A River Route through Hitory & Two Cultures
Rivers are the heart and soul of countries and cultures, a pulsating lifeline. And no river teems with more life than the mighty Mekong, which winds its way through the lush lowlands of Cambodia and Vietnam. Lindblad’s dual-natured, in-depth land and river exploration takes us from the heart of Cambodia’s 9th-century Khmer empire, at Angkor, to Vietnam’s most storied city, Saigon. They’ll largely travel along the Mekong—with our riverboat, Jahan, providing an all-five-senses-engaged front-row seat.
Live like a local
Exciting ways to get around
Cyclo. Longboat. Oxcart. And, of course, tuk-tuk. These are all indigenous forms of transportation that you can enjoy during unforgettable day trips from Jahan. Travel through rice paddies and lotus lily farms using a traditional two-wheeled oxcart, a bouncy but exhilarating ride. You might then jump into a tuk-tuk—a three-wheeled, motorized rickshaw—and
zip through the countryside to visit a local temple or a school supported by Lindblad-National Geographic guests, where the friendly students will greet you.
Wend your way through Phnom Penh’s traffic relaxing on a cyclo, a bicycle that pulls a two-seater car behind it, as you view the French Colonial Post Office, the U.S. Embassy and the art deco Central Market, before ending with a tour of the Royal Palace. And to explore waterways too small for Jahan to navigate, you can board a longboat to immerse yourself in the local culture. Visit floating villages and take in the homes, shops, produce markets, and fish farms—all with an up-close view of this fascinating way of life on the water.
A real taste of Vietnam and Cambodia
Although the two countries are neighbors and their foods share many elements, the cooking in each country is distinctive. Whether it’s aboard Jahan, at fine city restaurants or our private dinners, eating local food on this journey is always a rewarding part of your experience. You’ll always have a choice of continental foods, as well. The result: You’ll look
forward to mealtimes and the extraordinary culinary opportunities this region has to offer—and perhaps return home with new recipes and skills gleaned from our visits to local markets and on-board cooking class.
Exclusively yours, with meaning & magic
A private dinner at Temple Prasat Kravan, Angkor
It’s an experience so evocative that many guests have told us it was the highlight of their voyage. The incomparable setting uses gentle illumination to conjure the temple’s mystery and magic, as costumed dancers, looking like the celestial dancers adorning the walls of Angkor’s temples, perform classic music and dance for us as they have for dynasties of Khmer kings and queens.
Reception at Henry Cabot Lodge’s residence, Saigon
Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. was a U.S. senator, vice presidential candidate and U.N. ambassador
who was asked by both Presidents Kennedy and Johnson to be U.S. ambassador to Vietnam.
Enjoy a private cocktail reception in his former home, beautifully restored and featuring much of the original artwork, photographs and furniture.
An inspiring interaction – the Kampong Tralach local school project
What could be better than connecting with enthusiastic children who are bettering their
own lives—and the lives of their families? For years Lindblad/National Geographic guests
have supported extracurricular education in the village of Kampong Tralach, funding local
schools that provide English language instruction and a place for local children to share their growth through storytelling. A journey from Jahan via oxcarts takes you through the rice paddies to a school where you will be welcomed by the students, who will be starting their day with the Khmer flag-raising ceremony. You can even follow the students into their classrooms to personally experience education in rural Cambodia. Our guests feel most warmly welcomed into this vibrant community.
Enhancing your experience with insight and expertise
When you travel with us, you’re surrounded by people with in-depth knowledge of and enthusiasm for the incredible regions we visit. From renowned photographers to local specialists and onboard experts drawn from a wide range of relevant backgrounds, our carefully crafted
team is vital to the quality of your experience, and their presence often proves transformative.
Superb accommodations on the river and on land
The 48-guest Jahan is an artistic masterpiece, handcrafted with hand-painted walls and ceilings, inlaid and hand-carved woodwork, and a decorative treasure of irreplaceable antiques collected from East India and Sri Lanka. The ship’s deluxe accommodations include 24 spacious cabins, two of which are suites. All are configured with queen or twin-sized beds, and glass-door private balconies for enjoying the timeless views of life along the Mekong.
La Residence D’Angkor
This elegant Siem Reap hotel, a member of the Belmond group, is built in traditional
Khmer style and finished in teak and bamboo. The indoors and outdoors are beautifully
integrated, with balconies and large windows letting in ample light and allowing for great
views of the lush gardens (which make for fine strolling).
Park Hyatt Saigon
A remarkable combination of colonial and modern elegance, the Park Hyatt is situated in the heart of Saigon, steps from the city’s grand squares, shopping streets, and the Saigon River. Its rooms are spacious and beautifully appointed, and its grand public spaces provide a welcoming atmosphere.
