Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Cambodia – Phnom Penh
Cambodia is still filled with an element of mystique due to its magnificent past and its turbulent recent history. The charming capital, Phnom Penh, was once known as “The Pearl of the East” due to its attractive French colonial buildings and wide frangipani-lined boulevards. A pleasant way to start your holiday is with a stroll along the waterfront at Sisowath Quay. Get acquainted with the city and the plethora of cosmopolitan cafes, boutiques and restaurants.

Day 2: Phnom Penh – Embark The Jayavarman
Embark on a city tour to include the dazzling white and gold architecture of the Royal Palace, outstanding displays of Khmer crafts at the National Museum and Wat Phnom, the original temple which now lends its name to the city. Examine the heart wrenching reminders of Cambodia's brutal past under the Khmer Rouge regime with an excursion to the Genocide museum with a local history professor. Board your luxury boat in the evening and relax with a cocktail, followed by a traditional Apsara dance performance by a local dance troupe.

Day 3: Phnom Penh - Kampong Cham
Depart before dawn and head to Chong Koh silk weaving village, taking in the Mekong's tranquil villages and river life on the way from your private balcony or the spacious sun deck. Visit Wat Nokor, built within the ruins of an ancient temple that holds a timeless story. Sail on to the Cheung Kok Ecotourism Village. While you visit, you are encouraged to take part in activities to experience village life. The locals benefit as profit from tourism is invested into long-term sustainable projects.

Day 4: Kampong Cham - Wat Hanchey
Cruise upriver to the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Dating from the 8th century, these ancient structures are a fine example of the Chenla Empire architecture which predated the glories of the mighty Angkor. Located at the top of a hill overlooking the river, it offers spectacular views of the surrounding rice paddy plains. You will also have the rare opportunity to experience a travelers’ blessing performed by the local monks which will bring you good fortune for the journey ahead.

Day 5: Kampong Cham - Kampong Chhnang - Tonle Sap
Set sail to Kampong Chhnang along the meandering Tonle Sap River. Take a walk through Kampong Louang, one of the last silversmith villages in this area, to see the entire community involved in making various silverware items. A motorboat excursion from here will expose the wetlands, floating villages and fish farms in the region. Make a stop at a floating school to interact with the children and teach them some English or practise your Khmer! This is the day to truly experience rural Khmer life before a mouth watering farewell dinner on board.

Day 6: Tonle Sap - Siem Reap - Disembark
This great lake is the lifeblood to the fishing communities who rely on its abundant reserves. It is over 150 km in length and from the middle of the lake one cannot even see the shores. Savour the last few moments of tranquillity and take in the profuse birdlife on the way to Siem Reap where you will farewell your friendly crew. After disembarkation, a short transfer will bring you to Siem Reap town where you may choose to wander the quiet streets and explore some of the boutique shops, art galleries or the Old Market.

Day 7 - 8: Siem Reap
The artistic, architectural and cultural legacy of the Khmer Empire from the 9th -13th centuries is epitomised in the ruins of the Angkor area. Upon visiting the Angkor temples with a renowned local scholar, you reconnect with this ancient civilization as the intellect, skill and spirituality of the Khmer people is revealed through his personal insights into the ways of his ancestors. The multi faced Bayon, the jungle-clad Ta Prohm and the magnificent Angkor Wat are some of the wonderful temples that await discovery.

Day 9: Depart Siem Reap
It can be difficult to leave Cambodia due to the gentle and warm ways of its people, as well as the incredible cultural and artistic richness that it still embraces. From Siem Reap, you may be interested in flying up to Luang Prabang in neighbouring Laos, where you can continue to explore the ancient wonders of South East Asia.

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