On the morning of your arrival, you will receive a welcome greeting in the lounge in Siem Reap. With a last glance back, bid farewell to the iconic sights of Angkor and travel southeast overland to the town of Kampong Cham, where the ship awaits us (approximately 4.5 hrs transfer time including rest stop) To keep you entertained during the ride, expert guides share interesting insights about Cambodia and the region.

Kampong Cham is an important trade and transportation hub. The highway connecting the town and the capital of Phnom Penh is among the best maintained in Cambodia, and the country’s first bridge across the Mekong (Kizuna Bridge) was built here in 2001.

When moving into your staterooms upon boarding, your first inclination might be to step on your balcony to watch the ship set sail for a southbound journey on the mighty Mekong.

This afternoon, you learn more about the education of the young Cambodian generation. Children from the small village of Chiro come on board, always excited to show their skills in music and dance. The Organization for Basic Training (OBT) provides free, supplemental education in English, maths, and the arts to these local youths. Shower the young performers with applause and in return, you are bestowed upon with the most genuine and happy Cambodian smiles. Prepare to leave the ship for a bus excursion to a nearby spectacle only present during the Mekong’s low water season (December to May). The Koh Paen Bamboo Bridge connects the mainland with Koh Paen Island and is rebuilt by the local community every November when water levels drop.

Continue your land journey to the enchanting pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey (7th century). Formerly 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, and have the chance to observe a few of their daily lives: eating simple meals, praying, studying, or hanging out and making conversation while in their saffron-colored robes.

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, can be served breakfast directly to your room.

Today, the small village of Angkor Ban is the first destination. The village is famous for its unspoiled community and beautiful, traditional houses. It feels like being transported back a hundred years, into an era unaffected by modernity where villagers are characterized by their unbridled warmth.

Back on board, a monks’ blessing ceremony delivers spirits and wishes for health and prosperity for us all. While sailing downstream, afternoon tea is offered at the bar. Staff is keen to show you a variety of traditional Khmer fashions the local people still wear on special occasions. Conversely, the ubiquitous Cambodian scarf, the Krama, is a garment worn by people of all ages and walks of life. This multi-functional attire is worn not just around the neck, but also as a bandanna, facemask, belt, swimwear, and even as a hammock to carry children.

Meanwhile, arrive at the island of Koh Oknha Tey. This spot in the middle of the Mekong owes its fame to manufacturing high-class silk products. Go sightseeing 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, pass the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Rivers, and the boat anchors near Kampong Chhnang for the night.

After a sumptuous breakfast 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 quite unique, nearby rural village. Explore the village on foot your guide reveals the village’s specialties – Khmer-style pottery and the process of making palm sugar from the Cambodian “skor t’not” palm tree.

Drive back to the shore and take the local boat back to the ship. In this area along the Tonle River local communities used to live along the shores on floating houses. Their inhabitants were of Vietnamese descent and were expelled by the Khmer Rouge and returned after the ruling party was overthrown in 1979. As they had no land to settle on, they decided back then to live “on the water” until only recently in 2021 the government relocated them to land.

Back on board and with lunch ready in the restaurant, the vessel continues 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, very narrow. The boat glides through leafy swaths of this jungle-like landscape. Reach Kampong Tralach, where laughing children wave enthusiastically at arrival.

In the middle of Cambodia’s countryside where – surprise – traditional ox carts are still a common means of transportation, an ox-powered vehicle takes you on a journey 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 dressed in green shirts, are always happy to meet us every week as the principal gives an introduction and updates us on the current situation of the school.

After some additional cruising time back aboard, the boat arrives and docks at the pier of 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. Despite its rapid development, it has retained its rustic charm and elegance. It is an amazing town with centuries of incredible history and culture which can still be felt at many street corners.

Start with a full sightseeing tour right after breakfast. By bus, visit the Killing Fields outside the city and afterward the centrally located prison “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. Those places have not changed much since this horrific time back in the early seventies and it can be quite heart-breaking. Alternatively, you may explore the city on your own in the morning before re-joining the group.

Have lunch at a well-renowned restaurant in town and experience the elegant air Phnom Penh’s top addresses are known for. 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 tops 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. Today’s evening is a special one: let us invite you to a wonderful open-air gala featuring a barbecue dinner feast. The dinner is accompanied by a classic Apsara dance performance along with 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.