Phnom Penh-Siem Reap

SERENITY CRUISE phnom penh - siem reap 4 NIGHTS THE MIGHTY MEKONG cambodia v i e t n am

The mighty Mekong – a mysterious body of water. Flowing through six countries in Asia. Giving love and life to millions. Received its fame by the legendary God King of ancient Cambodia, King Jayavarman VII, who linked hands with the waters of the Mekong to build the magnificent Angkor civilization. serenity cruise phnom penh - siem reap [upstream]

4 nights

The very best of rural Cambodia with vivid green landscapes, ancient temples and real Cambodian village life. This cruise provides an insight into some still widely unknown regions of this amazing country.

day one

elcome to Phnom Penh - the city once TODAY’S ROUTE named Paris of the East. Despite its rapid Phnom Penh W development, it has retained a lot of its rustic charm and elegance. It is an amazing town with Siem Reap M e Tonle Lake k centuries of incredible history and culture which can o n

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still be felt at many street corners. r Kampong Cham We start with a full sight-seeing tour right after T Angkor Ban o n l e Kampong Chhnang R i breakfast. By bus, we visit the Killing Fields outside the v e Kampong Tralach r city and afterwards the centrally located prison “S21”. Koh Oknha Tey Both historic sites display the sad and cruel chapter Phnom Penh 1 VIETNAM of the country’s history when the Khmer Rouge ruled Cambodia with terror and oppression. Those places CAMBODIA have not changed much since this horrific time back in Tan Chau Binh Saigon the early seventies and it can be quite heart-breaking. Thanh Alternatively, you may explore the city on your own Island Cai Be My Tho in the morning before re-joining the group. We have a 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 TODAY’S DINING “cyclo” ride along the bustling streets of downtown Phnom Penh and back to the ship. Breakfast, Lunch, Barbecue Gala Dinner In the early evening, the lounge is set up for an eye- and ear-catching lecture about modern Cambodian history, held by our friend and local expert, Mr Jean-Michel, DAILY INSIGHT professor from the Royal University of Phnom Penh. Learning the Cambodian Apsara dance is quite difficult Receiving first-hand knowledge from our lecturer who to master. Girls must begin training at a very young age to gain the flexibility needed to gracefully move their has studied the subject extensively and in-person is a hands and feet, appearing to be floating on the clouds. highlight of this cruise. Central to this dance are the hand gestures, with each of the over 1,500 finger movements narrating a story. 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. serenity cruise serenity cruise phnom penh - siem reap [upstream] phnom penh - siem reap [upstream]

4 nights 4 nights

The very best of rural Cambodia with vivid green landscapes, ancient temples and The very best of rural Cambodia with vivid green landscapes, ancient temples and real Cambodian village life. This cruise provides an insight into some still widely real Cambodian village life. This cruise provides an insight into some still widely unknown regions of this amazing country. unknown regions of this amazing country.

HIGH WATER PERIOD LOW WATER PERIOD

High water period is approx. rom mid-August to mid-November High water period is approx. rom mid-August to mid-November day two day two

e depart before the break of dawn from TODAY’S ROUTE efore the sun peeks over the horizon, the TODAY’S ROUTE cruiser sets sail towards Kampong Tralach on Phnom Penh towards the Angkor Ban Phnom Penh – Kampong Cham Phnom Penh – Kampong Tralach – Kampong Chhang W village on the Mekong River. The village B the Tonle River. This part of the Tonle River is famous for its unspoiled community and beautiful, Siem Reap is quite interesting to watch from the terrace as the Siem Reap M M e e k k Tonle Lake o Tonle Lake o traditional houses. It feels like being transported back n river at certain points is very narrow. The boat glides n

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e e r a hundred years, into an era unaffected by modernity through leafy swaths of this jungle-like landscape. r Kampong Cham Kampong Cham where villagers are characterized by their unbridled

