This cruise program offers the best of rural Cambodia. Experience the invisible, learn about historic pre-Angkorian temples, savor the friendly grins of locals, and feel the watery landscape of the Ton Le River as it dissolves. During the low water period, the Mighty Mekong depends heavily on the magical Ton Le River for its survival.
Day 1: Siem Riep- Kampong Cham (-/L/D)
Day 2: Kampong Cham- Oknha Tey- Kampong Chhang (B/L/D)
Day 3: Kampong Chhang- Kamp.TraLach- Phnom Penh (B/L/D)
Day 4: Phnom Penh City Tour (B/L/D)
Day 5: Phnom Penh (B/-/-)
Breakfast = B/ Lunch = L/ Dinner = D
DAY 1: SIEM RIEP- KAMPONG CHAM
We gather in the morning at our welcome lounge in Siem Reap. Relax with a drink as our staff collects your details for the boarding. Then, we bid farewell to the iconic sights of Angkor and travel over land south to the town of Kampong Cham where our ship awaits us. The transfer takes about 4.5 hours, snacks and water are provided during the trip.Upon arrival you check in to your well prepared staterooms. A lunch buffet is served in the dining hall. Make yourself familiar with all facilities onboard and take some rest.In the afternoon we learn more about the education of the young Cambodian generation (NGO project). The children join us on board, always excited to show their skills in music and art. Be sure to be bathed in smiles upon your applause.After the performance, we leave the ship by bus for an afternoon excursion. During low water season, we have the chance to see a bamboo bridge which connects the mainland with an island. Local communities rebuild the bridge every year when water levels drop. We continue our land journey to the enchanting pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey (7th century). This small complex sits on a hill top on the shore with a breathtaking view over the Mekong.When returning to the ship, you can enjoy some private time until dinner is served in the dining hall. Our lounge cinema features selected classic movies (every night).Meals: Lunch, DinnerDAY 2: KAMPONG CHAM- OKNHA TEY- KAMPONG CHHNANG
Every morning, our Tai Chi class on the sun deck will give you energy for the day ahead. Breakfast is served in the dining hall. The ship sails up towards the small Angkor Ban village on the Mekong River. The Angkor Ban village is famous for its unspoiled community and beautiful, traditional houses.It feels like being transported back a hundred years ago, into an era unaffected by modernity. Villagers are characterized by their unbridled warmth. Back on board a Monks’ blessing ceremony will deliver spirits and wishes for health and prosperity for all.Enjoy your lunch as we set sail downstream the Mekong. In the afternoon a High Tea is offered and our staff is keen to show you the variety of traditional Khmer fashion.We arrive at the Island of Koh Oknha Tey. This spot in the middle of the Mekong owns its fame for manufacturing high class silk products. By tuk tuk we explore the island with its workshops and learn how silk is processed from its source, provided by little silkworms, to a final top quality product made of original Cambodian silk.After some additional cruising time, passing the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Rivers, the boat achors near Kampong Chhnang.Have a fresh drink before dinner and marvel at the amazing marshlands of this beautiful area.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 3: KAMPONG CHHNANG- KAMP. TRALACH- PHNOM PENH
Wake up early to witness this spectacular scenery at the break of dawn. Our morning Tai Chi class offers the perfect scenery today. Breakfast buffet is served in the dining hall. We are now in Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia’s “water world”, where every- thing is on sticks balanced on water rich soil.We take a local boat to the shore. By mini buses we head to a rural village nearby and go on a walking tour. Our guides introduce you to the village specialties – Khmer style pottery and the making of palm sugar. You should definitely bring some home. Before returning to the boat, we explore the floating villages and wetlands of the region.Back on board lunch is served while the cruise continues with a languid meander along the Tonle River towards Kampong Tralach. Gliding through leafy swaths of this jungle-like landscape we reach Kampong Tralach. Cacophonous children wave enthusiastically while bringing their livestock for a bath in the meandering river. We will stop at the “Green School” which is partly supported by Heritage Line. See all this river life - which is so different than ours - by a local ox cart ride.After some additional cruising time the boat arrives at the pier of Phnom Penh. Feel free to have your first exploration by your- self after dinner. Stroll along the river promenade and watch the locals chit-chatting, selling odds and ends or have a drink in one of the numerous bars (kindly inform our crew once you are leaving the ship on your own).Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 4: PHNOM PENH CITY TOUR
