Mekong River - Upstream - Low water

Welcome to Phnom Penh! You receive a warm welcome from the friendly staff in the early morning as you check in to your cabin, your comfortable home for the next few days.

After breakfast, begin a full-day exploration of Phnom Penh, a city once renowned as the “Paris of the East.” Despite its growth, the city retains its historical charm and rich cultural character. Enjoy a cyclo ride through the bustling streets before visiting the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. Continue to the S21 Prison to learn about an important part of Cambodia’s history. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, then visit an academy and school dedicated to preserving traditional Khmer arts. Watch students practice the graceful Apsara dance and try a few basic movements under their guidance. Later, take a leisurely walk through the French Quarter and visit the Wat Phnom temple.

In the evening, return to the ship for an inspiring talk by Mr. Sum Rithy, a survivor of S21 and participant in the Khmer Rouge tribunal. Conclude the day with an open-air barbecue and Apsara dance performance on board, or take time to enjoy Phnom Penh’s riverfront and local cafés at your own pace.

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.

This morning, enjoy an exciting excursion to discover another part of rural Cambodian, Kampong Tralach countryside. An ox-pulled cart transport 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 the local NGO school and library project. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the nearby ancient 300-year-old temple and Buddha shrine.

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

Default Afternoon Excursion:
In the midst of the expansive Tonle region, one of Cambodia’s amazing ecosystems. The tour this morning leads to Kampong Laeang, an unknown hamlet 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 explore various locales, discover the art of pottery making, and visit a charming pre-Angkorian temple. From a vantage point, amazing panoramic views of the vast floodplains and lush rice fields (seasonal) can be enjoyed.

Optional Afternoon Excursion:
Culinary: The culinary-themed excursion offers the possibility to participate in a cooking demonstration at a local household in the village. Together with the locals, guests prepare the quite famous snack called “Nom Kruak” which is a kind of cake made from white or brown rice. Originally cooked only on one side, the Khmer invented Nom Kruak and cooked it on both sides. This dish is a tasty pre-dinner snack often consumed by locals.

Once back on board, you sail toward Kampong Luong, where the ship anchors for the night.

Default Morning Excursion:
Your first stop is Kampong Luong, a renowned Silver Smith Village. Here, 400 families breathe life into silver, copper, and brass, crafting art pieces and jewelry. A short stroll on the island reveals their hard labor. Continue with a visit to Wat Prang, the Royal Buddhist Temple. This sacred site offers a moment of reflection on the king’s legacy, intertwining both history and spirituality. Engage with the monks and laymen, learning about their daily lives, rituals, and personal stories.

With everyone back on board, enjoy a funny but also interesting fashion show that showcases local Cambodian attire.

Default Afternoon 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. Conclude this excursion by visiting the heritage house of H.E. Sam-El, once a famous architect for the royal family.

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

Early risers may like to join the daily offered Tai Chi session on the sun deck before breakfast. Today’s morning excursion lets you explore the village of Angkor Ban.

Default Morning 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 village, you can 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.

Optional Morning Excursion:
Culinary: In addition to a shorter visit to the Angkor Ban village, the culinary excursion group extends their excursion to pass by the house of Mr B, who used to work as a young chef aboard the ship ‘Jayavarman’. After 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, and roasted rice, accompanied by a duck egg omelette.

While you sail to Kampong Cham during lunchtime, the whole afternoon is at your own disposal. It is time to switch into cruise mode for your last full day onboard. Experiences the relaxing cadence this mighty river emanates. The afternoon is perfect for massages, relaxation on a terrace deck sunbed or private balcony kick-backs. Conjure up a spell to merge with the river and float into a state of mild bliss. You also may like to visit the bridge, as the captain always has a little story to share about “his” river. Or, if you are curious to learn more about Khmer gastronomy, join a culinary workshop to sharpen your knowledge about local cuisine.

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

Enjoy your final breakfast aboard your floating sanctuary. You disembark the ship and transfer by bus to Siem Reap, which takes approximately 4 hours. To keep you entertained during the journey, the guides share interesting insights about Cambodia and the region you pass through. Hope you've enjoyed this captivating river cruise as much as the 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 arrive in Siem Reap in the early afternoon.