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Day 1: Phnom Penh
“Pearl of the East”
Board The Jayavarman at 7:30am. Around 8:30am, embark
on a city tour in this dynamic, historical capital of
Cambodia which has retained its French colonial charm.
Sightseeing in the morning will include the dazzling
white and gold architecture of the Royal Palace,
outstanding displays of Khmer crafts at the National
Museum and the temple on a hill - Wat Phnom.
After lunch in a local restaurant, examine the
painful, heart wrenching reminders of Cambodia’s
ugly past under the Khmer Rouge regime with an
excursion to the infamous “Killing Fields”; the
former detention, torture and execution centers during
the Cambodian civil war. Introduction and onsite
lecture by a local history professor.
Thereafter, to ease the nerves a variety of cocktails
will be at your disposal, followed by Cambodia’s
traditional Apsara dance performance. Experience the
brilliance and richness of the culture, the soothing
sounds of traditional music, the calming scent of
incense sticks and a delicious Khmer food buffet.
Day 2: Phnom Penh – Kampong Cham
“Monks and hilltops”
Depart before the break of dawn from Phnom Penh with a
stop at the little known Chong Koh silk weaving
village for a leisure walk. We cruise past the
Mekong’s tranquil villages and mind blowing river
life with scores of fishermen on duty. Visit Wat Nokor,
a wat built within the ruins of an ancient temple that
holds a timeless story.
Then, travel to the Cheung Kok Ecotourism Village, a
small village developed with support from Assistance Médiation
Internationale (AMICA). Travellers can visit the
village and take part in activities to experience
village life. Profits from tourism go towards
re-investment into long-term projects.
Day 3: Kampong Cham – Wat Hanchey
“Cambodia’s province and the wetlands”
Wake up in the wee hours of the morning, truly
energized to embark on a journey upriver to the
pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Located at the
top of a hill overlooking the river, it offers some of
the best views in Cambodia. Dating from the 8th
century, these ancient structures do justice to the
architecture of the Chenla Empire which predated the
glories of the mighty Angkor. Enjoy spectacular views
of the surrounding well organized rice paddy plains,
as well as a travellers blessing performed by the
local monks.
Day 4: Kampong Cham – Kampong Chhnang – Tonle Sap
“Waterworld”
Before the sun rises, The Jayavarman sets sail to
Kampong Chhnang via Prek K’dam along the meandering
Tonle Sap River, which narrows through leafy swaths of
the South East Asian jungle. Take a walk through
Kampong Louang, one of the last silversmith villages,
to see the entire community involved in making various
silver items to sell. Get back aboard The Jayavarman
to eat lunch while cruising towards Kampong Chhnang.
After lunch, take a motorboat excursion from Kampong
Chhnang to see the wetlands, floating houses and fish
farms in the region. Make a stop at a Heritage Line
sponsored floating school to interact with the
children and teach them some English! This is the day
to truly experience rural Khmer life. In the evening,
a mouth watering Farewell Dinner will be served on the
Sun Deck.
Day 5: Tonle Sap – Siem Reap
“Angkor Awaits”
This great lake dominates Cambodia and is over 150 km
in length. The birdlife is profuse and from the middle
of the lake one cannot even see the shores. Witness
stillness and tranquility on the way to Siem Reap.
The water level varies a great deal according to the
time of the year and the amount of rainfall recorded.
Thus, changes may occur for the different seasons.
High Water Program (approx. between July and December)
Cross the Tonle Sap Lake at dawn and 11:00 disembark
at Siem Reap Port for onward coach transfer to the
hotel by 12:00 pm
Low Water Program (approx. between December and June)
Cruise early morning to Prek K’dam where you will
disembark Jayavarman after breakfast. Board a coach at
9:00am which will take you to see a pre-Angorian
temple on your way to Siem Reap. A packed lunch and
refreshments will be available along the way. Arrive
in Siem Reap early afternoon.
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