Lost Civilisations - Mekong River Cruise Holiday

FLY TO SAIGON

Fly from Auckland to Singapore with Singapore Airlines. (Other flight options are available - just ask us).

Fly from Singapore to Saigon with Singapore Airlines.

On arrival in Saigon you will be met and transferred to your hotel by private car.

SAIGON - HALF DAY TOUR

Saigon was the scene of key military events that shaped the war during the 1960’s and 1970’s.

This half day experience offers insight into local revolutionaries and how they maintained a secret network across the city by visiting their secret hideouts.

You’ll also visit the Independence Palace to visit the ‘war room’ and see the monument of Thich Quang Duc, the Buddhist monk who immortalized himself, photographed by Malcome Brown in 1963.  

Once acquainted with your guide, hop aboard your vintage jeep and drive to a shophouse restaurant that played a significant role during Vietnam's ‘American war’ years.   

Next, drive past a shrine outside the US Consulate before heading to the Central Post Office for a view of the former CIA building, where one of the last helicopter evacuation took place in 1975. Discover more on the story behind the iconic “Fall of Saigon” photo taken that day by Hubert van Ess. 

Continue to perhaps the city’s most famous landmark - the Reunification Palace (Independence Palace). It was here another iconic photo was taken; tanks crashing through the gates of what was an important  government building, signaling the end of the war. Now preserved as a museum and tourist attraction, the ‘war rooms’ in the basement plus the opulent lifestyle on display of former leaders is fascinating.  

Continue past the memorial of Thich Quang Duc, a monk who immortalized himself in protest against the persecution of Buddhists in Vietnam. End the tour at a former ‘revolutionary’ hideout, once the secret base operations of the Viet Cong now a museum with hidden tunnels.  

Visit the hideout, then sit for a refreshing drink whilst your guide explains the incredible story of this important house, including the failed attack on The Independence Palace during the Tet Offensive in 1968.

You'll have the chance to try a local rice dish that Korean soldiers put their culinary twist on, by adding kim chi. The jeep will then take you back to your hotel.

SAIGON - MY THO - CAI BE

This morning you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the Heritage Line welcome lounge in Saigon.

We welcome our guests in the morning at our Saigon welcome lounge. Relax with a second coffee while our staff collects your details. We bid farewell to the hustle and bustle of Saigon and travel 70 km south overland towards My Tho to embark on our vessel. After checking into your luxurious floating "home," the sailing on this major Asian waterway begins.

A lunch buffet is served in the restaurant as the vessel steadily glides upstream. As twilight bathes the Mekong Delta in a golden haze, take the opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers and join in our official welcome with canapés and prosecco.

During dinner, the ship will likely reach Tan Phong Island area near Cai Be, where we anchor midstream. This is your first glimpse of the bustling area where we will begin our Mekong adventure on land tomorrow. Join us for some late-night entertainment in the evening cinema, featuring interesting classic movies or thrilling documentaries.

TAN PHONG ISLAND - BINH THANH ISLAND - TAN CHAU

Wake early to embrace the stunning dawn scenery, a time when the Delta's inhabitants have already been active for hours. Energize yourself with our daily morning Tai Chi class before indulging in a lavish breakfast buffet.

By local boat, we gain access to the secluded island of Tan Phong, a small island situated in the midst of one of the expansive Mekong River tributaries flowing toward the nearby sea.

During a visit to a workshop in the town of Cai Be, we'll have the opportunity to observe the production of rice paper, rice cookies, rice wine and coconut candies.

This is a very interesting manual process involving manual labour and special production technics. After the workshop we are heading to Tan Phong Island, a smaller island in the middle of the vast Mekong. We are visiting a local family and their fruit garden offering us various kind of tropical fruits to taste.

A buggy ride through the island let us have a glimpse of the local day to day life as it unfolds. We stop at another family’s house. They are specialized in weaving of water hyacinth plants into artistic crafts by hand.

TAN CHAU - PHNOM PENH

After our morning Tai Chi session and a delightful breakfast, we embark on an exploration of this area, renowned primarily for its aquaculture.

On disembarking, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant town life of Tan Chau by boarding "xelois" (the Vietnamese word for rickshaws).

Your personal xeloi driver leisurely navigates through a network of streets, allowing you to observe workshops, street vendors, shops, and the intriguing day-to-day activities of the locals.

Our journey takes us to the local market, where we mingle with residents as they go about their morning shopping routines. Continuing on, we visit a Cao Dai temple and meet with one of the priests, who enlightens us about the unique beliefs and spirit of Cao Dai.

Our final destination is a fish farm that has been operated for many years by a local family, who make their livelihood from this distinctive business.

Here, we gain insight into the essential knowledge required to manage such a unique enterprise in this region.

Continuing our journey, we ascend the river for the remainder of the day, crossing into Cambodia and heading towards Phnom Penh.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. It's time to embrace the soothing rhythm of this river and fully immerse yourself in the "cruise mode."

