The Pandaw Cruise from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh - 5 Days

Day 1: Siem Reap to Kompong Cham (Mekong River)
At 11:30 o'clock register at the historic ELEPHANT BAR located in the legendary 1932-built Raffles GRAND HOTEL D'ANGKOR (11 Vithei Charles de Gaulle, Khum Svay Dang Kum) to transfer by coach to Kampong Cham on the Mekong River, enjoying a snacks and cold drinks on the way with a stop at Kampong Thom. Arrive by 1700. The ship is docked at walking distance to the city centre.

Day 2: Kompong Cham area
Morning journey upriver to the hilltop pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Dating from the 8th century, these ancient brick structures characterize the architecture of the Chenla Empire which predated the glories of Angkor. Sail back downstream over lunch for an exploration of the Kompong Cham Area. We travel by bus to the 12th century Angkorian temple of Wat Nokor. We continue to the eco village of Cheungkok supported by the French-Cambodian NGO AMICA and the Kampong Cham orphanage, supported by the Pandaw ProBono programme. We make a late afternoon departure from Kampong Cham heading for Phnom Penh. Overnight mid-stream.

Day 3: Tonle River to Kompong Chhnang
We glance by the capital Phnom Penh in the early morning to change pilots and sail the Tonle River which connects Tonle Lake with the Mekong and Bassac Rivers that merge at Phnom Penh.

1. Low water, approximately November to July
The river journey to Kompong Chhnang is one of the highlight of the trip. Temples abound along the river banks at Kampong Chhnang, and we see the rich tapestry of Cambodian rural life. This is a busy rural port town with bustling markets. Mooring mid-stream, we make a truly wonderful motor boat excursion into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Here a stunning variety of birdlife may be seen and of considerable interest are the great fish traps.

2. High water, approximately July to November.
Stop at Preak Dom Bridge. Proceed by coach to Kompong Chhnang where we can see the rich tapestry of Cambodian rural life. This is a busy rural port town with bustling markets. We make a truly wonderful motor boat excursion into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Here a stunning variety of birdlife may be seen and of considerable interest are the great fish traps. Back to the ship at lunch time. We make a late afternoon departure from Kompong Chhnang heading for Phnom Penh.

Day 4: Phnom Penh
The capital of Cambodia retains its French charm. The city has several impressive wats, including Wat Ounalom, Wat Phnom and the newly-painted Wat Lang Ka. Pride of place goes to the Royal Palace and to the spectacular Silver Pagoda, one of the few places in Cambodia where artifacts embodying the brilliance and richness of Khmer culture were preserved by the Khmer Rouge. The National Museum is another highlight, with outstanding displays of Khmer crafts.

For the morning excursion we are delighted to have teamed up with The Cyclo Centre Phnom Penh to offer an alternative to a conventional coach tour. The Cyclo Centre is a charity that provides basic welfare and medical services to cyclo drivers, many of whom are very poor. They will provide us with trained drivers with basic English and a good knowledge of the key sights. You decide where you want to go and what you want to see and off you go on your private cyclo for the morning. (For groups if a conventional guide and coach are required we are happy to supply). Disembark after lunch and Check in at the historic French colonial hotel Raffles Le Royal.

In the afternoon an optional excursion (by coach) is arranged to the Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng or S21 detention centre situated in the suburbs of the city then shopping at the Russian market or Central market. This tour is included in the cost of your cruise but must be requested at the time of booking in the Booking Comments box or at the latest on board the first day of the cruise. Dinner free at leisure. Overnight at Raffles Le Royal.

Day 5: Phnom Penh
Breakfast and end of services.

Cruise Price Included
Entrance fees,
Guide services (English language),
Gratuities to crew,
Main meals,
Locally made soft and alcoholic beverages,
Jugged coffee and selection of teas and tisanes,
Mineral water.
Transfer to the ship from the meeting point in Siem Reap at the start of the voyage.
One night accommodation with breakfast at Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh. (Including Transfer from the Ship)

Cruise Price Excluded
International flights,
Port dues
Laundry
All visa costs
Fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions)
Imported beverages such as wines
Premium spirits and liqueurs
Fancy soft drinks like Perrier
Espressos and cappuccinos at bar