Mekong River - Downstream - High water

On the morning of your arrival, enjoy a warm welcome reception in the lounge in Siem Reap. Kick back with a second coffee before you depart on a short bus ride to the pier. With a last glance back, bid farewell to the iconic sights of Angkor and travel a short distance to the shore of Tonle Lake. A local boat brings you to the vessel and your luxurious “home” for the next several days.

As you have lunch, the vessel gently glides over Tonle Lake: the Tonle Sap (Sap means Lake in the Cambodian language) varies from 2,500 sqkm (965 sqmi) in size and 160 km (99 mi) in length during the dry season to an astonishing area of 16,000 sqkm (6,000 sqmi) and length of 250 km (160 mi) in the wet season. Let your soul float while the boat makes its way across the lake During an afternoon tea time you can get to know other travellers. Enjoy your time on the decks or get pampered by your therapists at the Spa.

Before dinner, your expert guide holds a presentation about the geography of the Mekong River and Tonle Lake. If you are in the mood, join in for the nightly cinema in the lounge before retiring to your room.

In the midst of the vast Tonle region, one of Cambodia’s amazing ecosystems, discover Kampong Laeang this morning, situated just across from the famous pottery town of Kampong Chhnang. Once ashore, embark on tuk-tuks to travel the heart of rural Cambodian life. During this excursion, explore various locals, discover the art of pottery making, and visit a charming pre-Angkorian temple. From a vantage point, you can enjoy panoramic views of the vast floodplains and lush rice fields (seasonal).

Optional Morning Excursion:
The culinary-themed excursion aboard Heritage line Jayavarman adds a nice and enchanting local encounter to prepare together quite a famous snack. The “Nom Kruak”. “Nom” is a kind of cake made from white or brown rice. Originally cooked only on one side, the Khmer invented Nom Krok and cooked it on both sides, making it like a ball. Nom Krok is also a spiritual dish offered to ghosts during some festivals as food. But above all, it is a very tasty pre-dinner snack often consumed by locals.

Back on the ship with lunch enjoyed and spectacular views on the Tonle River you sail south to Kampong Tralach. An afternoon tea is served at the bar before you continue with the afternoon excursion.

Once the ship stopped, you enjoy an exciting excursion to discover another part of rural Cambodian countryside. The ox-pulled cart transports you along the riverside and down winding back roads, flanked by picturesque rice paddies, until you arrive at a small village. Here, you have the opportunity to learn about a local NGO school and library project. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the nearby ancient 300-year-old temple and Buddha shrine.

You are sailing into the early evening offering some onboard entertainment with a fashion show. As you have to make some distance, the ship sails overnight into the Mekong River.

As you wake this morning, the scenery has changed completely.

You 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 Kok, 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)

By bus you continue to Angkor Ban. 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 you meander through the village, you can 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:
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), you 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.

You are boarding your luxury ship again sailing now downstream again towards Phnom Penh. Before you arrive at Cambodia’s capital, you halting at a small silk weaving community.

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. You have the opportunity to closely observe and learn about this intricate silk production process.

Just a short distance of sailing and you arrive in Phnom Penh, where the ship is mooring mid-stream with views on the city opposite.

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. Your full-day sightseeing tour begins right after breakfast, allowing you to explore the city's highlights. You start with a cyclo ride, meandering through the town and then visit historic places such as the palace and the silver pagoda. Your journey takes you to the "S21" prison, a poignant and dark chapter in Cambodia's history during the Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s. Afterward, you 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, join an engaging expert lecture in the lounge. To cap off this eventful day, you 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, savoring Phnom Penh's vibrant nightlife or taking in the lively river promenade.

Enjoy your last breakfast aboard your floating home before disembarking the ship. Hope this amazing river cruise brought you as much joy as it brings the crew every time. Moreover, take the enchanting memories and friendships along with you and share the stories of this amazing river - the Mighty Mekong.