We reach Kampong Tralach, where laughing children T T Angkor Ban o Angkor Ban o n n l l e warmth. While we sail upstream, lunch is served and e Kampong Chhnang Kampong Chhnang R R i i v v wave enthusiastically at our arrival and traditional e e r afterwards our staff is keen to show you a variety of Kampong Tralach r Kampong Tralach Koh Oknha Tey ox carts are still a common means of transportation. Koh Oknha Tey traditional Khmer fashion the local people still wear Phnom Penh Our ox-powered vehicle takes us on a journey along Phnom Penh on special occasions. Conversely, the ubiquitous VIETNAM VIETNAM the riverside and through back roads lined with rice- Cambodian scarf, the Krama, is a garment worn paddy fields until we arrive at a tiny village. Beginning by people of all ages and walks of life. This multi- CAMBODIA CAMBODIA a few short years ago, local underprivileged children Tan Chau Tan Chau functional attire is worn not just around the neck, but Binh Saigon Binh Saigon Thanh have had the opportunity to receive an education Thanh also as a bandanna, facemask, belt, swimwear, and Island Cai Be Island at the “Green School”, a local project supported by Cai Be even as a hammock to carry children. My Tho My Tho Heritage Line. The students, who are dressed in green We cruise further up the Mekong to visit a local school and learn more about the education of the shirts, are always happy to meet us every week as the principal gives an introduction to the students young Cambodian generation. Children from the Organization for Basic Training (OBT) are provided and the school. a free, supplemental education in English, maths, and the arts, and they are always excited to show While we sail upstream, lunch is served and afterwards our crew displays a variety of traditional their skills in music and dance. Shower the young performers with applause and in return, you are TODAY’S DINING TODAY’S DINING Khmer fashion locals wear on special occasions. Conversely, the Cambodian scarf, the Krama, is bestowed upon with the most genuine and happy Cambodian smiles. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner a garment worn by people of all ages and walks of life not just around the neck, but also as a Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner We continue our land journey to the enchanting pre- bandanna, facemask, belt, swimwear, and even as a hammock to carry children. Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey (7th century). DAILY INSIGHT DAILY INSIGHT Later in the day, the ship cruises along the narrow Formerly built to honor the Hindu god, Hirahara, the Wat Nokor was built in the early 1200s during the final Tonle River towards the most fascinating cruising spot In Khmer, Kampong Chhang translates to “Port of complex is now a Buddhist temple, a testament to the years of Jayavarman VII’s reign. Generally considered by in Cambodia, Kampong Chhnang’s “water world”, Pots”. As the name suggests, this region was famous country’s past and present religious beliefs. This small historians to be the greatest Khmer ruler, Jayavarman for its abundance of superior yellow clay and advanced based his headquarters at this temple for a period of where everything is balanced on sticks in water-rich pottery techniques from as early as the sixth century. complex sits on a hilltop with breath-taking views over time to extend his influence over the neighbouring soil. We take a local boat to the shore and hop on a the Mekong. Many young, novice monks live on the territories. mini bus to reach a nearby, unique rural village to compound of Wat Hanchey, and we have the chance explore the village’s specialties – Khmer style pottery to observe a bit of their daily lives: eating simple and the process of making of palm sugar from the meals, praying, studying, or hanging out and making Cambodian “skor t’not” palm tree. We drive back to conversation while in their saffron-coloured robes. the shore where our local boat starts an exploration Another temple on the way is the tranquil monastery of nearby floating villages. Although we are in the of Wat Nokor. Although not massive in comparison to heartland of Cambodia, the residents of these floating the vast complexes of Angkor Wat, Wat Nokor is the villages are actually of Vietnamese descent who were largest of its kind in Kampong Cham Province and is expelled by the Khmer Rouge and soon returned after distinctive from other temples with its black sandstone the ruling party was overthrown in 1979. No longer walls. Here, we might have the chance to engage in having land to settle on, they have since lived “on the light banter with some of the sociable monks living in the area. Back on board, you are free to relax water”. until dinner is served. The boat moors mid-river near Kampong Cham. Once we are back on board, relax until dinner is served and take in the beautiful countryside and its gentle evening sounds. serenity cruise serenity cruise phnom penh - siem reap [upstream] phnom penh - siem reap [upstream]

