Mekong River - Downstream - Low water

As you board, you're warmly greeted by the crew and shown to your stateroom, where you can get comfortable and check out the room’s features. Take some time to explore the ship at your own pace before enjoying a laid-back welcome lunch buffet. Later, join the cruise director in the lobby for a friendly safety and welcome talk.

Leave the ship for a first excursion in the afternoon. By bus you explore the so called high-land of the 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 Morning Excursion (Extra Cost):
Start the outing with a little tuk tuk ride to the hilltop of Wat Hanchey. You have a look at this small charming templet complex and the view down to the river before you paddle your way on small roads through the Cambodian country side including the visit of a cashew nut farm on the way.
Distance: 12 km / Duration: approx. 120 min / Terrain: flat on concrete path

As the sun sets, you are back on board sailing with the flow of the Mekong River towards Angkor Ban for the overnight mooring. Meet a bit closer with your fellow travellers during a welcome event at the bar with canapés and prosecco with the Mekong shores providing a perfect backdrop to it. After dinner, you are opening the evening cinema, featuring either an intriguing classic movie or a captivating documentary.

The morning Tai Chi session sets the mood for the day as you begin your tour of 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, 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 (Extra Cost):
Today’s journey with your 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

Boarding your luxury ship again sailing now downstream again towards Phnom Penh. Before you arrive at Cambodia’s capital, you halt 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. Conclude this excursion by visiting the heritage house of H.E. Sam-El, once a famous architect for the royal family.

Optional Afternoon Excursion (Extra Cost):
Your 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 a joyful sailing, passing the skyline of Phnom Penh and heading into the small Tonle River northbound. Enjoy your multi-course menu and the nightly entertaining evening cinema offered afterwards. You moor midstream in the Tonle river.

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, 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 (Extra Cost):
Upon disembarking, you hop on your bike to embark on your local Khmer discovery. Your 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 your eyes.
Distance: 17 km / Duration: approx. 90 min / Terrain: flat on concrete path

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, enjoy an exciting excursion to discover another part of rural Cambodian countryside. Your 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.

Optional Afternoon Excursion (Extra Cost):
Experience another day in the heartland of Cambodia with a 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. 90 min / Terrain: flat on concrete path

You sail some more miles down the Tonle river before reaching Phnom Penh where the ship moors mid-stream with views on the skyline of this vibrant city.

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 us to explore the city's highlights. 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 us 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, have an engaging expert lecture in the lounge. To cap off this eventful day, 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 you enjoyed this fascinating river cruise, just as the crew does every single time. Moreover, take the enchanting memories and friendships along with you and share the stories of this amazing river - the Mighty Mekong.