Lost Civilisations - Mekong River Cruise Holiday

Opened in 1925 as Saigon’s most luxurious hotel, the Majestic Hotel Saigon has gone through several reincarnations over the years, reflecting the tumultuous history of Vietnam.

Former haunt of foreign correspondents, spies and once home to Graham Greene, the Majestic Saigon Hotel exudes history, tradition and romance.

In a great location overlooking the Saigon River, the Majestic Saigon remains a hotel of tradition, hospitality and elegance with an aura steeped in its French colonial era roots.

The Saigon Opera House, Re-unification Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral and Ben Thanh Markets are all also just a short walk away.

The Majestic has a beautiful art-deco era lobby, with stained glass, chandeliers and period furniture. Tiny, antique lifts lead to the rooms in the Classic Wing, which has wide corridors, beautiful carpets and artworks on the wall.

Rooms at the Majestic are a good size and the Saigon River View Rooms in the Classic Wing are very popular so book well in advance for these if possible. In fact many of the room types are booked well in advance.

The Majestic Saigon Hotel is the ‘Grand Dame’ of Saigon's colonial-era hotels, in an excellent location by the Saigon River with plenty of restaurants, shops and bars close by.

We love the Majestic’s rooftop bar, which has a nice view over the Saigon River and is a great spot for pre-dinner drinks. Like everything at the Majestic – it’s a little bit old fashioned but the river views are great.

Lonely Planet described the lobby as ‘like an old lady trying to hide her wrinkles’ which we thought summed it up nicely until renovations really lifted the look of the hotel. The old lady has a twinkle in her eye again!

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Credit: HotelMajesticSaigonhttp://majesticsaigon.com/

Credit: HotelMajesticSaigonhttp://majesticsaigon.com/

Credit: HotelMajesticSaigonhttp://majesticsaigon.com/

Credit: HotelMajesticSaigonhttp://majesticsaigon.com/

Credit: HotelMajesticSaigonhttp://majesticsaigon.com/

Credit: HotelMajesticSaigonhttp://majesticsaigon.com/

The Jayavarman operates an eight day cruise between Saigon and Siem Reap but also has several shorter options for guests who wish to solely explore the Mekong Delta in luxury.

On shore excursions are tailored to make the most of guests' specific interests and for the really active there is the opportunity to swap four wheels for two and explore by bicycle.

With 27 elegant staterooms and junior suites all with panoramic doors that open onto private balconies to make the most of the river vistas, the Jayavarman is a beautifully crafted vessel combining French colonial style with an aura of the Far East.

There is a spacious sundeck as well as a small spa for ultimate relaxation and a relaxing bar area perfect for a sundowner before enjoying dinner onboard.

The Jayavarman's sister ship - The Jahan - has 26 spacious cabins, each at 300 square feet. Both vessels offer an unparalleled level of comfort on the Mekong.

We've been sending people on cruises on the Jayavarman for several years now and it's always a trip which receives excellent feedback.

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• Cabins
• Facilities

Credit: HeritageLineLtd

Credit: HeritageLineLtd

Credit: HeritageLineLtd

Credit: HeritageLineLtd

Credit: HeritageLineLtd

Credit: HeritageLineLtd

Deluxe Staterooms Superior Staterooms Signature Suite – Bao Dai Signature Suite - Jayavarman

The Deluxe Staterooms are located on the upper deck and consist of three twin, eight double, and one connecting room. Each room has its own balcony with a table and chairs, and an en-suite bathroom which is separated from the sleeping area with a wooden sliding door. Other in-cabin amenities include a desk, chairs, luggage rack, air-conditioning, a mini-bar, in-room safe, in-house phone, hairdryer, bathrobes, sun hat, hand fan, and binoculars.

The Superior Staterooms are located on the main deck and consist of four twin and ten double rooms. Each room features panoramic glass doors which open onto a private balcony, and an en-suite bathroom. The white wooden furnishings are complemented by Asian ornaments and fine-art paintings on the walls and ceilings. Other in-cabin amenities include a desk, chairs, luggage rack, air-conditioning, a mini-bar, in-room safe, in-house phone, hairdryer, bathrobes, sun hat, hand fan, and binoculars.

The Bao Dai Signature Suite is located at the bow and features a large private balcony and en-suite bathroom. The walls are decorated with soft saffron tones and Vietnamese artefacts, and a dark wood king-size bed dominates the room. Other in-cabin amenities include a desk, chairs, luggage rack, air-conditioning, a mini-bar, in-room safe, in-house phone, hairdryer, bathrobes, sun hat, hand fan, and binoculars.

The Jayavarman Signature Suite is dedicated to the Khmer culture. It features a large balcony with two chairs and a table, and en-suite bathroom. The bedroom features a solid wood king-size four-poster bed with an impressive gypsum work of art at the head, displaying an Apsara dancer. Other in-cabin amenities include a desk, chairs, luggage rack, air-conditioning, a mini-bar, in-room safe, in-house phone, LCD screen with DVD/music player, hairdryer, bathrobes, sun hat, hand fan, and binoculars.

Services

Airport Shuttle (Complimentary)

Shinta Mani Angkor is an intimate and stylish 39-room luxury boutique hotel in Siem Reap.

Shinta Mani Angkor is not only one of the best boutique hotels in Siem Reap; it also does a sterling job in supporting the local community through providing free hospitality industry training for young people at risk in Siem Reap.

Shinta Mani Angkor was thoroughly overhauled and expanded a few years ago, with a brand new wing added and the hotel upgraded to reveal fabulous new luxury rooms, and a design straight from the studios of renowned hotel designed Bill Bensley.

Shinta Mani Angkor is located in a tranquil and leafy setting in the centre of Siem Reap, which means that markets, shops and restaurants are all right on the doorstep. The temples of Angkor are 15 minutes or so away by tuk-tuk.

The hotel has a great swimming pool – a welcome treat after a long day touring the ruins. The spa offers a range of treatments including foot massages for the temple-weary.

Shinta Mani Angkor Bensley Collection

Shinta Mani Angkor Bensley Collection consists of just 10 luxury private pool villas set amongst the shade of the trees of the former Royal Palace in Siem Reap, an annex of the Shinta Mani Angkor hotel.

Designed by legendary hotel designer Bill Bensley, these villas offer the height of luxury in Siem Reap - ideal for honeymooners or for those looking for style, intimacy and privacy in the heart of Siem Reap.

As always with Bill Bensley, the design is meticulous, including, according to Bill, 'the most comfortable beds imaginable', dressed with luxury Khmer linen.

Each villa consists of two pavilions (56 sq. m total) and features floor to ceiling windowed bathrooms looking out onto the private gardens, outdoor bathtub and rainforest shower.

Villas all feature custom designed furniture, exclusive works of Khmer art and handcrafted fittings and furnishings.

Have the second bed set up on the rooftop deck and spend the night under the stars if you wish.

Each villa is attended by a private 'Bensley Butler'.

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