Guest of Honour 
Guest Speaker 
Deluxe Stateroom
5% Ponant Bonus
19 m2
2
- New
Secret Islands and Mythical Cities of South-East Asia
Phuket - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Dates:
13/2/2024
to
26/2/2024
days
nights on board
With featured guest Thanh-Van Tran-Nhut, mechanical engineer and author of the investigations of Mandarin Tan (Philippe Picquier).
Through a brand-new itinerary departing from Phuket, PONANT invites you to discover the natural gems and historic cities of South-East Asia. Sailing from Thailand to Malaysia via Singapore, Cambodia and Vietnam, Le Jacques-Cartier invites you on an exceptional 14-day cruise featuring heavenly islands, exceptional natural heritage, and cultural discoveries where Asian, Indian and European influences mingle.
In a sublime setting of emerald water, karstic cliffs, mangrove and white sand, Le Jacques-Cartier will also drop anchor off the coasts of the uninhabited island of Ko Rok Nok, a paradise for swimming and relaxation. This fabulous odyssey continues as the glorious shoreline of West Malaysia slowly emerges before you. You will sail the Malacca Strait, the former strategic crossroads on the silk and spice roads, to discover the beautiful cities of Penang and Malacca, UNESCO World Heritage Sites with fascinating Asian, Portuguese and Dutch heritage.
In Singapore, city-State on the edges of the Orient, you will be seduced by the unique multicultural atmosphere of this “garden city”, home to wonderful botanical tropical gardens, UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Back in Malaysia, you will sail along the east coast to reach the picturesque and dynamic city of Kuantan. Known throughout the country for the quality of its arts and crafts, this former fishing port stands out for its ancestral know-how. Here, artisans excel in the art of batik, an ancient fabric printing technique, are renowned for the weaving of pandanus leaves, and distinguish themselves in the creation of wooden sculptures.
It is now time to call at Kampot, in Cambodia. A gateway to the lush Bokor National Park, the former French colony captivates visitors with its spellbinding landscapes featuring pepper plantations, salt marshes and rice fields, but also its old-world atmosphere blending Western and Asian traditions.
In the Gulf of Thailand, facing the Cambodian shores, the Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc offers a taste of paradise. Known as “the Emerald Island”, it is a concentrate of the most beautiful features Mother Nature has to offer: heavenly beaches of fine sand surrounded by stunning coral reefs, wild coves, unspoiled tropical forest home to wildlife and dense vegetation, verdant peaks, and more.
Le Jacques-Cartier will then chart a course north towards the Côn Dao Islands, in the China Sea. This preserved archipelago, where picturesque fishing villages overlook a crystal sea, will delight you with its wild beauty as well as its rich history.
Your voyage will end in Ho Chi Minh City. Founded in the 17th century, this city formerly known as Saigon sits right near the Mekong Delta, a mythical river on which small, colourful boats throng on market days.
Ref : EX130224
Your itinerary
With featured guest Thanh-Van Tran-Nhut, mechanical engineer and author of the investigations of Mandarin Tan (Philippe Picquier). A brand-new cruise to discover the gems of South-East Asia, including mythical...
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Your trip in detail
Our guest of honour
Thanh-Van Tran-Nhut
Dear Travellers,
It is a great pleasure for me to discover the secret islands and mythical cities of Southeast Asia in your company. The Jacques Cartier will sail between Thailand and Vietnam, landing on shores where Eastern and Western influences merge. Hundreds of years before us, other travellers sailed through the Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea: merchants from all over the world, mercenaries and missionaries. Their encounters with the local populations have had an impact on the course of history, with effects that are still perceptible today. During our journey, I would be happy to talk to you about these rich exchanges that have changed a certain vision of the world, but also enriched our scientific knowledge and given us an insight into cultures and beliefs that were previously little known.
See you soon!
Thanh-Van Tran-Nhut
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*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24h room service
- Inclusive Wi-Fi Internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Thanh-Van Tran-Nhut
Thanh-Van Tran-Nhut was born in Vietnam and grew up in the United States and in France. A mechanical engineer (B.S., California Institute of Technology), she is the author of the series of investigations by Mandarin Tân (Philippe Picquier), which she began writing with her sister, a physicist; the protagonist is based on one of their ancestors. The eight novels, translated into several languages, are set in Vietnam in the 17th century, a period of crisis for the empire, which was undergoing massive changes.
She has also published La Femme dans le Miroir (Robert Laffont), a novel about Dutch vanitas paintings and Le Palais du Mandarin (NiL), a short story collection. Her most recent novel, Kawekaweau (Au Vent des Iles), centred on a mysterious gecko endemic to New Zealand, highlights 19th-century voyages of scientific exploration, a time when the French sailed the waters of the South Pacific to expand their botanical and zoological knowledge.
