Mekong & Angkor Cruise Discovery

Pick up from airport and then we start your sightseeing tour of Angkor area we spend a full day exploring the wondrous ancient ruins with the South Gate of Angkor Thom, which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the largest as well as the most complete temple of Angkor Wat. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century and covers an area of about 210 hectares. We stroll around this massive edifice, seeing the many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple and the jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man’s creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature.

We will transfer by coach from the Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa to Kampong Cham. A packed lunch will be provided on the coach and we will stop at Kampong Thom along the way.
* Transfer by coach to Kampong Cham to board ship takes approx 5 hours.

We will visit the hilltop temple of Wat Hanchey in the morning.
As far upstream as we can navigate due to constraints of time and water levels, Wat Hancheay is a fascinating complex of temples from all periods of Khmer art history. A short climb up the hill from the river bank leads us to a large working monastic complex with a number of contemporary Buddhist structures. To the south are Cham period brick stupas of some note. Also of interest here is an Angkor period temple situated at the foot of the hill 500 meters from our mooring position up the main highway. This temple has been well restored. The monks have started a museum of old Khmer agricultural and domestic implements that can be viewed in a caged hut close to where the main flight of steps opens onto the hill top.

Excursion up the Tonle River to Kampong Chhnang by either coach or the ship depending on water levels.The Tonle River connects the Mekong main channel at Phnom Penh with the great Tonle Sap or lake. This section is the prettiest part of your river journey as the river narrows between Phnom Penh and Kampong Channang and one passes through villages, woodland and hills. The Tonle River is of interest as it changes direction twice a year: with the coming of the monsoon in July the main Mekong channnel backs up and floods the central Cambodian plain. After the monsoon when the water level drops on the main Mekong channel the river reverses and empties the lake waters.

After a full buffet breakfast, we will disembark. Our guide and driver will pick to check in the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. We Visit Royal Palace is a royal residence now where His Majesty, the King of Cambodia, and the royal families live. it is like a small town of royal dynasties. Continue to Silver Pagoda, serves less as a functioning temple than a repository for cultural treasures such as 90 kg golden Buddha encrusted with 2086 diamonds. Afternoon, we continue to visit the National Museum, also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains a collection of Khmer art – notably sculptures – throughout the ages. We end our day trip at Wat Phnom Temple, Phnom Penh’s namesake, from where you can enjoy views over the tree-lined avenues of Phnom Penh during sunset.

Breakfast at the hotel and free at your own leisure time until transfer to airport for your departure flight.