Heritage Line Jayavarman Cruise Upstream 5 days: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap

Morning

The staff warmly welcomes passengers aboard the luxurious "home" for the next few days. Our first destination - Phnom Penh, once known as the Paris of the East, is a city with centuries of history and culture that remains incredibly charming and elegant. 

After breakfast, a full sightseeing tour takes you to the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda, which showcases exceptional Khmer tradition.

Next stop is a centrally located prison, "S21," which depicts the tragic chapter of Cambodia's history during the Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s. 

Afterward, we'll pause for a tasty lunch in town.

Afternoon

After lunch, the day continues with a visit to a famous academy dedicated to preserving traditional arts. Observe young dancers training in the Apsara dance and learn some basic techniques.

The day trip concludes with a stroll along the bustling streets of the French Quarter and the iconic Wat Phnom before returning to the ship.

Evening

Passengers can rest or join fellow passengers at the bar for refreshing drinks. Today's evening is a special one, with an open-air gala featuring a barbecue dinner feast, an Apsara dance performance, and other folklore dances. 

As the evening unwinds, passengers can enjoy their supper with a good glass of wine and marvel at the skyline of Phnom Penh and the calming flow of the Tonle River.

Morning

The Tonle River is a natural wonder of Cambodia with a true gem of the scenery on both sides, and it is also our visiting destination for our second day. 

Our first stop this morning is Kampong Tralach. Here, you’ll journey by ox-drawn cart along scenic riverside paths and winding roads framed by emerald rice paddies. Along the way, choose to learn about an inspiring local NGO school and library project or visit a centuries-old temple and Buddha shrine that has stood for more than 300 years.

We enjoy lunch as the cruise continues to sail upstream. Following lunchtime, our crew showcases various traditional Khmer fashions worn by locals during special occasions.

Afternoon

We arrive at Kampong Laeang, situated just across from the famous pottery town of Kampong Chhnang. Once ashore, we hop on the exciting tuk-tuk trip to travel to rural Cambodia. 

During this excursion, we'll explore various locales, discover the art of pottery making, and visit a charming pre-Angkorian temple. And can not miss out on enjoying panoramic views of the vast floodplains and lush rice fields (seasonal).

Evening

We begin our journey downstream, sailing back towards Kampong Tralach, where we will anchor for the night.

Morning

Early risers can begin the day with a rejuvenating Tai Chi session on the open deck. Our journey then brings us to Kampong Luang, a village famed for its silversmithing tradition.

Here, nearly 400 families dedicate their craft to working with silver, copper, and brass, keeping centuries-old artistry alive. The excursion continues with a visit to Wat Prang, the Royal Buddhist Temple, a sacred place that invites both reflection and reverence, where the king’s legacy blends seamlessly with Cambodia’s spiritual heritage.

A presentation about the Mekong and the Tonle River is offered as the ship sails downstream, passing Phnom Penh before entering the Mekong River.

Afternoon

We make our way to the confluence of the Tonle and Mekong Rivers. There lies the small village of Prek Bangkong, known for its silk-weaving community. Therefore, here, we get to closely observe and learn about the silk-making process. 

The visit to the heritage house of H.E. Sam-El, once a famous architect for the royal family, will mark the end of the excursion. 

Evening

The rest of the day is spent sailing up the Mekong to our overnight location. Guests should relax at the poolside cocktail hour during sunset on board. Also, you can engage in the dance tunes before dinner and an evening at the cinema.

Morning

Start the morning Tai Chi session to set the mood for the day. For this morning, we will embark on a tour of Angkor Ban. 

As meeting monks at the monastery and the villagers living in a delightful local village behind it, we will have the opportunity to observe their daily lives, including eating, praying, studying, and engaging in conversation with them.

We will have a simple cooking session with a chef who used to work aboard the ship Jayavarman. At his own house, we will be learning about “Samlor Korko” - a kind of traditional Cambodian fish soup.

The cruise gradually sail to Kampong Cham during lunchtime.

Afternoon

After lunch, we visit the Mekong River part of Kampong Cham Province which is an important trade and transportation hub of the region. 

We can easily find skilled hands of artisans making all types of handmade items in Cheung Krok. Since this is the low water season, we might have a chance to see the famous Bamboo bridge, which is famous for its annual re-builtation. 

Afterward, the ship makes its final journey, mooring mid-river near Stueng Trang with some farewell and party vibes along the way.

Morning

Enjoy your final breakfast on board our floating sanctuary before disembarking for a bus transfer to Siem Reap. This place is an important trade and transportation hub in Cambodia. 

The transfer takes approximately 4.5 hours, including a rest stop. Our expert guides provide interesting insights about Cambodia and the region, and snacks are also provided for a long road trip. 

You will arrive in Siem Reap in the early afternoon. That is where our 5-day tour comes to an end. Let's carry along memories during the trip with you and share them with many others.