General Information
Tour Route: Phnom Penh – Kampong Tralach – Kampong Chhnang – Tonle River – Koh Oknha Tey – Kampong Cham – Siem Reap
Duration: 5 Days
Start/ End: Phnom Penh/ Siem Reap
River Cruise Name: The Jahan
Cruise Line: Heritage Line
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Phnom Penh
Welcome to the Mekong river tour! In the early morning hours, our crew extends a warm greeting as you settle into your opulent “home” for the upcoming few days.
We have lunch at a well-known restaurant in the area and enjoy the opulence that top addresses in Phnom Penh are known for. The day tour concludes with a “cyclo” ride back to the ship through the busy streets of Phnom Penh’s downtown.
Get some relaxation or hang out with other travelers in the bar for some cool beverages. This evening is unique; please accept our invitation to a magnificent outdoor extravaganza that will feature a BBQ supper feast. A traditional Apsara dance performance and other folkloric dances are performed in conjunction with the feast.
Enjoy your dinner and a nice bottle of wine as the evening winds down while taking in Phnom Penh’s cityscape and the soothing Tonle River’s flow.
Meals: Lunch, Barbecue Gala Dinner
Day 2: Phnom Penh – Kampong Tralach – Kampong Chhnang (Tonle)
We arrive at Kampong Tralach, where joyfully giggling children wave at us and old-fashioned ox carts are still a frequent mode of transportation. Until we reach a little settlement, our ox-powered vehicle drives us down the riverbank and via side roads surrounded by rice paddy fields. Lunch is given while we go upstream, and later, our staff exhibits a variety of traditional Khmer clothing that people typically wear on important occasions.
Later in the day, the ship makes its way up the constrained Tonle River to Kampong Chhnang’s “water wonderland,” the most intriguing sailing location in all of Cambodia. We use a native boat to get to the coast, then board a minibus to travel to a neighboring, distinctive rural town where we can learn about the area’s specialties.
We return to the coast by car, where our neighborhood boat begins to investigate the neighboring floating settlements. Once we are back on board, take some time to unwind and enjoy the lovely landscape and its mellow evening noises before dinner is served.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Tonle River – Koh Oknha Tey – Kampong Cham (Mekong)
We sailed from the lower Tonle River to the Mekong early in the morning, passing through the junction of the two rivers at Phnom Penh. We take a short tuk tuk tour of the island’s roadways before arriving at the village’s workshops to observe the intriguing process of producing premium Cambodian silk.
The boat heads up the Mekong River toward the little Angkor Ban town. The town is renowned for its unspoiled neighborhood and lovely, historic homes.
As the sun sets, everything is now illuminated in a golden hue. In this isolated, secluded setting, the natural splendor of the surroundings provides the ideal backdrop for a riverside gathering with cocktails and dancing with the crew.
While supper is being prepared, we keep sailing till the boat stops at Kampong Cham’s riverside for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Kampong Cham (Mekong)
We departed the cruise for the captivating pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey after a delectable breakfast (7th century). We get to see a little of the everyday life of the many young, novice monks who reside on the Wat Hanchey site.
We stop at the serene Wat Nokor monastery after returning to the ship and eating lunch. Despite not being very large in contrast to the enormous Angkor Wat structures. The kind monks who live nearby could be amenable to some light conversation with us.
We could be lucky enough to see a neighboring sight that is only visible during the dry months of the Mekong since it is low water season (December to May). The villagers reconstruct the Koh Paen Bamboo Bridge, which connects the mainland to Koh Paen Island, every November as the water level drops.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: Kampong Cham (Mekong) – Siem Reap
On our floating retreat, take pleasure in your final breakfast. We depart the cruise and take a bus to the Siem Reap drop-off location. The journey takes around 4.5 hours total, including a break. During the journey, snacks are supplied. You will get there in the early afternoon at Siem Reap.
We hope you had a pleasant journey as our crew did on this amazing river excursion. Take your wonderful memories and connections with you as well.
Meals: Breakfast