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Arrive at the meeting point in Siem Reap by 1:30pm for the included transfer to the pier. The group will transfer from Siem Reap to Koh Chen by bus and embark at Koh Chen at approximately 6:30pm.
After embarking, enjoy a welcome beverage and get to know the crew during an informational meeting before dinner on board.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Welcome aboard! It's time to meet the crew and get some information about the cruise.
Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.
Enjoy the morning in Koh Chen, an island in the river. Visit silver and copper workshops and meet a Khmer Rouge survivor eager to tell his story. Then, continue on to one of the biggest villages on the Tonle Sap River, Kampong Chhnang. Learn more about fish farming, pottery, and sugar palm production in the area. Wander through the local market then opt to cycle to visit the local industries.
After the day's excursions, enjoy dinner on board and relax as the riverboat drops anchor for the night.
Visit the small town of Koh Chen. Wander through the streets and visit family run silver and copper workshops. Watch the craftsmen and learn about the process. If possible, meet a Khmer Rouge survivor eager to share his story.
Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.
Located around 56 miles from Phnom Penh, the town of Kampong Chhnang is a very large fishing port on the Tonlé Sap. A lot of locals make a living from fish farming, a popular occupation in this area. Kampong Chhnang is also famous for its pottery ware, the style of which has not changed much for centuries and is distributed to the rest of the country. Wander through the local market, and head out to explore a family run brick factory to watch the process. Continue to visit the locals and observe the process of hand making pottery.
Before heading back to the riverboat, explore a sugar palm farm where the Thnot tree (sugar palm) that abounds in the area is used to create a mellow tasting, caramel coloured sugar sold in large cakes and palm wine.
Embark on an early morning cruise to Kampong Tralach and visit the local vihara (Buddhist monastery) and Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. Opt to cycle, or ride in a tuk tuk or buffalo cart, through the village and past rice paddies to reach the monastery. This afternoon, continue to the capital city of Phnom Penh. Take a cyclo tour past sights like Wat Phnom and the Grand Palace. Opt to finish up at the FCC for a happy hour cocktail overlooking the river or for dinner in town.
Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.
Arrive at Kampong Tralach and visit its wonderful Vihara (Buddhist Monastery) and Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. Travel through Kampong Tralach Krom village along a small road perpendicular to the river, crossing beautiful stretches of emerald rice paddies. The Vihara dates back to early last century and is home to some outstanding mural paintings. Standing isolated in the middle of the rice fields, it is a modest pagoda that receives very few international visitors, enjoy this truly unique experience.
Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.
Settle in a traditional cyclo and depart from Wat Phnom. Tour busy streets to soak up the real vibe of the city. Pass the post office and Van's restaurant, both stunning colonial buildings, and make your way to the Royal Palace and National Museum. Go along the riverside road and take in the atmospheric cafes that line the street.
Explore Cambodia's charming capital city.
Spend the day exploring all this city has to offer. Start with guided visits to the S21 Museum and the Killing Fields. Enjoy free time to explore the National Museum, Grand Palace or Russian Market. In the evening, return to the boat for an Apsara show before departure.
Learn about the dark history and devastation that occurred at Security Prison 21 (S-21); the prison, used by the Khmer Rouge regime, is now Tuol Sleng Museum. Take a guided tour to hear the stories behind the sombre photos lining the museum walls.
Learn more about the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge visiting the killing fields of Choeung Ek; the grounds now stand as a powerful memorial filled with victims’ skulls and mass graves. Tour this sombre, yet serene, site with a guide.
Discover more of this dynamic city.
Sit back and enjoy a performance of traditional Khmer dance.
Tour the Royal Palace complex to see the neighboring Silver Pagoda (aka the Temple of the Emerald Buddha). See the many magnificent treasures inside this beautiful vihara (Buddhist monastery), including its floor lined with more 5,000 tiles of silver.
Visit the Russian Market for a selection of souvenir stalls along with jewellers and fabric sellers.
Wander the galleries of the National Museum to see amazing works of art from Cambodia's "golden age" of Angkor. Visit the museum’s lovely courtyard before you leave.
Visit Wat Phnom (Hill Temple) in late afternoon, a historic monument with lots of green space. Keep an eye on your food and belongings; cheeky monkeys like to get a hold of anything they can.
Visit the Royal Palace, a complex of buildings where the kings of Cambodia have resided since the 1860s (except for during the reign of the Khmer Rouge). Be sure to tour the Silver Pagoda compound (aka the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and the central compound. See the many magnificent treasures inside this beautiful vihara (Buddhist monastery), including its floor lined with more 5,000 tiles of silver.
Cross the border into Vietnam and cruise to Chau Doc. Visit the Tra Su Bird Sanctuary and soak in the view from the top of Sam Mountain.
During border crossing all passengers must stay on board as formalities are done on the riverboat. The boat will usually stay at the border for 2-3 hrs whilst all formalities are completed. Depending on time spent at the border, the itinerary for the afternoon may vary. Although this process is usually quite simple, delays can occur. Please note for visa purposes that the official name of the border in Vietnam is Son Tien border and in Cambodia it is Kaam Samnar border.
Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Visit the Tra Su Bird Sanctuary and explore first by power boat, followed by small local rowing boats. Take in the serene scenery and spot a wide array of birds.
Travel to Sam Mountain by private vehicle and enjoy views of the surrounding landscape from the summit.
Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.
Visit the Kien An Cung Pagoda in Sa Dec and take the time to stroll through the market along the river. View the old colonial houses by the delta. Continue on to Vinh Long. Learn about rice popping and opt to wander small paths through the communities here. Continue to Cai Be by local boats and meet up with the vessel. Drop anchor tonight near Thoi Son Island.
Stroll around the Sa Dec river bank and through the Sa Dec market. This small city of 30,000 inhabitants is fascinating due to its unspoiled authenticity and the fact it remains relatively undisturbed by tourists. It provides a glimpse of traditional life on the Mekong, complete with tree lined streets and fading colonial villas.
Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.
Board local boats and explore Vinh Long. Learn about rice popping and opt to meander small paths through the communities here. Continue on to Cai Be by local boat and rejoin the riverboat.
Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.
Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda in the morning, catching a glimpse of My Tho town on the way. Cruise to Thoi Son Island by local boats for some local industry visits. Enjoy learning more about coconut product manufacturing and honey farming, with samples of honey and local fruit. Meet traditional musicians here. Opt for a local lunch on the island. Enjoy a farewell cocktail on board before the Captain's dinner.
Explore the buddhist temple of Vĩnh Tràng. Known for its enormous buddha statues and peaceful surroundings. The monks here maintain an an ornate, gilded wood sanctuary, and tend to the impressive gardens.
Take local boats to Thoi Son Island to see a coconut product manufacturer, taste some local fruit and honey and meet traditional musicians.
Depart My Tho in the morning. Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. Tour ends upon arrival.
Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.