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The Jayavarman Odyssey

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The Jayavarman Odyssey
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Experience Travel Group

The Jayavarman Odyssey

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Discover the treasures of Cambodia and Vietnam in comfort and style.  This holiday incorporates Experience Travel Group's specially crafted signature tours of Angkor and Saigon with a cruise along the Mekong River aboard the beautiful boutique Jayavarman boat. A river cruise is a fantastic way to see some of the most remarkable sights in the region and to explore the Mekong in comfort.

Highlights include:

  • Marvelling at Angkor Wat as well as some of the less explored Angkor temples
  • An exciting sunset quad bike ride through the Cambodia countryside
  • Cruising along the Mekong River from Cambodia into Vietnam
  • Discovering the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) uniquely, on our specially crafted city tour

The Jayavarman also has a smaller sister boat called The Jahan. Both boats operate upstream and downstream with the option to start your trip in both Saigon or Siem Reap. Call us to talk through all the various options. 

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. Find out about our exclusive Journey Planner here.

Day 1 – Depart the UK

Depart the UK.

Day 2 – Siem Reap

You will be met by your guide when you arrive at the airport. You will then be transferred to your hotel where you can spend the rest of the day relaxing at leisure.

Day 3 – Siem Reap

Today you start your exploration of the Temples of Angkor. Leave the hotel early to arrive at Angkor Wat for sunrise. After breakfast, you will visit the ancient royal city of Angkor Thom, including the impressive Bayon temple mountain. Other highlights today include the pyramid of Baphuon, Phimean Akas, and the royal viewing stands known as the Terrace of Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. Finally, you can enjoy the sunset over Phnom Bakheng Temple.

Day 4 – Siem Reap

This morning is at leisure and, if you wish, you can return to the Temples of Angkor complex to further explore the ruins. In the afternoon, you will take a gentle quad bike ride through shimmering rice paddies and beautiful rural countryside, before returning to your hotel in time for dinner.

Day 5 – Jayavarman

This morning, transfer to the jetty and board the beautiful Jayavarman. Enjoy a welcome drink and settle in to your cabin as the boat sets sail, gliding along the vast Tonle Sap lake, home to many fish and bird species. Stop for the night at Kampong Chhnang and watch the sunset as you take dinner on the sundeck.

Day 6 – Jayavarman

Start the day with morning Tai Chi on the sundeck before the ship continues to sail across the Tonle Sap Lake. In the afternoon, visit the traditionally Khmer pottery village Aundaung Russey, followed by a small boat tour of the floating houses and fish farms of the Kampong Chhnang wetlands. The boat will stop for the night at Kampong Cham.

Day 7 – Jayavarman

Wake early this morning to visit the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey, an 8th Century structure atop a hill overlooking the river with stunning views of rural Cambodia. Here you will have a chance to meet local monks and witness a blessing ceremony. Tide permitting, you will able to enjoy a late morning swim in the river before visiting Wat Nokor, an ancient temple complex built for King Jayavarman VII. En route back to the ship, you there is the chance to visit a local orphanage and cross a 2km bamboo bridge over the water.

Day 8 – Jayavarman

If interested, you can attend a lecture on modern Cambodian history this morning as the boat continues its journey towards the charmingly colonial capital city of Phnom Penh. Upon arrival take a comprehensive city tour including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and National Museum.

Spend the afternoon at the Killing Fields and Cambodian Genocide Museum – a harrowing experience but a valuable insight into the suffering of the Cambodian people under the Khmer Rouge regime. Dinner tonight will be a barbeque on the ship, followed by a traditional Khmer dance performance.

Day 9 – Jayavarman

Enjoy a full day of cruising along the main Mekong Channel until you reach the Vietnamese border. As border formalities are carried out, you can relax on the sundeck or enjoy one of the onboard spa treatments. A cooking class is also on offer today, and the boat will moor for the night at the Vietnamese border town of Chau Doc.

Day 10 – Jayavarman

Briefly explore the Chinese, Kinh, and Khmer communities around Chau Doc this morning before visiting a floating market and rustic catfish farm. After lunch on board, you will have the chance to explore the quaint village of My An Hung on foot, walking through fruit orchards, traditional family homes, and along palm-fringed canals. Here, you will meet a local family who will welcome you to join them for tea and discussions about daily life, with your guide acting as your translator.

Day 11 – Jayavarman

Traditional-style small sampan boats await this morning to take you on a tour of Binh Thanh Island and its human-made canals, famous for growing water hyacinths and making natural fibre floor-mats and baskets.

