Cruise along the Mekong from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Bite-sized trip
Seasonal itinerary changes
As the water levels on the Mekong vary throughout the year, it’s important to note that there are two different seasons and depending on when you are travelling, the itinerary may differ slightly. The low-water period is usually between mid-November to the end of August, and the high-water period is between the end of August and mid-November. While overall the experience is very similar, your day-to-day itinerary will vary due to some areas of the river being inaccessible at lower water levels. Speak to your travel specialist for more information. (The itinerary below is based on the low-water period.)
Day 1 – All aboard in Phnom Penh
You will be transferred to the port where you will board your luxurious colonial-style floating home for the next five days. Get settled into your beautiful cabin, decorated in a traditional Khmer style with large floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto your private balcony. Once settled, you’ll head out to explore Cambodia’s bustling capital on a full-day tour of this vibrant city. First, a cyclo tour will take you to famous sights, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and National Museum, before you enjoy a traditional local lunch in town. Next, you’ll visit the sobering Tuol Sleng prison (S-21) – a former school that housed between 14,000 and 17,000 prisoners and only 12 are believed to have survived.
After returning on board, you can unwind with a drink on the ship’s sundeck, or take a dip in the swimming pool before sitting down to enjoy a tasty barbecue dinner and traditional Apsara dance under the stars.
Day 2 – Tonle River and Village life
This morning, you will set sail early and cruise along the scenic Tonle River. Drifting along the winding waterways, you will pass wooden stilt houses along the banks, with children waving from the shore and fishermen casting their nets. This is a slower, quieter part of Cambodia that most tourists don’t get to see, enjoy soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful landscapes as you relax on the deck. After a delicious, hearty breakfast, you will be going ashore to see another part of the rural countryside in Kampong Tralach. You’ll travel by ox cart through Kampong Tralach’s rice paddies and back streets until you reach a small village where you will visit a local NGO school and library project and learn about the great work being done to support education in the community.
After lunch, you’ll hop in a tuk-tuk and explore Kampong Laeang, a town famous for its traditional pottery. You will visit a charming pre-Angkorian temple and interact with the friendly locals, soaking in the sweeping views over the vast floodplains. Once you return to the ship, settle down for the evening and enjoy a tasty cocktail on the sundeck as the golden light fades over the river.
Day 3 – Silver, Silk and Sundowners
You will start the day with a walking tour through Kampong Luang, the renowned silver smith village, where you learn about the process of turning copper, silver and bronze into hand-crafted souvenirs. Next, you’ll visit nearby Wat Prang, a royal temple and spiritual hub for the local community, where you can talk to the monks who practice here and learn about their daily lives and hear personal stories. This afternoon, you will visit the small village of Prek Bangkong, home to a silk weaving community who are happy to show you the intricate process, before heading back to your ship. Enjoy relaxing by the pool as you sail up the Mekong to your overnight stop.
Day 4 – Angkor Ban & Kampong Cham
Start the morning with some Tai Chi on deck and energise yourself for the exciting day of exploring ahead. Setting sail early, you will visit the peaceful riverside village of Angkor Ban, which is home to a working monastery and traditional century-old wooden stilt houses. You will meet some of the local monks and learn about the slow pace of local life in this peaceful corner of Cambodia, where age-old traditions are still a big part of everyday life.
Next, you will visit the former chef from your ship in his family kitchen, where you’ll learn to prepare a traditional Khmer dish called Samlor Korko, a hearty, centuries-old soup made with fish, vegetables, herbs and roasted rice, served with a duck egg omelette. Returning to the ship after lunch, you’ll sail towards Kampong Cham, an important trade and transportation hub that houses a few smaller, more rural villages where locals craft handmade items such as food, clothes and other everyday items. Tonight, you’ll have a farewell party on board your floating home, sharing stories and reflecting on your journey through Cambodia’s Mekong, filled with peaceful river scenes, warm encounters and fantastic memories.
Day 5 – Overland to Siem Reap
After enjoying your final breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to the crew and continue your journey to Siem Reap by road, which takes around 4 hours. You’ll arrive in Siem Reap in the early afternoon, from here you can explore the temple of Angkor, relax by the pool or dive into the buzzing street food scene.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Mekong Cruise - In Style
If you’re looking for a touch more luxury, then we can arrange for you to travel aboard The Jahan. With all the comforts of a five-star resort, but full of the traditional charm and character of the Mekong, you’ll be experiencing river life in style. As you drift along the river, relax on the beautiful terrace deck and take a dip in the swimming pool, or soak in your surroundings from the comfort of your spacious private balcony.