4 nights 4 nights

HIGH WATER PERIOD LOW WATER PERIOD

High water period is approx. rom mid-August to mid-November High water period is approx. rom mid-August to mid-November day three day three

n the early morning, we continue sailing TODAY’S ROUTE n the early morning, we sail from the lower Tonle TODAY’S ROUTE downstream on the Mekong. The vessel stops at the River towards the Mekong passing their confluence Kampong Cham - Koh Oknha Tey - Kampong Tralach Kampong Chhang - Koh Oknha Tey - Kampong Cham I Island of Koh Oknha Tey, which lies in the middle I at Phnom Penh. We arrive at the island of Koh of the Mekong and owes its fame to manufacturing Oknha Tey, which lies in the middle of the Mekong Siem Reap Siem Reap M M e e Tonle Lake k Tonle Lake k high-class silk products. We go sightseeing along the o and owes its fame to manufacturing high-class silk o n n

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island’s roads a bit via tuk tuk before arriving at the products. We go sightseeing along the island’s roads a r Kampong Cham Kampong Cham village’s workshops and witnessing the curious process bit via tuk tuk before arriving at the village’s workshops

T Angkor Ban T Angkor Ban o o n n of making silk, starting from a tiny silkworm larva to l and witnessing the curious process of making silk, l e e Kampong Chhnang Kampong Chhnang R R i i v v e e cocoon, then dyeing, spinning and weaving the fibres Kampong Tralach r starting from a tiny silkworm larva to cocoon, then Kampong Tralach r Koh Oknha Tey Koh Oknha Tey into high-quality Cambodian silk. Phnom Penh dyeing, spinning and weaving the fibres into high- Phnom Penh VIETNAM quality Cambodian silk. VIETNAM Before lunch, our expert guide holds a presentation about the geography of the Mekong River and Tonle Before lunch, our expert guide holds a presentation CAMBODIA CAMBODIA Lake along with the unique attributes of the area. about the geography of the Mekong River and Tonle Tan Chau Tan Chau Binh Saigon Binh Saigon Afterwards, a monks’ blessing ceremony delivers spirits Thanh Lake along with the unique attributes of the area. Thanh and wishes for health and prosperity for all. Island Cai Be Afterwards, a monks’ blessing ceremony delivers spirits Island Cai Be My Tho My Tho and wishes for health and prosperity for all.

The ship continues its journey, passing by the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Rivers. Gliding The ship sails towards the small Angkor Ban village through leafy swaths of this jungle-like landscape we reach Kampong Tralach, where laughing up in the Mekong River. The village is famous for its children wave enthusiastically at our arrival. unspoiled community and beautiful, traditional houses. TODAY’S DINING TODAY’S DINING It feels like being transported back a hundred years, We are in the middle of Cambodia’s countryside where Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner into an era unaffected by modernity where villagers are Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner – surprise – traditional ox carts are still a common characterized by their unbridled warmth. means of transportation. Our ox-powered vehicle takes us on a journey along the riverside and through DAILY INSIGHT The sun sets and the light now bathes everything in a DAILY INSIGHT back roads lined with rice-paddy fields until we arrive The amount of usable silk in each cocoon is small, golden hue. The surrounding natural beauty is a perfect The amount of usable silk in each cocoon is small, at a tiny village. Beginning a few short years ago, and about 5,000 silkworms are required to produce a backdrop for a riverbank gathering with cocktails and and about 5,000 silkworms are required to produce a kilogram (2.2 lb) of raw silk. kilogram (2.2 lb) of raw silk. local children have had the opportunity to receive an dancing with the crew in this remote, secluded location. education here. The “Green School” is a local project We continue cruising while dinner is served and supported by Heritage Line in this remote area to the boat finds its overnight spot at the riverbank of support the underprivileged youth. The students, who Kampong Cham. are dressed in green shirts, are always happy to meet us every week as the principal gives an introduction and updates us on the current situation of the school.