Languages spoken : French and English
Photo Credit : JKR
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Thanh-Van Tran-Nhut
Thanh-Van Tran-Nhut was born in Vietnam and grew up in the United States and in France. A mechanical engineer (B.S., California Institute of Technology), she is the author of the series of investigations by Mandarin Tân (Philippe Picquier), which she began writing with her sister, a physicist; the protagonist is based on one of their ancestors. The eight novels, translated into several languages, are set in Vietnam in the 17th century, a period of crisis for the empire, which was undergoing massive changes.
She has also published La Femme dans le Miroir (Robert Laffont), a novel about Dutch vanitas paintings and Le Palais du Mandarin (NiL), a short story collection. Her most recent novel, Kawekaweau (Au Vent des Iles), centred on a mysterious gecko endemic to New Zealand, highlights 19th-century voyages of scientific exploration, a time when the French sailed the waters of the South Pacific to expand their botanical and zoological knowledge.
Languages spoken : French and English
Photo Credit : JKR
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- With featured guest Thanh-Van Tran-Nhut, mechanical engineer and author of the investigations of Mandarin Tan (Philippe Picquier).
- A brand-new cruise to discover the gems of South-East Asia, including mythical cities and heavenly islands.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the cities of Penang and Malacca and their rich Asian, Portuguese and Dutch heritage, Singapore Botanic Gardens.
- The discovery of five countries in South-East Asia: Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore and Vietnam.
- Four brand-new ports of call: Koh Rok Nok, Kuantan, Kampot and Phu Quoc.
- The multicultural and contrasted island city of Singapore, a mix of futuristic architecture, colonial districts and artistic vitality.
- The possibility of learning an ancestral local craft in Kuantan, Malaysia: a beginner’s lesson in batik, a technique used to print geometric patterns on fabric; an introduction to weaving pandanus leaves, etc.
- Phu Quoc, a nature sanctuary recognised as a “biosphere reserve” by UNESCO.
- Discover Vietnam's colonial history through the Côn Dao Islands.
- Paradisiac landscapes of the Ko Rok Nok Island: karstic islets, white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, luxurious flora and extraordinary marine fauna.
- Overnights in Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City.
Ports of Call & Excursions
13 February 2024 - Phuket
Embarkation 13/2/2024 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 13/2/2024 at 11:00 pm
Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, also known as the pearl of the Andaman, has majestic landscapes enhanced by a magnificent colour palette. Its lively, eponymous capital abounds with beautiful 19th-century houses, with embellished façades, and with markets where fruits and vegetables rival each other for flavours amidst street food stalls emanating appetising aromas. Although Phuket is a much appreciated tourist destination, it has still managed to preserve a few pieces of paradise off the beaten track. The charming shores, surrounded by hills with a thick covering of tropical vegetation, and the white sandy beaches make for an idyllic setting, while the underwater life provides a permanent show.
14 February 2024 - Ko Rok Nok Island
Arrival 14/2/2024 early morning
Departure 14/2/2024 late afternoon
In the district of Ko Lanta in southern Thailand, Koh Rok island is actually two uninhabited twin islands, Koh Rok Nok and Koh Rok Nai. In the heart of a protected national park, Koh Rok Nok presents authentic scenery with lush vegetation, unusual coral reefs and surprising cliffs. At the island’s magnificent, crystal-clear beaches in the east, you will be able to have a wonderful time swimming or discovering the underwater world, brimming with myriad, rather friendly colourful fish.
15 February 2024 - Penang (Georgetown)
Arrival 15/2/2024 early morning
Departure 15/2/2024 midday
The leading British trading post of the Far East in the 19th century, this tiny island has a unique atmosphere of both East and West. Known as the “Pearl of the East” in the past, for its many trades of spice, fabrics, and tin, Penang has become one of the most sought-after destinations in Malaysia. George Town, its capital, is home to an extremely rich historical heritage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to discover the Blue Mansion, a real architectural marvel that blends traditional Chinese style with eastern elements.
16 February 2024 - Malacca
Arrival 16/2/2024 midday
Departure 16/2/2024 early evening
Lying along the shores of the eponymous Strait, Malacca City has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A witness of the maritime traffic between Asia and the West, the city is inextricably linked to the trade of spices and silk. This cultural oasis will show you the history of a fascinating ancient civilisation, the Baba Nyonya, the descendants of Chinese immigrants who married Malay women. In a Peranakan house in Chinatown, you will discover the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum, which reproduces the interior of a traditional elegant home from the 19th century. The Baba Nyonya were wealthy traders who liked to indulge their taste for sumptuous furniture made from teak and mother-of-pearl, rare jewels and silk brocade.
