nation’s independence in 1945 before we visit the ancient Temple of Literature, built in the 11th century and the first university established in Vietnam. We then take a cyclo ride in the Old Quarter of “36 streets and 36 wares” dating back from the 11th century to see the historic quarter. Late afternoon, we enjoy a street food tour of Hanoi by a member of the Hanoi Gastronomy Club. Experience the amazing sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Hanoi as we visit authentic small street eateries to taste “real Hanoi food”.
Thursday 06 August Hanoi (B.D)
This morning, we drive along the Red River to Bat Trang pottery village. Our first stop is Bat Trang communal house which was built during Le Du Tong King’s period (from 1719 to 1720) to admire the ancient architecture of rural villages in the Red River Delta. We then visit the ancient house and workshop of ceramic artist Tran Van Do. We talk with other talented ceramic artists and learn about the history of the village, while admiring their exquisite handmade ceramic products. Later on, witness craftsmen forming, painting, and glazing their products in traditional ways and have a go trying to make your own cup, vase, or bowl. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure until we meet again this evening to enjoy a traditional and unique Vietnamese water puppet show before dinner at the Press Club Restaurant which serves fusion cuisine.
Friday 07 August Hanoi – Ha Long (Join Cruise) (B.L.D)
After breakfast, we depart by coach for Ha Long for one of our tour highlights. The Halong Bay region is referred to as the “Jewel in the Crown” of Vietnam, with some of the most stunning scenery in Vietnam. We join a traditional Vietnamese junk for two nights cruising Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, a World Heritage site, with accommodation onboard in private ensuite cabins. Enjoy the Vietnamese buffet lunch and the sumptuous seafood dinner as you cruise the bay passing fishing villages and small towns. Lots of activities available for the more active – cooking demonstrations, pristine beaches for swimming, fishing, kayaking – or just sit back and enjoy the wonderful setting as the world passes by.
Saturday 08 August Cruising (B.L.D)
Another fabulous day cruising to some of the more secluded and untouched locations. Enjoy a leisurely day of sightseeing, swimming and relaxing as you take in the magnificent scenery.
Sunday 09 August Hai Phong Bay – Hanoi – Da Nang – Hoi An (B)
The cruise continues this morning passing many islands, inlets, caves, bizarre rock sculptures. Don’t forget to watch the magnificent sunrise from the sundeck, maybe even join the crew for Tai Chi exercises. Sadly, after a late breakfast, its time to disembark at Tuan Chau Island, where we rejoin our coach, making our way to Hanoi Airport where we join our flight to Da Nang. On arrival in Da Nang, we transfer by coach Hoi Ann where we stay for 3-nights.
Monday 10 August Hoi An (B.L)
After breakfast, we journey to Duy Hai Fishing Village, where we enjoy the hustle of the morning fish market before visiting a family-run fish-sauce workshop. We then transfer by boat upstream, passing by a shrimp and duck farm, to Thu Bon to Duy Vinh village, well-known for traditional weaving sedge mat. Upon arrival at Ban Thach Mat Village, where abundant sources of raw rush used to weave mats have allowed the villagers to develop their own handicraft for 400 years. We learn the process of sedge mat weaving and display our own creativity by making our own patterns. Then it is on to Tra Que vegetable village, which is named after a sweet-scented herb they grow and use to spice up Hoi An specialties. Finally, we arrive at Kumquat Cooking class restaurant. Working together with our chef we learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food, using the freshest ingredients and traditional Vietnamese utensils, before coming together to enjoy the fruits of our labour. We return to our hotel in the afternoon and the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Tuesday 11 August Hoi An (B)
After breakfast, we set out to enjoy a walking tour of the ancient town centre, seeing temples, old houses, pagodas and the Japanese-covered Bridge, providing us with an insight into Hoi An architecture/ history as well as learning about the restoration plan being implemented by UNESCO. You have the afternoon free to explore this ancient town at your leisure. Visit the colourful market with its stalls brimming with tropical specialties. The market is a good place to buy silk, which can be made into fine garments, all within a day.
Wednesday 12 August Hoi An – Da Nang – Siem Reap (B.D)
We depart Hoi An mid-morning and return to Da Nang airport, where we join the flight to Siem Reap. On arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel for a 3-night stay.
