5 days - Private Cambodia 5 Days 4 nights_ Cambodia Cruise

DAY 1. PHNOM PENH B, L, D

Our staff offers a friendly welcome aboard in the earlier morning hours as you check-in into your luxurious “home” for the next few days.

Welcome to Phnom Penh, a city once renowned as the "Paris of the East." Despite its rapid development, it has retained much of its rustic charm and elegance. Phnom Penh is a remarkable city with a history and culture that spans centuries, still palpable at every street corner. Our full-day sightseeing tour begins right after breakfast, allowing us to explore the city's highlights. We'll start with a cyclo ride, meandering through the town and then visit historic places such as the palace and the silver pagoda. Our journey takes us to the "S21" prison, a poignant and dark chapter in Cambodia's history during the Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s. Afterward, we'll pause for a delightful lunch in town before continuing to visit one of the country's most famous history museums, "Sosoro," and concluding the tour with a leisurely stroll through the city's French quarter, including the iconic and aptly named monument of Wat Phnom.

In the evening, we invite you to an engaging expert lecture in the lounge. To cap off this eventful day, we'll indulge in a delightful open-air barbecue and gala dinner accompanied by a classic Apsara dance performance. Afterward, feel free to explore the city at night, savouring Phnom Penh's vibrant nightlife or taking in the lively river promenade.

What's Included

DAY 2. PHNOM PENH - KAMPONG TRALACH - KAMPONG LAEANG - MID RIVER (TONLE SAP MORNING) B, L, D

Before the sun peeks over the horizon, the cruiser sets sail, entering the Tonle River. The Tonle River is a natural wonder of Cambodia, and the scenery on both sides of the river is a true gem.

Default Morning Excursion (any ship): This morning, we'll enjoy an exciting excursion to discover another part of rural Cambodian, Kampong Tralach countryside. Our ox-pulled cart will transport us along the riverside and down winding back roads, flanked by picturesque rice paddies, until we arrive at a small village. Here, we will have the opportunity to learn about the local NGO school and library project. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the nearby ancient 300-year-old temple and Buddha shrine.

OPTIONAL MORNING EXCURSION:

Culinary (Ship 'Jayavarman' only): Not available

Cycling (Ship 'The Jahan' only, extra cost): Experience another day in the heartland of Cambodia with our biking tour through the picturesque Tonle Region. Pedal through captivating landscapes, encountering treasures like the former royal palace of ‘Lungvek’ and the venerable Buddha Jade Temple (1560) and just enjoy the timeless rhythms of local life as you witness skilled fishermen casting their nets in the tranquil waters of the Tonle.

Distance: 14 km / Duration: approx. 120 min / Terrain: flat on concrete path

As we sail upstream, lunch is served, and our crew showcases afterwards various traditional Khmer fashions worn by locals during special occasions.

Default Afternoon Excursion (any ship): We arrive at Kampong Laeang, situated just across from the famous pottery town of Kampong Chhnang. Once ashore, we embark on tuk-tuks to travel the heart of rural Cambodian life. During this excursion, we'll explore various locals, discover the art of pottery making, and visit a charming pre-Angkorian temple. From a vantage point, we can enjoy panoramic views of the vast floodplains and lush rice fields (seasonal).

OPTIONAL AFTERNOON EXCURSION

Culinary (Ship 'Jayavarman' only): The culinary themed excursion offers in addition to the default cultural excursion the possibility to participate in a cooking demonstration. Get to know how to prepare together the quite famous snack called “Nom Kruak” which is a kind of cake made from white or brown rice. Originally cooked only one side only, the Khmer invented Nom Kruak and cooked it on both sides. This dish is a tasty pre-dinner snack often consumed by locals.

Cycling (Ship 'The Jahan' only, extra cost): Upon disembarking, we hop on our bikes to embark on our local Khmer discovery. Our journey leads us through rice paddy fields and quaint villages where small businesses produce pottery or palm sugar. With flat terrain and mesmerizing rural landscapes, the pedal is easy-going, offering a captivating glimpse into local life unfolding before our eyes.

Distance: 17 km / Duration: approx. 90 min / Terrain: flat on concrete path

We begin our journey downstream, sailing back towards Kampong Tralach, where we will anchor for the night.

What's Included

DAY 3. KAMPONG LUANG - PREK BANGBONG - ANGKOK BAN (MEKONG RIVER) B, L, D

Default Morning Excursion (any ship): Start the day with a walking tour through Kampong Luang (Royalism words), the renowned "Silver Smith Village," where the artistry of copper, silver, and bronze crafting comes to life. Led by an expert guide, you’ll witness the delicate transformation of raw materials into stunning handcrafted souvenirs.

As you continue your journey, visit the serene Wat Prang, the Royal Buddhist Temple, where the bones of the "King Father" of Cambodia, are enshrined. This sacred site offers a moment of reflection on the king’s legacy, intertwining both history and spirituality. While there, engage with the monks and laymen, learning about their daily lives, rituals, and personal stories.

