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 Jayavarman
Cruise Line: Heritage Line
Full Itinerary
DAY 1: Phnom Penh
In the early morning hours, our crew extends a warm greeting as you settle into your opulent “home” for the upcoming few days.
Despite its quick expansion, Phnom Penh has managed to keep much of its rustic appeal. After breakfast, our full sightseeing trip begins. Alternatively, you can spend the morning alone exploring the city before reuniting with the group.
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 cultural high points of Phnom Penh’s past continue our examination of the city. The day tour concludes with a “cyclo” ride back to the ship through the busy streets of Phnom Penh’s downtown.
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.
DAY 2: Phnom Penh – Kampong Tralach – Kampong Chhnang (Tonle)
The cruiser heads for Kampong Tralach on the Tonle River before the sun even begins to rise. 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 local boat to get to the shore, then board a minibus to travel to a neighboring, distinctive rural community to check out its peculiarities.
We return to the coast by car, where our neighborhood boat begins to investigate the neighboring floating settlements. Despite the fact that we are in the center of Cambodia, the people who live in these floating villages are Vietnamese in origin.
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 will have a short tuk-tuk tour of the roads on the island of Koh Oknha Tey before arriving at the village’s workshops and experiencing the intriguing process of manufacturing silk.
Before lunch, our knowledgeable guide gives a presentation on the geography of Tonle Lake and Mekong River as well as the special features of the region. Following that, spirits and well wishes for everyone’s health and success are delivered during a monks’ blessing ritual.
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)
After a sumptuous breakfast, we leave the ship for the enchanting pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey (7th century). This small complex sits on a hilltop with breathtaking views over the Mekong.
After returning to the ship and partaking in lunch, we stop at the tranquil monastery of Wat Nokor. Here, we might have the chance to engage in light banter with some of the sociable monks living in the area.
As it is low water season, we may be fortunate enough to visit a nearby spectacle only present during the Mekong’s dry months (December to May). The Koh Paen Bamboo Bridge connects the mainland with Koh Paen Island and is re-built by the local community every November when water levels drop.
We cruise further up the Mekong to visit a local school and learn more about the education of the young Cambodian generation. End of the fourth day.
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.
With a break, the transfer lasts around 4.5 hours. Our knowledgeable guides give fascinating facts about Cambodia and the area we travel through to keep you engaged during the excursion. During the journey, snacks are supplied. You will get there in the early afternoon at Siem Reap.
Hope you have enchanting memories along with you that lingers on with the stories of this mesmerizing Mekong River cruise.