Thursday 13 August Siem Reap (B.L.D)
Certainly, one of the tour highlights today. We begin the day early for a full day-tour of Angkor. When it is well-lit and relatively quiet is the best time to visit Angkor Wat, the largest and most famous of the Angkor temples – it is an architectural marvel and one of the world’s most impressive ruins. The temple has fine carvings of Apsaras in stone made during the Angkor period. We then return to the hotel for breakfast. This afternoon, we take a fun tuk tuk ride to visit Angkor Thom, a walled and moated royal city and the last capital of the Angkorian Empire. We visit the surroundings of the complex including the Baphou, Elephant Terraces, Leper King Terrace and Royal Place area. We end our sightseeing this afternoon with a visit to Bayon temple with its iconic carved faces.
Friday 14 August Siem Reap (B.L)
This morning, we visit the picturesque Ta Prohm, which has nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown; an oddly haunting and exotic scene, emphasizing the ‘lost city’ legend. Then, walk through the Sra Srong village, located just behind Ta Prohm temple where we can see the villagers making wooden carvings and weaving. Enjoy a coffee break at one of the villagers’ houses with the opportunity to interact with the local family. We head back to hotel after the visit for a late breakfast. Later, we drive out of Siem Reap and visit Wat Bo Krum village on the banks of Siem Reap River. Wander around this typical Khmer village and enjoy the peaceful scenery. Visit the local children at the village school. Donations are always welcome, and you may want to bring some notebooks, pens, new or used clothes, or rice to hand over to the school or village pagoda. After the visit, drive back to Siem Reap with a stop en route to visit the smallest, but magnificent, Banteay Srei built in the 10th Century and dedicated to Shiva. The temple was the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture, and the bas-relief work is the best example of Khmer classical art remaining. Lunch is taken at local restaurant and the remainder of the day is free at leisure.
Saturday 15 August Commence 7 Night Mekong River Cruise / Siem Reap – Kampong Cham (B.L.D)
This morning, we transfer to Kampong Cham on the Mekong River. Early this afternoon, we embark at Kampong Cham on our boutique river cruise ship “The Jahan” where we are greeted by the crew with a welcome drink and buffet lunch. In the afternoon we learn more about the education of the young Cambodian generation (NGO project). The children join us on board, always excited to show their skills in music and art. After the performance, we leave the ship by bus for an afternoon excursion. During low water season, we have the chance to see a bamboo bridge which connects the mainland with an island. Local communities re-build the bridge every year when water levels drop. We continue our land journey to the enchanting pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey (7th century). This small complex sits on a hilltop on the shore with a breath-taking view over the Mekong. We return to the ship to freshen up before we get together for a welcome dinner.
Sunday 16 August Kampong Cham – Okna Tey – Kampong Chhnang (B.L.D)
Our journey will start with an invigorating Tai Chi lesson on the sun deck just as the sun begins its slow rise. The ship sails up towards the small Angkor Ban village on the Mekong River. The Angkor Ban village is famous for its unspoiled community and beautiful, traditional houses. Back on board we enjoy lunch as we set sail downstream on the Mekong to the Island of Koh Oknha Tey. This spot in the middle of the Mekong is known for manufacturing high class silk products. By tuk tuk we explore the island with its workshops and learn how silk is processed from its source, provided by little silkworms, to a final quality product made of original Cambodian silk. After some additional cruising time, passing the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Rivers, and observing the spectacular marshlands of this area, the boat anchors near Kampong Chhnang, where we overnight.
Monday 17 August Kampong Cham – Kampong Tralach – Phnom Penh (B.L.D)
After a good night’s rest we awake to Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia’s “water world”, where everything is on sticks balanced on water rich soil. We take a local boat to the shore and head to a rural village nearby for a walking tour. Our guides introduce you to the village specialities – Khmer style pottery and the making of palm sugar. Before returning to the boat, we explore the floating villages and wetlands of the region. Back on-board lunch is served while the cruise continues with a languid meander along the Tonle River towards Kampong Tralach. Children wave enthusiastically while bringing their livestock down to the river. Further down the river we take part in an Ox cart ride being introduced to the Heritage Line pro-bono “literacy project” at the Green School. After some additional cruising time the boat arrives at the pier of Phnom Penh where we overnight.
Tuesday 18 August Phnom Penh “Pearl Of The East” (B.L.D)
Phnom Penh was once the Paris of the East. Despite its rapid development, it has retained a lot of its rustic charm and elegance. After breakfast, we visit the Killing Fields on the outskirts of the city and afterwards the centrally located prison “S21”. Both historic sites display the sad and cruel chapter of Khmer history when the Khmer Rouge ruled the country with terror and suppression. Following lunch, we visit the National Museum, the dazzling white and gold Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, as well as a visit to the National Museum. The day trip ends with a “cyclo” ride back to the ship through the bustling streets of downtown Phnom Penh. Once back on board, there is time to relax on your cabin balcony or the lounge before the evening programme commences with a variety of cocktails served on the sun deck. Take a seat and enjoy the Apsara dance performance, showcasing the brilliance and richness of this culture and the soothing sounds of traditional music with the calming scent of incense sticks. This is followed by a barbeque on the sundeck with the stars and the moon as our companions.
