Siem Reap Cruise Tour to Phnom Penh By RV Jayavarman Cruise

Day 1: Siem Reap Cruise Tour to Kampong Chhnang (lunch/dinner)

“Waterworld”

The Tonle Sap (The Great Lake) is the flowing heart of Cambodia, giving love and life to this nation. The Tonle Sap 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.

At 12:30 pm, we gather at the meeting point followed by a quick transfer to the mighty boutique ship. The ever-smiling crew welcomes us with unbridled warmth. A refreshing welcome drink awaits us followed by a sumptuous lunch on the ship.

Then, it is a lazy afternoon as the ship glides along the water. Dinner is at Indochina Dining Hall. Enjoy a spectacular experience on the sun deck as we bathe in the glow of the moon and the radiance of the stars.

The ship then moors overnight in the Jayavarman Cruise on The Great Lake.

Day 2: Kampong Chhnang (breakfast/lunch/dinner)

“Cambodia’s province and the wetlands”

The day – in fact everyday – starts with an invigorating Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck, just as the sun begins its slow rise. Coffee and tea awaits the early bird. Before dawn, The Ship sets sail across the Tonle Sap Lake. As the ship is about to exit the lake, we see spectacular marshlands floating along the river banks of Kampong Chhnang province.

The afternoon cruise continues with a languid meander along the Tonle Sap, which narrows through leafy swaths of the Southeast Asian jungle. Here, the river is very narrow and we are greeted by kids waving enthusiastically at us from the banks.

Follow a short bus trip to the see the Khmer-styled pottery at the Aundaung Russey village. We then embark on a truly marvelous motorboat excursion from Kampong Chhnang to see the wetlands, floating houses and fish farms in the region before reaching Kampong Cham in the evening.

Further down the river we take part in an ox cart rally before being introduced to the Heritage Line pro bono ‘literacy project’. (www.cambodialiteracyproject.com) Overnight on The Jayavarman Cruise in Kampong Cham. 

Day 3: Kampong Cham – Wat Hanchey (breakfast/lunch/dinner)

“Monks and hilltops”

We will 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. Travelers either take a 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 breath-taking views in Cambodia.

Built in the 8th century, this ancient structure, together with a bigger and newer addition underscores the superb architecture of the Chenla Empire which predates the mighty Angkor temple complex. We even get to engage in light banter with some of the monks in the area. We will return to the ship to witness a blessing ceremony performed by orange-clad local monks

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

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

Overnight midstream near Phnom Penh, it is great feelings .

Day 4: Phnom Penh Cruise Tour (breakfast/lunch/dinner)

“Pearl of the East”

Phnom Penh was once the Paris of the East. Despite its rapid development, it has retained a lot of its rustic charm and elegance. After breakfast, we will 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 of Cambodia which 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 craft at the National Museum.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we will visit the Genocide museum and the Killing Field in town. Be prepared to be heart wrenched by this stark reminder of the genocide that transpired during Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge regime.

We go back to the ship after our museum visit. 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 barbeque 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 the Jayavarman Cruise in Phnom Penh

Day 5: Phnom Penh  (breakfast)

“The Highway Blues”

Inclusions:

• Entrance fees
• Transportation
• Tour guide services (English speaking)
• Taxes, fuel, pilots, port dues, All Meals on boat – full board Welcome and farewell diner, mineral water, coffee and tea during breakfast
• Transfers in Saigon and Siem Reap from/to the meeting point to/from embarkation/disembarkation point or vice versa are included

Exclusions:

• Phnom Penh port taxes per passenger of US$ 65 levied by the Cambodian Port authority.
• Gratuities (US$ 5.00 passenger/day are recommended)
• Visa (cost for Cambodia visa is US$30.00 and fuel surcharges if any. Peak season surcharge: + US$ 150 per person for the New Years Eve and Christmas (24 Dec,31 Dec)