You can opt for a spa treatment, relax on the sun deck, or unwind on your private balcony. As we pass under the bridge, the captain always has an interesting story to share about "his" river.

Additionally, our kitchen team invites you to participate in a culinary workshop where you can learn about popular Vietnamese and Cambodian dishes. The boat docks at Phnom Penh, either mid-stream or at the pier.

PHNOM PENH

Welcome to Phnom Penh, a city once renowned as the "Paris of the East." Despite its rapid development, it has retained much of its rustic charm and elegance. Phnom Penh is a remarkable city with a history and culture that spans centuries, still palpable at every street corner.

Our full-day sightseeing tour begins right after breakfast, allowing us to explore the city's highlights.

We'll start with a cyclo ride, meandering through the town and then visit historic places such as the palace and the Silver Pagoda. Our journey takes us to the "S21" prison, a poignant and dark chapter in Cambodia's history during the Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s.

Afterward, we'll pause for a delightful lunch in town before continuing to visit one of the country's most famous history museums, "Sosoro," and concluding the tour with a leisurely stroll through the city's French Quarter, including the iconic and aptly named monument of Wat Phnom.

In the evening, we invite you to an engaging expert lecture in the lounge. To cap off this eventful day, we'll indulge in a delightful open-air barbecue and gala dinner accompanied by a classic Apsara dance performance.

Afterwards, feel free to explore the city at night, savouring Phnom Penh's vibrant nightlife or taking in the lively river promenade.

PHNOM PENH - ANGKOR BAN - KAMPONG CHAM - PREK BANGKONG

We leave Phnom Penh early to make our way to Angkor Ban. The morning Tai Chi session sets the mood for the day as we begin our tour of Angkor Ban.

This place includes a monastery with a delightful local village behind it. You'll have the chance to meet monks during their morning class and engage in friendly conversations with the villagers.

As we meander through the village, we'll get as close as possible to the local way of life, collecting wonderful memories of Cambodia's rustic lifestyle. This village is truly a gem to explore offering photographic and touching moments whilst interacting with the local community.

As we continue to sail upstream and prior to lunchtime, our crew showcases afterwards various traditional Khmer fashions worn by locals during special occasions.

We are in the vast Mekong River at the town of Kampong Cham which is an important trade and transportation hub but it still maintains scattered small hamlets around the outskirts where the community's rhythm blends with the skilled hands of artisans.

For instance, in Cheung Krok, locals craft various handmade items, whether it's food, fashion, or other everyday goods. (The nearby Bamboo bridge, which is erected seasonally, serves as more than just a passageway; it's a gateway to the past)

In light of Bamboo bridge reparation, the following substitute program will be operated until end of Dec 2024: Experience the wonders of Wat Prah Ang Chan, a captivating 12th-century cave temple perched on a hilltop, boasting breath-taking views of the river.

The Stueng Trang district is a one of Cambodia's major region famous for fruit and vegetable plantations. Get some insight what and how fruits are cultivated here whilst engaging with an owner. The last stop beholds some local food tasting: Try the ever popular local snack "Kralan" - delectable grilled sticky rice on a bamboo stick.

PREK BANGKONG - KAMPONG TRALACH - KAMPONG LAEANG

Early birds are welcome to join the daily Tai Chi on the open deck again.

At the confluence of the Tonle and Mekong Rivers lies the small village of Prek Bangkong, known for its silk weaving community. This village was also the former residence of the Royal family before they moved to the Royal Palace.

However, the real stars in this area today are the silk weavers, artisans who craft silk from the very beginning. We will have the opportunity to closely observe and learn about this intricate silk production process. We conclude this excursion by visiting the heritage house of H.E. Sam-El, once a famous architect for the royal family.

As we continue to sail upstream into the Tonle River and prior to lunchtime, our guide offers a presentation about the geography of the Mekong and the Tonle Rivers.

In the afternoon, we enjoy an exciting excursion to discover another part of rural Cambodian Kampong Tralach countryside. Our ox-pulled cart will transport us along the riverside and down winding back roads, flanked by picturesque rice paddies, until we arrive at a small village.

Here, we will have the opportunity to learn about a local NGO school and library project. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the nearby ancient 300-year-old temple and Buddha shrine.

KAMPONG LAENG - TONLE SAP LAKE

We are in the midst of the vast Tonle region, one of Cambodia’s amazing ecosystems.

We will discover Kampong Laeang this morning, situated just across from the famous pottery town of Kampong Chhnang. Once ashore, we embark on tuk-tuks to travel the heart of rural Cambodian life.

During this excursion, we'll explore various locals, discover the art of pottery making, and visit a charming pre-Angkorian temple. From a vantage point, we can enjoy panoramic views of the vast floodplains and lush rice fields (seasonal).

