On the morning of your arrival, you will receive a welcome greeting 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. When moving into your staterooms, your first inclination may be to step onto your balcony to watch the ship set sail on its fascinating lake crossing.

While you enjoy your lunch, the vessel gently glides over Tonle Lake. This shallow lake is usually only navigable during the high water season, which runs from August to mid-November. Not only is it the livelihood of the three million people who fish and farm along its banks, but this rich ecosystem and UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve is also home to over 100 bird species and 300 species of fish.

Engage in an afternoon tea and get to know other travelers while enjoying some tasty treats. Rest on your private balcony or let the therapists pamper you in the Apsara Spa for the remaining portion of this cruise afternoon.

Before dinner, the expert guide holds a presentation about the geography of the Mekong River and Tonle Lake, along with the unique features of the area. Back on board, you have some downtime before dinner. If you are in the mood for some evening entertainment, there is a cinema in the lounge showcasing classic movies and interesting documentaries on a nightly basis.

Wake up early to witness the spectacular scenery at the break of dawn. To make the experience complete, join the daily morning Tai Chi class. Afterward, a rich breakfast buffet awaits, or if you prefer, breakfast can be served directly to your room.

After a sumptuous breakfast, you are now at Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia's “water world," where everything is balanced on sticks in water-rich soil. It is perhaps the most fascinating cruising spot in Cambodia. Take a local boat to the shore and hop on a minibus to reach a unique, nearby rural village. As you explore the village on foot, the guide reveals the village’s specialties – Khmer-style pottery and the process of making palm sugar from the Cambodian palm tree, called “Skor t'not."

Drive back to the shore, where the local boat starts an exploration of nearby floating villages and the surrounding wetlands. Although you are still in the heartland of Cambodia, the residents of these floating villages are actually of Vietnamese descent. 

Back on board, have your lunch ready in the restaurant. The ship will continue cruising languidly along the Tonle River towards Kampong Tralach. This part of the Tonle River is quite interesting to watch from the terrace, as the river at certain points is very narrow.

Back on board, a monks’ blessing ceremony delivers spirits and wishes for health and prosperity for all guests. You will reach Kampong Tralach, where laughing children wave enthusiastically at our arrival.

You are in the middle of Cambodia’s countryside, where traditional ox carts are still a common means of transportation. The ox-powered vehicle takes you along the riverside and through back roads lined with rice paddy fields until you arrive at a tiny village. Beginning a few short years ago, local children have had the chance to receive an education here. The “Green School” is a local project supported by Heritage Line in this remote area to support underprivileged youth. The students, who are wearing green shirts, are always happy to meet all visitors every week as the principal gives an introduction and updates on the current situation of the school.

After some additional cruising time, you will pass the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Rivers. The boat will anchor near Kampong Chhnang for the night.

After a sumptuous breakfast, continue to cruise further up the Mekong to visit a local school and learn more about the education of the young Cambodian generation. Children from the Organization for Basic Training (OBT) are always excited to show off their skills in music and dance. Shower the young performers with applause, and in return, you are bestowed with the most genuine and happy Cambodian smiles.

Leave the ship for a tour of the enchanting pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey (7th century). Built to honor the Hindu god Hirahara, the complex is now a Buddhist temple, a testament to the country’s past and present religious beliefs. This small complex sits on a hilltop with breathtaking views over the Mekong. Many young novice monks live on the compound of Wat Hanchey. Have the chance to observe a few of their daily activities, such as eating simple meals, praying, studying, or hanging out and having a conversation while in their saffron-colored robes.

You will arrive at the island of Koh Oknha Tey, which lies in the middle of the Mekong and owes its fame to manufacturing high-class silk products. Go for a sightseeing tour along the island’s roads a bit via tuk-tuk before arriving at the village’s workshops and witnessing the curious process of making silk, starting from a tiny silkworm larva to a cocoon, then dyeing, spinning, and weaving the fibers into high-quality Cambodian silk.

After some additional cruising time back aboard, the boat arrives and docks at the pier in Phnom Penh. Feel free to go out and explore by yourself after dinner. Stroll along the river promenade and watch the locals chit-chatting, selling odds and ends, or have a drink in one of the numerous bars.

Welcome to Phnom Penh, the city once named Paris of the East. It retains much of its rustic charm and elegance despite its rapid development. This lovely town has a rich history and culture that are still evident on numerous street corners.

Your day will start with a full-day sightseeing tour right after breakfast. Ride a bus to visit the Killing Fields outside the city and, afterward, the centrally located prison called S21. Both historic sites display the sad and cruel chapter of the country’s history when the Khmer Rouge ruled Cambodia with terror and oppression. Alternatively, you may explore the city on your own in the morning before re-joining the group.

Have lunch at a well-known restaurant in town and experience the elegant air for which Phnom Penh’s top addresses are known. The exploration of Phnom Penh continues with the cultural highlights of the city’s heritage. The golden edifice of the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda and the exceptional Khmer crafts at the National Museum top the list of the city’s must-sees. The day trip ends with a cyclo ride along the bustling streets of downtown Phnom Penh and back to the ship.

Take some rest or join fellow passengers at the bar for refreshing drinks. Join your fellow passengers for a special open-air gala featuring a barbecue dinner feast in the evening. The dinner is accompanied by a classic Apsara dance performance and other folklore dances.

As the evening unwinds, enjoy your supper with a good glass of wine and marvel at the skyline of Phnom Penh and the calming flow of the Tonle River.

After breakfast, disembark the ship for your inwards journey.