The Lost Civilization

An extraordinary journey full of sights, colors, and sounds awaits as we voyage along the fabled Mekong River, for thousands of years a lifeline to people residing along its banks. In the comfort of the elegant Jayavarman or the Jahan, intimate vessels reflecting the captivating charm of the region, we explore the Mekong’s myriad cultures, storied history, and enduring traditions. We call at rural villages, colorful floating markets, and ancient palaces, hike to hilltop shrines, and absorb the intriguing rhythms of riverside life. We also enjoy Cambodia’s charming capital, Phnom Penh. Our journey ends with a cruise across vast Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Asia. Extensions to Ho Chi Minh City and the astonishing World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat are available.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Ho Chi Minh City / My Tho / Cai Be / Binh Thanh Island

We travel from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to My Tho, where we embark upon our ship. The next day, we visit Cai Be’s colorful floating market by sampan. As we travel, we enjoy serene riverside landscapes and watch village life unfold along the Mekong Delta. Later, we tour Binh Thanh Island, where villagers grow and process water hyacinths into natural fiber floor mats and rattan baskets.

Days 3-4
Chau Doc / Phnom Penh, Cambodia

We explore Chau Doc, a pleasant town near the Cambodian border with sizeable Chinese, Kinh, and Khmer communities, and visit the lively local market near an ancient temple. We cross the border to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s historical capital city that has preserved much of its French colonial allure. After exploring the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda and seeing exceptionally beautiful Khmer stone, metal, wood, and ceramic crafts at the National Museum, we visit the Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields, stark reminders of Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge regime.

Days 5-6
Kampong Cham / Wat Hanchey

We cruise past the Mekong’s tranquil villages, observing exhilarating river life and sun-hardened fishermen on their makeshift boats. At the village of Angkor Ban, we are transported back a hundred years into an era untouched by the modern world. Located at the top of a hill overlooking the river, the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey offers one of the most breathtaking views in Cambodia, and at Kampong Cham, we visit Wat Nokor, built within the ruins of an ancient temple.

Days 7-8
Kampong Chhnang / Tonle Sap / Siem Reap

Cruising on the Tonle Sap River, a narrow river that glides through leafy swaths of the Southeast Asian jungle, we stop at Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia’s “waterworld,” for a motorboat excursion to its floating houses and fish farms. We then cross vast Tonle Sap Lake, enjoying the stillness of the water and the quiet tranquility as we make our way toward Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat, for disembarkation.

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary