[ Day 1 ]

Siem Reap – Kampong Cham (D) 

We gather in the morning at our welcome lounge in Siem Reap. We bid a farewell to the iconic sight of Angkor and Travel over land south to the town of Kampong Cham where our ship awaits us (the transfers takes about 4,5 hours, snacks and water are provided during the trip). Kampong Cham is an important trade and transportation hub. The highway connecting the town and the capital of Phnom Penh is among the best maintained in Cambodia, and the country’s first bridge across the Mekong (Kizuna Bridge) was built here in 2001. This afternoon you learn more about the education of the young Cambodian generation. Children from the small village of Chiro come on board, always excited to show their skills in music and dance.  Then, we prepare to leave the ship for a bus excursion to a nearby spectacle only present during the Mekong’s low water season (December to May). The Koh Paen Bamboo Bridge connects the mainland with Koh Paen Island and is re-built by the local community every November when water levels drop. We continue our land journey to the enchanting pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey (7th century). Formerly built to honor the Hindu god, Hirahara, the complex is now a Buddhist temple, a testament to the country’s past and present religious beliefs. This small complex sits on a hilltop with breath- taking views over the Mekong.

 [ Day 2 ]

Kampong Cham – Okhna Tey – Kampong Chhnang (B-L-D) 

Wake up early to witness the spectacular scenery at the break of dawn. To make the experience complete, join our daily morning Tai Chi class. Afterwards, a rich breakfast buffet awaits, or if you prefer, we can serve breakfast directly to your room. Today, the small village of Angkor Ban is our first destination. The village is famous for its unspoiled community and beautiful, traditional houses. It feels like being transported back a hundred years.  Back on board, a monks’ blessing ceremony delivers spirits and wishes for health and prosperity for us all. While we sail downstream, afternoon tea is offered at the bar.  Meanwhile we arrive at the island of Koh Oknha Tey. This spot in the middle of the Mekong owes its fame to manufacturing high-class silk products. We go sightseeing along the island’s roads a bit via tuk tuk before arriving at the village’s workshops and witnessing the curious process of making silk, starting from a tiny silkworm larva to cocoon, then dyeing, spinning, and weaving the fibres into high-quality Cambodian silk. After some additional cruising time, we pass the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Rivers, and the boat anchors near Kampong Chhnang for the night.

Overnight near Kampong Chhnang.

 [ Day 3 ]

Kampong Chhnang – Kampong Tralach - Phnom Penh (B-L-D) 

After breakfast, we are now at Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia’s “water world”, where everything is balanced on sticks in water-rich soil. It is perhaps the most fascinating cruising spot in Cambodia. We take a local boat to the shore and hop on a minibus to reach a quite unique, nearby rural village. As we explore the village on foot our guide reveals the village’s specialties – Khmer style pottery and the process of making of palm sugar from the Cambodian “skor t’not” palm tree.  We drive back to the shore where our local boat starts an exploration of nearby floating villages and the surrounding wetlands. Although we are still in the heartland of Cambodia, the residents of these floating villages are of Vietnamese descent who were expelled by the Khmer Rouge and soon returned after the ruling party was overthrown in 1979. No longer having land to settle on, they have since lived “on the water”. Back on board and with lunch ready in the restaurant, the vessel continues cruising languidly along the Tonle River towards Kampong Tralach.  We reach Kampong Tralach, where laughing children wave enthusiastically at our arrival. We are in the middle of Cambodia’s countryside where – surprise – traditional ox carts are still a common means of transportation. Our ox-powered vehicle takes us on a journey along the riverside and through back roads lined with rice-paddy fields until we arrive at a tiny village. Beginning a few short years ago, local children have had the chance to receive an education here. The “Green School” is a local project supported by Heritage Line in this remote area to support the underprivileged youth. After some additional cruising time back aboard, the boat arrives and docks at the pier of Phnom Penh. Feel free to go out and explore by yourself after dinner.

Overnight midstream near Phnom Penh.

 [ Day 4 ]

Phnom Penh (B-L-D) 

Welcome to Phnom Penh, the once called Paris of the East. Despite its rapid development, it has retained a lot of its rustic charm and elegance. It is an amazing townto bespeak centuries of incredible history and culture which can still be felt at many street corners. After breakfast we bid farewell to our passengers of the Serenity Cruise (3 nights)