Default Afternoon Excursion (any ship): At the confluence of the Tonle and Mekong Rivers lies the small village of Prek Bangkong, known for its silk weaving community. This village was also the former residence of the Royal family before they moved to the Royal Palace. However, the real stars in this area today are the silk weavers, artisans who craft silk from the very beginning. We will have the opportunity to closely observe and learn about this intricate silk production process. We conclude this excursion by visiting the heritage house of H.E. Sam-El, once a famous architect for the royal family.

OPTIONAL AFTERNOON EXCURSION:

Culinary (Ship 'Jayavarman' only): Not available

Cycling (Ship 'The Jahan' only, extra cost): Our cycling tour today takes us to the wonderful former royal palace of “Lavea Em” (1601-1618). Pedal at ease through picturesque landscapes, punctuated by captivating stops at historic pagodas, vibrant silk weaving workshops, and bustling local markets. Indulge in a delightful tea break at the residence of H.E. Sam-El, adding a touch of elegance to your cycling adventure.

Distance: 14 km / Duration: approx. 120 min / Terrain: flat on concrete path

The rest of the day is spent sailing up the Mekong to our overnight location. Enjoy a relaxing poolside sundowner cocktail hour with dance tunes before dinner and an evening cinema.

What's Included

DAY 4. ANGKOK BAN - KAMPONG CHAM - STUENG TRANG B, L, D

The morning Tai Chi session sets the mood for the day as we begin our tour of Angkor Ban.

Default Morning Excursion (any ship): This place includes a monastery with a delightful local village behind it. You'll have the chance to meet monks during their morning class and engage in friendly conversations with the villagers. As we meander through the village, we'll get as close as possible to the local way of life, collecting wonderful memories of Cambodia's rustic lifestyle. This village is truly a gem to explore offering photographic and touching moments whilst interacting with the local community.

OPTIONAL MORNING EXCURSION:

Culinary (Ship 'Jayavarman' only): Today, the culinary themed excursion is offering a nice highlight. In addition to the visit of the Angkor Ban village (see default excursion) the group is going to visit the house of Mr B. who used to work years ago as a young chef aboard the ship Jayavarman. When he got married, he moved to his wife’s home village. Together with his “mom-in-law” and the “chef” in the household (his wife), we prepare and cook a century old soup recipe called “Samlor Korko”. The soup is kind of a fish soup made with many vegetables, spices, herbs, roasted rice, accompanied with a duck egg omelette.

Cycling (Ship 'The Jahan' only, extra cost): Today’s journey with our cycling tour, starts with a tranquil monk meeting that sets the tone for the day. As you cycle through verdant seasonal vegetable fields, picturesque old local houses dot the landscape, offering glimpses into Cambodia's heritage. Witness skilled blacksmiths at work to understand the more about traditional craftsmanship. Conclude your adventure with a delightful pause, sipping on ice-cold local beer or indulging in the refreshing taste of freshly pressed sugar cane juice.

Distance: 10 km / Duration: approx. 120 min / Terrain: flat on concrete path

We sail to Kampong Cham during lunchtime.

Default Afternoon Excursion (any ship): We are in the vast Mekong River at the town of Kampong Cham, which is an important trade and transportation hub but it still maintains scattered small hamlets around the outskirts where the community's rhythm blends with the skilled hands of artisans. For instance, in Cheung Krok, locals craft various handmade items, whether it's food, fashion, or other everyday goods. (The nearby Bamboo bridge, which is erected seasonally, serves as more than just a passageway; it's a gateway to the past)

OPTIONAL AFTERNOON EXCURSION:

Culinary (Ship 'Jayavarman' only): Not available

Cycling (Ship 'The Jahan' only, extra cost): Embark on an appealing cycling adventure from the quaint town of Kampong Cham to the idyllic island of Koh Pen and get a sensation of the enchanting rhythms of Khmer life as you pedal through vibrant vegetable fields and verdant tobacco plantations. Along the road we can see the daily routines of local farmers, artisans or Khmer bee master passionately raising honey bees to make a living. The journey along scenic paved and unpaved roads is another venture to know more about life in the Cambodia's natural countryside.

Distance: 16 km / Duration: approx. 120 min / Terrain: flat on concrete path

Afterward, the ship makes its final journey, mooring mid-river near Stueng Trang with some farewell and party vibes along the way.

What's Included

DAY 5. STUENG TRANG - SIEM REAP B

Enjoy your final breakfast aboard our floating sanctuary. We disembark the ship and transfer by bus to Siem Reap, which takes approximately 4 hours. To keep you entertained during the journey, our guides will share interesting insights about Cambodia and the region we pass through. We hope you've enjoyed this captivating river cruise as much as our crew does every single time. Take the enchanting memories and friendships with you and share the stories of this amazing river - the Mighty Mekong.

You will arrive in Siem Reap in the early afternoon.

What's Included