We were really impressed by the staff and the vessel from the moment we boarded the Jayavarman.All facilities on board were excellent. Our cabin was well serviced with clean linen at all times and little surprises on the bed at the end of each day. The dining experince was over and above what we had expected. Our table was excellently serviced by the delightful Moni and others. We would certainly travel with Heritage Line again. The locally engaged English speaking guides both Vietnamese and Cambodian were knowledgeable and friendly. The onshore excursions were interesting, informative and well balanced. Life on board was relaxed and friendly. The pool was a welcome relief at the end of the day in sometimes hot and humid conditions. The staff were always helpful and no request was too difficult. It was an overall wonderful experience which was enhanced by the friendly and helpful staff. Our experience was a great introduction to Cambodia. Read Less

Abercrombie and Kent trip. So outstanding and first class in every way We loved every minute. The crew were so wonderful and expertly trained. The two per day shore excursions were small group with outstanding guides and the dining with wonderful Cambodian lunch and French inspired dinners was superb. The chef would also prepare specialty items that we purchased in local markets and even our shoes were taken and cleaned and returned after each excursion. Don’t expect TV tho because the joy of the cruise is being away from all of that. Eating at long beautifully set tables or tables for two if you prefer. The guides were all locals that spoke excellent English and shared their stories of their families survival during the war in Vietnam and the horrible genocide in Cambodia. Many excursions included lunch in gorgeous restaurants with specialty food requests if guests had dietary restrictions such as gluten salt and nuts and vegetarian meals were superb. Read Less

This was a small boat cruise maximum 52 cabins. The cabins were beautiful with own balcony and bathroom , We traveled up the Mekong river from Vietnam to Cambodia. We had twice daily on shore excursions and got to explore and experience the real river village life. The guides were brilliant and knowledgeable about their country . The crew and services on board were amazing. All our needs were more than taken care of. Tia Chi every morning on the deck was magical .. Scenery beautiful and neat to watch and enjoy the daily lives of the local people on the river. The food was amazing.offering both local and international dishes. The cooking demonstrations were fun, Spa offered a full range of services . The massages were so relaxing. wonderful. The pool and decks and lounges had beautiful comfortable furniture. We had a magical brilliant week Would definitely do it again. i Read Less

We were looking for a river cruise experience and the Heritage Line delivered via the Jahan and the Mekong River cruise from Ho Chi Minh City to Seim Reap. The group met at a lovely hotel in Ho Chi Minh City to conduct our check-in activities before heading upstairs for drinks and refreshments. A pleasant bus ride to the embarkation point followed although the sight of embarkation is a bit industrial and leaves a bit to be desired. The staff were wonderful from the beginning and that continued throughout the journey. I can't say enough about the quality of the staff aboard this vessel whether it be the sailors, the room attendants, chefs and food and beverage staff. They were all happy, cheerful, extremely helpful and above all else happy to engage with guests on conversation and stories about their life in both Vietnam and Cambodia. They were also interested in where we came from and we thoroughly enjoyed our conversations throughout the trip. The guides were exceptionally helpful on our morning and afternoon excursions and everything flowed smoothly and all activities went as planned. Keep in mind what is being offered is an opportunity to experience how the Vietnamese and Cambodian people live on the Mekong Delta and in some cases it is quite raw and confronting. Having opportunities to visit local schools as part of our excursions and interact with young children wishing to learn English was great fun. Visits to markets, pagodas, silk farms, pottery producers, rice and palm wine producers, floating markets, fish farms, weavers were some of the activities undertaken on excursions. Food on the Jahan was exceptional with both Western and local options available and again I cannot overemphasise how good the chefs and staff were in catering to those with food preferences and health issues. They certainly went above and beyond on this cruise. Bottled water was provided as part of the cruise fare and we were never wanting with drinking water during hot conditions weather on the ship or on excursions. Our cabin was spacious for two people and included a bedroom, sitting room as well as a normal sized bathroom. We also had a little balcony which we enjoyed for quiet moments as the ship was cruising. The ship is fitted out in colonial Indian style and there are a number of public spaces for watching the scenery go by such as the library/lounge as well as the forward observation room. The bar on the top deck has a wide selection and it was also a pleasant space to have a drink and watch the movements on the river. Early morning tai chi before breakfast was very relaxing for the early risers. Ultimately we were not able to sail all the way to Seim Reap because of low water levels at that time of year but this didn't come as a surprise as we were warned at the time of booking and again advised immediately prior to boarding that it was unlikely this could occur. A luxury bus was able to then take us from our point of disembarkation to Seim Reap in a couple of hours which in itself was a pleasant trip. Our final night involved a special dinner and concert from the staff and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Evening activities included presentations regarding local culture, geography and history as well as some cultural dances and movies. All of this allowed us to thoroughly enjoy the group of people whom we met on the ship and collectively enjoy a wonderful experience. We will certainly look at the Heritage line in future for other cruises they may offer. We highly recommend this cruise to others seeking a destination somewhat different to others on the cruise itinerary. Read Less

We wanted to experience the culture and beauty of Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong Delta; and what better way than on a beautiful river boat. The Jayavarman is just that. The staff was excellent and we were spoiled for the entire week. Nim, Panny and Makara were delightful. The cabin decor was elegant with adequate space, and a veranda with wonderful views. Amazing sunrises and sunsets. The ship's atmosphere was relaxing with a large open air deck to view the river and surrounding land. There areas to lounge or to socialize on the top 2 decks. The upper deck had chaise lounge chairs and a small pool. There were Tai Chi classes on the upper deck every morning. There is also a spa available for messages, manicures, pedicures, etc. WiFi was available at no extra charge, which was unexpected but nice to have. The food was excellent and abundant. Without previous notice, the chef catered to my husband's dietary needs of gluten free meals. He even prepared individual pastries and cakes. The dining hall was stylish and classically decorated. Service was great. The chef hosted a culinary class where the guest participated and learned several dishes including spring rolls. It was a lot of fun. Excursions were really interesting and very personal. We visited floating markets and small villages where we interacted with the local people; and learned about their way of life. The cultural experience was unforgettable. We visited the Killing Fields and the S21 Prison in Phnom Penh, an experience that won't soon be forgotten. We visited the Green School and the children were so excited and fun. Local families shared their homes and stories. I would definitely recommend the Heritage Line's Jayavarman cruise. Read Less

Cruising the Mekong in his small ship is like being on the Orient Express except you are afloat. Cruising the Mekong is probably the best way to see the vibrancy, colour and rhythms of life that the Vietnamese and Cambodian people have been following for generations. Here you experience slices of life and photographic opportunities every minute to capture the essence of Vietnam and Cambodia. The activities and land trips are well spaced out with time to absorb each new experience. We never felt rushed or pressured. The staterooms are exquisitely furnished and finished and we all have private balconies, but the oldie worldie teak and cane, fresh flowers and rich fabrics cast you back to an older era. The staff are superb. Friendly and happy to share their stories. The guides who take you around the villages, fish farms,temples and give amazing talks at night are knowledgeable, passionate and happy to answer any questions. Tri our Cambodian guide was incredible as was our Vietnamese guide on the same trip. We taught them all Kiwi and Australian so it was bro this and bro that and a whole lot of fun and the food was exceptionally good with 9 staff in the kitchen and a good variety of Western and Asian food over the 8 days. Presents on the end of our beds each night added to the thrill of the journey. Read Less