A journey through the lower Mekong offers fascinating experiences.
In his State of the Cruise Industry Report 2023Cruise industry expert Cruise Lines International Association predicts that the industry will welcome over 36 million guests to set sail in 2024. The majority of those seafarers will select one in every of the normal cruise lines: Carnival, Royal Caribbean or Norwegian. Even fewer will go for the mid-size lines like Viking, Disney or Virgin. And proportionally, only a few will take a boutique river cruise that’s significantly off the beaten path. According to the report, 85% of travelers who’ve taken a cruise before would select the experience again, and the cruise industry as a complete continues to be one in every of the fastest-growing sectors of tourism, with a 19% forecast inside the following 4 years.
The lasting component of any form of travel is usually the cultural immersion it provides. Numerous surveys conclude that greater than half of travelers place a high priority on experiencing a destination like a neighborhood, and travelers consider a visit “wasted” in the event that they don’t experience the local culture. Smaller cruise lines are particularly good at providing these intimate experiences.
Guests can fully immerse themselves within the local culture.
For visitors to Vietnam and Cambodia, the Mekong could be a world away from the hustle and bustle of town. The Mekong’s floating markets, picturesque villages accessible by boat, tranquil estuaries and historic temples all contribute to this unique experience. Through tailor-made expeditions and programs offered by Heritage Lineguests can immerse themselves within the culture of the mighty Mekong. Riding through rice fields on ox carts, learning silk weaving alongside local artisans and meditating alongside monks in a Cambodian monastery are only a taste of Heritage Line’s authentic and tailor-made itineraries, designed to bring visitors closer to the culture they’re exploring than ever before.
It can feel like there are worlds between Cambodia and the Mekong.
The dominant features of the Cambodian landscape are the big, almost ubiquitous Tonle Sap (Great Lake) and Bassac river systems, and the Mekong, Asia’s third longest river, which crosses the country from north to south. The river then flows through Vietnam (the lower basin), spreads out over the tropical lowlands of the Mekong Delta, after which empties into the South China Sea.
The ship offers the luxurious facilities of a five-star resort.
Cruise on the five-star ships of the Heritage Line Jayavarman And The Jahan. Reminiscent of the glory of former British India, Jahan cruises the lower Mekong with 26 exquisitely designed cabins and suites, all with large balconies. The ship offers all of the luxurious facilities of a superb five-star resort on her three spacious passenger decks, of which the Terrace Deck offers guests a pool, two shaded sunbathing areas, an open-air bar & lounge, a spa, an observatory lounge and a chic dining room. Heritage Line’s Jayavarman combines an exquisite French-colonial ambience with Khmer art in her interiors. 27 elegant cabins and suites, all with private balconies, are spread over two decks. Luxurious public facilities include the Club 1930 Funnel Bar and the ship’s elevated sundeck with pool, each prime open-air places to chill out with stunning river views.
A journey through the Lower Mekong offers unique, fascinating experiences that concentrate on each education and supporting the area people. Guests can choose from three, 4 or seven nights. This classic seven-day Mekong cruise – called The lost civilization – combines rarely visited places with incredible historical sites. It offers an entire river discovery tour through Vietnam and Cambodia along the Mekong with a mixture of experiences you’ll always remember.
Travelers are treated to dances by classical Apsara artists.
Accompanied by local English-speaking guides, visitors have the possibility to go to the town of Cai Be and learn the way rice paper, rice cakes, rice wine and coconut candy are made; sample fruit from a neighborhood family’s orchard on Tan Phong Island; weave water hyacinths into handicrafts in a small village that relies entirely on this art form; mingle with residents at local markets; meet priests at a Cao Dai temple to learn more concerning the Mekong religion; dance with classical Apsara performers and more. In Tan Chau, your personal rickshaw driver leisurely navigates a network of streets so you possibly can observe workshops, street vendors, shops and the fascinating every day activities of local people.
Head to Phnom Penh, a city once referred to 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 centuries of history and culture that continues to be evident on every street corner. Start with a cyclo ride through town, then visit historical sites comparable to the Palace and the Silver Pagoda. Stop for a delicious lunch in town before visiting one in every of the country’s most famous history museums, “Sosoro,” and end the tour with a leisurely stroll through town’s French Quarter.
The Heritage Line team is led by founder John Tue Nguyen, who grew up along the Perfume River in Vietnam’s imperial city of Hue. The team behind Heritage Line is driven by a desire to share undiscovered parts and untold stories of Southeast Asia’s river. Nguyen’s gentle devotion to the region offers passengers the unique opportunity to go to these small villages, often untouched by visitors, and experience their art forms.