Tonight, the boat finds its anchor spot in the Tonle River near Kampong Chhnang, allowing you to observe river life close-by until dinner is served. serenity cruise serenity cruise phnom penh - siem reap [upstream] phnom penh - siem reap [upstream]

4 nights 4 nights

HIGH WATER PERIOD LOW WATER PERIOD

High water period is approx. rom mid-August to mid-November High water period is approx. rom mid-August to mid-November day four day four

fter a sumptuous breakfast, we are now at TODAY’S ROUTE fter a sumptuous breakfast, we leave the ship TODAY’S ROUTE Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia’s “water Kampong Chhang - Tonle Lake for enchanting pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Kampong Cham A world”, where everything is balanced on sticks A Hanchey (7th century). Formerly built to in water-rich soil. It is perhaps the most fascinating Siem Reap honor the Hindu god, Hirahara, the complex is now a Siem Reap M M e e Tonle Lake k Tonle Lake k cruising spot in Cambodia. We take a local boat to the o o n Buddhist temple, a testament to the country’s past and n

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e e r shore and hop on a mini bus to reach a quite unique, r present religious beliefs. This small complex sits on Kampong Cham Kampong Cham nearby rural village. As we explore the village on foot a hilltop with breath-taking views over the Mekong.

T Angkor Ban T Angkor Ban o o our guide reveals the village’s specialties – Khmer n n l l e Many young, novice monks live on the compound of e Kampong Chhnang Kampong Chhnang R R i i v v e e style pottery and the process of making of palm sugar Kampong Tralach r Wat Hanchey, and we have the chance to observe a Kampong Tralach r Koh Oknha Tey Koh Oknha Tey from the Cambodian “skor t’not” palm tree. Phnom Penh bit of their daily lives: eating simple meals, praying, Phnom Penh VIETNAM studying, or hanging out and making conversation VIETNAM We drive back to the shore where our local boat while in their saffron-coloured robes. starts an exploration of nearby floating villages and CAMBODIA CAMBODIA the surrounding wetlands. Although we are in the After returning to the ship and partaking in lunch, we Tan Chau Tan Chau Binh Saigon Binh Saigon heartland of Cambodia, the residents of these floating Thanh stop at the tranquil monastery of Wat Nokor. Although Thanh Island Island villages are actually of Vietnamese descent who were Cai Be not massive in comparison to the vast complexes of Cai Be My Tho My Tho expelled by the Khmer Rouge and soon returned after Angkor Wat, Wat Nokor is the largest of its kind in the ruling party was overthrown in 1979. No longer having land to settle on, they have since lived Kampong Cham Province and is distinctive from other temples with its black sandstone walls. Here, “on the water”. we might have the chance to engage in light banter with some of the sociable monks living in the area. As it is low water season, we may be fortunate enough to visit a nearby spectacle only present Back on board lunch is served as your floating sanctuary TODAY’S DINING during the Mekong’s dry months. The Koh Paen Bamboo Bridge connects the mainland with Koh TODAY’S DINING cruises gently along the narrow Tonle River, towards Paen Island and is re-built by the local community every November when water levels drop, then is the Great Tonle Sap Lake. The river then opens to a Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner swept away by the rainy season’s rushing waters in June. vast “sea”, the biggest freshwater lake in Asia. You can feel fortunate about this occasion, as generally this DAILY INSIGHT We cruise further up the Mekong to visit a local DAILY INSIGHT shallow lake can only be crossed during high water school and learn more about the education of the In Khmer, Kampong Chhang translates to “Port of The Koh Paen Bamboo Bridge, which connects the season, which is approximately from August to mid- Pots”. As the name suggests, this region was famous young Cambodian generation. Children from the mainland to Koh Paen Island using 50,000 bamboo November. In fact, the Tonle Sap (Sap means Lake for its abundance of superior yellow clay and advanced Organization for Basic Training (OBT) are provided a sticks, is rebuilt every year as the depth of the Mekong pottery techniques from as early as the sixth century. recedes and ferries can no longer cross. However, the in the Cambodian language) varies from 2,500 sqkm free, supplemental education in English, maths, and world’s longest bamboo bridge will soon be replaced by (965 sqmi) in size and 160 km (99 mi) in length during the arts, and they are always excited to show their skills a nearby concrete bridge, now under construction by the dry season to an astonishing area of 16,000 sqkm in music and dance. Shower the young performers the Cambodian government. (6,000 sqmi) and length of 250 km (160 mi) in the wet with applause and in return, you are bestowed upon season. Now that we are on the open water, let your with the most genuine and happy Cambodian smiles. soul float and your eyes wander towards Siem Reap as Back on board our crew invites you to a farewell event the boat makes its way across. and to enjoy some cheerful moments before dinner, Our crew invites you to a farewell event and to enjoy including music and Cambodian dancing together some cheerful moments before dinner, including with the team. Savour your final dinner aboard and music and Cambodian dancing together with the team. Savour your final dinner aboard and relive relive the week’s adventures in your mind’s eye with a the week’s adventures in your mind’s eye with a glass of wine at the open bar. glass of wine at the open bar.

