Cambodia Mekong River Cruise: Angkor, the Tonle Sap & Phnom Penh

Today you explore the magnificent temples of Angkor. You rise early for sunrise over Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument on earth, watching the sky flush pink and gold behind its five lotus-bud towers, mirrored in the reflecting pools, then explore its galleries carved with gods and armies. You continue to the walled royal city of Angkor Thom, entering through its monumental south gate to reach the Bayon, whose towers bear more than two hundred huge, serene stone faces, and wander Ta Prohm, the famous jungle temple where great trees embrace the ruins. The scale, artistry and atmosphere are breathtaking. As the day ends you return to Siem Reap, perhaps enjoying a relaxing massage. This evening, savour Khmer cuisine, perhaps with an Apsara dance performance. Rest well, for tomorrow you board your river ship and your cruise begins.

This morning you transfer to your comfortable river ship and embark on your leisurely cruise, beginning on the vast Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. As you settle into your cabin and explore the ship, the vessel glides out across the wide, brown waters, and Cambodia begins to slip serenely by. You visit a floating village on the great lake, where entire communities live on the water in homes that rise and fall with the seasons, watching fishermen at work and children paddling between houses. Back aboard, you relax on deck, enjoy your first meal on the river, and watch the timeless scenery pass. The peace and immersion are wonderful. As the day ends, the ship cruises on beneath a wide sky. This evening, dine aboard as Cambodia drifts by. Rest well, lulled by the river.

Today you continue your leisurely cruise as the Tonle Sap narrows towards its river, gliding past timeless riverside life, floating pagodas, fishermen and villages on stilts. You go ashore at Kampong Chhnang, famous for its pottery and its extensive floating and stilted villages, taking a local boat among the water-borne communities and watching daily life unfold on the river, a fascinating and intimate experience. You may visit a village pottery workshop, where artisans shape clay by hand as they have for generations. Between excursions you relax on deck, watching the green banks and golden temple roofs slip by. The authenticity and serenity are captivating. As the day ends, the ship cruises on down the widening river. This evening, savour dinner aboard as the sun sets over the water. Rest well, deep in the heart of Cambodia.

Today your cruise brings you to the great Mekong and the villages along its banks. You step ashore to visit the silversmith village of Koh Chen, where artisans hammer intricate silverware by hand, and a working silk-weaving village where women weave beautiful cloth on wooden looms. You may ride a traditional ox cart through a rural village, visit a bustling local market piled with tropical produce, and explore a hidden riverside pagoda off the tourist trail, meeting the gentle, welcoming people who live along the river. Between excursions you relax aboard, watching the timeless Mekong slide by. The authenticity and warmth are captivating. As the day ends, the ship cruises on down the mighty river towards the capital. This evening, dine aboard beneath the stars as Cambodia drifts past. Rest well, savouring the serene rhythm of the river.

Today, on your final full day of cruising, you glide down the Mekong towards the capital, with a memorable excursion ashore. You visit Oudong, the former royal capital of Cambodia, where hilltop stupas hold the ashes of past kings, climbing for sweeping views over the plains and rivers, and perhaps receiving a blessing from resident monks at a working monastery. You may also visit a riverside village and its craftspeople. Back aboard, you relax on deck as the ship makes its stately approach to Phnom Penh, the golden spires of the capital rising ahead where the great rivers meet. The history and beauty are captivating. As the day ends, the ship draws towards the vibrant capital. This evening, enjoy a final dinner aboard as the city lights glimmer on the water. Rest well, with the capital to explore tomorrow.

This morning your river cruise ends as you disembark in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's vibrant riverside capital, set where the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers meet. You transfer to your hotel and explore the beautiful Royal Palace, still home to the king, with its elegant golden-roofed pavilions and gardens, and the dazzling Silver Pagoda, whose floor is laid with thousands of silver tiles. You visit the superb National Museum with its unrivalled Khmer sculpture, and stroll the lively riverfront. With respect, you may also visit the moving memorials that tell the story of the Khmer Rouge years. The energy, beauty and history of the capital are compelling. As the day ends you settle into your hotel. This evening, savour Phnom Penh's excellent dining, perhaps overlooking the Mekong you have cruised. Rest well ahead of your departure tomorrow.

After a final morning in Phnom Penh, perhaps a last stroll along the riverfront or some souvenir shopping at the Central Market, you are transferred to Phnom Penh International Airport for your onward departure. You leave having experienced the watery heart of Cambodia, the magnificent temples of Angkor, and a serene cruise down the Tonle Sap and Mekong, past floating and stilted villages, silversmith and silk villages, rural markets and hidden temples, ending in the vibrant capital, all warmed by the gentleness of the Cambodian people. The images stay vivid long after you land, the great towers of Angkor Wat, the smiling faces of the Bayon, golden pagodas along the riverbanks, fishermen on the Mekong, and the golden spires of Phnom Penh. Cambodia offers ancient wonder, serene rivers and authentic riverside life in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to this beautiful and gentle land.