Heritage Line Ginger Cruise

Embarking on the Jayavarman for a three-night, four-day cruise from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City was a delightful journey through the Mekong Delta. From start to finish, the fantastic crew on this stunning vessel attended to us with the utmost care. Upon boarding, each staff member made an effort to provide personalized service, even going so far as to learn our first names. Every interaction was filled with warmth, friendliness, and smiles! The cabins with balconies were outstanding, the cuisine was delectable, and the excursions were truly one-of-a-kind! We absolutely adored it! The onboard lectures were also a highlight, particularly the session with a survivor of the Khmer Rouge genocide. Additionally, we enjoyed a presentation on Ho Chi Minh before reaching Saigon. The cruise is a perfect blend of discovery, culture, and luxury in an exceptional setting. Special thanks go to the entire crew, with a heartfelt mention to Smey for his remarkable expertise, availability, and kindness! We highly recommend this experience!

We were initially uncertain about what to anticipate when choosing this cruise. While it was notably pricier compared to other suggested tour options, a closer look revealed it would better cater to our preferences and desires. Our expectations were indeed met. Let’s delve into the service. Upon our arrival at the dock, we were welcomed with tea and menus. Heritage acknowledged our specific dietary preferences and allergies even before we selected our meals. Speaking of meals, they were incredibly elaborate, with multiple courses, but more on that soon. We met Sam, the assistant manager, who became our main contact throughout the journey. Sam was truly exceptional. He offered valuable insights into our tours in fluent English, ensured every request was fulfilled, led cooking classes, demonstrated the art of tea preparation, and even guided us through natural rock tunnels by kayak. Sam’s dedication to ensuring everyone was content with the cruise was remarkable. The food was phenomenal! The presentation was stellar, comparable to ‘starred’ dining, and the flavors matched this high standard. Highlights included crab and asparagus soup, seared sea bass, and duck confit. The meals undoubtedly marked the culinary peak of our travels. Service was impeccable—always attentive yet unobtrusive. As for the rooms, our base cabin was far from ordinary. It featured a lovely soaker tub, a large walk-in shower, a cozy desk area, and a comfortable king-sized bed, with multiple daily services ensuring we had towels, fresh filtered water, and more. The smaller size of the boat meant there was always space available for a lounge chair or shade, and it was intentionally peaceful. One night, we faintly heard the ‘thump thump’ of bass from another vessel and felt relieved to be on the Ylang instead! Regarding the spa, we indulged in the included massage. The rooms were spotless and spacious, with service on par with the finest massage places we visited in Vietnam. Our overall experience left us utterly satisfied, with countless small details enhancing our enjoyment on the Ylang and with Sam. A special highlight was the day we kayaked to the beach; as seasoned paddlers, we comfortably explored a section of the bay on our own.

An unforgettable journey! You truly feel like royalty aboard. The service is incredibly personal. The meals are delicious. The excursions are outstanding, with brilliant daily organization. Our three kids were quite emotional when it was time to bid farewell to the Jahan and its amazing crew… a genuine life experience!

This river cruise exceeded expectations. The staff went above and beyond by remembering the names of all the guests. Each day featured well-organized stops with delightful excursions offered both in the morning and afternoon. The food was abundant and tasty. I strongly suggest this cruise. April was rather warm, so I would suggest traveling between November and February for cooler weather.

Our journey began on the Jahan in Saigon, and it turned out to be an amazing experience. The crew was incredibly welcoming, the cuisine was delicious, and the vibe was wonderful. The bike tours were excellent, allowing us to enjoy many adventures with our guides. With two guides accompanying us, they were able to tailor the experiences to our desires. Evenings by the pool were filled with joy, as the dancing chef and staff brought cheerfulness to the night. Overall, it was simply fantastic.