Wednesday 19 August Phnom Penh – Border Crossing – Tan Chau (B.L.D)
Today enjoy a lazy day of cruising along the main Mekong Channel where we witness large commercial ships plying this route. Later in the afternoon, we reach the Vietnamese border for the requisite cross border paperwork which can take some time. In the meantime, we can enjoy the afternoon sun on the Sun Deck, pamper ourselves at the Spa, or sharpen our culinary skills with the Heritage Line’s Cambodian and Vietnamese cuisine cooking class. The ship moors midstream overnight in Tan Chau.
Thursday 20 August Tan Chau – My An Hung – Sa Dec (B.L.D)
Welcome to the fish sanctuary of Vietnam. We begin our day with a hearty breakfast at the Dining Hall or at your private balcony. We will then take a short excursion to Tan Chau, a pleasant town near the Cambodian border with sizeable Chinese, Kinh and Khmer communities. We will start the trip by a traditional vehicle called “xeloi” to local market where we will take a local boat to visit the fish farm. Here you will see the daily life of Vietnamese people in Mekong. Lunch is on board the ship before we set off for My An Hung Village. Passengers walk to the family house through the vegetable garden to see the boat building yard and canals. We will cross a monkey bridge and see chilli, corn and beetle nut plantations amongst other vegetable fields. Then gather at the family’s house to taste tea with honey with local delicacies and fruits before we return to the ship and set sail for Sa Dec where we moor for the night.
Friday 21 August Sa Dec – Cai Be – My Tho (B.L.D)
This morning we join a traditional sampan to tour Binh Thanh Island and its man-made canals. Here, every villager is involved in the process of growing and processing water hyacinths into natural fibre floor mats and rattan baskets. After lunch on board, the ship arrives in Cai Be in time for a visit to the boisterous and colourful floating market where traders gather in a cacophonous congregation. Continuing our cruise, we discover breath-taking landscapes along the river and see the rustic life on the Mekong Delta unfold. The cruise halts intermittently to allow us to observe how rice paste, rice cookies and coconut candies are made, along with the Longan fruit drying process. After touring the canals, we head to an ancient house surrounded by fruit orchards before returning to the ship for the tranquil evening cruise towards My Tho. A wonderful farewell party awaits us on board.
Saturday 22 August My Tho – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) (B.L)
Our cruise sadly comes to an end, as the ship winds its way to My Tho, approximately 70km south of Saigon on the upper Mekong River in Vietnam. We disembark after breakfast and leave the rural tranquillity behind us as we transfer to the bustling city of Saigon for a 2-night stay. On arrival, we enjoy an orientation tour, visiting historic landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires constructed from materials imported from France. Then, we head across the square to the Central Post Office, completed in 1891. A short drive away is the former Presidential Palace, the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American War. Continue to the War Remnants Museum for a vivid perspective of the American War through the eyes of the Vietnamese. Experience Saigon’s famed street coffee culture while our guide provides a brief language lesson as well as insights into daily life of a Saigonese. We check into our hotel early afternoon and the remainder of the day is at leisure. For those that wish, there is the option to enjoy a “Saigon Nightlife by Vespa” tour this evening (price on request).
Sunday 23 August Ho Chi Minh City (B.L.D)
Today is a full day of sightseeing. After breakfast travel out of the city to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This vast network of tunnels, stretching for over 150 kilometres was built by the Viet Cong in the battles for the South. The tunnels are a sobering insight into the dedication of the Viet Cong who virtually lived in the narrow and claustrophobic tunnels whilst the war raged. Nearby, a chilling demonstration of the traps and weapons that were used against the Americans is given and we then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon is yours for some last-minute shopping, sightseeing or just relaxing by the pool in preparation for the journey home. We enjoy one final dinner together this evening.
Monday 24 August Ho Chi Minh City – Singapore- Home (B)
A leisurely day until our lunchtime transfer to the airport where we join the flight to Singapore connecting with the overnight flight home.
NB: Those who wish may break their journey at Singapore for a stopover and return independently at a later date.
Tuesday 25 August Arrive Home
Arrive home mid-morning.