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 town with 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).We start with a full sight-seeing tour right after breakfast. By bus we visit the Killing Fields at the outside of the city and afterwards the centrally located prison “S21”. Both historic sites display the sad and cruel chapter of Khmer history when the Khmer Rouge ruled the country with terror and suppression. Those places have not changed much since this horrific time back in the early seventies and it can be quite heartbreaking. Alternatively, you can explore the city in the morning by your own before re-joining the group.We take lunch at a fine restaurant in town. Our exploration of Phnom Penh continues on the fascinating cultural heritage of Phnom Penh. The golden edifice of the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda and the exceptional Khmer crafts at the National Museum are our afternoon highlights. The day trip ends with a “cyclo” ride back to the ship through the bustling streets of downtown Phnom Penh.Take some rest in your spacious cabin or join other fellow passengers at the bar for refreshing drinks before our captivating evening activities start.In the early evening a barbecue dinner on the sun deck commences. The dinner is accompanied with an Apsara dance performance. You have to witness the brilliance and richness of this dance along with the soothing sounds of the traditional music.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: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 5: PHNOM PENH
After breakfast we gather at the lounge for a great lecture.After breakfast we bid farewell to our passengers of the Serenity Cruise (4-nights).Meals: Breakfast
PRICE: USD/PAX
INCLUSION
- Accommodation
- Daily (group) shore-excursions as mentioned in the program
- All entrance fees
- Transportation as mentioned in the program
- Transfer to/from the meeting point/ship
- Tour guide services (English speaking)
- Taxes
- Fuel
- River pilots
- Local anchorage fees
- Daily Tai Chi classes and onboard entertainment
- Welcome drink
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner (on full sailing days or as indicated in program)
- Free flow of beverages (mineral water, soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee) at all times
- Free flow of local beer and house wine by glass during lunch and dinner
- Afternoon tea
- Drinking water in room and during excursions
- Insurance (passenger liability)
- Internet throughout the boat (subject to cellular network signal)
EXCLUSION
- Port tax
- Crew and guide gratuities
- Any visa fees
- Private transfers and any transfer not stated in the program
- Personal expenses and purchases
- All further beverages
- Premium spirits and other services not mentioned under inclusion or in the program
- Fuel surcharges if any
- Medical service
- Spa treatments
- Telephone expenses
MEETING & DROP-OFF POINT
The Serenity Cruise has only a meeting point in Siem Reap City for the Serenity Cruise. A transfer to/from the ship (embarkation /disembarkation point) is included.
Siem Reap - (In Victoria Angkor Hotel & Spa Central Park, Siem Riep, Cambodia)
Downstream (high water): Meeting point opens at 09:00hrs (bus depart at 10:00hrs)
Downstream (low water): Meeting point opens at 07:30hrs (bus depart at 08:30hrs)
Upstream (high water): Drop-off time at 10:00hrs
Upstream (low water): Drop-off time at 13:30hrs
EMBARKATION & DISEMBARKATION POINT
The ships dock at below pier locations for embarkation or disembarkation. This information is important for passengers who arrive or leave via private means of transportation. In Phnom Penh passenger can directly board the ship at the pier located in the city center.
Siem Reap Pier (High Water) – In Tonle Lake (30km to Siem Riep City Centre land transfer to the pier)
Downstream embarkation time (high water): 11:00hrs
Upstream disembarkation time (high water): 08.30hrs
Kampong Cham Pier (Low Water) – In Kampong Cham Town, Cambodia (240km to Siep Riep, ~4-5hrs land transfer to the pier)
Downstream embarkation time (low water): 13:30hrs
Upstream disembarkation time (low water): 08.30hrs
Phnom Penh Pier - In Eastern end of Preah Sisowath Quay (near Bopha Titanic Restaurant)
4-night cruise
Upstream embarkation time (all season): 07:30hrs (Tuesdays)
Downstream disembarkation time (all season): 08:00hrs (Wednesdays)
3-night cruise
Downstream disembarkation time (all season): 09:00hrs (Tuesdays)