After lunch, you will arrive in Cai Be, one of the largest and most colourful floating markets in the Mekong Delta region. As well as exploring the market from your small boat, you will also have the chance to learn about how local rice and coconut products are made, such as candies, wine, and cookies. This evening the ship will cruise towards My Tho, and staff will throw a farewell party on the terrace deck.

Day 12 – Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast onboard, bid farewell to the Jayavarman and meet your guide at the jetty who will take you into the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. The rest of the day will be at leisure for you to explore or simply relax at your colonial-style hotel.

Day 13 – SAIGON

This morning you will have a guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City, including visits to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, the fascinating History Museum, and the former Presidential Palace, where you can explore the underground communication tunnels. The afternoon will be at leisure.

Day 14 – SAIGON

Travel by speedboat up the Mekong River and head out of the city to visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network of tunnels used by the Vietcong during the American War.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon.  At around 6 p,m you will be collected from your hotel and taken on an exhilarating journey through the streets of Saigon, sampling street food and live music along the way, as you're driven pillion on a vintage Vespa.

Day 15 – Fly Home

Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City airport for your flight home. 

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, our holidays typically cost between £4,000 and £6,000 per adult depending on trip length and time of year as well as the hotels and flights involved. We offer child and seasonal discounts. You can read our ultimate guide to holiday costs in Asia for more in-depth information.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

  • International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
  • Accommodation as described
  • Privately guided tours and transfers
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
  • Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
  • 24-hour in-country backup while away
  • Your dedicated travel expert in the UK 

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Caravelle Saigon

Caravelle Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City

A well-appointed hotel featuring rooms with great views of the city. The Caravelle is in an excellent location in the very heart of Saigon.

Heritage Suites

Heritage Suites, Siem Reap

Fusion design and cuisine are hallmarks of one of Siem Reap's most interesting, unique and stylish hotels.

Jayavarman

Jayavarman, Siem Reap

Deluxe cruise along the Mekong River from Siem Reap and Phnom Penh in Cambodia all the way down to Ho Chi Minh City (or v/v).

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Explore the magnificent Angkor Wat

Explore the magnificent Angkor Wat, Siem Reap

Carefully crafted experience to ensure you get the most out of this iconic temple away from the crowds.

Phnom Penh Day Tour

Phnom Penh Day Tour, Phnom Penh

Take in some of the sights, sounds and smells of Cambodias bustling and capital city

Saigon City Tour & Cu Chi Tunnels

Saigon City Tour & Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City

Combine a tour of the fascinating city of Saigon with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Tuol Sleng & Chueng Ek Tour

Tuol Sleng & Chueng Ek Tour, Phnom Penh

A thought-provoking trip to areas that document the Khmer Rouge period in Cambodias history

Phou Quoc Island is a beautful island in the gulf of Siam, just to south of mainland Vietnam. Ask our consultant to add on a side trip their at the start or end of your holiday. La Veranda is a great choice, though there are alternatives too. 

La Veranda

La Veranda, Phu Quoc Island

A superb, stylish and luxury resort and island getaway on one of Asia's most beautiful island resorts.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'The Jayavarman Odyssey '

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~
Your next adventure
starts with a conversation
~

Every ETG journey is unique. Tell us your loves, your hates, your holiday ambitions, your hopes and fears, and we’ll share a suitcase so full of inspired holiday ideas you’ll need to sit on it to shut it tight.

Not sure what you’re looking for? Let us inspire you...

Get in Touch

Call us 020 7924 7133

ETG - immersive holidays that give back, since 2004.
Don’t just see Asia - feel Asia.

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Call
  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Borneo
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in Vietnam
    • Classic Vietnam Holidays
    • Vietnam & Cambodia Holidays
    • Vietnam Family Holidays
    • Vietnam With A Difference
    • Ultimate Vietnam Holidays
    • Mekong River Journeys
    • Indochina & Beyond
  • Guide to Vietnam
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    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
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    • Vietnam Travel Blog
  • Places in Vietnam
    • Northern Vietnam
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      • Hanoi
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      • Bai Tu Long National Park
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      • Sapa
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      • Pu Luong
      • Ninh Binh
    • Central Vietnam
      • Overview
      • Hue
      • Hoi An
      • Danang
      • Hoi An Beaches
      • My Son
      • Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
      • Demilitarised Zone (DMZ)
    • Southern Vietnam
      • Overview
      • Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)
      • Mui Ne & Phan Thiet
      • Mekong Delta
      • Dalat
      • Nha Trang
      • Cat Tien National Park
      • Con Dao Islands
      • Phu Quoc Island
  • About us
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