EXCURSION PHNOM PENH - SIEM REAP 4 NIGHTS BY JAHAN 5* CRUISE
Itinerary: Phnom Penh – Kampong Tralack – Kampong Chhnang – Kampong Cham – Siem Reap
TOUR CODE: XSEC 0046 CRUISE TOURS
Highlights:
- Visiting 5000 silver floor tiles at the Silver Pagoda, in the Royal Palace
- Stepping back in time at the National Museum, home to the world’s finest collection of Angkorian sculpture
- Cyclo ride downtown Phnom Penh
- Learn about the history and culture of the region in the company of our friendly knowledgeable guides
- Lifestyle visit to Kampong Tralack. Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Cham on Tonle Sap
- Knowledgeable tour guide & quality accommodations for all the time in the Vietnam Itinerary 12 days
Overview
The best of rural Cambodia plus an in depth historical insight of Phnom Penh is offered with this 4-Night itinerary named “Serenity Cruise“. See the unseen, discover ancient pre-Angkorian temples, relish the cordial smiles of the local people, be fascinated by the arts and crafts and immerse yourself in the astonishing Tonle’s riverine landscapes and eco-system.
Tour summary:
DAY 1: PHNOM PENH VISIT (L, D)
Tour guide on cruise
We have a lunch at a well-renowned restaurant in town and experience the elegant air Phnom Penh’s top addresses are known for. Our exploration of Phnom Penh continues with the cultural highlights of the city’s heritage. The golden edifice of the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda and the exceptional Khmer crafts at the National Museum top the list of the city’s must-sees. The day trip ends with a “cyclo” ride along the bustling streets of downtown Phnom Penh and back to the ship.
In the early evening, the lounge is set up for an eye- and ear-catching lecture about modern Cambodian history, held by our friend and local expert, Mr Jean-Michel, professor from the Royal University of Phnom Penh. Receiving first-hand knowledge from our lecturer who has studied the subject extensively and in-person is a highlight of this cruise.
Take some rest or join fellow passengers at the bar for refreshing drinks. Today’s evening is a special one: let us invite you to a wonderful open air gala featuring a barbecue dinner feast. The dinner is accompanied by a classic Apsara dance performance along with other folklore dances.
As the evening unwinds, enjoy your supper with a good glass of wine and marvel at the skyline of Phnom Penh and the calming flow of the Tonle River.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: The Jahan 5* Cruise
DAY 2: PHNOM PENH - KAMPONG TRALACH - KAMPONG CHNANG (B,L,D)
Tour guide on cruise
Before the sun peeks over the horizon, the cruiser sets sail towards Kampong Tralach on the Tonle River. This part of the Tonle River is quite interesting to watch from the terrace as the river at certain points is very narrow. The boat glides through leafy swaths of this jungle-like landscape.
We reach Kampong Tralach, where laughing children wave enthusiastically at our arrival and 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 underprivileged children have had the opportunity to receive an education at the “Green School”, a local project supported by Heritage Line. The students, who are dressed in green shirts, are always happy to meet us every week as the principal gives an introduction to the students and the school.
While we sail upstream, lunch is served and afterwards our crew displays a variety of traditional Khmer fashion locals wear on special occasions. Conversely, the Cambodian scarf, the Krama, is a garment worn by people of all ages and walks of life not just around the neck, but also as a bandanna, facemask, belt, swimwear, and even as a hammock to carry children.
Later in the day, the ship cruises along the narrow Tonle River towards the most fascinating cruising spot in Cambodia, Kampong Chhnang’s “water world”, where everything is balanced on sticks in water-rich soil. We take a local boat to the shore and hop on a mini bus to reach a nearby, unique rural village to explore 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. Although we are in the heartland of Cambodia, the residents of these floating villages are actually 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”.
Once we are back on board, relax until dinner is served and take in the beautiful countryside and its gentle evening sounds.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: The Jahan 5* Cruise
DAY 3: TONLE RIVER - KOH OKNHA TEY - KAMPONG CHAM (B,L,D)
Tour guide on cruise
In the early morning, we sail from the lower Tonle River towards the Mekong passing their confluence at Phnom Penh. We arrive at the island of Koh Oknha Tey, which lies in the middle of the Mekong and 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 fibers into high-quality Cambodian silk.
Before lunch, our expert guide holds a presentation about the geography of the Mekong River and Tonle Lake along with the unique attributes of the area. Afterwards, a monks’ blessing ceremony delivers spirits and wishes for health and prosperity for all.
The ship sails towards the small Angkor Ban village up in the Mekong River. The village is famous for its unspoiled community and beautiful, traditional houses. It feels like being transported back a hundred years, into an era unaffected by modernity where villagers are characterized by their unbridled warmth.
The sun sets and the light now bathe everything in a golden hue. The surrounding natural beauty is a perfect backdrop for a riverbank gathering with cocktails and dancing with the crew in this remote, secluded location.
We continue cruising while dinner is served and the boat finds its overnight spot at the riverbank of Kampong Cham.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: The Jahan 5* Cruise
DAY 4: KAMPONG CHAM (MEKONG) (B,L,D)
Tour guide on cruise
After a sumptuous breakfast, we leave the ship for 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. Many young, novice monks live on the compound of Wat Hanchey, and we have the chance to observe a bit of their daily lives: eating simple meals, praying, studying, or hanging out and making conversation while in their saffron-coloured robes.
After returning to the ship and partaking in lunch, we stop at the tranquil monastery of Wat Nokor. Although not massive in comparison to the vast complexes of Angkor Wat, Wat Nokor is the largest of its kind in Kampong Cham Province and is distinctive from other temples with its black sandstone walls. Here, we might have the chance to engage in light banter with some of the sociable monks living in the area.
