Mekong Dawn Cruise – 3 Days 2 Nights – Option 1: Siem Riep – Phnom Penh

Early birds can wake up in time to watch the sunrise as we continue on our cruise to Kampong Chhnang.

Guests can relax on the open deck and lap up the views on this stunning stretch of the water. Watch fishermen float by on wooden boats, wave to over-excited children on the shore, or simply take in the tranquil setting as it lazily rolls by.

The next port of call is Kampong Chhnang, where guests are transferred to the local port to access the town’s famous pottery villages via small boat. In Khmer, chhnang translates to pottery, and this area is famous across the country for its produce. Meet some of the local craftsmen, who travel across the Kingdom to sell their goods, and watch them work.

Tuk tuks will be used to get around the villages – the perfect way to watch the stunning scenery of this province pass by. Think emerald green paddies dotted with sugar palms, water buffaloes lazily grazing in shimmering, lotus-lined ponds, and smiling children screaming ‘hello’ from the stilted wooden houses they call home.

After returning to the Mekong Dawn, lunch will be served as we set sail to Kampong Tralach.

From here, you will take an ox cart ride – a traditional mode of transport that is still commonly used in rural areas – to the Buddhist temple of Kampong Tralach, which dates back to 1841. Sun downers over the river are enjoyed back on board as we continue on our journey to Koh Chen, which is famous countrywide for its silver work. Here, you can watch the silversmiths at work and barter for a few bargain bits of jewelry.

Dinner is served back on the boat before a good night’s rest.

After a hearty breakfast, we will visit nearby Oudong Mountain.

Between 1618 and 1866, Oudong served as the country’s capital before relocating to Phnom Penh. Tackling the 509 steps to the peak is rewarded with unparalleled views, and a series of historic stupors, tombs and memorials that can be explored.

We will then return to the boat for a leisurely lunch before returning to our final destination of Phnom Penh.