Mekong River Cruise Embarkation Guide for Heritage Line The Jahan & Jayavarman

Embarking on a Mekong River cruise is exciting. This guide walks you through exactly what to expect before you step on board Heritage Line’s flagship vessels, The Jahan and Jayavarman Cruise, so your voyage begins as seamlessly as the river itself.

Passengers starting their cruise in Saigon or Siem Reap meet at Heritage Line’s meeting location before being transferred to the vessel. After the cruise, guests are dropped off at the cruise meeting lounge.

In Phnom Penh, embarkation and disembarkation take place directly at the ship’s pier.

1. Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam

Meeting Point: Sofitel Saigon Plaza, 17 Le Duan Boulevard, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Applicable Cruise Itineraries

• 7-night Saigon - Siem Reap (upstream) / Siem Reap - Saigon (downstream)
• 3-night Saigon - Phnom Penh (upstream) / Phnom Penh - Saigon (downstream)

Meeting & Drop-off Times

• Upstream itineraries (embarkation): Meeting time at 10:00 AM / Lounge closes at 10:45 AM
• Downstream itineraries (disembarkation): Drop-off time at approx. 10:30 AM

Travel Tip: We strongly recommend booking your hotel at or near District 1 for convenience. Staying close to Sofitel Saigon Plaza saves time and eliminates transfer stress on embarkation day.

2. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Meeting Point: Koulen Hotel, Mondul II Village, Oknha Oum Chhay Street, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Applicable Cruise Itineraries

• 7-night Saigon - Siem Reap (upstream) / Siem Reap - Saigon (downstream)
• 4-night Phnom Penh - Siem Reap (upstream) / Siem Reap - Phnom Penh (downstream)

Because Mekong water levels fluctuate, embarkation times in Siem Reap vary between Low Water and High Water periods.

Low Water Period (mid-November - late August)

• Downstream itineraries (embarkation): Meeting time at 07:30 AM / Lounge closes at 08:15 AM
• Upstream itineraries (disembarkation): Drop-off time at approx. 1:30 PM

High Water Period (late August - mid-November)

• Downstream itineraries (embarkation): Meeting time at 09:30 AM / Lounge closes at 10:30 AM
• Upstream itineraries (disembarkation): Drop-off time at approx. 9:30 AM

Important Note: Water conditions may change at short notice. Final confirmation of whether your departure follows the Low or High Water program will be provided about one week before your cruise.

3. Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Embarkation & Disembarkation Point: Phnom Penh Pier, Building #649, Sisowat Quay, Sangkat Sraschork, Khan Daun Penh (GPS: 11°34'58.7"N 104°55'16.8"E)

Applicable Cruise Itineraries

• 4-night Phnom Penh - Siem Reap (upstream) / Siem Reap - Phnom Penh (downstream)
• 3-night Saigon - Phnom Penh (upstream) / Phnom Penh - Saigon (downstream)

Embarkation & Disembarkation Times

• Embarkation: 08:00 AM
• Disembarkation: 08:30 AM

In Phnom Penh, guests proceed directly to and from the pier; no meeting lounge transfer is arranged (please be on time).

Special Operational Notes on Jayavarman Cruise

From early January to April, Jayavarman may dock in Kampong Cham depending on water levels.

If you are arranging private transfers directly to or from the ship, please contact the cruise team in advance for precise mooring details.

Essential Tips for a Smooth Embarkation

• Stay at or near the designated meeting point
• Arrive at least 15 minutes before lounge closing time
• Double-check water level updates one week prior to departure
• Keep passport and travel documents easily accessible
• Coordinate private transfers in advance if bypassing the meeting lounge

Plan ahead, arrive on time, and let Heritage Line handle the rest. Your Mekong River cruise adventure of a lifetime awaits.