5 Days Upstream Phnom Penh Siem Reap on Heritage Line Jayavarman Cruise: We have lunch at a fine restaurant in town. Our investigation of Phnom Penh then focuses on the city’s remarkable cultural legacy. The highlights of the afternoon are the golden structure of the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda and the magnificent Khmer artifacts at the National Museum.
Table of Contents
Day 1: Phnom Penh
Activities: City trip around Phnom Penh, sightseeing, visit Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, see Khmer craft, visit Genocide museum and Killing Field, appreciate Cambodian culture with a variety of on-board activities.
Welcome to Phnom Penh, formerly referred to as the Paris of the East. It has preserved much of its rustic charm and elegance despite its fast expansion. It is a remarkable city where centuries of magnificent history and culture are still palpable on many street corners.
The day begins with a thorough sightseeing trip immediately after breakfast. By bus, we visit the Killing Fields on the outskirts of the city, followed by the S21 jail in the city center. Both historical monuments illustrate the tragic and brutal period of Khmer history when the Khmer Rouge governed the nation via fear and oppression. It may be heart-wrenching to visit these locations, which have altered little since the horrible events of the early 1970s. Individuals have the option to explore the city at their own speed in the morning before rejoining the group.
We have lunch at a fine restaurant in town. Our investigation of Phnom Penh then focuses on the city’s remarkable cultural legacy. The highlights of the afternoon are the golden structure of the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda and the magnificent Khmer artifacts at the National Museum. The day tour concludes with a “cyclo” ride through the lively streets of downtown Phnom Penh returning to the ship.
Take a break in your roomy cabin or join your other passengers at the bar for a refreshing beverage before our exciting evening activities begin:
The evening starts with a selection of drinks offered on the sundeck or at the open bar. A lecturer from the Royal University of Phnom Penh will provide an enthralling lecture on Cambodian modern history in the lounge, which has been prepared for the occasion. As our speaker had a personal relationship with the previous King of Cambodia and several other high-ranking politicians, it was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our voyage to get firsthand information.
After the talk, a barbeque meal is served on the sun terrace. Dinner is complemented by a presentation of Apsara dance. You must behold the splendor and opulence of this dance, accompanied by the calming sounds of traditional music.
As the evening winds down, sip a fine wine with your meal while seeing the Phnom Penh skyline and the tranquil flow of the Tonle River.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Heritage Line Jayavarman cruise
Day 2: Phnom Penh – Kampong Cham
Activities: Join the trip to Angkor Ban hamlet, participate in the people’ everyday activities, then sail to Kampong Cham.
High Water: Phnom Penh – Kampong Cham (Mekong)
We leave Phnom Penh before sunrise and go up the Mekong River to the little Angkor Ban settlement. Prepare for breakfast in the dining area while the ship’s gentle motion wakes you up.
The town of Angkor Ban is renowned for its pristine community and ancient architecture. It seems as though one has been transported back a century to a period untouched by civilization. Villagers exemplify uninhibited warmth.
Back on board, our crew is eager to demonstrate the diversity of traditional Khmer clothes. After the show, lunch is provided.
Further up the Mekong, we visit a small school to learn more about the education of Cambodia’s younger generation (the project is funded by an NGO). These youngsters are always eager to demonstrate their musical and artistic abilities, and they will be ecstatic to get your appreciation. The vehicle trip continues to the magnificent pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey (7th century). This modest complex is situated on a hilltop directly on the Mekong’s bank and offers breathtaking views of the river. Wat Nokor, a small, colorful monastery, is another temple along the path. Here, we may have the opportunity to engage in light conversation with the local monks.
Unwind till supper is served on board. The boat moors in the middle of the river near Kampong Cham.
Low Water: Phnom Penh – Kampong Chhnang (Tonle)
Before the sun rises over the horizon, the cruiser sets sail towards Kampong Tralach on the Tonle River, which is an incredibly tiny river. We approach Kampong Tralach by skimming over lush sections of this jungle-like environment. Breakfast is given before we dock and go on our first exploration of the Tonle.
Children waving joyfully as they bathe their animals in the winding River are waving as we approach the beach by local boat. A journey in a native ox cart will allow you to view everything of this life, which is so different from ours.
Back on board, our crew is eager to demonstrate the diversity of traditional Khmer clothes. After the show, lunch is provided.
The ferry navigates the narrow and winding Tonle River in the direction of Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia’s “water world,” where everything is balanced on sticks above water-rich soil. This is the most intriguing portion of the cruise in Cambodia.
Back on land in Kampong Chhnang, we board minibuses bound for a neighboring rural community and go on a walking tour. Our guides explain the local specialties of Khmer-style ceramics and palm sugar production. You should definitely bring some home. Before returning to the boat, we tour the region’s floating communities and marshes.
Unwind till supper is served on board. The boat is moored in the middle of the Tonle River.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Heritage Line Jayavarman cruise
Day 3: Kampong Cham – Kampong Chhnang
Activities: Admire the scenery en route to Kampong Tralach as you explore the island’s workshops and learn how silk is processed from its origin.
High Water: Kampong Cham (Mekong) – Kampong Chhnang (Tonle)
During breakfast, we cruise down the Mekong and stop at the island of Koh Oknha Tey. This location in the midst of the Mekong is renowned for its production of luxurious silk items.
By tuk-tuk, we visit the island’s workshops and discover how silk is processed from its beginning, given by tiny silkworms, to a finished product of superior quality manufactured from authentic Cambodian silk.
Before lunch, our knowledgeable guides give “Geography of the Mekong and Tonle Sap.”