Back on board, the ship enters now the vast Tonle Lake. During the whole afternoon, accompanied by some onboard entertainment, you can enjoy the ocean-like views until we reach our mooring spot mid-lake at the doorstep of Siem Reap. We end this day of sailing with a farewell dinner and party vibes.

TONLE SAP - SIEM REAP

Enjoy your last breakfast on board our floating sanctuary.

The Tonle Sap (The Great Lake) is the flowing heart of Cambodia, giving love and life to millions of people. This rich ecosystem and UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve has more fish than any other lake in the world and is home to an incredible variety of birds, including rare and endangered feathered life.

Here, our Heritage Line cruise comes to an end this morning. We prepare to disembark the ship and take a local boat to the shore, passing a vast floating community. We arrive at the Siem Reap pier and bring you to the drop off point in the city centre from where you will be transferred to your hotel.

The rest of the day is at leisure. You can choose to add an evening excursion if you wish.

ANGKOR TEMPLES - FULL DAY TOUR

The city of Yasodharapura, now known as the Angkor Archaeological Park, was the capital of the Angkor empire for more than 500 years.

On this full day Angkor sightseeing tour, explore centuries of temples alongside an expert local guide.

Beginning from 07:30, the entire Angkor Park is open to visitors but many are still strolling around Angkor Wat.

Consequently, this is the best time to experience the temple you most wish to see with the fewest number of other visitors. Consider Ta Prohm, the temple made famous by the Angelina Jolie film Tomb Raider, which is otherwise best known for the trees and vines growing atop the temple walls.

The temple is a perfect example of how nature has crept in and reclaimed its land after the fall of the Angkorian empire. Enter from the east, just as the temple opens, to avoid the crowds.

After leaving Ta Prohm, the next temple you’ll wish to visit is Bayon, the temple at the center of Angkor Thom city, built by the last great king: Jayavarman VII. A tour of the city can begin at The Terrace of The Elephants and the Royal Palace enclosure. The forested grounds are beautiful in the morning. Visit the Phimeanakas and Baphuon before making your way to Bayon.

Take a stroll around the lower galleries of carvings of Bayon, which depict fascinating scenes of life from the late 11th century, then find a quiet spot on the exterior of the temple to appreciate the 52 towers featuring faces of the Buddha looking out into the jungle around you.

Optional: Preah Khan - For some, the above is enough to enjoy before lunch, returning to the hotel for a dip in the pool before eating in town. Others may wish to stay in the park for lunch in order to visit another temple, Preah Khan. Some restaurants in the park have air-conditioning and tour groups (near Angkor Wat and Srah Srang) and some have fans and hammocks with lower prices (Preah Khan and Angkor Thom). 

Journey north of Angkor Thom to Preah Khan, originally known as “the city of victorious royal fortune,” and now named after The Sacred Sword that some believe may have once been housed here.

Built in the late-12th century in honor of the great King Jayavarman VII’s father, this massive temple complex originally had a population of 97,840 in its service. Less frequently visited than its counterpart Ta Prohm (which was built for the king’s mother), Preah Khan is similar in design but is larger and more complex, and features numerous unique structures and carvings.

Enter from the east with the morning light to your back and enjoy the sounds of exotic wildlife that now make the forested compound their home. Venture into the crumbling corridors of the labyrinthian complex in search of hidden features: while Ta Prohm was once the setting of the Angelina Jolie film, Preah Khan offers more of a “Tomb Raider” experience for those willing to explore.  

One nice feature of Angkor Wat is that the eight galleries of carvings (where you will spend much of your time) is within a covered, open-air enclosure, making this one of the few times that you will be protected from the sun.

Furthermore, as the only west-facing temple, Angkor Wat is best to visit (and photograph) in the late afternoon, arriving around 2:30 - 3pm, enjoying the uppermost platform around 5:00pm, and walking out as the guards begin corralling visitors out of the complex at 5:30pm.

Exiting the temple with the setting sun shining on the Vishnu image discovered beneath the temple’s central sanctuary is a magical sight to behold and a fitting end of your exploration of the temple built by King Suryavarman, whose name translates to “protected by the sun”.

For sunset, the options are officially limited to Bakheng and Pre Rup. If you visited Bakheng for sunrise, you may wish to skip it as the temple can be overcrowded at last light. Pre Rup, a pyramid temple that looks beautiful in the sunlight is the popular default. Consider finding a quiet place away from the crowds, such as atop the city wall beside the West or South gate of Angkor Thom. 

With a treasure trove of photos and memories, return to your hotel after sunset.

FLY TO AUCKLAND

You will be collected from your hotel in Siem Reap and transferred to the airport by private car for your onward flight.

Fly from Siem Reap to Singapore with Singapore Airlines.

Fly from Singapore to Auckland with Singapore Airlines.

ARRIVE AUCKLAND

Arrive back in New Zealand.