Jahan Cruise 5 days Phnom Penh - Siem Reap (Mid Sep - Dec)

Phnom Penh was once known as the Paris of the East. Despite its rapid development, the city has retained much of its rustic charm and elegance. After breakfast, we will attend a comprehensive lecture on Cambodia’s modern history. This will be followed by a city tour of Cambodia’s dynamic and historic capital, which has managed to preserve much of its French colonial allure.

Morning sightseeing will include visits to the dazzling white-and-gold Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, as well as an opportunity to admire exceptionally beautiful Khmer craftsmanship at the National Museum.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we will visit the Genocide Museum and the Killing Field in the city. Be prepared to be deeply moved by these stark reminders of the genocide that took place during Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge regime.

After our museum visits, we will return to the ship. Take some time to relax on your cabin balcony or in the lounge before getting ready for an exciting evening event. The evening begins with a selection of cocktails served on the sun deck, followed by an Apsara dance performance. Experience the brilliance and richness of Cambodian culture through the soothing sounds of traditional music, the calming scent of incense sticks, and a barbecue on the sun deck. Dining outdoors beneath the stars and moon is truly a marvelous experience.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Overnight: Phnom Penh.

Around 1:00 a.m., we will depart Phnom Penh and begin our overnight cruise to Kampong Chhnang, a region approximately 100 km away.

Meals: L, D

Accommodation: Jahan cruise

We will depart Phnom Penh before the break of dawn, stopping at the little-known Chong Koh silk-weaving village. We will then return to the ship and cruise past the Mekong’s tranquil villages, vibrant river life, and sun-hardened fishermen on their makeshift boats.

We will visit the rural village of Angkor Ban, where time seems to have stood still. Here, we will be transported back a hundred years to an era untouched by modernity. The houses are truly rustic, handmade and built without concrete. Above all, we will be overwhelmed by the genuine warmth and hospitality of the villagers.

Travelers can take part in the villagers’ daily activities to experience rural life firsthand. Afterwards, we will return to the ship and continue cruising towards Kampong Cham.

Meals: B, L, D

Accommodation: Jahan cruise

We will wake up in the early hours of the morning, feeling refreshed and ready to embark on a land excursion to the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Travelers can either take a motor-taxi or climb the 291 steps to the top. Perched on a hill overlooking the river, the temple offers one of the most breathtaking views in Cambodia. Built in the 8th century, this ancient structure, together with a larger and newer addition, showcases the superb architecture of the Chenla Empire, which predates the mighty Angkor temple complex. We will also have the opportunity to engage in light-hearted conversations with some of the local monks. We will then return to the ship to witness a blessing ceremony performed by local monks dressed in orange robes.

When the tide allows, we will enjoy a surprise excursion in our Zodiacs (inflatable boats) to a nearby beach, where we can swim in the tea-coloured waters of the Mekong River. This memorable experience will no doubt become a highlight of 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 steeped in history. On the way back to the ship, we will visit an orphanage. Along the way, we will need to navigate a rickety, 2-kilometre bamboo bridge, putting our sense of balance to the test!

Meals: B, L, D

Accommodation: Jahan cruise

Before the sun peeks over the horizon, the cruiser sets sail towards Kampong Chhnang on the Tonle Sap River, an amazingly narrow river that winds its way through lush stretches of Southeast Asian jungle. We are greeted by lively children waving enthusiastically early in the morning as they bring their livestock to bathe in the meandering Tonle Sap River.

We then approach Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia’s “waterworld,” where everything stands on stilts above the rich, waterlogged soil. It is an incredible sight to behold while practising Tai Chi on the deck.

Here, we take a motorboat excursion to the landing, followed by a short bus ride to visit Aundaung Russey village and see its Khmer-style pottery. Then, we return to the river for an adventurous motorboat excursion through the region’s wetlands, floating houses, and fish farms.

We then return to the ship for lunch while cruising along the narrow, meandering Tonle Sap River.

In the afternoon, your floating sanctuary continues to cruise gently along the narrow, winding Tonle Sap River. In the evening, a sumptuous feast will be served. And now for the big surprise: bring along your dancing shoes and learn to jiggle the Cambodian way, with our staff doubling as dance instructors. (If you can’t dance, don’t fret. Neither can our staff!)

Meals: B, L, D

Accommodation: Jahan cruise

This magnificent lake dominates Cambodia and is the largest freshwater lake in Asia, boasting abundant birdlife. It is so vast that its shores are invisible from the middle of the lake.

Enjoy the stillness of the water and the peaceful tranquillity as we make our way to Siem Reap.

The water level varies considerably depending on the time of year and the amount of rainfall. As a result, minor changes to the itinerary may occur during different seasons.

Our cruise aboard the Heritage Line vessel comes to an end as we arrive in Siem Reap, the gateway to the fabled Angkor temple complex. We bid farewell to the cruise as our journey draws to a close. However, the memories—and the friendships made on board—will linger long after the journey ends.

We will cross Tonle Sap Lake at dawn and disembark at Siem Reap Port at 9:00 am, followed by a coach transfer to the drop-off point in town.

Meals: B

Accommodation: N/A