THE JAYAVARMAN Mekong River Cruise

I don't know that cruise, but the Pandaw does a Mekong river cruise (as well as river cruises elsewhere in Asia).

Don't know about this line, but it looks like they are giving Pandaw some competition... trying to be slightly higher end?? Also looks like their first voyage is October of this year '09. I can't tell from their site exactly what is included. We are doing Pandaw this summer, and pretty much everything seems to be included, but don't know about this new line. Hmmmm... should be interesting to see them fight it out!

we were booked onto a 7 day cruise up the mekong delta saigon to siem reap from 21st november and we just been advised by heritage line that the boat will not be leaving, no other explanations. We are now left with flights to Bangkok and connecting flights to and from Vietnam and Cambodia as it was all booked seperatley. AVOID Heritage Line and Jayavarman at allcosts

This post is thinly disguised spam.

Just don't waste your time answering. You'll note the original post was placed in May this year, some six months before the company had even begun. My devatating reply, I note, has been deleted. Why?

The cruise is either a fabrication, a disaster or a con - I don't know which.

If you can be bothered going to the website you'll note that the pictures are photoshop composites of a Pandaw ship with a bit of art-work superimposed.

The cruise has never happened. Judging by the above post, it never will.

Just what sarasotababe's agenda is, who knows? She has a history of strange hotel reviews and absolutely nothing else. Life is short. We have to look out for each other.

leon's unfortunate experience says it all.

A pretty good scam at that. They were featured in either Travel & Leisure or Conde Naste last month (can't remember which.)

I remember seeing this post back in May and thinking the same thing as dogster, but then when I saw the article I thought perhaps it might be legitimate.

Sorry, leon, that you got screwed. Go enjoy a fantastic trip in Vietnam and Cambodia on your own (we can help you plan it) and chalk this up to a lesson learned.

It was in Conde Nast (Uk) Edition back in the spring too, in fact i kept the article, very strange!

I don't think I can locate a copy of Conde Naste right now. I'm surrounded by water and men with guns. [No, it's not Alcatraz]. At the moment my only options are a bullet or a Gangetic Dolphin. Given the way this adventure is turning out, I'd prefer the bullet.

I'm wondering how CN can write praising a cruise that has never once happened. Money talks. Maybe sarasotababe wrote the article.

But thanks leon for confirming my prediction. I'm sorry, too, that you got done over - with, I assume a fell refund?

Following up on one of Dogster's choices, I looked up Gabgetic Dolphins on wikipedia. I was surprised to learn that they were once considered the same species as Indus dolphins, then split in to two species and are now one again. The Once and Future Unispecies.

The conde nast article wasn't praising it, it was just talking about up and coming cruises etc. it was a very small piece

They still look like plain old dolphins to me. I'm a bit of a dolphin is a dolphin is another bloody dolphin kinda guy.

Dolphins are a lot sneakier than people think. Fresh water, salt water, fish, mammal. I think they cause the confusion on porpoise.

on porpoise...... your sharp today A (that and your chin jibe earlier... very funny!)

I know nothing about the Jayavarman but a new luxury boat the RV La Marguerite has started running cruises from Saigon to Siem Reap or VV. A friend of mine visited the boat when it docked in Phnom Penh on its maiden voyage in late September. Very lux and pricy. Web site here.
http://indochina-sails.com/

Take a deep breath, Dogster. The rescue operation is underway. Mrs.Madge and her troops, emboldened with gin, are safely on the ground. Indiana Pearl will soon be in the air, armed with espresso powder. Stay on the boat this time!!!

lol lol lol Detective Marija - you are just amazing. Google Maps 'Semaria'. That's where I am right now.

Then go to www.quilahouse.com

that's where I'm staying, as a guest of the family, from tomorrow. I can reveal no more.

Looks like you made it to day 11-- not too bad for Dogster. How absolutely shocking that you'll miss "Wildlife on the Ganges" and Ghazipur's opium factory, unless, of course, they've been deleted from the schedule. At least you frolicked in the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary.

I can't believe they bus people into Varanasi...

Now what is it that you're not revealing?

Looks like the land that time forgot, Dogster.

Map view, that is

having done the pandaw (saigon to siem reap) cruise last june (and having discovered it on the fodors forum...) i can say that it was amazing beginning to end. competition or no-- i really can't imagine why anyone would look further. as for "luxe" -- pandaw's service, comfort, genuine friendliness and flowing cocktails were plenty luxe with us. it was perfect. -kawh

dear all, the RV Jayavarman is up and running and the website you refer to is indeed a scam - the journey of the Jayavarman is to be found on www.heritage-line.com only and the maiden voyage from Siem Reap to Saigon is going to happen this Saturday November 28! It's true that we had to cancel 3 cruises and I hope to have a chance to make up for this..
The Mekong has many things to offer and so does the river cruise industry. Ships in all categories are now available and if you are looking for a boutique river cruiser with maximum privacy, then the Jayavarman is definetly the best bet.
best regards, Thomas Peter, Managing Director Heritage Line, Saigon, Vietnam

It has now been a month since last reply. The maiden cruises on the RV Jayavarman should have been completed.
How did they go? Was it as luxurious as claimed? How was the food, tours etc. Were the rooms as good as advertised?

Hi Helenc - do you notice on the 'heritage-line' website there STILL isn't an actual photograph of the boat, OR the cabins. Nothing - just press release babble and architect's drawings. Hmmm - it still looks suss to me.

I wouldn't touch it with a fifty foot pole until I see some proof.

At least we know La Marguerite ACTUALLY exists.

So, Thomas Peter, Managing Director blah blah blah - what's going on, pal? You've been ver-r-r-ry quiet lately.

I've just been looking at your photo, Thomas - you look young and keen, not like an international criminal mastermind at all. I'd give you my business in a shot, just to show support. Nuttin' wrong with big dreams. I hope it's not YOU who has been scammed.

We sailed past Thomas' boat at the border a few weeks ago when they were clearing formalities. Brenda Ho, Director of Sales & Marketing, RV La Marguerite - Indochina Sails JSC

haha, dognster, you could easily become Pandaw's ne Communication Officer..
The Jayavarman is underway and pictures become available within the next few days on www.heritage-line.com
BR from my private balcony
Thomas