Cambodia’s Lake, Rivers & Mountains

Welcome to Siem Reap – a getaway to the ruins of ancients Angkor.

Your guide will meet you at the arrival hall of the airport. If you require a visa on arrival, we will have a representative at the immigration office to take care of the process. Once you have your visa stamped and your luggage collected, you will transfer to the hotel by private car. The remainder of the day is yours to rest and relax before the upcoming adventure.

Meals: x

AM: Early birds are welcome to join the daily morning exercise on the terrace deck (Tai Chi or Yoga). As we cruise along in the morning, our local expert hosts a lecture about Asian elephants, particularly the Laotian species, their cultural importance in the past, and the current threats which have brought them to the brink of extinction.  PM: After lunchtime, we arrive in the small town of Pakbeng. We pass by the local market scene and visit a beautiful hilltop temple with amazing views of the gently flowing Mekong below. We then have the chance to expand on the knowledge from our morning lecture when visiting an elephant preservation sanctuary. The elephants here used to work as logging elephants and can live in peace and safety here as they cannot now survive in the wild.  Back on board, the journey continues for a few more hours – lay back and enjoy the scenic views as the Anouvong proceeds towards her next destination. At a secluded sandbank, the local ethnic Lao, Khmu, and Hmong residents welcome us to the tiny village of Kop Aek. Dive into centuries-old traditions and practices as you immerse yourself in a unique Laotian experience. As we remain at the sandbank into early evening, kick back with an aperitif accompanied by a classical dance performance by the local people. After the show, we have another highlight in store for our guests – a barbecue dinner on the terrace deck as we take in the sights and soothing sounds of nature.

Start the day with a ride to Ta Prohm. This beautiful temple is Angkor’s jewel and is overgrown with fig trees, giving a haunting yet exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of the trees have merged themselves over the centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, emphasizing a ‘forgotten city’ feeling.

Continuing to Banteay Kdei, which is one of Angkor’s largest structures in the area and well worth a visit.

In the afternoon visit the ancient royal city of Angkor Thom with its magnificent centerpiece; the Bayon. At first glance, it may seem like a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals towers with enigmatic faces of former King Jayavarman VII looking into every direction. The faces are believed to be protecting the city from potential attackers.

Continue the exploration with a visit to the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King could welcome back his victorious army. Next door is the Terrace of the Leper King which holds perfect carvings winding along a narrow passageway that leads to the Baphuon complex. (Maximum of 14 kilometers cycling)

Meals: B

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel to transfer to the Jayavarman – overland ride to the town of Kampong Cham, where the ship awaits us (approximately 4.5 hrs transfer time including rest stop). To keep you entertained during the ride, our expert guides share interesting insights about Cambodia and the region we journey through.

After you settle in, come outside to the sun-deck or enjoy the views from the balcony, as the Jayavarman sets sail on a journey downriver.

This afternoon you learn more about the education of the young Cambodians. Children from the small village of Chiro come on board, always excited to show their skills in music and dance. The Organization for Basic Training (OBT) provides free, supplemental education in English, maths, and the arts to these local youths. Shower the young performers with applause and in return, you are bestowed upon with the most genuine and happy Cambodian smiles. With smiles on our faces, 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. Many young, novice monks live on the compound of Wat Hanchey, and we have the chance to observe their daily activities.

Meals: B, L, D

Wake up early to witness the spectacular scenery at the break of dawn. Join our daily morning Tai Chi class before breakfast.

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, into an era unaffected by modernity where villagers are characterized by their unbridled warmth.

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. The Jayavarman’s staff is keen to show you a variety of traditional Khmer fashion the local people still wear on special occasions.
Meanwhile, we arrive at the island of Koh Oknha Tey in the middle of the Mekong, famous for 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.

Tonight, we pass the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Rivers, and the boat anchors near Kampong Chhnang for the night.

Meals: B, L, D

Welcome to Phnom Penh – the city once named Paris of the East. Despite its rapid development, it has retained 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.

Start with a full sight-seeing tour right after breakfast. By bus, we visit the Killing Fields outside the city and afterward the centrally located prison “S21”. Both historic sites display the sad and cruel chapter of the country’s history when the Khmer Rouge ruled Cambodia with terror and oppression. Those places have not changed much since this horrific time back in the early seventies and it can be quite heart-breaking. Alternatively, you may explore the city on your own in the morning before rejoining the group.

We have 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.

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: B, L, D

AM: Disembark Jayavarman after breakfast and meet your driver for a transfer to your hotel early check-in.

PM: Take a day to explore the city on your own and meet your guide in the evening for a tour discovering the coolest hidden bars while exploring Phnom Penh by private tuk-tuk with a local expert. This all-inclusive tour offers locally produced drinks at 4 unique bars for a glimpse into the city’s incredible and emerging craft beverage and nightlife scene.

Meals: B