We just spent an unforgettable week aboard the magnificent Jayarvaman ship, traveling from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap. The experience was nothing short of extraordinary, and every moment on this breathtaking vessel was a joy. The crew members are some of the most delightful people we’ve met, especially the ship manager, Smey, who was exceptional in his assistance and knowledge. He speaks flawless English and went out of his way to ensure all guests felt completely cared for. While the entire crew was outstanding, I must highlight the bar staff, Chanty and Ly, who were exceptionally attentive throughout our stay. In the restaurant, Chyi and Phiron also stood out for their brilliance, knowing our names within just a few hours onboard. Our stateroom was cozy and comfortable, with a wonderful balcony of decent size. The bathroom was lovely, and we had all the amenities like robes, slippers, toiletries, and a quality hairdryer. A kettle and mini bar were also available. We received a fabulous water bottle, sunhat, and other delightful gifts each night. The room service was impeccable, attended to twice daily. Dining was a treat with a buffet breakfast and lunch, followed by a five-course à la carte dinner, accompanied by free-flowing wine and beer during meals. The chef was amazing, frequently showcasing show cooking, hosting a BBQ one night, and even conducting a cooking class one afternoon. The excursions were excellent, offering a morning and afternoon trip each day, with lunch and a chance to swim or rest in between. Our guides, Tri in Vietnam and Kinal/Ponleuo in Cambodia, were both knowledgeable and entertaining, making the excursions unforgettable for everyone. We explored fascinating places and met local people with captivating stories. These trips were thoughtfully organized, featuring an earphone system to ensure no detail was missed, and information about the excursions was provided the night before. If a trip wasn’t to your liking, relaxing on the boat was always an option. We participated in every excursion, enjoying rides on sampans, tuk-tuks, ox carts, and more! It was amazing! We also joined the Tai Chi class on the top deck each morning at 6:30 am, which was incredible, with soothing music, watching the sunrise, and sailing along the Mekong as villages came alive. These memories are something I will treasure for a long time.

Our week-long cruise on the Mekong River aboard the Jayavarman was truly delightful. The staff was exceptional, delivering superb service to every guest. The ship itself was stunning, equipped with fantastic amenities. This journey offered a unique chance to immerse ourselves in the lifestyle and culture of the local communities along the river. We enjoyed guided tours through villages, schools, and temples, engaging with the local villagers. Additionally, we explored various cities and visited palaces and sacred sites. The visit to the S21 prison, where we spoke with survivors of the Khmer Rouge era, was both moving and enlightening. Onboard, the cuisine and entertainment were top-notch. In summary, the crew’s dedication was remarkable, making this experience truly unforgettable.

We enjoyed a delightful day aboard the Ginger Cruise. The cuisine was excellent, and the crew was both welcoming and efficient. Our cabin was not only stylish and comfortable but also roomy and spotless. We truly had a relaxing experience and are pleased we chose to add this to our itinerary. While the ship shows some signs of age, it didn’t diminish our pleasure. The cooking class was also a highlight.

Our journey aboard the Jayavarman from My Tho to Siem Reap was truly extraordinary. We gained a deeper understanding of Vietnam and Cambodia through countryside excursions led by exceptional guides. Tumlus, in particular, moved us with his kindness and sincerity. The Jayavarman itself was stunning, with a dedicated crew of about 40 ensuring every guest’s comfort. Every need was met with genuine warmth and professionalism. Smey, the leader on board, was exemplary—friendly, intelligent, and highly skilled. A heartfelt thank you to the entire team for making this voyage an unforgettable experience. Peter and Margot from Switzerland

Our group of four had an amazing experience aboard the Jayavarman Cruise. The crew went above and beyond for us. The food was fantastic. My husband has a seafood allergy, and it was no problem at all for the chefs to prepare an alternative meal for him. There was a daily tour, each fascinating and informative, and we gained so much knowledge about Vietnam and Cambodia—from their cuisine to their way of life. Visiting the schools in Cambodia was a highlight; the children were friendly and curious about our home country. Each evening, after dinner, there was either a guest speaker or a film discussing the day’s destinations.