5D4N Treasures of The Mekong: Phnom Penh To Siem Reap Cruise

Phnom Penh was once known as “The Paris of the East”. Despite its rapid development, it has retained a lot of its rustic charm and elegance. Embark the ship at 8:00 am, then be captivated by a comprehensive lecture on Cambodia's modern history. This will be followed by a city tour of this dynamic, historical capital city that has managed to preserve huge slices of its French colonial allure.

Sightseeing in the morning will include visiting the dazzling white and gold edifice of the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, and witnessing exceptionally beautiful Khmer craftsmanship at the National Museum. After lunch at a local restaurant, we will visit the S-21 Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields, the latter located just outside of town. Be prepared to be heart wrenched by this stark reminder of the genocide that transpired during Cambodia's Khmer Rouge regime.

Return to the ship after where a variety of cocktails will be served, followed by a traditional Apsara dance performance onboard. Experience the brilliance and richness of this culture, the soothing sounds of traditional music, the calming scent of incense sticks and a barbecue on the sundeck. It is indeed a truly marvelous experience, dining in the open with the stars and the moon as our companions.

Overnight on Jayavarman Cruise 3* Cruise

in Superior/Deluxe/Signature cabin with full board for 4 nights from Day 1 to Day 5      

Depart before the break of dawn from Phnom Penh with a stop at the little known Chong Koh silk weaving village. Then return to the ship and cruise past the Mekong River's tranquil villages, exhilarating river life and sun-hardened fishermen on their makeshift boats.

Later, tour the rural Angkor Ban village where time seems to have stood still, transported back a hundred years into an era unsullied by modernity. The houses here are truly rustic, made by hand and without any concrete. But most of all, be overwhelmed by the unbridled warmth of the villagers.

If you wish, take part in the daily activities of the villagers to experience village life first hand. Then, back to the ship to cruise towards Kampong Cham.

Overnight on Jayavarman Cruise 3* Cruise

in Superior/Deluxe/Signature cabin with full board for 4 nights from Day 1 to Day 5

Wake up in the small hours of the morning, truly energized to embark on a land journey to the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Travel either by motor-taxi or climb the 291 steps to the top. Located at the top of a hill overlooking the river, it offers one of the most breathtaking views in Cambodia. Built in the 8th century, this ancient structure, together with a variety of bigger and newer additions, underscores the superb architecture of the Chenla Empire which predates the mighty Angkor era. It may even be possible to engage in light banter with some of the monks in the area. Then return to the ship to witness a blessing ceremony performed by orange-clad local monks.

When the tide allows, enjoy a surprise sojourn in our zodiacs (inflatable boats) to the nearby beach to swim in the tea-coloured Mekong River, an experience that will, no doubt, dominate dinner conversations in the weeks to come.

Then cruise towards Kampong Cham to visit Wat Nokor, a wat built within the ruins of an ancient temple which holds a timeless story. Along the way, the ship will maneuver a 2-kilometer rickety bamboo bridge. Our sense of balance lies in the balance!

Overnight on Jayavarman Cruise 3* Cruise

in Superior/Deluxe/Signature cabin with full board for 4 nights from Day 1 to Day 5

Before the sun peeks over the horizon, the cruiser sets sail towards Kampong Chhnang on the Tonle Sap River - an amazingly narrow river - which glides through leafy swaths of the Southeast Asian jungle. Here, you will be greeted by cacophonous children who waive enthusiastically early in the morning when they bring their livestock for a bath in the meandering Tonle Sap River.

Then the ship approaches Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia's 'waterworld' where everything is on stilts balanced on water-rich soil: an awesome sight to behold whilst practicing Tai Chi on the deck. Here, take a motorboat excursion to the landing, followed by a short bus trip to the town's specialty - Khmer-style pottery at Aundaung Russey village. Then, it is back to the river for an adventurous motorboat excursion to the wetlands, floating houses, and fish farms in the region.

Then return to the ship for lunch whilst cruising the narrow and meandering Tonle Sap. The water level rises and drops considerably throughout the year. Thus, our journey begins in high or low water after lunch.

High Water Program (approx. between August and middle of December)

Your floating sanctuary will then cruise gently, in the afternoon, along the narrow and meandering Tonle Sap. In the evening, a sumptuous spread will be served. And for the big surprise - bring along your dance shoes and learn to jiggle the Cambodian way with our staff doubling as dance instructors. (If you can't dance, do not fret. Neither can our staff!)

Low Water Program (approx. between middle of December and August)

When the ship reaches Kampong Tralach, disembark in a traditional ox cart rally before being introduced to the Heritage Line pro bono 'literacy project'. (www.cambodialiteracyproject.com)

This is the day to truly experience rural Khmer life. In the evening, a sumptuous spread will be served. And for the big surprise: bring along your dance shoes and learn to jiggle the Cambodian way with our staff doubling as dance instructors.

Overnight on Jayavarman Cruise 3* Cruise

in Superior/Deluxe/Signature cabin with full board for 4 nights from Day 1 to Day 5

The Tonle Sap lake dominates Cambodia: it is the largest freshwater lake in Asia and features abundant birdlife. This lake is so wide that one cannot see its shores from the middle of the lake. Enjoy the stillness of the water and the quiet tranquility on the way to Siem Reap.

The water level varies a great deal according to the time of the year and the amount of rainfall. Thus, minor changes to the itinerary may occur during different seasons. The cruise aboard the Heritage Line cruise liner comes to an end as the ship reaches this city of the fabled Angkor temple complex. Bid farewell to the cruise as the journey comes to a close. But the memories - and the friendships made on board - linger on for a lot longer.

High Water Program (approx. between August and middle of December)

Cross the Tonle Sap Lake at dawn and, at 9:00 am, disembark at the Siem Reap Port for onward coach transfer to the drop off point in town.

Including Breakfast.

Low Water Program (approx. between middle of December and August)

Cruise in the early morning to Prek K'dam and disembark the ship after breakfast. Take a walk through the silversmith village of Koh Chen where the entire community of villagers is involved in making various silver items for sale before boarding a coach at 9:00 am for transfer to the drop off point. Here you will get to munch on snacks and enjoy cold drinks along the journey. Next, stop briefly at Skoun, known as “Spiderville” for its fried spiders, a delicacy in this country. Arrive in Siem Reap in the early afternoon.