A new sanctuary on the Mekong

The finishing touches are being made to the Jayavarman, a small luxury boat which will be the first of its kind to offer short river cruises on the Mekong that can easily be included within more extensive tours of the region.

Named after the Khmer king who ruled Angkor at its zenith, this newly built vessel has been designed to blend French colonial flair with enchanting Indochinese touches to create a sanctuary of style and space.

The 27 meticulously designed staterooms feature floor to ceiling sliding glass doors leading on to spacious private balconies, and there is ample public space and facilities spread over 4 decks.

The Jayavarman offers a selection of journeys on the waterways between Saigon and Siem Reap, ranging from 3 to 8 days in length, taking in World Heritage sites, floating Mekong towns and cruising through rural areas giving an insight into local life. The full but relaxed itineraries combine well with the onboard activities and luxurious facilities which include early morning Tai Chi, Vietnamese cooking classes, traditional Khmer music and dancing, and treatments at the “Apsara” Spa.

To coincide with the inauguration of the Jayavarman, Bamboo Travel is launching the following luxury tours that include the cruises within varied and exciting itineraries of the Indochina region.

Pearls of the Orient: Vietnam & Cambodia
A magnificent introduction to the delights of Indochina, combining the highlights of Vietnam with a luxurious cruise on board the Jayavarman through the Mekong Delta to Phnom Penh, and finishing at the majestic temples of Angkor in Cambodia.

UK – Hanoi (2 nights) – Halong Bay (1 night) – Hue (1 night) – Hoi An (2 nights) – Saigon (2 nights) – Jayavarman Cruise (3 nights) – Phnom Penh (1 night) – Siem Reap (3 nights) – UK

17 Days / 15 Nights from £3,095 per person. The tour includes return international flights, 4 and 5 star accommodation in heritage / character hotels, 3 nights aboard the Jayavarman in a Superior Cabin, comprehensive private sightseeing, domestic flights and airport transfers.

Serenity: Laos & Cambodia
A leisurely tour of Laos and Cambodia following the course of the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Phnom Penh, including a 4 night cruise onboard the Jayavarman from Siem Reap to the capital across Lake Tonle Sap and through unspoilt Cambodian countryside. The tour ends with 3 nights at the luxurious French Villa Knai Bang Chatt at the charming seaside town of Kep.

UK – Luang Prabang (3 nights) – Siem Reap (3 nights) – Jayavarman Cruise (4 nights) – Phnom Penh (1 night) – Knai Bang Chatt (3 nights) – UK

17 Days / 15 Nights from £2,995 per person. The tour includes return international flights, 4 and 5 star accommodation in heritage / character hotels, 4 nights aboard the Jayavarman in a Superior Cabin, comprehensive private sightseeing, domestic flights and airport transfers.

Vietnam in Style
See many aspects of Vietnam on this luxurious tour travelling the length of the country from the wild mountainous north to the tropical island of Phu Quoc in the far south. Along the way soak up the atmosphere of the ancient port of Hoi An, and indulge on a 2 night cruise travelling deep into the Mekong Delta on the Jayavarman.

UK – Hanoi (2 nights) – Mai Chau (1 night) – Hoi An (3 nights) – Saigon (2 nights) – Jayavarman Cruise (2 nights) – Rach Gia (1 night) – Phu Quoc (3 nights) – UK

17 Days / 14 Nights from £2,495 per person. The tour includes return international flights, 4 and 5 star accommodation in heritage / character hotels, 2 nights aboard the Jayavarman in a Superior Cabin, comprehensive private sightseeing, domestic flights and airport transfers.

Bamboo Travel also offers a relaxing 8 day cruise with 2 nights in both Siem Reap and Saigon from £2595 per person sharing which includes international flights.

For more information on the Jayavarman cruises, or any of Bamboo Travel’s Far East tours, visit Bambootravel.co.uk.