Day 1: Phnom Penh (L,D)

“Pearl of the East”

Phnom Penh was once the Paris of the East. Despite its rapid development, it has retained a lot of its rustic charm and elegance. Sightseeing in the morning will include the Killing Field in town. Be prepared to be heart wrenched by this stark reminder of the genocide that transpired during Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge regime.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we will visit the Genocide Museum visiting the dazzling white and gold edifice of the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, and witnessing exceptionally beautiful Khmer craft at the National Museum.

We go back to the Ship by “cyclo” – traditional vehicle after our museum visit. Take a rest on your cabin balcony or the lounge and get prepared for an exciting evening event. The evening starts with a variety of cocktails served on the sun deck. At 18:00pm, we will be captivated by a comprehensive lecture on Cambodia’s modern history. BBQ dinner is serving right after the lecture. Take a seat and enjoy the following Apsara dance performance. Experience the brilliance and richness of this culture, the soothing sounds of traditional music, the calming scent of incense sticks and a barbeque on the sun deck. It is indeed a truly marvelous experience, dining in the open with the stars and the moon as our companions.

Overnight on the ship in Phnom Penh.

Day 2: Phnom Penh - Kampong Tralach - Kampong Chhnang (B,L,D)

“Cambodia’s province and the Wetlands”

Before the sun peeks over the horizon, the cruiser sets sail towards Kampong Tralach and the Tonle River – an amazingly narrow river – which glides through leafy swaths of the Southeast Asian jungle. We are greeted by cacophonous children who waive enthusiastically early in the morning when they bring their livestock for a bath in the meandering Tonle River. Experience the ox cart, visit Heritage Line –Linblad National Geographic library project here.

We then return to the Ship for lunch whilst cruising the narrow and meandering Tonle River. Then we approach Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia’s “water world” where everything is on stilts balanced on water rich soil. Here we take a van along the paddy fields to visit the Khmer-styled pottery at the Aundaung Russey village. Then, it is back to the river bank for an adventurous excursion to the wetlands, floating houses and fish farms in the region.

Back on board, the Ship sails back towards Phnom Penh again and will moor for overnight midstream near Phnom Penh.

Day 3: Kampong Chhnang - Kampong Cham (B,L,D)

“Silk Weaving Village”

We will depart before the break of dawn from Phnom Penh with a stop at the little known Silk Weaving Village. We will then return to the Ship and will cruise past the Mekong’s tranquil villages, exhilarating river life and sun-hardened fishermen on their fish boats. Lunch on board.

In the afternoon, we will tour the rural Angkor Ban village where time stood still. We are transported back a hundred years into an era unsullied by modernity. The houses here are truly rustic, made by hand and without any concrete. But most of all, we feel overwhelmed by the unbridled warmth of the villagers.

Travelers can take part in the daily activities of the villagers to experience village life first hand. Then, we are back to the Ship to cruise towards Kampong Cham.

Overnight on the ship in Kampong Cham.

Day 4: Wat Hanchey - Kampong Cham (B,L,D)

“Pre-Angkorian temple”

We will wake up in the small hours of the morning, truly energized to embark on a land journey to the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Travelers either take a motor-taxi or climb 303 steps to the top. Located at the top of a hill overlooking the river, it offers one of the most breath-taking views in Cambodia. Built in the 8th century, this ancient structure, together with a bigger and newer addition underscores the superb architecture of the Chenla Empire which predates the mighty Angkor temple complex. We even get to engage in light banter with some of the monks in the area. We will return to the Ship to witness a blessing ceremony performed by orange-clad local monks. Lunch on board.

We will then cruise towards Kampong Cham to visit Wat Nokor, a Wat built within the ruins of an ancient temple which holds a timeless story. After visiting OBT project of Heritage Line and organization for Basic Training Along the way, we will have to maneuver a 2-kilometer rickety bamboo bridge. Our sense of balance lies in the balance!

Overnight in Kampong Cham.

Day 5: Kampong Cham - Siem Reap (B,L Box)

“Angkor awaits”

We will disembark the Ship at after breakfast and boarding a coach at 08.30am for a transfer from Kampong Cham to the drop off point in Siem Reap. We get to munch on snacks and enjoy cold drinks along the journey. We then arrive in Siem Reap in the early afternoon.

**Please contact your consultant for pre/post night in Phnom Penh & Siem Reap.