17 February 2024 18 February 2024 - Singapore
Arrival 17/2/2024 early morning
Departure 18/2/2024 midday
Nicknamed the Garden City, Singapore stretches across Malaysia's southern-most region. Experience the vibrant hustle and bustle of this city-state for yourself at the Marina Bay. No too far away is the historic centre, offering up a unique smorgasbord of neoclassical buildings and contemporary towers. Decked out in topiary, the pavements of Orchard Road are also home to countless shopping centres. The colourful markets in Chinatown and Little India are the perfect opportunity to quell hunger pangs in a hawker centre, one of the city's traditional snack bars. Between the two districts, get a slice of history with a trip to the Raffles dock. It was here that Englishman Sir Raffles, the founder of the city, is said to have arrived one fateful day in January 1819.
19 February 2024 - Kuantan, Pahang
Arrival 19/2/2024 early morning
Departure 19/2/2024 late afternoon
Kuantan lies on the East coast of Malaysia, along the shores of the South China Sea. You will enjoy a fascinating interlude discovering this city founded in the 11th century by the small empire of Pheng-Kheng. The capital of the State of Pahang, the city is edged by stunning beaches and enchants visitors with its rich local handicrafts that you will be lucky enough to discover during special moments spent with the local population. Here, artisans excel in the art of batik, an ancient fabric printing technique, are renowned for the weaving of pandanus leaves, and distinguish themselves in the creation of wooden sculptures.
20 February 2024 - At sea
Arrival 20/2/2024
Departure 20/2/2024
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
21 February 2024 - Kampot
Arrival 21/2/2024 early morning
Departure 21/2/2024 late evening
Anchored on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand, the former French colony Kampot, in southwestern Cambodia, captivates visitors with its picturesque character, between endless salt marshes, gigantic rice fields and its old-time atmosphere, at the intersection of Western and Asian traditions. A gateway to the lush Bokor National Park, Kampot is famous above all for its pepper plantations. This ‘black gold’, prized by the greatest chefs, is carefully cultivated in the small coastal town’s plantations, delivering a new range of flavours with each peppercorn colour.
22 February 2024 - Phu Quoc
Arrival 22/2/2024 early morning
Departure 22/2/2024 early afternoon
A Vietnamese island off the coast of Cambodia, Phu Quoc looks like a little corner of paradise: idyllic white sandy beaches, lush vegetation, isolated coves and waterfalls, an underwater world featuring exceptional biodiversity… A veritable tropical natural sanctuary, with wooded and rocky terrain, the island also stands out for the quality of its pearl farming and pepper cultivation, based on ancestral know-how. Succumb to this moment frozen in time where serenity and tranquillity will be the watchwords.
23 February 2024 - Côn Dao Islands
Arrival 23/2/2024 midday
Departure 23/2/2024 late afternoon
To the south of Vietnam, the archipelago of the Côn Dao Islands,located in the South China Sea, is composed of sixteen rocks covered in lush vegetation. A regular stopover on the Maritime Silk Road connecting China to Europe between the 2nd and 13th centuries, the islands were mentioned by Marco Polo during his voyage from China to India in 1294. A former English and French trading post, the archipelago became a French colony in 1861 using the name Poulo Condor. A penitentiary centre was built there and used to imprison opponents of the colonial regime. During the Vietnam War, the Saigon regime and the United States locked up communist enemies there until 1975. In its idyllic natural setting, Con Dao has become a memorial site and a symbol of the fight for independence.
24 February 2024 26 February 2024 - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Arrival 24/2/2024 midday
Disembarkation 26/2/2024 at 8:00 am
Located near the Mekong delta, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam. It is both the historic heart and economic hub. Formerly Saigon, the city is an imposing avant-guard metropolis. You can admire its famous central post office and its emblematic Reunification Palace. From 95 years of French presence, the city has kept some remarkable monuments, like the Cathédrale Notre-Dame with its neo-Gothic façade built in 19th century red brick. You’ll succumb to the magic of this hectic city, where everything is about contrast, like the very brightly-coloured district of Cholon, Saigon’s “Chinatown”.
Le Jacques-Cartier
In keeping with the philosophy of PONANT and the PONANT EXPLORERS, Le Jacques-Cartier combines the desire for adventure with five-star travel. A modern ship with slender, tapered lines, it is environmentally friendly and equipped with innovative technology.
Tastefully decorated, Le Jacques-Cartier reflects the universe so dear to PONANT, with its light tones and open-to-the-sea design providing soft light and luminosity at every instant of the day. Its ethnic chic ambiance pays homage to the destinations we visit.
Located below the waterline, the Blue Eye, the first ever multisensorial lounge, offers a unique experience: the opportunity to enjoy undersea views and the sounds of the marine world whilst sharing a glass together.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.