serenity cruise serenity cruise phnom penh - siem reap [upstream] phnom penh - siem reap [upstream]

4 nights 4 nights

HIGH WATER PERIOD LOW WATER PERIOD

High water period is approx. rom mid-August to mid-November High water period is approx. rom mid-August to mid-November day five day five

njoy your last breakfast on board our floating TODAY’S ROUTE njoy your last breakfast on board our floating TODAY’S ROUTE sanctuary. The Tonle Sap (The Great Lake) is Tonle Lake - Siem Reap sanctuary. We disembark the ship for a transfer by Kampong Cham (Mekong) - Siem Reap E the flowing heart of Cambodia, giving love E bus to the drop off point in Siem Reap. Kampong and life to millions of people. This rich ecosystem and Siem Reap Cham is an important trade and transportation hub. The Siem Reap M M e e Tonle Lake k Tonle Lake k UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve has more o o n Transfer highway connecting the town and the capital of Phnom n g g

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e e r fish than any other lake in the world and is home Penh is among the best maintained in Cambodia, and r Kampong Cham Kampong Cham to an incredible variety of birds, including rare and the country’s first bridge across the Mekong (Kizuna

T Angkor Ban T Angkor Ban o o n n endangered feathered life. l l e Bridge) was built here in 2001. e Kampong Chhnang Kampong Chhnang R R i i v v e e Kampong Tralach r Kampong Tralach r Here, our Heritage Line cruise comes to an end this Koh Oknha Tey The transfer takes approximately 4.5 hours including Koh Oknha Tey Phnom Penh Phnom Penh morning. We prepare to disembark the ship and rest stop. To keep you entertained during the ride, VIETNAM VIETNAM take a local boat to the shore, passing a vast floating our expert guides share interesting insights about community. We arrive at the Siem Reap pier and bring CAMBODIA Cambodia and the region we journey through. Snacks CAMBODIA you to the drop off point in the city centre. are provided during the trip. You will arrive in Siem Tan Chau Tan Chau Binh Saigon Binh Saigon Thanh Reap in the early afternoon. Thanh We hope you enjoyed this fascinating river cruise, just Island Cai Be Island Cai Be as our crew does every single time. Moreover, take the My Tho We hope you enjoyed this fascinating river cruise, just My Tho enchanting memories and friendships along with you as our crew does every single time. Moreover, take the and share the stories of this amazing river - the Mighty Mekong. enchanting memories and friendships along with you and share the stories of this amazing river - the Mighty Mekong.

TODAY’S DINING TODAY’S DINING

Breakfast Breakfast

DAILY INSIGHT DAILY INSIGHT

During dry season (December to April) Tonle Lake During dry season (December to April) Tonle Lake provides around 50% of the flow to the Mekong Delta in provides around 50% of the flow to the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. During the rainy season, the Mekong becomes Vietnam. During the rainy season, the Mekong becomes a swelling depository and can increase its height by 10 a swelling depository and can increase its height by 10 meters, thus becoming a vast ocean. But, as it reaches meters, thus becoming a vast ocean. But, as it reaches Cambodia’s capital city of Phnom Penh, the volume of Cambodia’s capital city of Phnom Penh, the volume of water is so immense, it forces Tonle River to reverse its water is so immense, it forces Tonle River to reverse its flow, allowing for balance to triumph. flow, allowing for balance to triumph.

All mentioned times are approximate. Although it is our intention to operate the proposed itinerary as outlined above, we cannot be held responsible for any changes All mentioned times are approximate. Although it is our intention to operate the proposed itinerary as outlined above, we cannot be held responsible for any changes of the program and activities that might be necessary due to operational factors. of the program and activities that might be necessary due to operational factors. [email protected] www.heritage-line.com