Mekong River - Downstream - Low water

Heritage Line welcomes you in Siem Reap at the lounge. Enjoy a second coffee before transferring to the vessel moored on the Mekong River. Upon boarding, the crew guides you to your stateroom and provides a short briefing on the cabin’s facilities. Once settled, lunch is served in the restaurant, followed by a welcome and safety briefing in the lobby with the cruise director.

In the afternoon, the vessel sails along the Mekong River, giving you time to relax on deck. The cruise director hosts a sunset gathering with canapés and prosecco, offering a chance to meet fellow travelers. Dinner is then served. If you wish, watch a film in the air-conditioned lounge later in the evening.

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 have the chance to meet monks during their morning class and engage in friendly conversations with the villagers. As you stroll 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 moments while 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.

With everyone back on board, the ship sails 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.

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.

Default Morning 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 can explore various locals, 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 Morning Excursion:
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, lunch can be enjoyed along with spectacular views of the Tonle River region, as the ship sails south to Kampong Tralach. An afternoon tea is served at the bar before you continue with another excursion.

Default Afternoon Excursion:.
Embark on an exciting outing to discover another part of the rural Cambodian countryside. An 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.

The ship sets sail again for some more miles down the Tonle River before reaching Phnom Penh. You moor mid-stream with views of 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 you 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 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. The team hopes 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.