Mekong River - Downstream - High water

On the morning of your arrival, you are welcomed in the lounge in Siem Reap. Enjoy a second coffee before departing on a short bus ride to the pier at Tonle Lake. From there, a local boat takes you to the vessel, your home for the next several days. After boarding, the crew shows you to your stateroom and lunch is served in the restaurant.

As the vessel crosses Tonle Lake, learn about its remarkable changes with the seasons: from 2,500 sq km and 160 km long in the dry season to 16,000 sq km and 250 km long in the wet season. In the late afternoon, the cruise director hosts a sunset gathering with canapés and prosecco, giving you a chance to meet fellow travelers.

Before dinner, a guide gives a presentation about the geography of the Mekong River and Tonle Lake. Later, you may watch a film in the lounge or return to your stateroom for the night.

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, you embark on tuk-tuks to travel the heart of rural Cambodian life. During this excursion, you can 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:
Culinary: The culinary themed excursion aboard Heritage line Jayavarman adding 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 one side only, 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 consumer 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.

Default Afternoon Excursion: Get ashore to discover rural Cambodia and its 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.

With everyone back on board, you sail into the early evening. The ship later anchors near Prek Bangkong.

As you wake this morning with Tai Chi, available for early birds, the scenery has changed completely. You are in the vast land of the Mekong stream.

Default Morning Excursion: 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. You conclude this excursion by visiting the heritage house of H.E. Sam-El, once a famous architect for the royal family.

With everyone back on board, the ship sails now upstream towards Angkor Ban.

Default Afternoon Excursion: Angkor Ban features a monastery with an adjacent enchanting local village. You have the chance to meet monks during their morning class and engage in friendly conversations with the villagers. As you stroll through the hamlet, you then understand the local way of life in various aspects, collecting wonderful memories of Cambodia's rustic lifestyle. The village offers great photographic moments whilst interacting with the local community.

Just a short distance of sailing back downstream and you arrive in Phnom Penh, where the ship moors mid-stream with views on the city skyline.

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. This 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 immerse in the Khmer culture. This afternoon starts with the visit to the Champey academy of arts, a school dedicated to preserve traditional arts. Observe young dancers training in the intricate Apsara dance and take the opportunity to learn basic “Kbach” techniques under their guidance. Alternatively, you can interact with students or simply witness traditional paintings and drawings created by local youth. Conclude the day with a leisurely stroll through the city’s French Quarter, including the iconic Wat Phnom temple.

Back on board, and to cap off this eventful day, guests can indulge in a delightful open-air barbecue and gala dinner accompanied by a classic Apsara dance performance. Afterward, feel free to explore the city and its nightife on your own, with its lively river promenade and colorful bars and cafes.

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.