After lunch, a Monks’ blessing ritual on board will give spirits and well-wishes for everyone’s health and success.
The cruise ship continues its trip towards Kampong Tralach, reaching the junction of the Mekong and Tonle Rivers. We approach Kampong Tralach by gliding over green swathes of this jungle-like terrain. Children waving cheerfully while taking their animals to the flowing river for a bath. Take a local ox cart trip to experience all of this life, which is so unlike to ours.
Later, the boat anchors near Kampong Chhnang on the Tonle River, enabling you to see the fascinating and close-up life on land until supper is served at the restaurant.
Low Water: Tonle River – Kampong Cham (Mekong)
During breakfast in the early morning, we cruise from the lower Tonle River towards the Mekong, reaching their junction at Phnom Penh. The island of Koh Oknha Tey is reached. This location in the midst of the Mekong is renowned for its production of luxurious silk items.
By tuk-tuk, we visit the island’s workshops and discover how silk is processed from its beginning, given by tiny silkworms, to a finished product of superior quality manufactured from authentic Cambodian silk.
Before lunch, our knowledgeable guides give “Geography of the Mekong and Tonle Sap.” After lunch, a Monks’ blessing ritual on board will give spirits and well-wishes for everyone’s health and success.
The ship travels up the Mekong River towards the little Angkor Ban settlement. The town of Angkor Ban is renowned for its pristine community and ancient architecture. It seems as though one has been transported back a century to a period untouched by civilization. Villagers exemplify uninhibited warmth.
After that, there will be a party with cocktails and refreshments on a flat riverside.
Until supper is served, we continue to cruise for a bit. The boat finds a place to spend the night on the riverside in Kampong Cham.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Heritage Line Jayavarman cruise
Day 4: Kampong Chhnang – Tonle Sap
Activities: Sail to Kampong Chhnang and investigate the region’s floating villages and wetlands en route to the Great Tonle Lake.
High Water: Kampong Chhnang – Tonle Lake
Wake up early to watch the dawning of this amazing aquatic wonderland. Today’s morning Tai Chi session offers the ideal setting. Breakfast is offered as a buffet at the restaurant.
We are now in Kampong Chhnang, the “water world” of Cambodia, where everything is supported on sticks on water-rich soil. This is the most intriguing portion of the cruise in Cambodia.
We board a native boat to reach the beach. We take minibuses to a neighbouring rural community for a walking tour. Our guides explain the local specialties of Khmer-style ceramics and palm sugar production. You should definitely bring some home. Before returning to the boat, we tour the region’s floating communities and marshes.
Back on board, lunch is served while your floating sanctuary floats through the narrow and winding Tonle toward the Great Tonle Lake. The river empties into Asia’s largest freshwater lake, which is a massive “sea.” This lake may only be traversed during periods of high water (approx. from End-July to Mid-November). While the boat makes its journey towards Siem Reap, let your mind and spirit to roam.
Afternoon high tea is served in the bar, and as the sun sets, our staff hosts a goodbye ceremony. Enjoy your meal, followed by some dancing and music with the staff.
The boat moors mid-like near Siem Reap.
Low Water: Kampong Cham (Mekong)
After breakfast, we will take a bus to Wat Hanchey, a beautiful pre-Angkorian temple (7th century). This modest complex is situated on a hilltop directly on the Mekong’s bank and offers breathtaking views of the river.
We return to the vessel for lunch and leisure time. Wat Nokor, a small, vibrant monastery, is another temple along the road. Here, we may have the opportunity to engage in light conversation with the local monks.
In the afternoon, we will travel to the modest, colorful monastery of Wat Nokor for another excursion. Here, we may have the opportunity to engage in light conversation with the local monks. As it is the dry season, we will get the opportunity to see a bamboo bridge connecting the mainland to an island. When the water level lowers annually, the community rebuilds the bridge.
We continue our trip by visiting a local school to learn more about the education of the Cambodian youth (the project is funded by an NGO). These youngsters are always eager to demonstrate their musical and artistic abilities, and they will be ecstatic to get your appreciation.
As the sun sets, our team hosts a goodbye celebration. Enjoy your meal, followed by some dancing and music with the staff.
The boat moors at the Kampong Cham riverbed.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Heritage Line Jayavarman cruise
Day 5: Tonle Sap – Siem Reap
Activities: Explore the Tonle Sap, take pleasure in the boat, and see Siem Reap.
High Water: Tone Lake – Siem Reap
The Tonle Sap (The Great Lake) is the flowing heart of Cambodia, providing millions of people with love and life. It contains more fish than any other lake in the world and is home to a vast array of birds, including rare and endangered species.
Our Heritage Line voyage concludes. We are preparing to depart and will take a native boat to the beach, passing a big floating town along the way.
We arrive at the Siem Reap dock at around 09:00 and transport you to the city center through a brief shuttle.
We hope you liked this intriguing river as much as our team always does. In addition, we hope that you will leave with an abundance of experiences and friendships that will live forever in your tales of this incredible river – the Mighty Mekong.
Low Water: Kampong Cham (Mekong) – Siem Reap
Savor your last meal on our floating retreat. After you have checked out, you will exit the cruise and be transferred to Siem Reap by bus.
We leave at around 8.30 a.m. (the transfers takes about 4,5 hours, snacks are provided during the trip). You arrive in early afternoon at Siem Reap.
We hope you liked this intriguing river as much as our team always does. In addition, we hope that you will leave with an abundance of experiences and friendships that will live forever in your tales of this incredible river – the Mighty Mekong.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Heritage Line Jayavarman cruise
I’m interested in a cruise but I can’t find the prices and dates on your website. How do I get to them?