Intrepid travel meets a sense of history and no shortage of luxurious touches aboard the charming Jayavarman river cruise ship, a wonderful option to explore the scenery connecting Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh on either a four, five or eight-day adventure.
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- VIP meet & greet service at departure
- Private transfers to and from your hotel
- Personal concierge service throughout
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Hotel information
This throwback boutique vessel not only looks reminiscent of a bygone age – with its vintage chandeliers, dark wood furnishings and 1930s themed lounge bar – but was even named after a real-life Buddhist king from the 12th century, no less.
Jayavarman is certainly a class act, as the cabins are both comfortable and delightfully decorated in locally-inspired designs, while up on deck you’ll find sun loungers, a pool with Jacuzzi jets and fantastic restaurant too.
Back in your private quarters, however, it is worth mentioning that every room comes with a furnished balcony, en suite bathroom and either twin, double or king-size bed, depending on which category you choose.
As you then wander further around the Jayavarman, its enchanting theme of turn-of-the-century exploration can be seen throughout. Not only in the aptly titled Club 1930 (its onboard bar), but also the Henry Mouhot Lounge, a refined reading room of antique armchairs and artefacts that fully set the scene, though a small spa and treatment room plus the boat’s more modern restaurant do add a little 21st-century comfort to proceedings.
While travelling the Mekong River aboard Jayavarman you’ll pass remote settlements, stunning rural landscapes and deep jungle alike. There’ll be chances to meet locals, visit villages and schools, enjoy cultural performances, temple tours and wildlife walks, all in the company of the expert Jayavarman team and their guides. And since this is an all-inclusive luxury cruise, everything is taken care of, from your meals and drinks to complimentary binoculars and slippers in your room.
Voyaging between Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh has never been easier.
Room Options
The Jayavarman’s 27 cabins are split into three luxury categories, though all feature their own take on Cambodian interior design, some being fully traditional while others a little more contemporary. The same high standard can be found throughout, so too the in-cabin amenities such as a furnished balcony for every room, complimentary binoculars, sandals, a sun hat and hand fan. You’ll also get a minibar, bathrobes, air-conditioning and a beautifully styled en suite bathroom as standard, with one or two extras creeping into the higher-level Signature Suite, if looking to book the best.
Superior Stateroom
Bright, light and airy, the Superior Stateroom cabins come with all white walls and a decidedly contemporary feel to them, albeit in keeping with the vintage theme found elsewhere throughout the Jayavarman thanks to antique-style phones, lamps and ornaments in these rooms. As well as your private balcony the Superior Stateroom has a respectable floorplan of 225sq ft, easily big enough for a double or twin bed setup.
Deluxe Stateroom
The Deluxe Stateroom cabin is slightly larger, at 258sq ft, though the main benefit of these rooms is their location on the upper deck, affording elevated views as a result.
Signature Suite
There are just two Signature Suites aboard the Jayavarman and they are certainly the pick of the bunch, with a king-size bed (one of which is four-poster), superior floorplan and views plus a handful of additional in-room amenities, such as a DVD player and seating area; a special room indeed.Facilities/Amenities
Though the main highlight of any luxury Mekong River cruise is often simply sitting back on your observation deck and watching the scenic world go by, the Jayavarman goes one extra and adds in a good selection of creature comforts too. There is a small spa area which offers relaxing massage therapies, plus a sophisticated reading room – the Henry Mouhot Lounge – which is great for quiet time during the day. The ship’s sundeck is also a joy, not least thanks to a small pool complete with Jacuzzi jets, and a line of loungers for those easy afternoons; not to be missed.
Restaurants & Bars
Indochine Dining Hall
An elegantly adorned onboard restaurant of white tablecloths, silver serving platters and dark wood furnishings, full of light too thanks to a wall of windows on either side. The menu at Indochine Dining Hall is changeable depending on the season, though more often than not features a reliable mix of Cambodian-inspired cuisine and a few more familiar favourites, both buffet-style and a la carte, to cater for everyone’s tastes.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
‘Club 1930’ Funnel Bar & Lounge
A fittingly elegant, semi-open-air lounge bar justifies its evocative name: Club 1930 certainly looks the part. The décor here is akin to the early days of exploration, all vintage gold lamps, candlelit lanterns and a dark wood polished square bar topped with vases full of wildflowers, all wrapped in pretty white curtains. Club 1930 is open all day and evening too, so you can admire the views with a cup of tea during the afternoon and laze away each night with a good glass of wine here, cosied up in your deep-sink armchair or perched at the bar.
Activities & Entertainment
Onboard the Jayavarman there will be cultural workshops, cooking classes and live dance performances to keep you entertained, between exciting excursions and sightseeing from the boat itself, that is. The scenery is spellbinding as you sail, from rural farmland to thick jungle. You’ll pass and visit small villages, temples such as the 7th century Wat Hanchey and Wat Nokor, as well as natural wonders including Tonle Sap (the largest freshwater lake in Asia). Take wildlife walks with your guide, enjoy onshore activities and more besides, with a mix of everything available depending on whether you embark on the four, five or eight-day cruise option.
Vietnam travel information
When to visit Vietnam
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
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Best time
Good time
Ok time
- Time zone: +7 GMT
- Flight time: 15-15 hours
- Recommended airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Air France, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Thai Airways
- Currency: Vietnamese dong
- Tipping guideline: Tipping is not expected in Vietnam, but small tips for good service are appreciated.
- Health considerations: There is a risk of altitude illness when travelling to destinations of 2,500m or higher. There is a risk of dengue. There is a risk of Zika virus. There is a low risk of malaria in the southern part of the country in the provinces of Tay Ninh, Lam Dong, Dak Lak, Gia Lai, and Kon Tum, and other rural areas of Vietnam. There is no risk of malaria in large cities, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), the Red River delta, coastal areas north of Nha Trang and Phu Quoc Island.
- Capital: Hanoi
- Population: 9.94977e+007
- National languages: Vietnamese
- Electricity and plugs: Type A, C, & D, 220 V
- Mobile phone coverage: Good coverage with several mobile service providers available.
- UK passport visa requirements: You may need a visa for Vietnam if you have a British passport - apply online
Want to know more?
Call our Travel Specialists for a chat with our Vietnam experts. They'll share their first-hand insights so you can find your perfect holiday.
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Nicola
Travel Specialist
Vietnam travel guides
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