As it is low water season, we may be fortunate enough to visit a nearby spectacle only present during the Mekong’s dry months (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 cruise further up the Mekong to visit a local school and learn more about the education of the young Cambodian generation. Children from the Organization for Basic Training (OBT) are provided a free, supplemental education in English, maths, and the arts, and they are always excited to show their skills in music and dance. Shower the young performers with applause and in return, you are bestowed upon with the most genuine and happy Cambodian smiles.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: The Jahan 5* Cruise
DAY 5: KAMPONG CHAM - SIEM REAP (B)
Tour guide on cruise
Enjoy your last breakfast on board our floating sanctuary. We disembark the ship for a transfer by bus to the drop off point in Siem Reap.
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.
The transfer takes approximately 4.5 hours including rest stop. To keep you entertained during the ride, our expert guides share interesting insights about Cambodia and the region we journey through. Snacks are provided during the trip. You will arrive in Siem Reap in the early afternoon.
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
Notice: PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE
INFORMATION ABOUT JAHAN CRUISE
1.Introduction
- Heralded as the finest boat on the Mekong River, the Jahan provides a luxurious looking glass into the beauty of Cambodia and Vietnam. The Jahan was built in 2011 and ushered in an era of opulent cruising. Aboard, guests are treated to grand staterooms, elegant public areas and all the five-star services of the finest hotel.
- All rooms boast unrestricted views, private balconies and air-conditioning. Featuring soft hued wood and colonial style furnishings, they offer a timeless grace that harks back to the golden age of cruising, yet encompasses modern amenities. Contemporary conveniences include a music entertainment system and well-stocked mini bar. Suites have their own private Jacuzzis for the ultimate indulgence after a day of culture, cuisine and sightseeing.
- The Jahan may be small in stature, but is grand in its style. The elegant dining room accommodates all guests for single session, open seating dinners. There are ample spaces for relaxing and socializing including the top deck with small pool, the spacious lounge, outdoor bow area and gymnasium.
- Along with cultural seminars and excursions guests can indulge in morning Tai Chi or sit back with a good book in the library. DVD and IPod players are also available.
2.Jahan Cruise at a glance
1.Main deck on Jahan
– Fitness/ Steam Sauna
– Signature Staterooms
– Superior Staterooms
– Crew Area
- Upper Deck on Jahan
– Wheelhouse
– Royal Suites
– Signature Staterooms
– Deluxe Staterooms
– Lobby Lounge/ Reception
– Boutique Shop
Terrace Deck on Jahan
– Sun Deck
– Observatory
– Apsara Spa
– Pool Deck
– Funnel Bar
– Dining Hall
3.Important notes
- Time changing between high water and low water program may different each year. It depends on water level of the river so the exact schedule will be confirmed exactly 2 weeks before travel date.
- Kindly provide us passport information (Full name, sex, Nationality, passport number, date of birth, validity of visa) of passengers at least four weeks prior to cruise date.
- Passport: Heritage Line is required to keep guests’ passport during the cruise due to port authority at different port of calls. Our tour guide will collect clients’ passports at the meeting point. The passport of guests will be kept until their disembarkation.
- Visas: For the downstream cruise from Cambodia to Vietnam, guests are required to have Vietnam visa before embarkation. Vietnam visa should be valid from or earlier. For the upstream cruise from Vietnam to Cambodia, Heritage Line will help to arrange Cambodia visa onboard upon border arrival. Visa fee of 27 USD/person will be added to client’s invoice onboard.
- Gratuities: We suggest that if satisfied with the service a gratuity will be collected at the last day aboard. We suggest USD5 per passenger per day. Gratuities shall be settled together with the shipboard account at the end of a cruise. Please note that guests are under absolutely no obligation to make any gratuity at all. Guests may tip Xuanson’s tour guides separately and the amount would be at your discretion.
Suits
- Warm Clothes (in winter from November to April)
- Original Passport
| CITIES /AREAS | HOME STAY | HOTEL-STANDARD | HOTELS-SUPERIOR | HOTEL-DELUXE | HOTELS- LUXURY |
| Cruise | … | … | … | … | Jahan Cruise/Jayavarman Cruise |
TRAVEL PRICE: EXCURSION PHNOM PENH – SIEM REAP 4 NIGHTS BY JAHAN 5-STAR CRUISE
From…. To… usd /per
Inclusion
- Accommodation; daily (group) shore-excursions & entrance fees
- Sightseeing and transfers during the cruise;
- Transfers from/to Heritage Line’s meeting point to/from the ship;
- English speaking tour guiding on-and offshore;
- Entertainment/activities during the cruise as mentioned in the program;
- Meals as mentioned in the program;
- Welcome drink;
- Complimentary beverage package;
- Passenger liability insurance;
- Internet on the ship (subject to cellular network signal);
- Complimentary usage of ship facilities (exclusive of spa treatments);
- Port or anchorage fees; river pilots; fuel; taxes.
Exclusion
- Crew and guide gratuities;
- Visa fees;
- Private transfers;
- Personal expenses;
- Other beverages than those stated under inclusion;
- Medical services;
- Spa treatments;
- Port and anchorage fees;
- All other services or items not listed under inclusions.
Customize this tour
This tour is designed with balanced activities and pace. If you want to customize it, you may always change its itinerary and accommodations according to your needs.
Contact us
- +84 914374251
- xuansontravel@yahoo.com.vn
My name is Nicky, English & French speaking advisor at Xuan Son Travel. I have been the specialist in tailor-made trips to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia for 18years. I love the charm of the small streets of Hanoi as well as the charm of the countryside, with magical landscapes, warm and smiling inhabitants in all regions of Vietnam. As a Travel Consultant, I put it at your disposal and will assure you that your wishes and desires are perfectly suited to your trip to Asia.