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The 4 day cruise “Pearl of the Orient” for the cruise aficionados with less time
at their hands connecting the Pearl of the Orient with Paris of the East giving
you some awe inspiring moments underway, deep in the Mekong Delta.
See the Jayavarman Cruiser
Day 1: Saigon - Cai Be "The sea of mangroves" (D)
Bid farewell to the hustle and bustle of Saigon while settling into your cabin.
The ship will begin by meandering along busy ports and waterways. Soon after,
the change is abrupt and you'll find yourself in the UNESCO listed Mangrove
Biosphere Reserve of Can Gio which had been destroyed during the Vietnam War by
toxic chemicals. Amazingly, the 75 hectares of forest has come back to life
through a reforestation.
Enjoy a cocktail reception at the Funnel Bar and Lounge followed by a Welcome
Dinner on the Sun Deck. Drop anchor just outside of Cai Be for the night.
Day 2: Cai Be - Chau Doc "Vietnamese inventiveness" (B, L, D)
Today's tour starts with the visit of Cai Be's colorful floating market. Cruise
among local sampans coming from all provinces of the delta full of fruits and
vegetables. Proceed to Dong Hoa Hiep island located between Vinh Long and Cai
Be. During a 40 minute cruise, discover beautiful landscapes along the river and
observe the typical Mekong Delta rural life. These evergreen islands among the
Mekong River still remain unknown to many people.
Back on the sampans, we will lead to you to observe the activity of the biggest
rice stock market in Cai Be. Further stops will allow you to see traditional
brick and tile factories and how locals use palm leaves for houses. Cruise 20
minutes further to Phu An hamlet passing by Cai Be's beautiful cathedral. Visit
some interesting home factories to see how rice paste, rice cookies and coco
candies, are made, along with the longan fruit drying process.
Lunch will await you at Le Longanier, a superb Indochinese villa located in a
lush tropical garden by the river, surrounded by fruit orchards. After lunch,
group 1 takes a stroll along the canals to experience the local environment
first hand while group 2 explores the edges of the canals on bicycle. After
touring the canals, head to the An Kiet ancient house to have tea with the
descendants of the former imperial residents. Board The Jayavarman for a
relaxing evening cruise towards Chau Doc. Moor midstream overnight.
Day 3: Chau Doc boarder crossing - "Taste of aqua cultural life" (B, L, D)
Welcome to the circus of fish. The early birds will be treated to Thai Chi
lessons on the Sun Deck. Brace yourself for a boat excursion to the exciting
floating villages and catfish farms witnessing masses of bassa fish being fed,
hand in hand with a shore excursion to the village of the local Muslim Cham
community.
Take a ride through this fascinating town of rich French colonial architecture
and see its bustling market flooded with tropical fruits in full display by
women in cone shaped palm leaf hats. Observe beautiful textiles being woven on
old wooden looms; a tradition that has been passed from generation to
generation.
By mid-afternoon, The Jayavarman casts off for the border towards Phnom Penh.
Day 4: Phnom Penh "Pearl of the East" (B)
Off we go early in the morning to witness a truly indescribable scene while
approaching Phnom Penh's river promenade. Sadly, after breakfast, it is time to
disembark the cruise and transfer to the hotel at 10:00AM
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Note*: Contact us for downstream itinerary
