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 Rivers remain the lifeblood of life in Asia. Cruising both China and
Indochina offers an unforgettable and unique view to often remote and
untouched landscapes and communities as well as delivering you to some
of the region’s most renown sights such as Angkor Wat and the Three
Gorges Dam. By cruising down the Mekong and Yangtze rivers you can also
choose from a variety of ships; from the traditional Chinese wooden
junks, to converted rice barges and French colonial boats that can range
from the comfortable to the luxury.
We offer a diverse range of cruising journeys and we can include pre and
post land touring arrangements that will enable you to see more of
these fascinating destinations throughout China, Vietnam, Cambodia and
Laos.
Experience a taste of old Indochine as you travel
from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) to Siem Reap on
the boutique cruise ships, The Jahan and sister
cruise, The Jayavarman. From the bustle and bright
lights of Vietnam’s largest city, cruise among the
floating markets and islands of the lush Mekong
Delta, before crossing the border into Cambodia.
Experience the laid back charms and dramatic,
tragic history of Phnom Penh before continuing to
Tonle Sap Lake and the glorious temples of Angkor.
Guest numbers are kept to a minimum, which
means the journey is more intimate and
personalised than on a large ocean liner. Crew
members are trained both locally and in Europe,
so you can expect the best of both worlds – from
friendly English-speaking guides to chefs cooking
up local delicacies and mouthwatering Western
fare. En route you’ll visit remote towns, villages
and other sites that are only accessible by boat.
 FREE FLIGHTS TO VIETNAM from $3,485 per person twin share
** Must be booked before 30 November 2011
12 Day Mekong River Cruise – Saigon to Angkor - Cruise and Tour - 19 July Departure
Contact us for further details on this SPECIAL.
With just 26 spacious cabins – all with large private balcony – private shore excursions and on-board services including spa, pool and daily Tai Chi.
Package includes:
- Return economy airfare with Vietnam Airlines from Melbourneand Sydney
- 7 Nights accommodation on board the Jahan in a private cabin
- 4 nights deluxe hotel accommodation
- Breakfast and dinner daily, all lunches whilst on the Jahan
- Arrival and departure transfers
- All sightseeing as specified in the itinerary including entrance fees
- English speaking local guides
- Tips and porterage
For all other Australian cities contact us for pricing.
Valid on 19 Jul 2012 departure only. Offer ends 30 Sep 2011, unless sold
out prior. Fly Free includes taxes of $300 per person, which may vary
and is valid on 19 Jul 2012 departure only. Flights are in economy class
with Vietnam Airlines from Sydney or Melbourne and are subject to
availabilty and booking class. Once class is sold out surcharges apply.
No refund once ticket is issued.
ASIAN RIVER CRUISING ROUTES
BORNEO The Rajang River, at 640km is the longest river in Malaysia. It flows across Borneo from Sarawak into Indonesian Kalimantan. Though well know to many from Redmon O’Hanlon’s classic “Into the Heart of Borneo”, there is very little tourism here due to the remoteness of the river and the lack of facilities. The scenery is magnificent – a total jungle experience with verdant rainforest tumbling into the fast flowing river. There is much to do and see upriver, whether just gazing at the amazing scenery or visiting long houses traditional and modern. In these river towns you can explore the architectural vestiges of the Brooke Raj. Jungle treks, for all levels, are a must as are long boat trips to the Pelagus rapids. Wildlife is in abundance with common sightings of crocodiles, monitor lizards and Sarawaks national bird, the hornbill. Downriver the still prosperous Chinese city of Sibu with its old shop houses, markets and friendly inhabitants, is a calm reflection of a China of old.
The most delightful city in South-East Asia, Kuching offers a glimpse of what Singapore or Bangkok must have been like half a century ago. Laid back, yet full of hip cafés and bars, the traditional Chinese shop houses are as yet untouched by greedy developers. The serene Sarawak River flows through the city centre, flanked by gorgeous Raj palaces, courts and a glistening white fort that marks the first White Raja’s landing.
INDIA This new river expedition sails between Calcutta and Benares on the Ganges and Hugli rivers and started in September 2009. The eight hundred mile expedition will be of fifteen days duration. Only ten sailings are planned for the coming season. The expedition takes in a number of the most important historical sites in India including many of the colonial splendors of Calcutta, the sacred places of Buddhism around Bodh Gaya and Benares, now called Varanasi, the great cultural centre of Hinduism. In addition, the Pandaw stops daily in smaller towns and villages to see handicrafts, rural life and a variety of local cultures as you pass from region to region.
Given the practical difficulties of crossing India by land, a river cruise makes the best sense covering a vast landscape in comfort and safety and exploring the real India well off the beaten track.
BURMA Burma, which after 1987 was renamed by the regime Myanmar, is the largest mainland South-East Asian country and with the greatest variety of scenery from Himalayan peaks to tropical beaches. We have yet to meet a visitor to Burma who does not feel that this is the most beautiful, friendly and culturally interesting Asian country ever visited. Most of the population live in three great river valleys encircled by impenetrable horseshoes of mountains. River life dominates the country. It forms the main system of transportation, irrigation and from its rich fishing grounds the principal protein source for the majority of the population. In the great Chindwin, Irrawaddy and Salween valleys two millennia of Buddhist art, architecture and archaeology survive, including of course the 3000 standing monuments at Pagan. There is no other Asian country with so vast and varied a range of cultural sites. Almost everywhere we look there are temples and monasteries, festivals and ceremonies. The warm and friendly Burmese people are also a deeply pious people and Buddhist activities dominate every aspect of life.
CAMBODIA AND VIETNAM There can be no tapestry of river life as fascinating and varied as the River Mekong. Indeed there can be no more striking a cultural contrast as that between the bustling Vietnam delta and the tranquility of Cambodia. Passing from the vibrant French colonial port of Saigon, now called Ho Chi Minh City, through the vast Delta so rich in human life and enterprise, to travel along the main channel into the rich countryside of Cambodia.In 2003 the Mekong Pandaw was the first ship to attempt this extraordinary journey in its entirety surmounting complex bureaucratic and navigational obstacles. Two Pandaws now explore two countries, two cultures and two ways of life linked by one great river. This is the only luxury cruise vacation on the Mekong River.
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