Jayavarman

Jayavarman is the father of Heritage Line’s unique ship collection and named after the most renowned Cambodian monarch, King Jayavarman VII, who was known for his tranquility and love for artistic creations. He created some of the most famous temples of the lost Angkorian civilization.

Jayavarman is a ship resembling a floating art gallery, with fine objects d’art exhibited all over the public decks. A charming French-Colonial design theme along with stylish Art-Deco accents are found throughout the ship’s rooms and public areas. The warm and embracing atmosphere invites to feel at home from the first step aboard.

The ship plies the lower Mekong between Vietnam & Cambodia on various itineraries.

THE TALE

A Blissful, Omnipresent Smile

Jayavarman embodies all the serenity and harmony of its namesake Jayavarman VII who was one of the greatest Khmer rulers of all time, a forceful and benevolent sovereign, an art lover and devout Buddhist admired far and wide. The French say cherchez la femme. But in Jayavarman’s case it is more correct to seek two, not one woman. The king married twice, first to Princess Jayaradhevi and then to her older sister Indradevi, and by all accounts they were extremely happy marriages to two very beautiful and deeply spiritual women. At the beginning of Jayavarman’s reign, during his long and frequent absences to expand his kingdom, it was Indravedi who comforted the forlorn young queen with Buddhist teachings.
Indradevi’s influence over the queen did not go unnoticed by Jayavarman who formed a strong attachment to his sister-in-law. And after Queen Jayaradhevi’s death this attachment blossomed into love, and finally into many long years as husband and wife. Indradevi was highly cultured and played an active role in state affairs, something that was quite unusual for those days. She also taught in temple schools thanks to her command of Sanskrit and wrote many poems chronicling her husband’s achievements. Jayavarman was a valiant leader during his 30-year reign and scenes of his successful naval battles can be admired today on engravings in the Angkorian Bayon and Banteay Chhmar temples.
He was also a great builder. After the new capital Angkor Thom he went on to construct two of Cambodia’s most spectacular temples, Ta Prom and the official state Buddhist temple, the Bayon. It is believed that the massive Buddha faces depicted on the four sides of the Bayon towers are of Jayavarman, and that the enigmatic smile on their faces – which is every bit as captivating as that of the Mona Lisa – is none other than the serene smile of the benign monarch. These same smiles can be found on the faces of the friendly and hospitable Cambodians, and of the crew on board Jayavarman.

AT A GLANCE

Jayavarman’s welcoming facilities beckon with charm

"Henry Mouhot” Lobby Lounge
Named after a celebrated French archaeologist, the scholarly Henry Mouhot Lounge showcases stunning Khmer art.
Club 1930 Bar & Lounge
Travel back in time at Club 1930, Jayavarman’s bar & lounge on the covered, open-air terrace deck.
Indochine Dining Hall
Jayavarman’s restaurant has the air of a sophisticated French brasserie
Apsara Spa
The Apsara spa locates in a quiet area at the front of the ship offering a broad selection of East-West fusion treatments.
Sun Deck & Pool
Jayavarman has a dedicated and elevated sun and terrace deck with a Jacuzzi pool to unwind and marvel at the Mekong river and its ever-changing shores.
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ACCOMMODATION

Jayavarman’s staterooms & suites - exceptionally fashionable, cosy and embracing

Superior

20 sqm/215 sqft
Located on the main deck, the Superior Staterooms feature a separate bathroom and large floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass doors that open onto a balcony. They are nicely appointed with white-wooden furniture and accentuated with Southeast-Asian ornaments and paintings.

Deluxe

23 sqm/248 sqft
The Deluxe Staterooms comprise a combined bed and living room, chairs, private balcony and a spacious bathroom. Warm tones, dark wood antique furniture, and handmade, rustic copper sinks in the bathrooms bring back the sensation of an awe-inspiring colonial era.

Signature Suites

27 sqm/240 sqft
The Signatures Suites sit on the upper deck and in a quiet area at the front of the ship. Both are uniquely designed and have a king double bed, sofa, walk-in wardrobe, luxurious bathroom with shower, and a front-facing balconies. A butler takes care of these suites.

LIFE ON BOARD

Enjoy your stay aboard Jayavarman to the fullest