Mekong River - Upstream - High water

Friendly staff welcomes you aboard in the early morning as you check in to your comfortable home for the next few days.

Welcome to Phnom Penh, once known as the "Paris of the East." Despite its rapid development, the city has preserved much of its historic character and charm. After breakfast, set out on a full-day tour beginning with a cyclo ride through the city before visiting the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. Continue to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21), a former prison that stands as a reminder of Cambodia's history under the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s, followed by lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, gain a deeper appreciation of Khmer culture with a visit to an academy dedicated to preserving Cambodia's traditional performing arts. Watch young dancers practice the graceful Apsara dance, then learn a few basic movements under the guidance of an instructor. Continue with a walk through the city's French Quarter, including a visit to Wat Phnom, one of Phnom Penh's most important landmarks.

Back on board, attend a talk in the ship's lounge by Mr. Sum Rithy, a survivor of imprisonment at S21 who later participated in the Khmer Rouge tribunal. Through his personal experiences, gain insight into this difficult chapter of Cambodia's history and take the opportunity to ask questions. End the day with an open-air barbecue and gala dinner accompanied by a traditional Apsara dance performance. If desired, spend the evening exploring Phnom Penh at your own pace, from its riverfront promenade to its bars and cafés.

You are leaving Phnom Penh early to make your way to Prek Bangkong.

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

Optional Morning Excursion
Cycling (extra cost): The cycling tour today takes you 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

As you continue to sail upstream and prior to lunchtime, your guide offers a presentation about the geography of the Mekong and the Tonle Rivers.

Default Afternoon Excursion:
Angkor Ban features a monastery with an adjacent enchanting local village. You'll 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 understand the local way of life in various aspects, collecting wonderful memories of Cambodia's rustic lifestyle. The village offers great photographic moments while interacting with the local community.

Optional Afternoon 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.

Cycling (extra cost): Today’s cycling tour journey 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 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

Once back onboard, the ship turns around, sailing down the Mekong River to reach the overnight mooring place at the confluence of the Mekong and the Tonle Rivers.

Early birds are welcome to join the daily Tai Chi on the open deck again.

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.

Default Afternoon Excursion:
In the afternoon, enjoy an exciting excursion to discover another part of 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.

Optional Afternoon Excursion
Cycling (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. 120 min / Terrain: flat on concrete path

Join a happy hour time at the bar while you sail into the sunset. You moor later near Kampong Laeang. After dinner, the nightly cinema has another classic film on display.

Default Morning Excursion:
You are 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:
Culinary: 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 Kruak and cooked it on both sides. This dish is a tasty pre-dinner snack often consumed by locals.

Cycling (extra cost): Upon disembarking, you hop on a bike to embark on your local Khmer discovery. Your journey leads you 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 board, the ship enters now the vast Tonle Lake. During the whole afternoon, accompanied by some onboard entertainment, you can enjoy the ocean-like views until you reach your mooring spot mid-lake at the doorstep of Siem Reap. You end this day of sailing with a farewell dinner and party vibes.

Enjoy your last breakfast on board your floating sanctuary.

The Tonle Sap (The Great Lake) is the flowing heart of Cambodia, giving love and life to millions of people. This rich ecosystem and UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve has more fish than any other lake in the world and is home to an incredible variety of birds, including rare and endangered feathered life.

Here, your Heritage Line cruise comes to an end this morning. Prepare to disembark the ship and take a local boat to the shore, passing a vast floating community. You arrive at the Siem Reap pier and bring you to the drop-off point in the city center.

The team hopes you enjoyed this fascinating river cruise, just as your 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.