Heritage Line 4-Night Lower Mekong Siem Reap – Phnom Penh (Low water season)

Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Cambodia on a luxurious 4-night Heritage Line Jahan or Jayavarman cruise, sailing from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. This unforgettable journey unlocks the rich cultural tapestry and breathtaking landscapes waiting to be discovered. Explore Kampong Cham, where you’ll encounter the artistry of local crafts and marvel at a scenic bamboo bridge. Travel to Angkor Ban, where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with monks and villagers. Witness the intricate skill of traditional silk-weaving communities. Immerse yourself in the charming pottery town of Kampong Laeang. Disembark in Phnom Penh, cherishing the unforgettable memories you’ve collected along the Mekong River. Embrace the warmth of Cambodian hospitality, witness the artistry of local craftspeople, and journey through breathtaking landscapes. Book your 4-night cruise adventure today and discover the heart of Cambodia!

Duration: 5 days 4 nights

City: Siem Reap, Angkor Ban, Kampong Laeng, Phnom Penh

Operating cruise: Heritage Line THE JAHAN & JAYAVARMAN

Price: Upon Request

 

Day 1: Siem Reap – Stueng Trang – Kampong Cham – Angkor Ban

Day 2: Angkor Ban – Prek Bangkong – Kampong Laeang

Day 3: Kampong Laeang – Kampong Tralach – Phnom Penh

Day 4: Phnom Penh

Day 5: Phnom Penh

**Operate during Low Water Season: Approximately mid of November – end of August (subject to water level)

Operating cruise: Heritage Line The Jahan & Jayavarman

  • Day 1: Begin your adventure in Kampong Cham, exploring local artisan crafts and a scenic bamboo bridge
  • Day 2: Visit Angkor Ban, meeting monks and villagers, followed by a stop at a traditional silk-weaving community
  • Day 3: Discover the pottery town of Kampong Laeang and enjoy a unique ox-cart ride through the picturesque countryside
  • Day 4: Explore the historic city of Phnom Penh, including the Royal Palace and a poignant visit to the S21 prison
  • Day 5: Bid farewell to the enchanting Mekong, taking with you unforgettable memories
  • Accommodation in selected cruise
  • English-speaking tour guiding on-and offshore
  • Transfers during the cruise; transfers between meeting points and ship and vice versa
  • Meals as mentioned in the program; welcome drink, brewed coffee, tea, and mineral water; complimentary beverage package
  • Passenger liability insurance
  • Internet on the ship (subject to cellular network signal)
  • Crew and guide gratuities
  • VISA fees
  • Private transfers
  • Personal expenses
  • Other beverages than those stated under inclusions
  • Medical services
  • Spa treatments
  • Port and anchorage fees
  • Optional excursion (as stated in the itinerary)
  • All other services or items not listed under inclusions
  • Welcome Lounge in Siem Reap: Koulen Hotel – Mondul II Village, Oknha Oum-Chhay St, Krong Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia
  • Siem Reap Pier:
    • Stueng Trang Pier (Mekong River): 1 Stueng Trang, Cambodia (in low water)
    • Phnom Krom Pier (Siem Reap): Tonle Lake (15 km outside Siem Reap, approx. transfer time 0.75hr) (in low water)
  • Phnom Penh Pier: Building #649; Sisowat Quay, Sangkat Sraschork, Khan Daun Penh, GPS (11°34’58.7″N 104°55’16.8″E)

Upon boarding, our crew will extend a warm welcome, guiding you to your staterooms and providing a briefing on the cabin’s facilities. After settling in and exploring the vessel, a welcome lunch buffet awaits, followed by a safety and welcome briefing in the lobby by our cruise director.

Default Morning Excursion (any ship): We leave the ship for the first excursion in the afternoon. By bus, we explore the so called highland of the Kampong Cham, which is an important trade and transportation hub but it still maintains scattered small hamlets around the outskirts where the community’s rhythm blends with the skilled hands of artisans. For instance, in Cheung Krok, locals craft various handmade items, whether it’s food, fashion, or other everyday goods. The nearby Bamboo bridge, which is erected seasonally, serves as more than just a passageway; it’s a gateway to the past.

 

OPTIONAL MORNING EXCURSION:
Culinary (Ship ‘Jayavarman’ only): Not available

Cycling (Ship ‘The Jahan’ only with extra cost): We start the outing with a little tuk-tuk ride to the hilltop of Wat Hanchey. We have a look at this small charming temple complex and the view down to the river before we paddle our way on small roads through the Cambodian countryside including the visit of a cashew nut farm on the way.

Default Afternoon Excursion (any ship): As the sun sets, we are back on board sailing with the flow of the Mekong River towards Angkor Ban for the overnight mooring. Meet a bit closer with your fellow travelers during a welcome event at the bar with canapés and prosecco with the Mekong shores providing a perfect backdrop to it. After dinner, we are opening the evening cinema, featuring either an intriguing classic movie or a captivating documentary.

Meals: Lunch, dinner

The morning Tai Chi session sets the mood for the day as we begin our tour of Angkor Ban.

Default Morning Excursion (any ship): This place includes a monastery with a delightful local village behind it. You’ll have the chance to meet monks during their morning class and engage in friendly conversations with the villagers. As we meander through the village, we’ll get as close as possible to the local way of life, collecting wonderful memories of Cambodia’s rustic lifestyle. This village is truly a gem to explore offering photographic and touching moments whilst interacting with the local community.

 

OPTIONAL MORNING EXCURSION:
Culinary (Ship ‘Jayavarman’ only): Today, the culinary-themed excursion is offering a nice highlight. In addition to the visit of the Angkor Ban village (see default excursion) the group is going to visit the house of Mr B. who used to work years ago as a young chef aboard the ship Jayavarman. When 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), we 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 (Ship ‘The Jahan’ only with extra cost): Today’s journey with our cycling tour, 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.

We are boarding our luxury ship again sailing now downstream again towards Phnom Penh. Before we arrive at Cambodia’s capital, we halt at a small silk weaving community.

Default Afternoon Excursion (any ship): 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. We will have the opportunity to closely observe and learn about this intricate silk production process. We conclude this excursion by visiting the heritage house of H.E. Sam-El, once a famous architect for the royal family.

 

OPTIONAL AFTERNOON EXCURSION:
Culinary (Ship ‘Jayavarman’ only): Not available

Cycling (Ship ‘The Jahan’ only with extra cost): Our cycling tour today takes us 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.

 

The rest of the day is a joyful sailing, passing the skyline of Phnom Penh and heading into the small Tonle River northbound. Enjoy your multi-course menu and the nightly entertaining evening cinema offered afterward. We moor midstream in the Tonle River.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Default Morning Excursion (any ship): We are in the midst of the vast Tonle region, one of Cambodia’s amazing ecosystems. We will discover Kampong Laeang this morning, situated just across from the famous pottery town of Kampong Chhnang. Once ashore, we embark on tuk-tuks to travel the heart of rural Cambodian life. During this excursion, we’ll explore various locals, discover the art of pottery making, and visit a charming pre-Angkorian temple. From a vantage point, we can enjoy panoramic views of the vast floodplains and lush rice fields (seasonal).

 

OPTIONAL MORNING EXCURSION:
Culinary (Ship ‘Jayavarman’ only): The culinary-themed excursion aboard Heritage line Jayavarman adds 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 Krok and cooked it on both sides, making it like a ball. Nom Krok is also a spiritual dish offered to ghosts during some festivals as food. But above all, it is a very tasty pre-dinner snack often consumed by locals.

Cycling (Ship ‘The Jahan’ only with extra cost): Upon disembarking, we hop on our bikes to embark on our local Khmer discovery. Our journey leads us 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 our eyes.

 

Back on the ship with lunch enjoyed and spectacular views of the Tonle River we sail south to Kampong Tralach. An afternoon tea is served at the bar before we continue with the afternoon excursion.

Default Afternoon Excursion (any ship): Once the ship stops, we enjoy an exciting excursion to discover another part of the rural Cambodian countryside. Our ox-pulled cart will transport us along the riverside and down winding back roads, flanked by picturesque rice paddies until we arrive at a small village. Here, we will 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:
Culinary (Ship ‘Jayavarman’ only): Not available

Cycling (Ship ‘The Jahan’ only with extra cost): Experience another day in the heartland of Cambodia with our 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.

 

We sail some more miles down the Tonle River before reaching Phnom Penh where we moor our ship mid-stream with views on the skyline of this vibrant city.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Welcome to Phnom Penh, a city once renowned as the “Paris of the East.” Despite its rapid development, it has retained much of its rustic charm and elegance. Phnom Penh is a remarkable city with a history and culture that spans centuries, still palpable at every street corner. Our full-day sightseeing tour begins right after breakfast, allowing us to explore the city’s highlights. We’ll start with a cyclo ride, meandering through the town, and then visit historic places such as the palace and the silver pagoda. Our journey takes us to the “S21” prison, a poignant and dark chapter in Cambodia’s history during the Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s. Afterward, we’ll pause for a delightful lunch in town before continuing to visit one of the country’s most famous history museums, “Sosoro,” and concluding the tour with a leisurely stroll through the city’s French quarter, including the iconic and aptly named monument of Wat Phnom.

In the evening, we invite you to an engaging expert lecture in the lounge. To cap off this eventful day, we’ll indulge in a delightful open-air barbecue and gala dinner accompanied by a classic Apsara dance performance. Afterward, feel free to explore the city at night, savoring Phnom Penh’s vibrant nightlife or taking in the lively river promenade.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Enjoy your last breakfast aboard your floating home before disembarking the ship. We hope you enjoyed this fascinating river cruise, just as our 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.

Meals: Breakfast

Nội Dung Chính